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The booming beach town of Tamarindo is a Mecca for surfers and adventure aficionados. Visitors can climb hillsides  on adrenaline-fueled ATV tours or golf on an award-winning green. From canopy tours to sunset cruises, this growing resort offers visitors a myriad of activities.
Tour operators specialize in everything from surf lessons to kayak excursions through the Tamarindo Estuary. Travelers can organize tours directly with one of the many tour companies in town or with their hotel.
Our Guanacaste Gold Coast Travel Blogs include our experiences with activities and local tour operators in the area (December 2007).
Air Activities:
Canopy Tours
Visitors can fly high above the trees on a traditional zip-line canopy tour. The tour has seven cables and includes a naturalist guide and roundtrip transportation from Tamarindo…Read more about Canopy Tours
Land Activities:
ATV Tours
Splash through streams and climb mountains on all terrain vehicles. Tour operators offer sunset tours and half and full-day adventures along scenic backcountry roads. Guests are provided with ATV operating instructions and safety equipment.
Bird and Wildlife Watching
The Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge is rich in biodiversity; common animals include howler monkeys, crocodiles, coatimundis and a variety of waterfowl. Travelers can kayak through the saltwater estuary with a naturalist guide.
Day Spas
Relax and unwind with a facial or Swedish massage. A couple of day spas in town have competitive prices ($40 for an hour massage). Several beachfront hotels feature full-service spas where travelers can indulge in coffee body  wraps and couples’ massages.
Golfing
Hacienda Pinilla, just a few minutes drive from Tamarindo, has a world-class golf course developed by Mike Young. In nearby Playa Conchal, visitors can golf the 18-hole par 72 Garra de Leon course. Both are championship greens with stunning surroundings.
Read more about:
Golf Courses in the North Pacific
Horseback Riding
Beginners and seasoned riders can arrange half or full-day horseback excursions. Popular trips traverse surrounding hills and pastures. Tours can be arranged with local tour companies, but be wary of outfits offering rock-bottom prices as they may overwork their horses.
Mountain Biking
Lightweight mountain bikes and gear are available for rent in Tamarindo. One tour company specializes in guided mountain bike tours and offers single and multi-day trips, including a surf/bike combo excursion. There are trails to accommodate both beginner and experienced riders. Tours include roundtrip transportation, drinks, a guide and technical support.
Shopping
Tamarindo has numerous art galleries, boutiques, surf shops and souvenir stands. Hammocks, furniture, wood handicrafts, sarongs, swimsuits, indigenous paintings and folk art are all available. Street and beachside vendors sell inexpensive silver jewelry, pottery and unique trinkets made from local seeds and beans.
Turtle Tours
Nearby Playa Grande is known as one of the largest leatherback sea turtle nesting sites in the world. Every year between October and March, hundreds of leatherbacks come ashore to lay their eggs. Guided evening turtle tours can be arranged in Playa Grande at the Las Baulas ranger station, or with the Local Guide Association at Tamarindo's satellite station (Tel. 2-653-1687)... Read more about Las Baulas Marine Park
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Water Activities:
Boating and Kayaking
Tour operators specialize in kayak and boat excursions through the Tamarindo Estuary. Look for herons, egrets,white ibis and kingfishers as you paddle through the mangrove-lined canals. 
Sailing
Beautiful catamarans and yachts set sail on a daily basis from Tamarindo Bay. Sunset tours feature hors d’oeuvres, open bar and a champagne toast. Others have half-day cruises which include snorkeling, dolphin watching and a fresh seafood lunch with open bar.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Snorkeling tours are popular in Tamarindo, especially between the months of May and October (the rainy season) when visibility is best. Morning or afternoon excursions aboard catamarans may include dolphin watching and lunch in addition to snorkeling.
Dive companies often head to the Catalina Islands or Bat Islands, where divers can spot manta rays, reef tip sharks and colorful schools of fish. Dive shops offer day trips, multi-day dive cruises and standard PADI certification courses.
Sport Fishing
Common catches include blue, black and striped marlin, yellow-fin tuna and mahi mahi. Marlin can be caught year-round, but December through February are the best months. Boat charters and multi-day packages are widely available. 
Surfing
Surfing is an integral part of the culture in Tamarindo. Warm waters and year-round breaks make this beautiful beach perfect for beginners or pros. The town is chock full of surf shops that offer board rentals, lessons and ding repair. Tamarindo’s popular beach breaks are often crowded with beginners. Experienced locals often go for the bigger and usually less crowded waves in neighboring Playa Langosta. Several surf camps feature multi-day trips to nearby Witch’s Rock and Ollie’s Point...Read more about Surfing
Learn about all of the North Pacific Surf Breaks
Culture and Festivals:
Study Spanish
A handful of Spanish immersion programs have sprung up in Tamarindo. Students can study the language while living with a local family (optional), and learn about Tico traditions and culture. Programs generally run from one week to two months.
Fiestas
Held from December through April, small pueblos near Tamarindo host traditional fiestas, including everything from Tico-style bullfights (where the bull is unharmed), to salsa dancing and carnival rides. These lively festivals are usually free to tourists and offer a glimpse into local culture.
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