ISLAND GUIDE
The tours and day trips worth booking.
The 15 top-rated things to do in Tamarindo — the boat trips, beach days, volcano hikes and old-town wanders worth building a day around, with real prices and who to book each one with.
Private Liberia airport transfer to Tamarindo. Meet your driver fast, ride in comfort, and get cold drinks onboard. Up to 5, from $109.60.
Most Popular“Reliable safe and comfortable ride. Very friendly and courteous driver. Good value compared with other prices from local providers at resorts.”
Night sea turtle nesting tour from Tamarindo to Playa Grande, with red-light viewing and a chance to see eggs and hatchlings.
“This was an amazing experience, Ivan was very good guide, people need to listen when they say not to use your flash”
Sea turtle nesting tour from Tamarindo to remote Playa Mina for a conservation-first night watch, small group, snacks, and transport.
“First of all Luis was super communicative and prompt. We learned a lot about turtles on our short and very comfortable trip to the secluded beach. Mostly in a vehicle then a short walk. When we got to the beach we saw the end of the sunset, then as the moonlight illuminated the area we…”
Tamarindo to La Leona Waterfall in Costa Rica with pickup, a rope-and-swim canyon hike, and time for local lunch in Liberia.
“This tour was incredible. The transportation was friendly, informative, and even made stops on the way for certain sight seeing that was not a part of the trip. Our tour guide was incredibly helpful and generous. The scenery is beautiful and it truly exceeded my expectations”
Private Rio Celeste waterfall hike plus guaranteed sloth viewing, lunch, and wildlife sanctuary stops from Tamarindo in a single day.
“Our guide Hernan S and driver Alan were OUTSTANDING. Our guide Hania at the wildlife preserve was amazing as well. Hernan was very knowledgeable about the history, environment and flora/fauna of the region. Moderate hike. Beautiful waterfall. Wildlife abundant and pictures of a lifetime. Lunch was delicious and the butterfly garden was a lovely surprise…”
Half-day snorkel from Tamarindo to Catalina’s Archipelago with two guided sessions, snacks onboard, and a real shot at whales.
“If the water is choppy and it’s kinda windy…don’t go! Half the people on the boat were puking…all three of us in my party were vomiting…and two out of three of us couldn’t snorkel! They shouldn’t have taken us out to sea that morning!”
Private La Leona waterfall hike from Tamarindo with a tough-but-fun Rio Blanco route, included lunch, and a refreshing swim finish.
“I can’t say enough about Noel and the tour we had! The trail and the waterfall are once in a lifetime experiences, but without Noel it wouldn’t have been the same. He was so personable, kind, patient and knowledgeable and he added way more to the tour than I could have imagined. High recommended and…”
Sail from Tamarindo on the Blue Dolphin catamaran for snorkel gear, kayaks, open bar, and sunset over Playa Huevo.
“Brilliant trip crew were amazing..very friendly and happy to chat. We really enjoyed it..and was great value”
3-day surf lessons in Tamarindo with Iguana: 90-minute coaching, beach photos, unlimited board rentals for a week, plus a T-shirt.
“My daughter and I stayed opted for the Ultimate Iguana Surf Camp Package over New Year's 2025 and had a fabulous time. The highlight was the energy and experience of our surf instructor, Luca, who quickly progressed my daughter from beginner to intermediate status. The beach break at Tamarindo is fun with Casitas and Playa…”
Private Rio Tempisque river tour from Tamarindo: tropical dry forest wildlife by boat, plus family cooking and pottery. 6 hours, $150.
“I tried to contact the tour operator for a week. The first time 6 days before, then 5 days before, and finally the day before and said if I didn’t hear back by noon I would have to cancel because he could not confirm details of the trip, or pick up and drop off. He…”
Kayak through Tamarindo mangroves in Las Baulas National Marine Park, then hike trails and climb to an indigenous viewpoint. Small groups.
“A unique and educational experience way better than the boats. We loved our guide, he was thorough, friendly, knowledgeable and fun!”
Private zipline, horseback, and natural hot springs near Tamarindo with lunch included, kid-friendly safety, and a guide who keeps everything moving.
“our second time doing this tour, it is always a fun time. the hot springs pool was dirty which we didn't care for. People are great !”
Private Costa Rica day from Tamarindo: sloth rainforest, hands-on coffee and cacao, Llanos de Cortes waterfall, and casado lunch.
“Anthony and Dido were exceptional! This has to be one of the best excursions we have ever taken. The information on the country, food, agriculture, animals, and so much more was incredible. They were so knowledgeable. They were also super fun! We laughed the entire time while learning. You get to see sloths in their…”
Private Tamarindo adventure: 25–45 ft cliff jumping, La Leona rope cave hike, Colorado River tubing, lunch, drinks, and video.
“This is quite an adventure. Sebastian met us at our hotel and drove us to the sights. He was very knowledgeable, spoke English very well and keeps things fun. We were too chicken to do the cliff jumping but the waterfall was gorgeous and tubing was a thrill. Bring good shoes you can get dirty…”
Learn to surf in Tamarindo with patient coaching, safety-focused guidance, and included equipment for beginners to advanced riders.
“The instructors were amazing! It was a private lesson and when the kiddo got tired of surfing, they sat and played in the sand with him for a while! Hubby was so happy to learn how to surf and both the kiddo and hubby really enjoyed their lessons! Great time for a great price!”
Every archipelago, and the best of each island in it.
