PrintTamarindo Costa Rica
Beach Combing :
Tamarindo Beach
Only a few steps from the buzzing center of Tamarindo you can experience pure nature with miles of gorgeous beaches, awesome views and wildlife.
North of Tamarindo: Walk to the Tamarindo estuary where small boats take you across the Rio Matapalo to » Playa Grande Costa Rica, a beautiful swathe of sand beach that extends to the north for around 10 km.
Rio San Francisco on Playa Langosta
South of Tamarindo: Walk around a rocky headland to find tide pools for bathing or watching small sea life trapped in the pools.
A little bit further you arrive on Playa Langosta and the estuary of the Rio San Francisco with its white-sand dunes.
Venture inland along the river banks. Sometimes you can watch locals fishing with hand lines.
Puca Shells on the beach in Tamarindo
Around low tide you can cross the Rio San Francisco by wading through waist-high water at the outer edge of the river mouth.
On the other side you can continue your beach walk along Playa Langosta until » Playa Avellanas.
Playa Langosta and Avellanas are some of the best
» surf spots in the Tamarindo area.
On a beach walk you will find many beautiful shells. Distinctive for the Tamarindo area are the long, cone-shaped Puca shells. When collecting shells keep in mind that Costa Rica's customs don't allow beach treasures to leave the country.
Boat Tours :
Tamarindo Estuary of the Rio Matapalo
The salt water mangrove jungle of the Rio Matapalo belongs to the » Las Baulas National Park. The thickets give shelter to many
species of water birds, crabs and mollusks.
Various operators in Tamarindo offer tours by boat throught the wildlife reserve of the Rio Matapalo. Besides birds and monkeys you might also
spot a crocodile basking on a sand bank or a pair of watchful eyes peering out of the water.
Another option to explore the estuary of the Rio Matapalo is a guided or self-guided tour by kayak. Gliding silently through the intricate water jungle is the best way to experience the fascinating world of the mangrove forest. Early hours are best to see wildlife.
Tours on the ocean can be made on a sailboat. Sail off into the Pacific ocean in the afternoon and return to Tamarindo by sunset. Sometimes dolphins, turtles and even whales can be watched during the trip. From the boat you can plunge into the water and snorkel. Cocktails and food are served on board.
Sport Fishing :
Regardless of time of the year, fishing buffs can haul in some monster catch, with game fish including marlin, sailfish, giant tuna, roosterfish and wahoo.
Tamarindo's sport fishing fleet offers deep sea fishing, or reef and shoreline fishing.
Various restaurants in Tamarindo offer to cook your own fish for your dinner.
Snorkeling :
Snorkeling is most outstanding in the crystal clear waters in front of Playa Conchal, north of Tamarindo.
The sea bottom here is made up of white coral sand so that the water has a gorgeous turquoise color. If you are lucky you spot a sea turtle or manta ray.
Quad Tours :
For a land-bound adventure you can hire an ATV (quad) to explore the surroundings of Tamarindo. Guided tours are available as well. A popular day jaunt leads through the countryside to Playa Avellanas with a stopover for lunch.
Golf:
Tamarindo has two world-class golf courses nearby. North of Tamarindo is the course of the resort Paradisus Conchal and south of Tamarindo, behind Playa Avellanas is the championship golf course of Hacienda Pinilla. Designed by Mike Young the 18-hole course of Hacienda Pinilla has a spectacular layout meandering along the Pacific cliff. Golfers describe it as the most beautiful and well maintained golf course of Costa Rica.
A pro tennis court is available near the center of Tamarindo: at the Tamarindo Tennis Club you can rent court time and equipment for playing on two lighted outdoor courts open from 7am to 9pm.
