Top Tamarindo Dining Experiences

Welcome to the Blue Zone experience, where the secrets of longevity are served on a plate. Dive into the art of preparing traditional dishes. Picture yourself crafting a hearty bowl of gallo pinto, a flavorful mix of rice and beans, seasoned with a blend of spices that have been passed down through generations. As you cook, you'll learn about the nutritional benefits of each ingredient and how they play a crucial role in the Blue Zone lifestyle. Whether you're a hands-on enthusiast or prefer to observe and savor, you can choose how much to participate in this immersive experience. By the end of the class, you'll not only have a deeper appreciation for the culinary traditions of Costa Rica but also a newfound understanding of how simple, wholesome ingredients can lead to a longer, healthier life. So, roll up your sleeves, grab a wooden spoon, and get ready to cook your way to longevity.

Experience a side of Playa Flamingo that many visitors miss—and make the most of half a day on the water—on this immersive catamaran cruise. After setting sail, look out for dolphins, whales, and turtles, and have the chance to snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard. When it's time to relax, enjoy unlimited drinks on board, soak up sunset views over the Pacific, and benefit from included hotel pickup and drop-off before returning to shore.

Part of what makes Costa Rica a destination for ecotourism is its extensive coastlines. Explore the waters off Guanacaste aboard the Blue Dolphin, a 40-foot catamaran that slices through the surf and offers a fully stocked bar, paddle boards and kayaks for your enjoyment. Breathe in the salt spray and keep a lookout for dolphins, turtles, whales, and spectacular coastal views.

There’s a good reason why Tamarindo is known as a top surf destination for beginners. In just one lesson, you can pop up on your board and ride a wave when you take a private or group lesson. Or, even upgrade to a 3-day mini-surf camp—the choice is yours when you book. No matter what you choose, hang easy knowing that all equipment and a qualified instructor are included with all packages.

Learn to cook some of the best foods in Tamarindo in this small-group cooking class. Your local chef takes you through the steps in making a three-course meal that you eat at the end with your group. Try things like tortillas, patacones, arroz de maiz, and more. Learn about Costa Rican culture through the food you prepare and the people who teach you.

This guided tour to Palo Verde National Park from the Guanacaste area is an easy way to see some of the wildlife that makes Costa Rica famous without going too far out of your way. Take private transit out to the park, and then hop onto a leisurely river cruise for chances to see iguanas, birds, monkeys, and more in the wild. Park fees and transportation are included in tour price for good value.

Learn how to navigate Tamarindo’s waves during this roughly 1.5 hour surf lesson. Choose the group size that works for your budget, with private, small-group, and larger group options. Practice paddling, popping up, and riding with guidance from your instructor. More experienced surfers can also practice their technique by surfing alongside an instructor.

Climb aboard a 38-foot (11.6-meter) boat for a private Pacific Ocean boat tour from Tamarindo. This tour will include a mix of beach time and ocean time, with plenty of time for swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and snorkeling throughout the tour. Lunch and snacks will also be provided, and there will be an open bar on board so you can drink to your heart's content.

Located near the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region, this adventure takes place along the scenic Colorado River, which winds and flows for 3 breathtaking miles. As part of the tour, you'll enjoy an exciting tubing experience down this river, navigating fun Class II and III white-water rapids. What sets this tour apart is its perfect mix of adrenaline and authentic Costa Rican culture. Midway through the adventure, your guide will help you safely reach the riverbank, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch known as a Casado — a delicious meal typically including rice, beans, salad, plantains or picadillo, and your choice of meat or fish. With stunning natural scenery, thrilling river rapids, and local flavors, this tour offers a unique and unforgettable way to experience Costa Rica’s adventure and hospitality in one day.

Why This Tour Is Unforgettable While others just sightsee, you’ll live the secrets of the world’s most famous Blue Zone. * Exclusive Access: Go beyond typical tourist paths into a private Nicoya beneficio and a restricted indigenous Mantambu bungalow. * The Alchemy of Longevity: Taste the exact coffee and ancestral brews credited with sustaining the world's longest-lived people. * Tactile History: Don’t just watch; get your hands in the clay to create Chorotega art using techniques passed down for centuries. * Legacy in Motion: Walk the streets of Nicoya not as a tourist, but as a guest learning the "Plan de Vida" directly from the source. * Complete Concierge Care: From private door-to-door transport to a professional video of your day, we handle the details so you can focus on the connection.

Sail into the sunset on this Tamarindo catamaran cruise aboard a comfortable 40-foot (12 meter) deck. Swim and snorkel as you enjoy the last rays of the afternoon at Playa Huevo—there’s a good chance you won’t see anyone else at the under-the-radar location—and then head back to Tamarindo while watching the sunset. Plus, an open bar means your cup is never empty.

This private full-day tour combines a Tempisque River boat cruise with local sugarcane farming experiences. Spot birds, monkeys, and crocodiles while cruising on the Tempisque, which borders Palo Verde National Park. Afterward, check out a working hacienda and traditional oxen-operated sugar mill, tasting local specialties and learning about how rum is prepared locally. Finish your visit by preparing your own fruit- and spice-infused rum.

Blue Dolphin is the original sailing tour in Costa Rica, operating since 2004. Our friendly, bi-lingual, licensed crew will work hard to make your trip aboard a memorable one. Our freshly prepared food is designed to satisfy everyone, including vegetarians and vegans. Our signature drink, the Blue Dolphin Especial, is a tropical taste of paradise. Our tour is great for any type of group such as family, friends, wedding parties and birthday parties. We operate two sailing catamarans: Blue Dolphin 1 is a 40’ open layout catamaran and Blue Dolphin 2 is a large 50’ cruising style catamaran. We offer public and private charters. Our catamarans are outfitted for maximum fun and comfort. Our licensed staff provides excellent service while ensuring safety.

The best of Costa Rica’s wildlife adventures await on this private tour in Rincon de la Vieja from Papagayo Gulf. Head to Costa Rica’s famous Rincon de la Vieja volcano for a day packed with rain forest activities including horseback riding, a zipline canopy tour, and thermal hot springs. In addition to all activities and entrance fees, this tour includes a traditional Costa Rican lunch and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Spend a full day in Brasilito Guanacaste searching for adrenaline by tubing, ziplining, rappelling, horseback riding, and then relaxing in the hot springs on this tour. There is a lot to fit in today. Your guide will pick up you and your group (maximum 4) to take you to all the activities. Discuss which one is your favorite over the included lunch.

Adventure seekers who are short on time in Costa Rica don’t need to miss out on any thrilling activities. This private combo day tour includes horseback riding, ziplining, white-water rafting or tubing, and time relaxing in hot springs and mud baths. Refresh after all of this excitement with drinks from a wet bar at the springs. Experience Costa Rica’s beautiful natural landscapes while having fun.

This sunset cruise includes snorkeling equipment for you to get out and enjoy the water, plus a premium top-shelf open bar and lunch. Basically, it has everything you need to guarantee a fun afternoon out on the water. End your tour with a picture-perfect sunset over the ocean. The cruise leaves from 2 locations, Tamarindo or Playas del Coco. Please be careful to select the correct option.

Set sail on the big blue Pacific with this deluxe catamaran cruise from Tamarindo. Sunbathe on the spacious deck and stop to swim and snorkel in the warm tropical waters. Enjoy lunch freshly prepared onboard by an attentive crew, and stay hydrated with unlimited drinks from an open bar. Cruise back into port just as the sun is setting for a memorable end to another day in paradise.