Top Tamarindo Natural Attractions

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.

Just outside the crowded beaches of Tamarindo, Las Baulas National Park offers an often-overlooked natural getaway. This tour takes you through the park’s vast network of mangrove forests on a relaxing boat trip. As you float down the river, your guide points out wildlife like howler monkeys, crocodiles, and tropical birds that you might not see on your own.

Go underground in Costa Rica on a caving adventure at Barra Honda National Park. Using special spelunking equipment, descend deep into a pair of caves formed 60 million years ago and filled with fascinating rock formations. Back in the light of day, look for wildlife including capuchin monkeys as you hike through the forest, and recharge with a delicious Costa Rican lunch.

Immerse yourself in the wild volcanic landscapes of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park on this full-day trekking tour. Set out on a moderate 2-hour hike through the jungle and keep a lookout for wildlife along the way. Cool off with a swim beneath the Oropendola Waterfall then refuel with a delicious Costa Rican lunch. Then, enjoy a soothing soak in the hot springs and volcanic mud baths of Rio Negro.

Exchange the sun and surf for a high-flying adventure in the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest on this full-day combo tour. Fly through the forest canopy on a 15-cable zipline course featuring a Superman cable and Tarzan swing, and slow down for a closer look at Monteverde's rich biodiversity while walking through the treetops along hanging bridges. In between adventures, refuel with a typical Costa Rican lunch (select tours only).

Experience scuba diving without a certification while in Costa Rica. This excursion includes a theory session, practice time with an instructor, and two dives at the Catalina Islands, known as some of the best scuba diving spots in Costa Rica. Choose between a 1- or 2-day option where you’ll be able to practice in a pool the day before heading out on the boat.

Saddle up for a thrilling 2-hour horseback riding adventure from Playa Flamingo and soak up the scenery from the back of a beautiful horse! Look out for Howler monkeys, iguanas, magpie blue jay and parakeets as you amble along rainforest trails or let loose with a gallop along the beach. Best of all: there are a range of horses and trails suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders.

Explore Tenorio Volcano National Park and visit a sloth sanctuary with this private tour. You'll start at Tenorio Volcano, where you'll take a five-mile hike through the rainforest, passing by volcanic vents and the beautiful waters of Rio Celeste along the way. You'll then visit a sloth sanctuary, where you'll see two types of sloth in their natural habitat before wrapping your tour up with a traditional Costa Rican lunch.

An eco-friendly way to get around Tamarindo is this electric golf cart with either 4 or 6 seats! The rental office is centrally located, or the operators are happy to come and collect you or deliver the cart to you. The carts have long extension cords so they are easy to charge anywhere, and they are fully equipped with all the gear you need for maintenance.

Explore the foothills of Rincon de la Vieja National Park on an adventurous full-day tour from Tamarindo that combines horseback riding, ziplining and steaming thermal hot springs into the ultimate jungle experience. Ride scenic trails to a series of ten ziplines, strap in and soar above a river and through the forest canopy. Enjoy lunch on site, launch down a 1,706-foot (520-meter) waterslide, then finish your day by rolling in mineral-rich volcanic mud and soaking in a Vandara’s hot springs.