If you’re wondering what to do or what to see in Tamarindo Costa Rica, then you’re in the right place. As long-time residents of this vibrant beach town, we’ve experienced the depth and breadth of this incredible beach town.
From the most popular Tamarindo activities and tours to the most untouristed gems, our region of Costa Rica welcomes you to the inspiring, the beautiful, and the adventurous. To get you started in your planning, here are five fun (and often unknown) facts about Tamarindo:
Fun Fact: Tamarindo Surfing is Hollywood Famous!
Once a sandy fishing village, surfing put Tamarindo on the world map back in the early 1990s, when Robert August and Wingnut released the movie The Endless Summer II.
Surfing remains our claim to fame, and Costa Rica’s North Pacific / Guanacaste province represents one of the world’s favorite destinations for a surf vacation – and for very good reason: We are home to consistent surf and renowned waves.
Notably, Guanacaste boasts iconic surf spots like Ollie’s Point (a right-point break stretching up to 300 yards) and Witch’s Rock (the site immortalized in The Endless Summer II). Additionally, our very own Tamarindo, along with Playa Grande, Playa Langosta, and Playa Avellanas, are recognized for their consistently exceptional surf experiences.
Fun Fact: Tamarindo is Home to the World’s Longest Humpback Whale Season
Costa Rican waters are home to approximately 25 species of dolphins and whales, making it a prime destination for marine enthusiasts. Among these majestic creatures, one of the most iconic and impressive is the humpback whale. So if you’re wondering what to see in Tamarindo Costa Rica, then we suggest looking out at the ocean.
Because what sets Tamarindo – and Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, generally – apart is that we host the world’s longest humpback whale-watching season. This distinction is owed to a fortuitous overlap between the northern migrations of South American humpbacks and the southern journey of North American whales.
Humpback whales, known for their immense size, weighing up to 40 tons (equivalent to a staggering 80,000 pounds), and voracious appetite, consuming up to 1.5 tons of krill daily, are a sight to behold in these rich waters. And you’ll have a good chance of encountering these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat: Whether you watch them from the coast (or your ocean-view vacation rental) or take a catamaran sale, spotting whales in their natural habitat is a truly unforgettable experience for wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
(And, of course, it’s one of our most popular and awe-inspiring Tamarindo activities and tours.)
Fun Fact: We’re Home to Rare Tropical Dry Forest
Tropical dry forests are relatively rare compared to other types of tropical forests, and our region of Costa Rica is home to one of the largest remaining swaths of dry forest in the world, making this one of our top recommendations on the only-here side of what to see in Tamarindo Costa Rica.
Because tropical dry forests occur in regions with pronounced seasonal changes, characterized by a distinct dry season and a wet season, they are limited to areas where there is enough rainfall to support forest growth during the wet season, but where conditions become dry enough during the dry season to inhibit the growth of dense, evergreen forests. In other words, the tropics.
The problem resides in human impact, such as deforestation, agriculture, urbanization, and logging, which have significantly reduced the extent of tropical dry forests worldwide. Add to this, the threat of wildfire, thanks to development and a changing climate, and tropical dry forests are threatened, as sweeping fires convert the habitat into more fire-resistant ecosystems like savannas or grasslands.
Enter Costa Rica, where 25%+ of all land area is protected within natural parks, wildlife refuges, nature reserves, and other areas. And this means that you can observe this rare habitat, whether you’re visiting the natural riches of Rincón de la Vieja National Park, the cultural attractions of Santa Rosa National Park, or others.
Fun Fact: We’re Home to 5%+ of the World’s Total Biodiversity
Did you know that Costa Rica boasts an astonishing 5% of the world’s total biodiversity, all within a remarkably compact area constituting just 0.3% of the Earth’s surface?
This ratio is nothing short of astounding, underscoring the richness of life teeming within our borders. An estimated 500,000 species call Costa Rica home – a staggering figure that includes an impressive 1,251 species of butterflies alone. Such biodiversity is unparalleled, making Costa Rica a global treasure trove of ecological wonder and discovery.
And, while you won’t find all 500,000+ species here, you will find quite a few! So, for those of you who are more nature-watcher than adrenaline junkie, embark on a serene kayaking excursion through the mangroves, beginning at the estuary near the river mouth and venturing into the wilderness of Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge. Keep an eye out for monkeys, iguanas, and a variety of bird species!
Fun Fact: Endangered Leatherback Sea Turtles Nest Here!
You may have heard (or read) it called Marino Las Baulas National Park, but this one’s more accurate name is Las Baulas National Marine Park. That’s for two reasons: The first is that the park’s extensive acreage is mostly of the marine variety – 43,240+ acres (175 km2) ocean acres to just 1,900 acres (7.7 km2) on land – and because this park is a critically important nesting site for endangered leatherback sea turtles (in Spanish, baulas).
For here, this coastal wonderland should definitely make your list of what to see in Tamarindo Costa Rica, as it welcomes nesting sea turtles every year – all the more important, given that there are so few of these nesting sites remaining in the world AND that leatherback populations are on the decline (hence, endangered). And if leatherback turtle conservation isn’t enough to get you there, know that this national park is also home to the biodiverse Tamarindo Estuary and its mangrove-lined canals, which are home to an incredible array of flora and fauna.
Where to Stay
What to see in Tamarindo Costa Rica and now, where to stay:
Casa Xanadu
Tamarindo | 4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Baths | Sleeps 10
At the juncture of sea and sky, of downtown and out-of-the-way, Casa Xanadu overlooks the marvels of Tamarindo: Las Baulas National Marine Park, the Tamarindo wildlife estuary, a rolling mountain range, and two scenic beaches. From here, you can see it all – including the day’s surf conditions!
For here, amidst the biodiversity afforded by rare tropical dry forest – one of the last remaining swatch in the world – Casa Xanadu is at the epicenter of wonder and wildlife: Green forest, sun-drenched sands, and the sparkling Pacific, where seabirds swoop and iguanas sun, where howler monkeys holler and parakeets squawk.
Just a few minutes from the beach – take the golf cart or follow your own two feet! – this stunning home welcomes you to four spacious bedrooms, a private infinity pool, shaded terraces, and sun-splashed balconies. Indoors, a beachy color palette and a chef’s kitchen, indoor-outdoor dining and windows to frame your every view.
Because yes, always, it’s that view. That’s why you’re here. That’s why you’ll never want to leave.
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Puesta del Sol
Tamarindo | 6 Beds | 6 Baths | Sleeps 16
Have you dreamed of flying – of rising high, your arms spread, your hair blowing in the breeze, and your heart soaring, your body ablaze with exhilaration?
Puesta del Sol is a little like that.
Set high on a hilltop overlooking the beach town of Tamarindo, this spectacular home delivers 300-degree panoramic views and architecture designed to amaze. Here, ocean breezes whip and race up the mountain, wrapping you in their refreshing chill. Here, the Pacific Ocean unfurls at your feet and swooping seabirds frame your view. Here, you’re floating above it all – almost flying, high above earth and sea, in a special paradise all your own.
Named for the sunset – or, more precisely, for the “setting of the sun” – Puesta del Sol is one of our most outstanding homes: upscale yet warm, both remarkable and welcoming. Oversized windows both frame the artwork of this view and beckon sunlight to steam indoors. An expansive infinity pool bids you to spend your mornings, your afternoons, your every moment on the terrace. And the blazing tropical sunset sets the sky on fire, a riot of jewel tones, bright fluorescents, and muted pastels.
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Ready to Discover Your Own Fun Facts and What to See in Tamarindo Costa Rica?
We know, the options can be overwhelming. But, as ever, we’re here to help. Cris is here to help.
Simply put: She’ll handle everything. All the logistics. Every reservation. Airport transportation. Tamarindo transportation. From A to Z and everything in between: When you book one of our Tamarindo vacation rentals, our in-house concierge will quickly be in touch.
She’s an expert in Tamarindo travel: Digging beneath the surface and reaching beyond the norm, Cris not only makes it her job to know Tamarindo, but to get to know you, too! She’s like a real-life guidebook who expertly overlays Tamarindo’s most iconic experiences and must-do adventures with your needs, preferences, and plans. What’s more, she’ll work with your budget. Any budget – really.
It begins with our welcome packet, which you’ll receive after you make a booking. It’ll introduce you to many of our favorite things, so have a look. Start building your wish list. And then, talk to Cris and let the fun begin. It’s part magic, part expertise. And, as we said, completely free. So go ahead, pick Cris’s brain! She can’t wait to hear from you!
