Last-Minute Summer Plans? Yes, Please! Things to Do + Tamarindo Villas for Rent

beaches are the centerpiece to things to do in Costa Rica

Last-minute plans can be the best plans. From dreaming to doing, you can plan and then experience within a few short weeks! But to get from here to there, you’ll have to decide on the best things to do in Tamarindo and find Tamarindo villas for rent with last-minute availability.

Luckily, you’ve found this article and we have your answers!

Best Things to Do in Tamarindo This Summer

Rainy Tamarindo Sunsets 16 9
Rainy season is also sunset season!

Costa Rica is one of the world’s favorite destinations, thanks in large part to our vast biodiversity, gorgeous beaches, startling ecosystems, and wide range of activities and attractions. Here are a few of what we consider the best things to do in Tamarindo this summer:

Explore Our National Parks

Costa Rica is renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural landscapes. And there’s no better way to explore what makes us famous than on a visit to national parks, including Las Baulas National Marine Park (nesting leatherback sea turtles), Palo Verde National Park (incredible birdwatching & wildlife), Santa Rosa National Park (Costa Rican heritage & history), and Rincón de la Vieja National Park (active volcano attractions).

These parks offer opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and discovering unique ecosystems. Our in-house, expert concierge can help recommend the right tour, day trip, or hike for your preferences and activity level! Get in touch.

Explore (& Relax on) Beautiful Beaches

aerial view Playa Grande Costa Rica 16 9

With hundreds of miles of coastline, it’s no secret that Costa Rica is blessed with pristine beaches, many of them lauded as some of the world’s “best beaches.” What you may not know is that many of Costa Rica’s other beaches are so-called secret beaches – tiny stretches of sand bordered by rocky cliffside and craggy coastline, where you can escape to a little slice of sand all your own.

Be sure to ask our concierge, Cris, for the best recommendations. Our coast is widely varied, so you’ll need a different recommendation for surfing than you would if you were seeking out tranquil tide pools. Whatever your pleasure, you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, surfing, snorkeling, or simply relaxing by the shoreline.

Indulge Your Inner Adrenaline Junkie

Costa Rica is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. Get your adventure fix with thrilling activities like zip-lining through the rainforest, white-water rafting through raging (or tame – your choice!) rivers, canyoning down waterfalls, or surfing world-class waves. You can also go mountain biking, kayaking, or horseback riding to explore our country’s natural beauty.

Discover Volcanic Wonders

Rincon-de-la-Vieja-Volcano

Costa Rica is home to several impressive volcanoes, among them the active Rincón de la Vieja, close to Tamarindo. The volcano and its eponymous park is a popular tourist destination, and is known for its volcano summit hike, hot springs, and many waterfalls, as well as volcanic attractions, including fumaroles, boiling mud pots, lava flows, a mini volcano, and more.

Wildlife Watching

As we’ve already discussed, Costa Rica is rightfully famous for our incredible biodiversity and abundant wildlife. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing a sloth, a monkey, a macaw, or any other animal in the wild, then this is your chance! Take a guided tour or go on a self-guided adventure to spot fascinating wildlife, especially at national parks, wildlife refuges, and private reserves.

Engage in Sustainable Ecotourism

As a nation, we are proud to embrace our green reputation and initiatives in sustainable ecotourism. Take part in responsible, sustainable, and regenerative travel practices by supporting local communities, choosing Costa Rican tour guides, and participating in conservation initiatives. This way, you can experience our country’s natural wonders while contributing to their preservation.

RELAX!

natural beach tide pool

If “summer” to you aligns with a Northern Hemisphere summer – roughly, June through September – then know that this is also Costa Rica’s wet, or green season. And that means you can expect some daily rains.

While you’ll often see guides advising you visit during the dry season (December through April), the secret is that we love the green season. Most days, you’ll have glorious morning and early afternoon weather, followed by brief (think 15 minutes to 2 hours) rainstorms and then, if you’re lucky, vibrant rainbows. It’s beautiful!

What’s more, those afternoon rains offer a perfect reason to stay in and relax. Even better when “staying in” means staying at one of our Tamarindo villas for rent, where you’ll have private access to your choice of amenities. And speaking of…

Summer Stays: Tamarindo Villas for Rent (Last-Minute Availability)

Wondering where to stay (and stay in) this summer? You’re in luck! Here are 5 Tamarindo villas for rent that still have some availability from June through September:

Casa Leo Loco

Tamarindo | 6 Beds | 4 Baths | Sleeps 12

Casa Leo Loco Tamarindo villas for rent

If you’ve ever dreamed of a vacation with Tamarindo Bay views (got ‘em!), Pacific Ocean panoramas (those too!), a private hot tub (you got it!), and a multi-level infinity pool (check!), then welcome to your personal paradise. Because Casa Leo Loco is one of those Tamarindo villas for rent that ticks off every item on your wishlist and then, doubles down on all your dreams.

This private villa offers a spectacular escape to environmentally friendly design, from its locally sourced hardwoods to its walls of glass and breezy terraces, which bid you open your doors and enjoy Mother Nature’s own version of light and air-conditioning. And while we’re on the subject, know that those terraces, this pool, and these views all overlook an ocean that seems to hover so close, you can step outside and check in on surf conditions.

Which came first? Casa Leo Loco or the phrase “indoor/outdoor living”? It’s a close call…

>> Book Now <<

Casa de Sophie

Playa Conchal | 4 Beds | 4 Baths | Sleeps 14

Casa de Sophie vacation rental in Tamarindo

What does the word “exquisite” mean to you? At Casa de Sophie, it’s a complete experience.

Located within the coveted and beloved resort community of Reserva Conchal, this luxury vacation home is a true, tropical paradise that embraces modern flair, open-concept design, and the kind of opulence you crave while on vacation.

And by that, we’re talking opulence like a private infinity pool (with a waterfall!) and a gourmet kitchen, lush landscaping and abundant space. Because, whether you’re here for a romantic escape or a family vacation, Casa de Sophie has curated the ideal blend of adventure and relaxation. And don’t forget, you’ll also have access to Reserva Conchal’s amenities, including a championship golf course, hiking & biking trails, tennis courts, and spa & fitness center, multiple restaurants, and even a kid’s club!

>> Book Now <<

Matapalo Penthouse #701

Tamarindo | 4 Beds | 3.5 Baths | Sleeps 12

Matapalo Penthouse 701 vacation home Tamarindo

Located just across from Tamarindo Beach and downtown – and by that, we mean downtown’s cafés, beachfront restaurants, boutique shops, and more – Matapalo Penthouse #701 is a luxurious, two-story penthouse located high on the seventh floor, affording some of the best views at any of our Tamarindo villas for rent.

Here, you’ll find everything you seek – and so much more. There’s the state-of-the-art kitchen and up/down bedrooms (two on the lower level, two on the upper level), an expansive balcony with breathtaking ocean views and the largest swimming pool on Costa Rica’s West Coast, with a swim-up bar and private beach access. Here, everywhere seems like the perfect spot for your morning coffee or an evening drink…

>> Book Now <<

The Enclave B5

Playa Avellanas | 3 Beds | 2 Baths | Sleeps 6

Enclave B5 Tamarindo villas for rent

Where luxury meets nature, Enclave B5 is a true dream among Tamarindo villas for rent. A coastal sanctuary perfect for your luxury vacation, this gorgeous home is both cozy and spacious, at once upscale while also wonderfully homey.

Located near the JW Marriott and Hacienda Pinilla’s 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, Olympic-sized lap pool, pickleball courts, hiking and biking trails, and many more amenities, Enclave B5 is home to expansive living spaces and luxurious finishes, design elegance and seamless indoor-outdoor living. And you’ll love every detail, from the high-end kitchen and custom detailing to private balconies and epic sunset views.

And, did we mention? You’re this close to a hidden beach… Plan on it!

>> Book Now <<

Crystal Sands 104

Playa Langosta | 3 Beds | 3 Bathrooms | Sleeps 12

Tamarindo vacation rental Crystal Sands 104

Steps from the sand, aptly named Crystal Sands 104 is one of our select oceanfront Tamarindo vacation homes – a cozy, ground-level condo perfect for families and surfers with boards in tow.

Fully air-conditioned and with no detail spared, this rental promises a gourmet kitchen and outdoor shaded dining, in addition to oversized glass doors, laundry facilities, and full private baths for each bedroom, Crystal Sands 104 is also perfectly equipped for remote work and schooling: 100 Mb high-speed internet, with a battery backup and portable wireless router, so you’ll never be without a connection.

>> Book Now <<

Planning a Last-Minute Summer Vacation? Get in Touch!

Seeking a little planning know-how? Looking for a great deal? Can’t decide on which vacation home is right for you?

Get in touch! We love to chat about Tamarindo, getaways, and vacation rentals. We readily share our experiences and advice. And we promise, we’re friendly, to boot. We look forward to hearing from you!