Celebrate Earth Day in Costa Rica: Family-Friendly Ways to Give Back to Nature

There’s something about Costa Rica that brings nature a little closer to the heart. Maybe it’s the soothing rhythm of the Pacific waves, the thrill of spotting a hooting howler monkey at an animal rescue Costa Rica, or the way the night’s sunset bathes everything in gold. Whatever the reason, Costa Rica inspires a deep appreciation for the planet – and Earth Day (and every day) is the perfect opportunity to give a little back.

If you're planning family vacations in Costa Rica, why not make it meaningful? From sandy beach clean-ups to hands-on animal rescue experiences, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Earth Day and the environment together while making a real impact – from wildlife conservation projects to hands-in-the-dirt tree plantings and feel-good beach clean-ups that show your kids that travel can be both fun and purposeful.

So, let’s explore the best Earth Day activities for families who love nature and want to leave a positive footprint.

1. Volunteer with Animal Rescue Costa Rica Initiatives

 

Costa Rica is a wildlife wonderland, home to sloths, monkeys, toucans, sea turtles, and more. But not all animals have it easy: Behind the postcard-perfect scenes, many of these animals still face real threats from habitat loss, road accidents, and the illegal pet trade. Thankfully, organizations dedicated to animal rescue Costa Rica efforts work year-round to protect, rehabilitate, and release back into the wild these animals in need.  

That’s where local animal rescue centers step in – and they offer an incredible opportunity for families to learn, connect, and be inspired.

One of the most impactful (and adorable) Earth Day experiences you can have is visiting a local animal rescue center. These sanctuaries are designed not just to rehabilitate injured or orphaned animals, but also to educate visitors on conservation, often through guided tours where you can meet the animals, hear their stories, and learn how your visit helps support long-term rescue and rehabilitation efforts, as you and your kids discover Costa Rica’s ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity.

Top picks for animal rescue Costa Rica tours:

APAMI Wildlife Rescue Center by Monkey Park Foundation (near Tamarindo): Located along the main road between Huacas and Liberia, this small rescue center offers a chance to see monkeys, parrots, and reptiles that are recovering from injury or illegal captivity. Their guided tours are family-friendly and emphasize education and awareness.

Las Pumas Rescue Center (Cañas, Guanacaste): Located just off the Inter-American Highway near Cañas, Las Pumas is one of Costa Rica’s oldest and most respected wildlife rescue centers. Spanning 14 hectares, the sanctuary is home to a variety of rescued animals, including five of the six wild cat species found in the country – jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, and jaguarundis – as well as monkeys, deer, toucans, and macaws. 

SIBU Wildlife Sanctuary (Nosara): While a bit farther from Tamarindo, SIBU is well worth the drive for families interested in howler monkey rehabilitation and wildlife protection. They offer informative tours a few days a week, where visitors can hear real rescue stories and learn about forest conservation.

These visits are especially great for kids – they’re interactive, inspiring, and just the right mix of fun and learning. Plus, knowing your admission fee supports ongoing rescue work makes it even more rewarding. Be sure to ask your concierge for help coordinating a visit that fits your itinerary. 

2. Join a Family-Friendly Beach Clean-Up

Costa Rica’s beaches are famously beautiful, but they’re also vulnerable to pollution, especially from the world’s omnipresent plastic waste. Earth Day is the perfect time to roll up your sleeves, grab a biodegradable bag, and participate in a beach clean-up. 

Our very own Tamarindo, Playa Langosta, and Avellanas often host organized clean-up events where travelers and locals join forces to clear the coastline of debris. These community-led initiatives are friendly and welcoming – no experience necessary, just a love for the ocean and a willingness to get a little sandy. 

If you're staying in a vacation rental or villa, check in with your concierge to see if any local clean-ups are happening around Earth Day. Many luxury properties in the Tamarindo area even partner with environmental nonprofits to coordinate volunteer experiences for their guests. And even if you’re not in town for an official clean-up, you can always grab a bag and lend a hand as you stroll the beach.

Why kids love it: Beach clean-ups feel like a treasure hunt – especially when gloves and tongs are involved! It’s also a great way to talk about the impact of plastic pollution in a way that’s both engaging and age-appropriate. 

3. Plant a Tree (or a Whole Forest)

What better way to celebrate Earth Day than planting something that will last generations?

Costa Rica’s reforestation projects are legendary – and now you can be part of it! The country has reversed decades of deforestation through community-led initiatives and eco-conscious government programs. Today, families can join that movement – literally – by planting native trees in areas that need a little extra green love. 

Several organizations in Guanacaste offer tree-planting experiences for visitors. Many of them also provide educational tours where you’ll learn about carbon offsetting, climate change, and why native species matter. These programs are a perfect match for family vacations in Costa Rica, especially if you want to leave a long-term legacy of your visit.

4. Support Ocean Conservation Through Kid-Friendly Programs

Costa Rica’s marine life is just as dazzling as its rainforest – and Earth Day is a great opportunity to explore it responsibly. Several ocean-focused organizations near Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo offer family-friendly volunteer and educational programs that support coral reef conservation, sea turtle nesting, and marine education.

If your family is staying in one of the luxury villas near Hacienda Pinilla, ask about seasonal turtle nesting programs. Some beaches along Guanacaste’s coast offer night tours with conservationists where kids can (quietly!) witness sea turtles laying eggs – a magical and unforgettable moment.

5. Stay Green at Your Home Base

When you’re not out exploring, your vacation home can still reflect your Earth Day spirit. Many of Tamarindo’s top villas are built with sustainability in mind – solar panels, local materials, native (and water-efficient) landscaping, and energy-efficient systems are just a few examples.

You can amplify your impact by choosing a villa that supports green initiatives or works with local environmental nonprofits. You can also employ a few simple ways to stay green while you relax:

• Reuse towels and linens instead of requesting daily laundry.
• Support local markets for zero-waste groceries.
• Refill your reusable water bottles instead of buying plastic.
• Ask your concierge for recommendations on low-impact tours and excursions.

Stay Here: Casa de Luz

Playa Langosta | 8 Beds | 6.5 Baths | 14 to 23 guests

Nestled along the golden sands of Playa Langosta’s prestigious Millionaire Row, Casa de Luz lives up to its name—House of Light—by blending eco-conscious design with barefoot luxury. This fully solar-powered beachfront estate accommodates 14 to 23 guests across 8 spacious bedrooms and 6.5 baths, making it a top-tier choice for weddings, special events, and unforgettable group getaways.

Step outside to find direct beach access, vibrant tide pools at low tide, and front-row sunset views from the infinity pool. Five king suites offer oceanfront panoramas, while extras like daily housekeeping, beach gear, and morning snack prep elevate every moment. With an ozone-purified pool and a commitment to reducing its environmental footprint, Casa de Luz is a model of sustainable luxury.

Whether you're planning a beachfront ceremony, gathering with loved ones, or simply seeking space to relax and reconnect with nature, Casa de  offers a rare balance of indulgence and intention—right in the heart of Guanacaste, and proudly hosted by Stay in Tamarindo. 

>> Book Now <<

Even small shifts in your daily routine can make a difference – especially when multiplied across all the families who love Costa Rica as much as you do.

6. Make Earth Day a New Family Tradition

The best part about celebrating Earth Day in Costa Rica? It’s not just about a single day – it’s about building habits, awareness, and memories that your family will carry forward long after the trip ends. That’s why you can celebrate and honor Mother Earth, no matter when you visit.

Costa Rica has long been a pioneer in eco-conscious travel, and its family-friendly approach to conservation makes it easy for all ages to participate. Whether you’re helping with animal rescue Costa Rica programs, picking up trash on a quiet beach, or planting trees in a nature reserve, your Earth Day celebration here will be anything but ordinary.

Even better? You’ll be setting a powerful example for your kids – showing them that travel isn’t just about seeing the world, but caring for it too. 

Ready to Plan Your Earth Day Getaway?

If this Earth Day has you dreaming of palm trees, wildlife adventures, animal rescue Costa Rica, and sandy footprints with purpose, now’s the time to book your Costa Rica escape. From beachfront villas with open-air living spaces to concierge-planned eco-adventures, your trip can be as luxurious as it is meaningful.

That just happens to be our concierge, Cris’s, specialty! She’s an expert in travel, relaxation, and tours in Tamarindo, Costa Rica: Digging beneath the surface and reaching beyond the norm, Cris not only makes it her job to know Tamarindo (and its restaurants), 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.

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. Go ahead, pick Cris’s brain! She can’t wait to hear from you!

Posted on 04/28/2025 in Tamarindo Vacations