Tag: costa rica eco tourism
Costa Rica for Families – Whale Watching, Sea Turtles & Fishing Adventures during Tamarindo’s Secret Season
The Guanacaste, Costa Rica rainy season isn’t what you think. Sure, there are showers – mostly in the early morning, early afternoon, or overnight – but that just means the region comes alive in ways you won’t see during the dry season.
Picture this: humpback whales breaching offshore. Sea turtles nesting by moonlight. Rivers running strong for tubing and waterfalls. And the best part? You can experience it all without the high-season crowds or prices.
Welcome to Costa Rica’s secret season: a green, vibrant time of year that turns Tamarindo into a family-friendly paradise full of nature, adventure, and value. With plenty of Costa Rica beach house rentals to choose from, it's the perfect time to plan a reunion, a family vacation, or a getaway with friends.
Why Travel in the Guanacaste, Costa Rica Rainy Season?
From late May through early November, the landscape transforms. Everything is greener, the air feels fresher, and the sunsets are some of the best you’ll ever see. Best of all, Tamarindo gets less rain than other parts of the country, so you can still spend your days at the beach, in the water, or out on the trails.
Other benefits of visiting in the rainy season:
- Lower prices on Costa Rica beach house rentals, tours, and flights
- Fewer crowds, even at popular spots
- More wildlife, as many species are more active in the wetter months
- Family-friendly adventure, like tubing, zip-lining, hiking, and fishing
For families traveling on a budget or anyone looking to stretch their vacation time a little longer, the Guanacaste, Costa Rica rainy season is a hidden gem.
Whale Watching Season: Ocean Giants Up Close
From July through October, Tamarindo becomes one of the best places in Costa Rica to spot southern humpback whales. These gentle giants migrate thousands of miles from Antarctica to give birth and raise their calves in the calm, warm Pacific waters.
You can often spot whales breaching from the beach, but for a closer look, hop on a catamaran tour or private boat with a local guide. These family-friendly excursions often include dolphin sightings, snorkeling, snacks, and fun for kids of all ages.
Top Species to Spot:
- Southern Humpback Whales (July to October)
- Bottlenose Dolphins (year-round)
- Spinner Dolphins (year-round, often travel in playful pods)
Sea Turtle Nesting: A Magical Nighttime Experience
There’s nothing quite like watching a sea turtle come ashore to nest. It’s quiet. It’s powerful. And it’s something your family will never forget. The Tamarindo area is close to several protected turtle nesting beaches, where you can take guided night tours to observe turtles in their natural habitat.
Depending on the time of year, you might even see tiny hatchlings making their dash for the sea!
Sea Turtles Near Tamarindo:
- Olive Ridley Turtles at Playa Ostional (arribadas: June–November)
- Leatherback Turtles at Playa Grande (October–February)
- Green & Hawksbill Turtles in smaller numbers year-round
Tours are designed to be eco-friendly and respectful of the turtles, with local guides explaining the conservation efforts and biology behind these amazing creatures.
Fishing Fun for Families: Inshore & Offshore Adventures
Fishing is one of the most popular activities during the Guanacaste, Costa Rica rainy season, and Tamarindo is one of the best spots to do it. With calmer seas and an abundance of marine life, it's a perfect time for inshore or offshore fishing tours.
You don’t have to be an expert – most tours welcome kids and beginners. Whether you’re hoping to catch dinner or reel in a photo-worthy trophy, it’s a fun way to spend time on the water.
Offshore Species (Best June–October):
- Yellowfin Tuna (30-200+ lbs!)
- Mahi Mahi / Dorado (great for ceviche)
- Marlin & Sailfish (usually catch-and-release)
Inshore Species:
- Roosterfish (fun fight + cool dorsal fin)
- Snapper (delicious and common)
- Snook, Wahoo & Mackerel (great for beginners)
Our team at Vacation Rentals of Tamarindo can help you connect with trusted local guides who know where the fish are biting and how to make the trip fun and safe for your whole crew.
More Rainy Season Family Favorites in Tamarindo
The Guanacaste, Costa Rica rainy season is about more than just the ocean. It’s a chance to explore rivers, forests, and volcanoes while everything is lush and blooming.
Some family-friendly adventures to consider:
- Tubing or rafting on near Rincón de la Vieja
- Zip-lining through the canopy at nearby adventure parks
- Horseback riding on the beach
- Hiking at Rincon de la Vieja Volcano (mud pots, waterfalls, wildlife)
- ATV tours through the hills and backroads
- Surfing lessons for all ages and levels
Need a rainy day activity? Check out Tamarindo’s fun dining spots, local artisan markets, or plan an in-home cooking class at your rental.
Why Costa Rica Beach House Rentals Make All the Difference
When you travel with kids, space matters. That’s why Costa Rica beach house rentals are a family favorite. You’ll enjoy:
- Full kitchens for easy meals and snacks
- Multiple bedrooms and bathrooms
- Private pools and outdoor space to play
- Close proximity to beaches, restaurants, and town
- More privacy and comfort than a hotel
Whether you're traveling with toddlers, teens, or a mix of ages, a vacation rental makes it easier to relax and enjoy your time together. Here’s where to stay:
Hacienda Pinilla | 6 Bedrooms | 6 Baths + 1 Half Bath | Sleeps 16
Tucked into the quiet Brisas community at Hacienda Pinilla, Villa Uana offers a refined take on tropical living. With clean lines, contemporary design, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, this is a home that honors simplicity without sacrificing comfort.
What sets it apart? For starters, two private pools. Multiple outdoor living areas – some sun-soaked, others shaded and breezy. An outdoor fire pit and dining space that feels made for starlit evenings. And all of it framed by swaying palms, lush greenery, and a canopy often visited by howler monkeys in the Guanacaste trees.
Inside, thoughtful design and understated elegance define each space. Outside, two open-air showers, a hidden hot tub, and several bedrooms that open directly onto the pool or garden invite you to settle into the rhythm of pura vida. This is your private hideaway. This is Villa Uana – peaceful, exclusive, and naturally luxurious.
Crystal Sands Penthouse 504
Playa Langosta | 3 Beds | 3 Baths | Sleeps 12
When nothing but your very own, exclusive penthouse will suffice, Crystal Sands 504 exceeds expectations for Costa Rica holiday rentals, with its airy private balcony and some of Tamarindo’s most breathtaking views – directly overlooking Langosta Beach and the expansive Pacific Ocean, stretching as far as the eye can behold.
Your front yard is a vast expanse of ocean and horizon, occasionally graced by passing sailboats, breaching whales, paddling sea turtles, or playful dolphins – dotting your private panorama.
But there’s more to behold. This penthouse in paradise fulfills every dream, featuring a private hot tub on the balcony, a gourmet kitchen with a full-sized gas grill, breezy and open interiors, and, once again, that mesmerizing view. Whether you’re in the living room, the dining room, the kitchen, or the bedrooms – perhaps even from your shower, if luck is on your side – you’ll be immersed in the splendor of this unparalleled vista.
4 Beds | 4 Baths | Sleeps 8
Impeccably designed to leave a lasting impression, Casa Howler stands as a luxurious vacation haven nestled within Tamarindo Park—a captivating new community gracing the hills around downtown Tamarindo.
In this idyllic setting where nature’s marvels unfold just beyond your doorstep, and every facet radiates the essence of modern tropical living, Casa Howler positions itself just a short 10-minute stroll from all the places you long to explore, from Playa Tamarindo itself to the town’s diverse array of restaurants, nightlife, tours, attractions, and more.
Step inside Casa Howler, where the allure of floor-to-ceiling glass beckons you to embrace forest views from every corner, seamlessly blending the indoors with Costa Rica’s exotic flora. Alternatively, bask in sun-drenched afternoons by your private pool, craft culinary delights in your chef’s kitchen, or unwind in the generously appointed king-sized bedrooms. Casa Howler delivers everything you desire and more for an opulent family retreat in the heart of Costa Rica.
Planning Your Secret Season Trip
The Guanacaste, Costa Rica rainy season isn’t just a time to save money. It’s a season of color, wildlife, and natural wonder. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, multi-generational reunion, or an escape with friends, there’s something truly special waiting for you in Tamarindo.
· When to Come: July through October offers the best of the Guanacaste, Costa Rica rainy season: whales, turtles, and great fishing. August and September are especially ideal.
· Where to Stay: Browse our collection of Costa Rica beach house rentals, from budget-friendly to beachfront with a pool. Many are walkable to town and beach.
· What to Pack: Quick-dry clothes, sturdy sandals, a light rain jacket, sunscreen, and your sense of adventure!
· What to Ask Us: At Vacation Rentals of Tamarindo, we offer full concierge service. From booking tours to arranging airport transport, we’re here to make your trip easy and unforgettable.
Pack your bags, grab the kids, and get ready to explore!
Ready to Plan Your Secret Season Adventure?
If this summer has you dreaming of palm trees, wildlife adventures, and sandy footprints, now’s the time to book your escape. From beachfront villas with open-air living spaces to concierge-planned seasonal 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!
Costa Rica Intends to Become Carbon Neutral & Eliminate Single Use Plastics
Costa Rica is already working on a New Year’s Resolution for 2021. The two-part goal states that Costa Rica aims to be carbon neutral by 2021 AND that it intends to be the world’s first country to reach that goal. Is this possible? It’s an ambitious end for us to have set our sights on, but we’re making progress and when Costa Ricans pool their efforts, anything is possible.
A carbon neutral nation is one that offsets its carbon emissions essentially by planting trees. If you’ve been to Costa Rica, you can see how this exchange can work for us because we have one heck of a lot of trees.
Photo by Boudewjin Huysmans
Because our electricity is created by water, wind and solar power, we are able to imagine and even believe in a world in which our emissions are not more than the carbon our forests consume. One of our proudest environmental accomplishments in Costa Rica is that in the year 2018, the country was able to power itself for 300 out of 365 days on 100% renewable energy. This marks the 4th consecutive year that Costa Rica has drawn over 98% of its energy from renewable sources. As a country that depends on ecotourism, can you imagine how excited we are about this?
The story of Costa Rica’s forests has a beautiful beginning, a tragic middle, and what appears to be a very bright future. In the 1940’s, 75% of Costa Rica was covered by virgin indigenous rainforests and tropical dry forests. Deforestation, however, destroyed over half of Costa Rica’s forests by the early 1980’s, dropping the percentage of canopy cover to 26%. Fifty thousand hectares of trees per year were being lost at that time, mostly to create cropland and grazing areas for cattle. Perceiving the danger this practice was placing the environment in, Costa Rica began to change its practices, and by 1989, the deforestation rate had slowed by half. By the early 1990s, deforestation slowed to 4,000 hectares per year, and by 1998, a rate of 0% deforestation was occurring.
That in itself is an amazing story.
Photo by Nikola Jovanovic
Zero percent deforestation does not mean that trees are no longer cut in Costa Rica—it means that tree cutting is regulated and that reforestation programs are repairing the damage created by present and previous generations. 2017 studies indicate that Costa Rica’s forest cover has increased to 52%, double the numbers of the early 80s. A remarkable 26% of Costa Rica’s territory is under national park protection.
Can we do carbon neutral? We think we can!
Another exciting step in Costa Rica’s quest to become carbon neutral is to eliminate single-use plastic.
A clean beach is a happy beach: Playa Avellanas
What do we mean by this? Single-use plastic means exactly what it sounds like: plastic that is produced with the intention of being used only once. Straws, soda and water bottles, supermarket bags, and plastic cutlery are prime examples of products that are produced essentially to be thrown away.
Photo y Javardh
The province of Guanacaste, being a remote area removed from metropolitan San Jose, is perhaps not the first province anyone would expect to lead the race to the end of single-use plastics, but we are in first place! Such a large segment of Costa Rica’s tourism is centered in Guanacaste that we’ve pulled out from our usual spot behind the curve, and appear to have taken the lead. In fact, Santa Cruz County has been declared free of standard plastic beverage straws. The papaya smoothie or ginger ale you buy in Tamarindo will most likely be served to you either with a paper straw or, in some cases, a metal straw that can be sanitized in a dishwasher. Got coffee to stir? Our stirrers (and our disposable cutlery) are made of a type of sturdy cardboard.
Pretty paper straws can be made from recycled materials. Photo by Danielle MacInnes
It’s appropriate that Guanacaste lead the way in this because Guanacaste is a peninsula surrounded by delicate saltwater ecosystems. Our single-use plastics are deadly to marine life, especially to sea turtles. It is easy for young turtles to become tangled or trapped in plastic bags and drown because they cannot get to the surface for air. Plastic bags floating in the water resemble the jellyfish that turtles and some types of whales naturally feed on, but the bags block the digestive systems of the animals that eat them, causing death. Plastic straws, or pieces of them, can pierce the intestines of animals that swallow them and can become lodged in the nasal cavities of sea turtles.
You, as a visitor in Costa Rica, can help us toward our goal of being carbon neutral. You can do this by conserving energy and by helping to eliminate the demand for single-use plastic. Here’s how:
What You Can Do To Help Eliminate Single Use Plastics During Your Tamarindo Vacation
Photo by Samantha Hartley
- If someone offers you a plastic straw, don’t accept it.
Wait, but didn’t we just say plastic straws had been eliminated from Guanacaste? Why yes, we did. All the more reason, if the restaurant you sit at or the person you buy a coconut from on the beach tries to give you a plastic straw, you should hand it directly back to them and say, “No thanks.”
- No plastic to-go cups.
Finish your beer and then leave.
- Don’t accept plastic cutlery if you purchase food to go.
Upper-end Tamarindo restaurants don’t hand out plastic cutlery, but some of the more economic options might. Don’t take it with you.
Plastic is out, paper is in.
- For picnics or convenient meals in your Tamarindo vacation rental, buy disposable paper plates, cups, and cutlery–not plastic. A brand called Bio that is sold in Tamarindo’s American-style supermarkets offers paper dinnerware at a reasonable price. It is still possible to find plastic plates/cups/cutlery in grocery stores, so please lend a hand in shrinking the market for them!
On behalf of the turtles, the birds, the whales, the dolphins and thousands of things you and I don’t even know the names of, GRACIAS!
Photo by Rudney Uezu
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