Las Baulas National Park is an often-overlooked spot north of Tamarindo that feels like a different planet! So if you’re looking for a unique experience that doesn’t require traveling outside Tamarindo, this is it. This boat safari is a great way to spot wildlife.

This tour through the mangroves gets you up close to some of the creatures that call this area home – if you want to see large crocodiles, this is where to go! The boat safari tour lasts about 2 hours and while it is recommended to go for the earlier tours if possible (wildlife is more active in the morning and it isn’t as hot), the boat is covered, so there’s shade if you do want a later start time.

Nothing says vacation like getting out on the ocean to enjoy the views with a drink in hand. This specific sunset cruise is the most popular in Tamarindo because it takes place aboard a 40-foot catamaran in the beautiful Tamarindo Bay. It is well-rated with ton of 5-star reviews, which are super encouraging!

This specific cruise starts at 1 pm with the journey to a sheltered cove where you can hop off the boat to swim, snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard. Then when you get back on board you get to enjoy a delicious meal with chicken fajitas, fruit and veggies.

The cruise lasts for 5 hours in total finishing with the grand finale of a dramatic sunset over Tamarindo. It includes an open bar, water activities in the cove, and a delicious meal for only $90 USD.

This Ziplining Tour will pick your group up from the Tamarindo area and then depart on a 30-45 minute drive to Congo Trail Canopy Tour, aboard an air-conditioned minivan. Upon arrival, you’ll be able to choose between a less intense route, suitable for first timers and families, or challenge yourself on the adventure course.

Get ready to fly over the canopy of a tropical dry forest over a series of 11 cables, and keep your eyes peeled for a variety of animals like howler monkeys and iguanas that call the forest home. At the end of the tour, you’ll be able to purchase food and drinks onsite (own expense), or continue straight back to your hotel.

Some of the best spots to snorkel in all of Costa Rica are just off the coast of Tamarindo.

Snorkeling tours like this half-day one head out to the Catalina Islands to snorkel some of the shallow reefs in the area. You’re guaranteed to see lots of fish, including snapper and pufferfish, as well as sea turtles and maybe even reef sharks if you’re lucky.

There’s snorkeling at two different spots, and the experience lasts for 5 hours, including fresh fruit on the boat and all the equipment for only $95 USD.

Fishing charters are popular in Costa Rica for destinations right on the coast. In Tamarindo, there are plenty of inshore and offshore charters, with many boats and captains that you can find and book online. Inshore charters only go a few miles off the coast and tend to fish for small tuna, snapper, wahoo, and dorado. On an offshore charter you can fish for mahi-mahi, sailfish and marlin.

If you’re looking for a full day of adventure and dont mind a longer drive, you can check out the numerous activities that are offered at the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano national park. Here you'll find packages of options where you can get tours of the park, see waterfalls, go canyoning, tubing, take a dip in hot springs, go ziplining & rappelling, go horseback riding, etc. Air-conditioned minivans can pick up from the Tamarindo area and take you back after your day of fun!