Best Tamarindo Tours & Excursions
Discover the best tours, excursions and things to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, with Native’s Way. From ATV adventures, wildlife tours and sunset sailing to full-day trips to volcanoes, waterfalls and national parks, Tamarindo is an ideal starting point for exploring Guanacaste and northern Costa Rica.
Native’s Way is a local Costa Rican tour and transportation company with an office in Tamarindo. Our team can help you choose the right experiences based on your interests, schedule and where you are staying.
We offer tours with pickup from Tamarindo and surrounding beach communities, including Playa Langosta, Playa Grande, Hacienda Pinilla, JW Marriott, Playa Conchal, Brasilito, Flamingo and Potrero.
Our Favorite Tamarindo Tours
Not sure where to start? These are some of our most popular choices for travelers staying in Tamarindo.
Hacienda Guachipelin Adventure Combo
Best for: Adventure & first-time visitors
Spend the day near Rincón de la Vieja Volcano combining some of Guanacaste’s best adventure activities. Zipline through the forest, go river tubing, enjoy a Costa Rican lunch and finish with volcanic hot springs and a mud bath.
Tamarindo Estuary Boat Tour
Best for: Wildlife & families
You don’t have to travel hours from Tamarindo to experience Costa Rican wildlife. Explore the mangroves of the Tamarindo Estuary by boat with a local guide while looking for monkeys, crocodiles, tropical birds and other wildlife.
Tamarindo ATV Tours
Best for: Adventure close to Tamarindo
Ride beyond town and explore the back roads, forests and beaches surrounding Tamarindo by ATV. This is a great option when you want an adventure without committing to a full-day excursion.
Tamarindo Sunset Catamaran Cruises
Best for: Couples, families & groups
Spend the afternoon sailing along Guanacaste’s Pacific coastline with swimming, snorkeling, food and drinks before watching the sunset over the ocean.
Rio Celeste Hike, Sloth & Waterfall Tour
Best for: Nature & wildlife
Explore the famous turquoise waters of Rio Celeste and the rainforest surrounding Tenorio Volcano. This full-day excursion combines hiking and waterfalls with the opportunity to see Costa Rican wildlife, including sloths.
Tamarindo Surf Lessons
Best for: Beginners, families & beach lovers
Learn to surf in Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica’s most popular surf destinations. Lessons are available for beginners and travelers looking to improve their skills, with experienced instructors helping you get comfortable in the water and catch waves.
Things to Do in and Around Tamarindo
If you want to spend less time driving, choose a local Tamarindo activity!
Tamarindo activities including ATVs, surfing lessons, wildlife watching, snorkeling, zip-lining, and boat tours and more!. Explore the region’s beaches, forests, and national parks, as well as enjoy cultural excursions. Many tours are designed to explore Costa Rica’s Gold Coast’s rich biodiversity and vibrant ecosystems.
Full-Day Tours & Excursions From Tamarindo
Tamarindo is also an excellent base for exploring some of Costa Rica’s most famous natural attractions including volcanoes and waterfalls..
Popular day trips from Tamarindo include:
Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Rio Celeste Tour Hiking, Sloth & Waterfall
Costa Rica to Nicaragua Tour
Buena Vista Costa Rica Adventure Combo
Palo Verde Boat Tour
La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike
Tamarindo Private Party Crawls
Tamarindo Spa Day – Altos de Eros
Tamarindo Shared Cruises
Shared sunset cruises in Tamarindo provide a social yet relaxing experience as you sail with fellow travelers, enjoying stunning ocean vistas, refreshing drinks, and the captivating hues of the setting sun.
Marlin del Rey Catamaran Cruise
Tamarindo Sportfishing Tours
Full, 3/4 or Half Day options – Experience world-class sportfishing in Tamarindo with options for deep-sea adventures targeting marlin and sailfish or inshore trips for exciting catches like roosterfish and snook.
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Rhino Charger Tamarindo Fishing
$1000 / per person
36' Topaz
Capullo Sportfishing Tamarindo
$1200 / per person
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Tamarindo Sportfishing – 22’ Boston Whaler
$600 / per person
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Flamingo II Tamarindo Sportfishing
$950 / per personWhich Tamarindo Tour Should You Choose?
Best for Adventure
- Hacienda Guachipelin Volcano Adventure Combo
- ATV Tours
- UTV tours
- Ziplining
- Tenorio Whitewater Rafting
Best for Wildlife
Consider the Tamarindo Estuary, Rio Celeste and sloth tour, Palo Verde or a turtle nesting experience.
Best for Families
The Tamarindo Estuary, sunset cruises, beginner surf lessons and many of our wildlife experiences are popular choices for families.
Best for Couples
A sunset catamaran cruise, private sailing experience, horseback ride or spa day makes an excellent addition to a Tamarindo vacation.
Best for a Full Day of Costa Rica
If you only have time for one major excursion from Tamarindo, Rincón de la Vieja and Rio Celeste are two of our most popular options.
Tamarindo Tour Pickup & Transportation
Many tours include transportation from Tamarindo or offer transportation as an option. Pickup availability depends on the specific tour and where you are staying.
Native’s Way also offers private and shared transportation throughout Costa Rica, including transfers between Tamarindo and Liberia International Airport (LIR).
If you’re staying outside Tamarindo in Playa Grande, Hacienda Pinilla, JW Marriott, Conchal, Brasilito, Flamingo, Potrero or another nearby community, contact us if you’re unsure whether pickup is available for the tour you want to book.
Planning Your Tamarindo Tours
A good Tamarindo itinerary combines local activities with one or two full-day excursions.
For example, you might spend one day exploring Rincón de la Vieja, another afternoon sailing along the coast, and another morning taking an Estuary or ATV tour. This gives you a chance to experience Costa Rica’s volcanoes, rainforest, wildlife and Pacific coast without spending every vacation day traveling.
Popular tours can sell out, especially during busy travel periods, so we recommend reserving your must-do experiences in advance.
Why Book Your Tamarindo Tours With Native’s Way?
Native’s Way is a Costa Rican tour and transportation company with a local office in Tamarindo. Instead of booking every activity separately, you can work with one team to organize tours, transportation and other experiences throughout your trip.
Our reservations team can also help you compare activities and build an itinerary based on your travel dates, interests, group and where you’re staying.
Book your Tamarindo tours online or contact our team for help planning your Costa Rica vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tamarindo Tours
What are the best tours from Tamarindo?
Some of the most popular tours from Tamarindo include Hacienda Guachipelin Adventure Combo, Rio Celeste and Sloth Tour, Tamarindo Estuary Boat Tour, ATV tours, surf lessons, and sunset catamaran cruises. The best choice depends on whether you’re looking for adventure, wildlife, beaches, or a relaxing day on the water.
What are the best day trips from Tamarindo?
Popular full-day trips from Tamarindo include Rincón de la Vieja and Hacienda Guachipelin, Rio Celeste, La Leona Waterfall, Palo Verde National Park, and Nicaragua. These tours allow you to experience volcanoes, waterfalls, rainforest, wildlife, and other parts of Costa Rica while staying in Tamarindo.
What tours can I do without a long drive from Tamarindo?
There are plenty of activities in and around Tamarindo that don’t require spending hours in a vehicle. Popular options include the Tamarindo Estuary Boat Tour, ATV and UTV tours, surf lessons, sunset catamaran cruises, horseback riding, fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Do Tamarindo tours include hotel pickup?
Many Native’s Way tours include round-trip transportation from Tamarindo and nearby beach communities, while others offer transportation as an optional add-on or begin at a designated meeting point. Transportation varies by tour, so check the individual tour details for pickup information or contact our team if you’re unsure whether pickup is available from your hotel or vacation rental.
Should I book Tamarindo tours in advance?
Yes, we recommend booking your must-do Tamarindo tours in advance, especially during busy travel periods. Some activities have limited daily capacity and popular dates can sell out. Booking ahead also gives you more options for departure times and transportation.
