Costa Rica · TAMARINDO TOURS

The 15 Best Tamarindo Tours & Boat Trips

44 tours  ·  from $47

Tamarindo is a surf town with nesting beaches on either side of it. These 15 cover the lessons, the sunset sails, the estuary trips and the night turtle walks, priced, timed and clear about which run only in season.

Private Transfer Liberia Airport - What the ride is like on the road to Tamarindo
Private, Private Drivers, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews

Private Transfer Liberia Airport

1.Private Transfer Liberia Airport

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 227 reviews Our pick

Travel privately between Liberia Airport and your Tamarindo-area hotel with a driver such as Harnan, Rafael, Anthony, or Bianco. Your driver meets you with a name sign, provides a clean, air-conditioned vehicle, and may have cold water, soda, or beer ready. Expect about 45 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes, depending on your hotel and road conditions.

“Rafael was a kind and professional driver. Communication with the company was clear. I was pleased!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo - The ride from Tamarindo to the protected beach
Evening Experiences, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turtle Nesting Tours

Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo

2.Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 206 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $46Best value

Meet Native’s Way after sunset, then ride about 30 minutes to protected beaches near Playa Grande. Guides such as Ivan, Fabio, and Irving search for Green Pacific and Olive Ridley turtles, with a chance of hatchlings and rare Leatherbacks. Expect darkness, waiting, walking, and strict rules about light and noise.

“Honestly I wouldn’t do it again. We saw two turtle laying her eggs on the beach but there were so many people around, that I just had the feeling to stress the poor animals. Also three other turtles wanted to come to the beach but got scared by the people - so they turned around and got back to the ocean. Maybe it’s a unique experience to are allowed to see turtles laying eggs at the beach (for sure it is) but for me it was more the feeling to disturb an sensitive ecosystem. Went home with a not very nice feeling. Also there where people who turned on their…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Turtle Nesting Tour - Why this night on the beach feels different
Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turtle Nesting Tours

Turtle Nesting Tour

3.Turtle Nesting Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 132 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $65

Join guide Luis from Tamarindo at 5 p.m. for a 3 to 4-hour search for nesting and hatching sea turtles near Playa Mina. A rough drive and short walk lead to a dark, protected beach where you may see ridleys, green turtles, black turtles, or leatherbacks. Round-trip transport, water, snacks, and flashlights are included.

“Tour guide was intoxicated and his car had no license plates. He claimed it was broke down then wanted to get in our vehicle so we cancelled and never went on the tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

La Leona Waterfall Guided Tour+Transportation - Swimming, ropes, and the final approach
Guided, Shuttle Services, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waterfall Tours

La Leona Waterfall Guided Tour+Transportation

4.La Leona Waterfall Guided Tour+Transportation

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 124 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $140

Travel from Tamarindo to La Leona Waterfall with a guide such as Verny, Alberto, Nacho, or Mariana. Expect a two-hour hike through caves, river crossings, rocky canyons, swimming, rope-assisted climbs, and a refreshing waterfall pool. Transport is included, but lunch in Liberia costs extra.

“This was our second “chance of a lifetime” excellent excursion with Verny and On the Road Costa Rica. This company takes care of every detail from pick up to drop off. “No worries, Mommy, Verny will take care of that.” My kids said that more than once. And as a single mom traveling abroad, what more could you ask for. We felt safe to explore which makes the experience even more exciting!! We felt accomplished and proud, United helping one another experience the best waterfall adventure I’ve ever done. Verny embodies the meaning of Pura Vida showing such grace and gratitude for all living beings. Cheers to the best mango…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rio Celeste Waterfall Plus Sloths and wildlife Sanctuary - Following the forest path to Rio Celeste
Rio Celeste Tours, Sloth Tours, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours, Wildlife

Rio Celeste Waterfall Plus Sloths and wildlife Sanctuary

5.Rio Celeste Waterfall Plus Sloths and wildlife Sanctuary

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 110 reviews · 7 to 11 hours (approx.) · from $220

Leave Tamarindo at 6:30 a.m. for a private, air-conditioned ride to Rio Celeste and Tenorio National Park. Walk 2 to 3 hours to the blue waterfall, then visit Spring Paradise Bijagua Tours, where sloths are guaranteed, followed by lunch at Doña Carmen and its butterfly sanctuary. Guides may include Verny, Hernan, Allan, or Eric.

“Hernan was amazing. The tour was great! We got to see a baby sloth up close, which was worth the price of admission by itself!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Half-Day Snorkeling Experience in Tamarindo - Forty-five minutes across the Pacific
Half-Day, Snorkeling, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews

Half-Day Snorkeling Experience in Tamarindo

6.Half-Day Snorkeling Experience in Tamarindo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 108 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $95

Set out from Tamarindo at 6:40 am with guides such as Lily and Clara, then ride to the Catalina Archipelago for two guided snorkeling sessions. Expect roughly 45 minutes at sea each way, snacks and water, shared space with scuba guests, and a real chance of seeing rays, turtles, dolphins, whales, eels, and colorful fish.

“I've snorkeled a lot of places in Latin America and the Caribbean and this was my worst snorkeling experience. The water was extremely rough and was extremely cloudy- visibility was poor. The main focus is on the divers- snorkeling seemed like a second thought.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hiking Tour of La Leona Waterfall with Lunch - Why the guide makes such a difference
Hiking & Trekking, Lunch Experiences, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waterfall Tours

Hiking Tour of La Leona Waterfall with Lunch

7.Hiking Tour of La Leona Waterfall with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 106 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $79

Follow a shaded river trail through Rincon de la Vieja’s canyons with a private guide such as Jason, Dylan, Steven, or Noel. You’ll cross pools, scramble over rocks, use ropes, and swim the final stretch to La Leona Waterfall. Lunch, drinks, park fees, pickup, and a life jacket are included. Expect a real intermediate hike, not a gentle stroll.

“Our guide Jason was terrific. The hike was beautiful. The early water crossings were easy. The last rope swim/pull into the waterfall area was much more difficult. I would not recommend for people that are older and overweight. A couple in front of us struggled mightily and concerned for them. A lot of upper arm strength and good swimming ability is needed. Well worth it when you reach the falls”

Check availability →Read our full review

Blue Dolphin Catamaran Snorkeling Sunset Cruise from Tamarindo - What happens at Playa Huevo
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Evening Experiences, Sailing, Snorkeling, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews

Blue Dolphin Catamaran Snorkeling Sunset Cruise from Tamarindo

8.Blue Dolphin Catamaran Snorkeling Sunset Cruise from Tamarindo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 97 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $99

Spend about five hours aboard the Blue Dolphin catamaran from Tamarindo, sailing or motoring to Playa Huevo for swimming and snorkeling before sunset. Lunch, snacks, kayaks, snorkel gear, and an open bar are included. The friendly crew, including Carlos on some departures, keeps the mood lively, though the boat can feel crowded and the music is often loud.

“The sailing, swimming, and food were all super good! We sailed to a private area, dropped anchor and swam for an hour. After swimming we had a yummy lunch before heading back! The water is so blue and the staff is extremely friendly. Refilling your beverages right away! Highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Stellar 3 Day Surf Package - Why three days can be worth the $360 price
3-Day Experiences, Surf Lessons, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews

Stellar 3 Day Surf Package

9.Stellar 3 Day Surf Package

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 83 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $360

Spend three days learning to surf at Iguana Surf in Tamarindo. Your instructor assesses your level, adjusts each lesson, and helps you build confidence in the water. The package includes three 90-minute lessons, beach photographs, unlimited board rentals for one week, wax, bottled water, and an Iguana Surf T-shirt. Lessons suit beginners and can be scheduled around your plans.

“I had an awesome experience with Iguana! Edwin was my instructor and he was awesome and so helpful. Iguana also helped us book other excursions, which was a great help!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private tours and transfer Costa Rica - On the boat: birds, crocodiles, and monkeys
Private, Private Drivers, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Private tours and transfer Costa Rica

10.Private tours and transfer Costa Rica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 82 reviews · 1 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $150

From Tamarindo, Kike’s Tours takes you to the Tempisque River for a private morning outing. Expect about 90 minutes on the water watching for birds, crocodiles, monkeys, and other local species, followed by a meal cooked by a local family and a pottery demonstration. The full experience lasts about six hours and returns to Tamarindo.

“I tried to contact the tour operator for a week. The first time 6 days before, then 5 days before, and finally the day before and said if I didn’t hear back by noon I would have to cancel because he could not confirm details of the trip, or pick up and drop off. He never responded. When I reached out to Viator for help they couldn’t get a hold of him either. The operator never confirmed details of trip, pick up or drop off. And his phone number was out of service. Viator denied my refund request. I was told I would get a refund unless this operator could…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kayak to the Heart of the National Park - Leaving the kayaks for the forest walk
Canoes & Kayaks, National Parks, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews

Kayak to the Heart of the National Park

11.Kayak to the Heart of the National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 79 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $65

Paddle from Pangas Beach Club into Las Baulas National Marine Park, then leave your kayak for a guided forest walk and climb to an indigenous archaeological site. Guides Luis and Tom point out birds, monkeys, crocodiles, trees, and local history. Bring extra water, mosquito spray, and sturdy walking shoes.

“The experience was okay. My girlfriend and I picked it based on other positive reviews on Viator. The guide didn't really say anything to us for the first hour of kayaking (or on the return trip, and in fact, it felt like a race to keep up with him. Also, my girlfriend and I brought some water, but not too much, since the ad and the confirmation email said the guide would bring some. Although he did have a 1.5 liter bottle, we asked for some of it 2 hours in (after 1.5 hrs of kayaking in 100 degrees and 30 minutes hiking in the jungle), and he then poured…”

Check availability →Read our full review

PRIVATE Buena Vista: Zip line, Horseback, Hot Springs + Lunch - Eight zip lines through the forest
Horses, Lunch Experiences, Private, Spa & Hot Springs, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews, Zip Lines

PRIVATE Buena Vista: Zip line, Horseback, Hot Springs + Lunch

12.PRIVATE Buena Vista: Zip line, Horseback, Hot Springs + Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $275

Spend about nine hours at Buena Vista with your own guide and group. Ride horses, zip through forest canopy, try the water slide, sample local coffee and snacks, then relax in hot springs before lunch. Guides such as Eugenio and Elial are praised for keeping families comfortable, safe, and on schedule.

“It was a very enjoyable day!!! Roy and the crew were knowledgeable, humorous, professional, and very courteous. We had two in our party that were a little nervous about zip lining, but the crew did great with them! The cultural demos were well done and informative. Our lunch was surprisingly good! All and all we had a blast!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Coffee & Chocolate Tour+Sloths Park & Llanos de Cortez Waterfall - Spring Paradise and the rainforest walk
Chocolate Tours, Coffee Experiences, Sloth Tours, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waterfall Tours

Coffee & Chocolate Tour+Sloths Park & Llanos de Cortez Waterfall

13.Coffee & Chocolate Tour+Sloths Park & Llanos de Cortez Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 74 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $210

Start at 6:30 a.m. from Tamarindo for a private drive to Bijagua. With guides such as Dayro, Fernando, Dido, and Anthony, you’ll walk a rainforest trail, look for sloths and frogs, make coffee and chocolate, eat a traditional lunch, and swim at Llanos de Cortez Waterfall.

“This tour was a fun and enjoyable experience! We learn a lot about how the coffee is grown and harvested. The tasting experience was great. Highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

La Leona waterfall Cliffjumping White water Tubbing PrivateTour - Reaching La Leona through rocks, ropes, and caves
Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours, Whitewater Rafting

La Leona waterfall Cliffjumping White water Tubbing PrivateTour

14.La Leona waterfall Cliffjumping White water Tubbing PrivateTour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · 7 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $260

Set out from Huacas with a private guide and driver for cliff-jumping in Curubandé, a rope-and-ladder hike to La Leona Waterfall, and white-water tubing on the Colorado River. Guides such as Paul, Sebastian, Alberto, and Juan Carlos are praised for helpful coaching, photos, and local stories. Closed-toe shoes and good fitness are essential.

“This is quite an adventure. Sebastian met us at our hotel and drove us to the sights. He was very knowledgeable, spoke English very well and keeps things fun. We were too chicken to do the cliff jumping but the waterfall was gorgeous and tubing was a thrill. Bring good shoes you can get dirty and be prepared for a workout. A hard days work ends with Casado and a beer.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Surf Lesson in Tamarindo: Private and Group - Choosing between private and group instruction
Private, Surf Lessons, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Surf Lesson in Tamarindo: Private and Group

15.Surf Lesson in Tamarindo: Private and Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $70

Meet Blue Wave Surf & Tours on Tamarindo Beach for a two-hour lesson with instructors such as Andric, Jonathan, Johnny, and Paulo. You get a board, land practice, water coaching, and instruction matched to your level. Private lessons suit families, children, first-timers, and surfers ready for a shorter board.

“Excellent surf lessons for our teen sons.. they had 3 lessons with Jonathan.. he took them from being beginners to standing up in no time.. by day 3 they had progressed on to shorter boards and catching lots of waves.. Jonathan was friendly, fun and an excellent teacher. Andric who runs the surf school was also very friendly and let me sit on their sun loungers to watch the lessons.. and looked after our stuff so I could swim in the ocean and take photos! Boys were given a coconut to drink at the end of each lesson. Totally recommend this company.. thank you Blue Wave surf!”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Tamarindo Tours

★ 5.0Vandara Hot Springs & Horses+ Zipline+ sugarmill+ waterslideFrom $17012 reviews
★ 4.5Traditional Cooking Class In TamarindoFrom $9949 reviews
★ 5.0Surfing Lesson in TamarindoFrom $7539 reviews
★ 4.52-Hour Private or Group Surf Lesson in Tamarindo!From $5046 reviews
★ 5.0Sloths in their natural habitat & Blue river waterfallFrom $19532 reviews
★ 4.5Rio Celeste, Tenorio Hike, Sloths Sanctuary & MealFrom $17048 reviews
★ 5.0ATV and Zipline Combo Tour from Tamarindo or Conchal or Riu HotelFrom $13047 reviews
★ 5.0Private Transfer Tamarindo Beach to/from Liberia Airport51 reviews
★ 5.0Airport Transportation: San Jose Airport7 reviews
★ 4.5PRIVATE Palo Verde Boat Safari: Wildlife + Lunch IncludedFrom $19046 reviews
★ 5.0Miravalles Volcano: Sloth’s Park, Hanging Bridges & Hot Springs.From $2057 reviews
★ 5.0SSI Open Water Diver CourseFrom $70540 reviews
★ 5.0MEGA COMBO: 8 activities in 1 day, including natural hot springsFrom $21542 reviews
★ 5.0Private catamaran sailing sunset tour & snorkeling from TamarindoFrom $1,16633 reviews
★ 5.0Full Day Adventure TourFrom $22522 reviews

Keep browsing

Waterfall Tours50Hanging Bridges Tours18Zip Lines23Night Walks25National Parks22Spa & Hot Springs16
Scroll to Top

Explore Costa Rica

Pick a volcano, a canopy or a coast.

Fire and water

WaterfallsArenal VolcanoCrater VolcanoesRío CelesteHot Springs

In the forest

Hanging BridgesNight WalksSloth WalksCloud ForestBirdwatching

On the water

Boat DaysSnorkellingRaftingRiver TubingKayak Trips

Coast and town

Surf LessonsCoffee ToursChocolateWalking ToursCity Tours