Tamarindo, Costa Rica
The main pursuit of the area is ... Surfing ...!
See: -> Tamarindo Surf Map and Description
Tamarindo Estuary of the Rio Matapalo
Beach hike North of Tamarindo: Walk north to the Tamarindo estuary where small boats take you over the Rio Matapalo to Playa Grande, a beautiful swathe of sand beach stretching for around 10 km.
Or make a guided tour by boat into the estuary of the Rio Matapalo. The salt water jungle is protected as the Tamarindo Wildlife Reserve. In the 1,500-acre maze of narrow waterway and small islands all five of Costa Rica's mangrove species are represented. The thickets give shelter to many species of birds and animals. Early hours are the best to see wildlife. While gliding through the waters you might spot crocodiles basking on a sand bank, or their pairs of watchful eyes peering out of the water.
Rio San Francisco on Playa Langosta
South of Tamarindo: Walk around the rocky headland of Tamarindo to Playa Langosta where you find tide pools
for bathing or watching small sea life trapped in the pools.
A little bit further you arrive at the estuary of the Rio San Francisco with its white-sand dunes.
During low tide you can wade through the river to get to the other side where you can walk down along the pristine beach to
Playa Avellanas and further on.
You can also rent kayaks to explore the mangrove estuary and admire the intricate water jungle with its many birds and monkeys.
Puca Shells in Tamarindo
Wandering along the beaches you will find many beautiful shells. The long, cone-shaped Puca shells are a specialty of the Tamarindo area. When collecting shells keep in mind, however, that Costa Rica's customs doesn't allow beach treasures to leave the country.
Several operators offer sport or simple fishing tours in the waters off Tamarindo. Game fish like sailfish, blue, black-striped marlin, dorado, tuna, roosterfish and wahoo can be fished throughout the year.
Snorkeling near Playa Conchal
Sunset cruises on a sailboat are among the most memorable experiences in Tamarindo. Sail off into the ocean in the afternoon; sometimes dolphins, turtles and even whales can be watched during the trip. From the boat you can take a plunge into the water and snorkel. There'll be cocktails and food and you return to Tamarindo with the golden sunset.
Snorkeling is most outstanding in the crystal clear waters in front of Playa Conchal, north of Tamarindo. A sea bottom made up of white coral sand gives a gorgeous turquoise color to the sea. If you are lucky you might spot turtles or manta rays under water.