Things to Do in Tamarindo

An outdoor market held twice a week with local handicrafts, produce, and street food stalls. Good place to buy souvenirs, fresh fruit, or a cheap snack.

🕐 Wednesdays and Saturdays 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

💡 Go on Saturday morning for the biggest selection. The ceviche and fresh coconut water are excellent value. Cash only.

Paddle through the mangrove channels of the Tamarindo estuary using a rented kayak or stand-up paddleboard. You can explore the quiet backwaters and spot birds, monkeys, and caimans without a tour guide.

🕐 Daylight hours only; best 6:00 AM–10:00 AM

💡 Rent a kayak from one of the beachfront shacks for around $10 per hour. Go at high tide for easier access to narrow channels. Avoid motorised boat tours — they're noisy and disturbance-prone.

The main beach stretching through town, good for swimming, surfing, and watching sunset. Public access at multiple points along the shore.

🕐 Always open

💡 Walk south at low tide to reach Playa Langosta or Playa Grande — you can cross the estuary mouth when the tide is out. Check tide charts online before heading out.

A coastal wildlife refuge with mangrove forests, estuaries, and beaches. Entry is free; you can hike trails or kayak the channels. Common sightings include howler monkeys, iguanas, and crocodiles.

🕐 Daily 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM

💡 Bring mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves if visiting early morning or late afternoon. The main trailhead is near the estuary mouth south of Playa Tamarindo.

A short uphill hike to a lookout point offering panoramic views of Tamarindo Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and surrounding forest. The trail is steep in parts and can be slippery.

🕐 Always open

💡 Go just before sunrise to avoid the heat and see the best light. Wear sturdy shoes and take water. The trailhead is near the end of Calle Cocos.