Tamarindo Las Baulas National Marine Park
Tamarindo is a town in the Guanacaste Province, on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. It’s known for beaches with strong surf, like Playa Tamarindo and Playa Langosta. To the north, Playa Grande beach is a major nesting site for huge leatherback turtles, and forms part of Las Baulas National Marine Park. The mangrove-lined estuary of Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge protects animals such as howler monkeys and crocodiles.
Picture a tropical paradise and you’re likely thinking of somewhere that resembles Tamarindo, which is situated in Costa Rica along the north Pacific Coast. While some of Costa Rica’s beautiful beaches might be difficult to access, Tamarindo has made its roads tourist-friendly, so that all visitors can experience the beauty of this Guanacaste beach town.
This destination is popular with tourists because of its modern development, like paved roads, but don’t worry about it being too crowded or too commercial.There are so many activities for all types of people, that you won’t see everyone heading to one place and causing overcrowding.
Of course, beaches can sometimes be crowded in Costa Rica, but you’ll be too busy soaking in the bright sunshine and splashing around in the stunning turquoise water to care about sharing the beach with other happy visitors and laid-back Ticos.
Tamarindo is easier to get to than ever before; with development that includes not only paved roads, but also a bridge over the river.
There are several options, depending on which airport you are coming from. You can get to Tamarindo in about four hours if you drive from the San Jose International Airport.
If you don’t have access to a vehicle, you can take a domestic flight from San Jose Airport right into Tamarindo’s own airport.
Flying is faster, of course, but driving can be an adventure that lets you experience the authentic countryside of Costa Rica. You can also fly into Liberia International Airport; it is even easier to reach Tamarindo through this route, in about 1 hour.
Tamarindo isn’t a great spot to visit just because of its development. It is also a wonderland of adventure and has the serenity of a tropical getaway. This is a destination for anyone that is traveling through Costa Rica, from newlyweds to families.
Water is obviously the main feature of many coastal locations in Costa Rica, and in Tamarindo it certainly takes center stage. Whether you are looking to get into the water, or just skim the top of it, there is something for all types of aquatic lovers.
Those looking to dive in the water can just head to the beach with a towel and have a day filled with fun swimming. Those that are more adventurous can rent scuba gear and spend the day exploring what is underneath the surface of the pristine water.
Costa Rica is known for its diverse animal life so be prepared to see some amazing creatures!
If you’re not looking to get down in the water, there is always surfing, kayaking, sailing, and sport fishing fun to be had.
Surfing is very popular on the shores of Tamarindo, and you can either get in on the fun, or just watch from the beach. This area is a good place for even novice surfers – the waves and the wind are known to be consistent, and aren’t too harsh, so those with only some experience should still be able to navigate the waters.
If you aren’t an experienced surfer, you can always just sign up for some surf lessons. Tamarindo would be an unforgettable spot to learn the basics of surfing. If you are more experienced, you can sign up to take a surf trip that is customized for you.
There are always lots of sailing and kayaking tours available for tourists too. Those looking to get on a boat to fish are in luck as well.
The offshore sport fishing in Tamarindo is known for its big pulls. The area is a hot spot for marlin, sailfish and many others.
While there is some amazing local food that may make you want to stay in and eat all day, or take a nap after a big meal, Costa Rica is a place where you have to get outdoors.
In Tamarindo, visitors have their choice of activity, from horseback riding, bicycling and rafting, to hiking and golfing. One of the most popular outdoor experiences in Tamarindo is the Marino Las Baulas National Park. Costa Rica is a country that believes in preserving the natural beauty of the land and protecting endangered animals, and this park does just that.
- Dock
- Drinking water
- Sanitation services (availability of health services for people with different abilities)
- Self-informative kiosk
- Tourism services such as food, accommodation, guides, transportation, telephone, internet and other that are offered privately in the
Las Baulas National Marine Park
Encompasses about 1,100 acres of beach and coast and over 54,400 maritime acres. It is named for the leatherback sea turtles (baulas) that return to lay their eggs each year at Grande Beach.
Just 30 minutes north of Tamarindo Beach, Grande Beach is a quieter beach known for the Leatherback Sea Turtles that come to lay their eggs. Between November and April, the largest of all living sea turtles dig meter-deep pits and bury their eggs before returning to the sea.
These giants (they can get to be 8 feet long and weigh over 1000 pounds!) can be observed at night as they visit the beach.
Tamarindo sailing & Snorkeling:
Our morning snorkeling tour is one of the best things to do in Tamarindo for families and kids. The tour includes an all-inclusive typical Costarican breakfast, snorkeling, SUP, & other water activities. Enjoy 3.5 hours our on the open water where you may see dolphins, sea turtles, whales & more! Don’t miss out on this amazing morning excursion.
Tamarindo Sunset Cruise:
Take a relaxing sunset sail from Tamarindo to a hidden beachSilently glide along Costa Rica’s Gold Coast while passing some of Guanacaste’s exotic bays, white sand beaches and tropical jungles.
ATV and UTV (Side by Side)
Tours are a total adventure from start to finish! You will ride an ATV or UTV through the Costa Rican jungle, down roads & trails, over mountains, through rivers and puddles (in the rainy season) and see visit beautiful beaches . You will see a wide range of livestock, wild animals like monkeys, armadillos, iguanas and many species of birds along the way. We offer a variety of different trips, including tours to Playa Conchal.All riders must wear a helmet and reflective safety strap.
Zip & Swing Through the Canyon
Receive a dose of adrenaline on our exclusive Canyon Canopy Tour – one of the best adventure tours in Guanacaste, Costa Rica!This one-of-a-kind Costa Rica zip line tour at Hacienda Guachipelin as you fly through the trees on zip lines, rappel, rock climb, swing like Tarzan, and cross hanging bridges over a narrow river canyon. It’s an incredible adrenaline rush! Your playground is the spectacular White River Canyon, formed by water erosion over millions of years.
Waterfall Canyoning Tour
Rappel and Rock Climb through a WaterfallAre you up for the challenge on this extreme adventure tour in Rincon de la Vieja in Guanacaste, Costa Rica? Feel your adrenaline pump as you participate in these exciting rappels in majestic waterfalls, ending with a cool dip in the pool for a refreshing swim.
Hours
Open Daily
Tamarindo is a city in the province of Guanacaste, on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It is known for its beaches with strong waves, such as Tamarindo and Langosta.
To the north, Playa Grande is an important nesting site for huge leatherback turtles and is part of the Las Baulas National Marine Park. The mangrove-lined estuary of the Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge protects animals such as howler monkeys and crocodiles.