27 businesses in Tamarindo
Tamarindo is the activity capital of Guanacaste's Gold Coast, with over 27 listed providers covering an extraordinary range of experiences driven by the ocean, jungle, and the town's commitment to outdoor living. Iguana Surf Camp and Witch's Rock Surf Camp are the most established surf schools, with decades of experience teaching beginners on Tamarindo's consistent beach break and running advanced trips to world-class nearby breaks like Witch's Rock and Ollie's Point. Beyond surfing, the activity menu extends to sport fishing, sunset catamaran cruises, ATV jungle tours, horseback riding on the beach, zip-lining through the Guanacaste dry forest canopy, and sea turtle nesting tours at nearby Playa Grande (October–February). Golf cart tours of the town and surroundings have become a popular gentle activity for visitors who want mobility without the full outdoor exertion. The scale and variety here far exceeds what you'd find in a smaller beach town — you could spend three weeks in Tamarindo and fill every day with something genuinely different.
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Browse extra-curricular activities listings on ExpatsList to find stores in Tamarindo that carry imported and international products. Grocery stores, specialty shops, and markets catering to expats are all included.
ExpatsList covers extra-curricular activities businesses in Tamarindo from tour agencies and bars to community groups and hobby shops. It's a great way to find things to do and meet other expats when you're new to the city.
Many cities have thriving expat communities. Check our extra-curricular activities section for social clubs, sports groups, and community spaces in Tamarindo where you can connect with other internationals and locals alike.
Witch's Rock and Ollie's Point — accessible only by boat from Tamarindo — are two of the best surf breaks in Central America and should be on the list for any surfer with more than beginner experience. Both Iguana and Witch's Rock Surf Camp run boat trips to these breaks that include a guide who knows the lineup. The one-hour boat ride through the Santa Rosa National Park coastline is stunning in itself.
Leatherback sea turtles nest at Playa Grande (a 20-minute drive from Tamarindo) from October through February, and guided nighttime viewing tours are among the most extraordinary wildlife experiences available in Costa Rica. Numbers are strictly controlled and permits are required — book through an authorized operator well in advance, as availability during peak nesting months is very limited.
Catamaran day tours departing from Tamarindo combine snorkeling, dolphin watching, swimming stops, and open bar in a single full-day package that delivers remarkable value and is consistently well-rated. Pacific Lounge and other operators run these along the Guanacaste coastline, and the offshore snorkeling spots access marine life not visible from the beach. It's one of the activities that most impresses first-time visitors.
