Tamarindo Costa Rica — things to do
in and around the area.
Tamarindo offers some pretty great local things to do
including a national wildlife refuge, the nearby Marine Turtle National Park where the turtles come ashore en mass
to lay eggs, and reasonably priced lodging.
Playa Grande is a major
surf beach but is also a beach where leatherback turtles
come to lay their eggs. Playa Grande National Park is a part of the
Marino Las Baulas National Park. Baula is the Spanish
word for leatherback,
hence the park's name.
The nesting season is long and lasts from August to
February, so if travelers are lucky, it's possible to spot a
leatherback crawling on the beach. This nearly extinct
species of turtle is quickly disappearing and, as a result,
access to the beach at night is limited. Please note that
it's important not to take pictures of the leatherback with
a flash. Lights, including the flash from a camera,
impacts a turtle's reproduction.
Turtle watching is possible through the national park office at
the northern entrance to Playa Grande. Reservations can be
made up to 7 days in advance.
Playa Grande is
rated as one of the best surf spots in Costa Rica and has
perfect left and right breaks.
Although some professional travelers might beat Tamarindo
up for its recent change from laid-back hippie hang out to
hoppin' hot travel destination, the growth has made Tamarindo more
interesting and there's a lot more to do.
Some of Tamarindo and area travel activities include:
Playa Langosta is near Tamarindo Costa Rica
Immediately south of Tamarindo, is Playa Langosta,
which is a good surf spot that offers a quieter more
relaxed scene. In Playa Langosta, there are services such
as bed and breakfasts.
