Great outdoor activities in Tamarindo

Tamarindo is one of the most popular and beautiful swimming beaches in Costa Rica. Ideal for surfing (beginner-friendly spots), stand up paddling, swimming, kayaking, boogie-boarding and snorkeling. Due to the fact that Tamarindo Bay has some of the most tranquil currents on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica it is considered one of the safest beaches for enjoying water sports.

WALKING / JOGGING

Walking along Tamarindo beach is beautiful, and during low tide you can also walk south to Langosta Beach.
Directly in front of the hotel, 4 kilometers of beautiful sandy beach invites you to enjoy nice walks or runs. 

SWIMMING

With the ocean in front of your doorstep, you are privileged to enjoy the warm waters all year round while observing the pelicans close up and the gentle sway of the boats from far away in one of the most beautiful and safe swimming beaches this country has to offer.

SNORKELING

One of the nicest spots to snorkel in Tamarindo is around the Capitán Island, which you can reach by swimming, kayaking, or with a stand-up paddle board.
Depending on the tides, the weather conditions and your swim/kayak/SUP level, it may take you between 20 – 40 minutes to get to the island from the beach in front of Capitán Suizo.

SURFING & BOOGIE BOARDING

The beach offers opportunities for surfers of all levels to enjoy the great waves that bless this part of the world. Right in front of the hotel is a perfect spot for beginners. 
Take your own surfboard or rent one directly at the hotel. And if you prefer boogie boarding, you can find complementary boogie boards at our concierge.
Tamarindo is also an ideal place for learning how to surf. Whether you are new to the sport or not, our experienced surf instructor will guide you through the basics of this fun and exciting sport and before you know it, you will be riding the waves.

KAYAKING & STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING


You can explore the Capitán island, the Tamarindo Bay or the Tamarindo estuary paddling your own kayak or SUP board.
In the Tamarindo estuary you can observe wildlife including wading birds, monkeys, crocodiles and the ecosystem of the mangrove forest.

Compiled by Milena Re
Marketing Assistant – Hotel Capitán Suizo
April 28th, 2022

4 beaches near Tamarindo

Playa Langosta

Playa Langosta is located just south of Tamarindo and is within walking distance from Capitán Suizo.
Langosta has a different vibe then Tamarindo, it’s more residential, more private, and “fancier” then its neighbour. Small bed & breakfasts, condos and rental homes can be spotted from the shore.
It is a locally well-known area and an excellent beach for those looking for a quieter atmosphere. 

It’s perfect for long walks, watching the sunset, sunbathing and for the many tide pools.
It’s also pretty famous amongst more experienced surfers, with left and right breaks. 
Currents can be strong, and swimming is not recommended everywhere.
There are some sandy and some rocky parts and just after Occidental Tamarindo there is an estuary. 

Playa Langosta is a nice place, within walking distance from the Hotel, for a change of scenery, so go check it out!

Playa Grande

Playa Grande is located just north of Tamarindo and is part of the Marino Las Baulas National Park.
It is a quiet, laid back place, with a few restaurants, hotels, small supermarkets and some surf shops along the main street.
Playa Grande is a long stretch of brown sand beach, pearly blue waters and almost no trees and is known for its excellent surfing conditions. It is the ideal destination for surfers who find Tamarindo a bit too crowded. The waves are accessible to surfers of all levels and the surf breaks are consistent and moderate.
As the currents can be quite strong, swimming can be challenging, so be careful.

The beach is open to the public, but remains a highly protected area because it is considered to be the most important nesting site of the Leatherback turtles.
Leatherback turtles, also called Las Baulas, are one of the largest marine reptiles and can weigh up to 700 kg!
The area was named a National Park in 1990 and since then, with big conservation efforts, the numbers of one of most endangered sea turtles begun to rise. 

If you want to know more about the majestic Baulas or if you would like to organize a tour to Playa Grande, please ask our concierge Rosa, she can give you more information.

Playa Avellanas

Playa Avellanas is only 10 km, a 30 minute drive, from Tamarindo, and offers tan sand, turquoise waters and world-class waves.
It’s one of the best beaches for surfing in Guanacaste.
The swells are spectacular throughout the year, coming from both the northern and southern hemisphere.
Because of the strong currents, swimming is not recommended. But walking, sunbathing, relaxing in the shade of one of the many trees, reading a book or having lunch at Lola’s can be great alternatives! 

Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal is located 2 km from Playa Brasilito and around 20 km from Tamarindo.
The name Conchal (from the Spanish word “concha” which means shell) comes from its typical sand, which is composed of millions of tiny crushed shells.
It has some of the clearest waters in Guanacaste, and swimming and snorkelling are great activities!
Other water sports are offered here as well, like deep seas fishing or scuba diving.

Compiled by Milena Re
Marketing Assistant – Hotel Capitán Suizo
November 29th, 2021