Activities
There are truly a plethora of world-class activities to experience in the Tamarindo area. These include surfing,
deep-sea fishing, golfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, swimming, horseback riding, canopy
tours, turtle watching, whale-watching, kayaking, white-water rafting, mountain biking, and day trips to countless
locations, including Costa Rica's famous national parks and preserves. There is also a great beach for some 'R &
R', and a happening nightlife after the sun goes down, including live music, dancing and a couple of casinos.
There is a large choice of great restaurants (over 40), all in close proximity, as well as great shopping.
Surfing
Tamarindo has long been known as a surfing destination, with countless breaks (both left and right), all close by.
Right on Tamarindo's main beach, there is a yearlong beach break (over shallow, soft sand), suitable for any
level. There is also a famous river mouth break at the north end of the beach. Across this small river (walkable at
low tide) is Playa Grande, another world famous beach break, said to be the most consistent in Costa Rica. At the
south end of Playa Tamarindo is Playa Langosta, with its more-challenging point and river mouth breaks. Nearby
are Playa Avellano and Playa Negra (amongst others), also very well known. There are also a number of boat
access offshore reef breaks, accessible from Tamarindo. Regular trips also leave from Tamarindo to Witches
Rock, yet another world famous surf spot. Inexpensive gear rental is available, just steps from the condo, as well
as several surf camps and schools, ideal for families and individuals. There is no better a place than Tamarindo
to learn this fun and exciting sport.
Deep-Sea Fishing
There may be no better spot on earth, which gives the angler such a great chance of catching big game such as
sailfish, marlin, tuna and mahi-mahi. Just 5 miles off the Tamarindo coast, these species are all startling prolific,
year-round. While there are no guarantees, this is about as close as it gets, as far as landing a sailfish or marlin.
Boats almost never return without having landed 1 or more. Typically, on a full-day trip, you will see numerous
sailfish (with several strikes), as well as other fish, and plentiful dolphin and sea turtles. For a nominal fee, a local
restaurant will prepare and serve your fresh catch, for the meal of your life! Trips can be booked through the
Internet, or easily on the spot once you've arrived.
National Parks and Preserves
Eco-tourism has long been the mainstay of the Costa Rica tourist trade, with its world famous array of national
parks and preserves (see the map on the MAPS page). Many of them are in close proximity to Tamarindo,
including Santa Rosa N.P., Palo Verde N.P., Las Baulas (and Playa Grande) N.P., Rincon de la Vieja N.P., Cabo
Blanco Preserve and others. Most of the others, including Monteverde Preserve, Manuel Antonio N.P. and Arenal
Volcano N.P. can be reached easily by bus, rental car, or by organized day-trips.
Turtle-Watching
The Tamarindo area has long been THE premier destination, for observing sea turtle nesting. Playa Grande is
the prime nesting ground for giant leatherback turtles (1000 pounds and more!). Night tours to watch this amazing
spectacle are easily arranged, during the months of October through February, when several of these giants
come ashore per night, especially around the new moon. During the months of July through November, tours can
be arranged to Playa Ostional, where olive ridley sea turtles nest in huge numbers (sometimes up to 6000 nesting
females on one night!).
Golfing
The area is quickly becoming a golf destination. There are 2 championship golf courses within 20 minutes of
Tamarindo, and a third under renovation. There is an immaculate Robert Trent Jones designed course in Playa
Conchal, as well as the more modestly priced Hacienda Pinilla. Both offer full service, including carts and club
rentals. And, with iguanas on the fairways, and monkeys in the trees, it can be a golf 'experience', as much as a
golf round.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
This area of Costa Rica is its prime diving location. Snorkeling and diving trips are easily arranged to the Catalina
and Bat Islands, as well as many other sites. Many types of rays, including mantas, as well as prolific fish and
moray eels are seen. For the more serious diver, there is opportunity to see several types of sharks, including
white-tips, bulls, and the largest fish in the world - the 40-foot whale shark.
Beach Combing and Swimming
Playa Tamarindo is considered one of Costa Rica's best - a huge expanse of soft white sand. It slopes gently into
the sea, and it's possible to wade out a long way on a smooth, soft bottom. The water is a warm 26-28 degrees
Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit), all year. This makes it perfect for swimming, bodysurfing, boogie boarding, and
more. Or, you can just lie on the beach and work on your tan. People watching is great fun, as you can observe
the tanned bodies of surfer girls and boys from all over the world stroll by.
Sunset Watching
While this may not sound like much of an 'activity', it is pretty much a ritual in Tamarindo, where people
congregate on the beach to watch, and photograph, this daily spectacle. Tamarindo is famous for its beautiful
sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, and chances are, day after day, you won't be disappointed.
Canopy Tours
Costa Rica is the place where this activity began, and numerous options for canopy tours are available in the
area. The thrill of launching oneself off a platform in a majestic guanacaste tree, into the wild green yonder can't
be beat.
Horseback Riding
This is a very popular activity in the area, and tours can be arranged, whether it is riding in the forest, through
farmlands or on the beach.
Estuary Tours
Boat or raft tours are an inexpensive and popular way to view some of the local flora and fauna, including
crocodiles, caimans, iguanas and monkeys. These tours begin at the 'river' mouth; just a few minutes walk from
the condo. The estuary itself is protected as a national park.
Cycling
Mountain biking is a popular way to see Tamarindo and the surrounding areas. Hourly, weekly and daily rentals
are available. Scooters are also available.
Casinos
There is a casino located just a couple of minutes walk from the condo, and another in nearby Playa Langosta.
Other Activities
Sunset sailing tours, a tennis club, ATV-Quad tours, whale-watching, kayaking, a day spa, yoga, pottery tours, an
art gallery and arts and crafts stores are just some of the other options available in the area.
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| For more information please call Ron 1-888-657-4942 or e mail: info @ rons realty group.com |
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