Best Things to do in Tamarindo During Dry Season

Happy December and Happy Dry Season! Now that we are about a month into the dry season here in Costa Rica, it is starting to get hotter and staying near the water is a necessity. Luckily, there are a huge variety of tours and activities centered around the water so that you can have a blast without feeling too hot. What better way to enjoy the holidays in Costa Rica than trying some new activities with your friends and family? Read on for the best things to do in Tamarindo during this time of year!

Surfing in Tamarindo

A dive in the ocean is the ultimate way to cool down, so why not take a board with you while you’re at it? Of course, surfing is at the top of the list of things you have to try when visiting Costa Rica. The Tamarindo surf is especially well known because of the perfect calm waves and close proximity to everything going on in the town of Tamarindo. Check out Tamarindo surf school Iguana Surf. A lesson is a perfect way to dip your toes in if you have not done much (or any!) surfing before. Lessons are at 9 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm daily, so you can easily schedule them around other activities you might have going on. If you came to Costa Rica already knowing how to surf, there are great opportunities for you to catch some waves as well. The break is often great for all levels right in town, but if you are looking for something a little bigger, nearby beaches like Playa Grande or Playa Avellanas are awesome to check out. You could even organize a trip with Iguana Surf so that you could bring an instructor to surf with you to tell you more about the breaks and the area and make a whole day of it! Board rentals are super affordable with Iguana Surf, so if you don’t want to take a scheduled lesson that is a great option to be able to take a board out wherever you want and catch some waves. Surfing is the ultimate way to stay cool, get some exercise, and work on an awesome skill all at once! 

Tamarindo Sunset Catamaran Cruise

What is better than sitting on a gorgeous catamaran, drink in hand, watching the sunset? Pretty much nothing. On this tour, you will set sail from Tamarindo in the early afternoon and head towards a nearby beach and cove area. Once you arrive, the boat will anchor so you can jump off, swim, and snorkel to your heart’s content. Noodles for floating, snorkeling masks and fins, and paddleboards are all available to use! Once you’re nice and cool and ready for a break, take in some rays on the deck and enjoy the delicious lunch the crew will be serving up. BBQ chicken, rice and beans, fresh fruit, chips, cookies, and more will be there waiting for you. And of course, it is an open bar all day! As it gets close to sunset it will be time to pack up and cruise back to town, as you take in the incredible sunset from the water. There is truly no nicer way to end the day! This boat is fun for all ages, a great way to stay cool, and also an easy way to see a little more of the surrounding area nearby Tamarindo. 

Tamarindo Snorkeling 

The Pacific Ocean off the coast of Costa Rica is an absolutely gorgeous place to try snorkeling or scuba diving. The water is the perfect temperature to swim in all day, and it is teeming with interesting wildlife that is hard to find in other parts of the world. For the snorkeling tour, you will take a gorgeous boat ride about 40 minutes from the little beach in Brasilito out to the Catalina Islands, where the water is crystal clear and the rocks formations attract all sorts of sea life. Brasilito is just about 25 minutes from Tamarindo, and all of the transportation is included! You will snorkel two different times, each for about half an hour, in two different spots. You will be awestruck by the incredible world that is just below the surface, so unexplored by humans. You will then be able to enjoy some light snacks back on the boat before heading back and arriving in Tamarindo again in the early afternoon. 

Scuba Diving 

Snorkeling is the perfect way to dip your toes into life under the sea, but if you want to take it to the next level, a dive is an awesome way to go. There are both discover dives for those who have never dived before or options for folks who already have their certification. With a discover dive, you will start in the pool learning about the techniques and then head out to the ocean on the same boat as the snorkelers. For those already certified, you will just be able to go straight out! Or if you have a couple of free days, you can even get your certification! No matter the route you choose, getting in the water and seeing what it has to offer is an incredible experience and one you are sure to never forget. 

Tamarindo Beach Day 

Nothing is better than a day at the beach. And the best part is that it is free! A swim in the ocean is about as refreshing as it gets, so plan an afternoon to just relax on the beach with no agenda to really soak up what Tamarindo has to offer. Bring some towels, or you can also rent out beach chairs with umbrellas for the day for about $10. That way you have a little shade to protect you from the strong sun close to the equator! Stock up on some snacks and bring a few cold beers to really make it the perfect afternoon. If you need more, there are always people walking along the beach with coolers selling cold water and drinks so you don’t even need to leave your lounge chair for a refill. Does that sound like paradise or what? You should also try a cold pipa (coconut) or maybe even a coco loco… (coconut with alcohol and juice added). Kick around a soccer ball, read a good book, or bring a portable speaker for some music! And whenever you feel a little warm, just dive into the waves to feel refreshed and new. Make sure you stay until sunset because it is bound to be breathtaking. 

The good news is that there are tons of fun ways to stay cool on your Tamarindo vacation. There might even be too many options to choose from but enjoy our recommendations for the best things to do in Tamarindo! For any questions or more detailed information on all of the best dry season tours, check out our website at www.iguanasurf.net. Get ready for the vacation of a lifetime!