Costa Rica – Tamarindo Beach and River Boat Ride

Introduction:

What? :

For our last day in Costa Rica, we went for a day to Tamarindo beach.

This is a vibrant fun beach to visit and spend the day at, many tourists, restaurants, coffee shops and bars.

 

We also took a boat ride for 2 hours to the mangroves in the Estero Tamarindo River.

 

Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. It’s known for beaches with strong surf, like Playa Tamarindo and Playa Langosta. To the north, Playa Grande beach is a major nesting site for huge leatherback turtles, and forms part of Las Baulas National Marine Park. The mangrove-lined estuary of Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge protects animals such as howler monkeys and crocodiles.

 

Other Costa Rica Blogs I wrote:

• Costa Rica – How to Plan your Visit and Tips
• Costa Rica – Poas Volcano
• Costa Rica – La Paz Waterfall
• Costa Rica – Starbucks Coffee Farm
• Costa Rica – The Crocodile Bridge
• Costa Rica – Sunset near the town of Jaco
• Costa Rica – Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio National Park
• Costa Rica – Manuel Antonio Biesanz Beach
• Costa Rica – Manuel Antonio Hotel
• Costa Rica – La Fortuna and Arenal Visit Planning
• Costa Rica – La Fortuna Arenal Mistico Hanging Bridges Park
• Costa Rica – Arenal Volcano View and Lava Trails (1968 Trail)
• Costa Rica – La Fortuna Waterfall
• Costa Rica – Hotel at Nicoya Peninsula Pacific coastline
• 
  

Where? :

The touristic town of Tamarindo is located Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, 80 km southwest of Liberia.

Google Map Link

 

 

When? :

Year round.

December to April is the dry season at Costa Rica and I recommend visiting the state when there is less chance for rain.

It’s also the most popular time to visit, so expect more tourists and crowds. Book things you know like hotel, park entries, rental car as far ahead as you can. 

When traveling to Costa Rica you should always be prepared for some showers no matter what time of year you are visiting.

 

 

Due note 1: There are many restaurants right on the beach road.

 

 

My thoughts:

This was a fun day at the beach as well as a 2-hours river boat tour into the mangrove. We saw crocodile up close and few birds of prey but other than that it was not over impressive.

We stayed here all the way up to sunset and only then we drove back to our hotel (1.5-hours’ drive back).

 

 

River Boat Ride:

When we arrive the beach, we walk north to check the mouth of Estero Tamarindo River.

There are few boats waiting there for passengers that want to cross the river to the other side. They offer us to do a boat tour up the river and into the mangrove section.

Official river tour Tamarindo Estuary Boat Tour offces and starting point is near the main road and can be book online, see:

https://www.nativeswaycostarica.com/tour-item/tamarindo-estuary-boat-tour/

 

This was a two-hour tour that is getting up the river, at the beginning the river is wide but after about 2 km the river has narrow winding paths going through the mangroves.

We saw one crocodile resting in the mangroves and few birds.

This was not the official tour we paid 80 USD for 4 people.

 

Overall, although not so much exiting because we did not saw many animals this was fun activity.

 

 

Additional Pictures: