Are you looking for an unforgettable holiday experience that the whole family can enjoy? If so, New Years in Costa Rica has it all! From days spent lounging on pristine beaches to exploring the lush green landscape of tropical jungles, this classic winter getaway is sure to leave lasting memories. Located in the beautiful Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo offers an exciting mix of activities and attractions suitable for every age and personality. In this article, we will recommend things to do in Tamarindo, both in the water and on the shore. We’ll introduce you to local food and restaurants, list nearby beaches, and suggest tours to discover wildlife. Whether you’re looking for peace in a private beach villa or adventure at every turn, Tamarindo has something special for everyone. Join us and see why a Costa Rica family holiday & Tamarindo should be high on your bucket list!

Tamarindo is the ultimate beach town experience for anyone planning a Costa Rica family holiday. Located in the Guanacaste province, this vibrant destination features warm waters, spacious sandy shores, and a laid back atmosphere that’s sure to put you in vacation mode. Tamarindo offers lots of activities for families to enjoy, from surfing and snorkeling to ATV tours and chocolate tasting. The town also has a rich dining scene, with local and international cuisine to satisfy every craving. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Tamarindo is the perfect destination for your next family holiday.

Tamarindo Weather

Tamarindo has a warm and tropical climate all year round. With the average temperature hovering around 85 degrees (30°C), it’s the perfect place to escape cold winters and enjoy some sunshine. Starting at beginning of December, you can expect hot and dry conditions in the region until May.

Discover Scuba Diving

Join us for an unforgettable scuba adventure as we take you to Catalina Islands from Tamarindo on our Wonder Away boat. Explore diverse marine life, including colorful fish, graceful rays, white-tip reef sharks, and majestic turtles. Listen for the songs of whales, and if luck is on your side, catch a glimpse of playful dolphins! It’s a journey you won’t want to miss.

Michael and his team were amazing ! This was our first dive in Costa Rica and the very first dive for my 13yr son. The pre-dive training allowed us to get comfortable with the equipment and the morning of the dive we were suited up and guided to the boat. The care and attention given by the dive staff and crew was excellent. The dive spot at Las Catalinas island provided a great beginner training ground with lots of sea life including white tips reef sharks, and schools of fish. Looking forward to out next outing with the Wonder-away team. Thank you! – Brad

Sunset Catamaran – Open or Private tours

We offer both open charters and private, exclusive catamaran experiences tailored just for you. Enjoy a 4-course meal, open bar with special drinks, snorkeling, and visits to secret spots. Our open charters also include a buffet lunch, all served with good vibes and a friendly crew on board. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed group outing or a personalized adventure, we’ve got it covered! Morning tour are also available.

Learn How to Surf

Tamarindo’s gentle waves and warm waters make it the ideal spot for beginners and families to catch their first waves. Our experienced instructors will provide expert guidance, ensuring everyone can enjoy the thrill of riding the surf together, creating lasting memories along the beautiful Costa Rican coast.

Sunset Horseback Riding

Get on and enjoy the ride! Diego’s wonderfully trained horses are well mannered and perfect for all experience levels. You have the option of doing a mountain ride with elevated views of the rolling hills and ocean in the background or you can feel the wind on your back with the beach tour. Because of our hot and sunny afternoons, we do recommend either early in the morning or later in the afternoon for Tamarindo horseback riding.

My family and I had a great experience. Rita coordinated everything for us she is very insightful with other things going on in the area and we thought it was very nice of her to share other attractions or things to do in the area. The two men that guided us were very nice and ensured we were safe. We do not have experience on horses and we did just fine. The horses are well trained and cared for. I would highly recommend this tour. You also get some amazing photos from it. The views are spectacular you can’t beat it! – Andrea & Carlos

Chocolate Tasting

On the chocolate tasting we are working with a small local business run by a couple who roast their own cacao from 3 different farms and climates in Costa Rica. It’s a 15 minute drive from Tamarindo. They have a 2-hour long tour, where they will show you around the factory and you will taste the different kinds of chocolates they make. This is one of the best and only experiences in the area.

Rita organized a wonderful workshop experience with a local single source chocolate manufacturer, picked us up and dropped us off at our condo and was a very a lovely and knowledgeable tour guide. – Heather

Local Dishes

Tamarindo is also a hub for delicious local cuisine. From traditional rice and beans (gallo pinto) to fresh seafood, there’s something for every taste.

Try the local breakfast in Santa Rita Cafe. They also serve great coffee and a variety of smoothies made out of seasonal fruits. They are open every day from 8am to 3:30 pm. This place is also ideal for brunch and lunch. For lunch you might want to taste the Chifrijo: pork, rice & bean bowl with fresh avocado and pico de gallo.

Casado is typically served for lunch and consists of rice, beans, protein (chicken, beef or fish) and some type of salad. You can find it at El Vaquero Brewpub/ Witches Rock Surf Camp by the beach, or purchase it from street vendors who serve it from the trunks of their cars.

Ceviche is a fresh seafood dish made in citrus juice, and often includes onions, peppers and cilantro. Most of the restaurants will have it on their menu as a starter.

Tamales is a typical dish at Christmas time. It consists of a savory maiz-based dough (masa) filled with different ingredients such as chicken, pork or vegetables and then wrapped in banana leaves. You can find it on the Saturday Farmers Market in Tamarindo around the holiday season.

Celebrations

If you happen to find yourself in Tamarindo during the Christmas season, you’re definitely in for a treat! The festive spirit is alive and well, with locals celebrating with parades, fireworks, and street parties. So, pack your bags and head to Tamarindo for a taste of Costa Rican culture and a much-needed break from the cold.

Restaurants in Tamarindo

If you’re looking for a foodie paradise, you’ll definitely want to check out Tamarindo. There is a huge variety of restaurants here. Every Thursday night, there’s a food market – Tamarindo Moonlight Market – with live music. It is just perfect for enjoying some of the best dishes the country has to offer. And on Saturday mornings, there’s a farmer’s market where you can stock up on fresh fruits, vegetables, and organic food.

Read also: Tamarindo Restaurants

No trip to Tamarindo is complete without exploring the beautiful beaches around. Get ready to be mesmerized by the breathtaking views and pristine waters. We strongly recommend you to discover some of the beaches in northern Guanacaste. They are absolutely amazing and ideal for a family beach day.

Beach Recommendations from Tamarindo (North)

Playa Mina for a hidden gem. It’s very secluded, so make sure to pack your coolers with fruits, snacks, and drinks. The road can also be tricky, so we recommend using a 4×4 vehicle.

Playa Conchal for white sandy shores and turquoise waters. In 2023 it was earning its place among the best beaches in the world. This beach has a lively atmosphere, and you can access it through Playa Brasilito or, if you have a reservation at Reserva Conchal.

Playa Flamingo for a beachfront sunset dinner. It also has a nice marina, several hidden beach access points, and viewpoints where you can hike up to during the day.

Playa Penca or Playa Prieta for a more quiet beach day. Accessible through Portrero, where you will also find a very nice Italian restaurant and a gelateria if you would like to treat yourselves. Otherwise, don’t forget to pack your snacks. These beaches are beloved by the locals. Shade is limited.

Playa Dantita for a beachside trek, and the perfect sunset at Las Catalinas. Here you’ll find a Mediterranean-inspired village with colorful hillside houses.

Surf Beaches Near Tamarindo (South)

When heading south from Tamarindo, you’ll discover more expansive beaches. These beaches ideal for both family beach days and also have incredible surf breaks suitable for all levels. 30 minutes away from Tamarindo there is Playa Avellanas. During low tide, enjoy a scenic beach walk to Hacienda Pinilla or explore the estuary. Playa Negra and Playa Marbella are ideal for advanced surfers but also fun ones to hit for the day.

Read also: Guanacaste Beaches

Visit Rincón de la Vieja National Park

It is a maximum of 1.5 hour drive from Tamarindo. You can hike through lush rainforests, swim in natural hot springs, and even catch a glimpse of some of Costa Rica’s wildlife. And, of course, the highlight of any visit to Rincón de La Vieja is seeing one of the 5 active volcanoes of the country up close.

La Laona Waterfall is another must see just right by the National Park. On this hike you’ll walk through lush jungle and cross rivers on your way to the waterfalls.

New Year’s Eve in Tamarindo is an experience you’ll never forget. For the countdown and the fireworks, everyone heads to the beach where the vibes are electric and the atmosphere is festive. The whole country comes alive to celebrate, and the party goes on all night long.

You can expect to dance, drink, and make new friends from all over the world. On the beach fire shows are a regular occurrence, and there are also plenty of live music venues where you can enjoy a romantic dinner while listening to some of the best local musicians.

Tamarindo, Costa Rica is the perfect vacation spot for your family getaway. With its beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and exciting activities, you will find something to enjoy with every member of your family. So why wait? Start planning the Costa Rica family holiday of a lifetime today and book with us!

If you still need more convincing, take a glance at our Instagram.

& if you have any other questions, feel free to send us an email.