GUANACASTE COAST
Things to Do in Tamarindo, Flamingo, and Guanacaste
Real operators, real prices, honest recommendations. Every business listed here has been vetted by our team on the ground.
Fishing Charters
The Guanacaste coast is world-class for sport fishing. Sailfish, marlin, tuna, roosterfish, and dorado year-round. These are the captains we’d put our own friends on.
Read our complete fishing guide →
Flamingo Sportfishing
Est. 1982Offshore and inshore. 4-boat fleet out of Flamingo Marina. Flagship “Guerrero del Mar” is a 32′ Blackfin with twin 315 HP Cummins.
Bushwacker Charters
Capt. EmilioCaptain Emilio has fished since 1990, formerly out of South Padre Island. 3/4 day and full-day offshore, half-day inshore. Blue marlin, sailfish, dorado, tuna, roosterfish.
Gamefisher II
Tournament WinnerCaptain Junior Bustos runs a 31′ Palm Beach sport fisher with twin Volvo turbos. Highest tournament win record out of Flamingo Marina. First mate Diego is bilingual.
Next Level Sport Fishing
Kid-FriendlyCaptains Carlos and Jose with first mate Randy. Offshore and inshore out of Flamingo. Good with families and first-time anglers. License, food, and snacks included.
Tours and Activities
Sunset cruises, ziplines, horseback riding, ATVs, diving. These are the operators we’ve used ourselves or sent friends to.
Lazy Lizard Sailing
Sunset Cruise38′ catamaran out of Flamingo since 2002. 4-hour tours with snorkeling, kayaking, unlimited drinks, fruits, meal, and hotel transport included.
Marlin del Rey
CatamaranPurpose-built catamarans from Tamarindo and Flamingo. Snorkeling stop, full lunch, premium open bar. Morning and sunset departures. Private charters available.
Congo Trail Canopy Tour
Zipline11 cables, 14 platforms, 2 hanging bridges. 15 min north of Tamarindo. Original or Extreme tour (Tarzan Swing, Superman cable). Also offers ATV and horseback.
Rocket Frog Divers
PADI 5-StarPADI 5 Star IDC center in Flamingo. Catalina Islands, Bat Islands, Gulf of Papagayo. Nitrox included on all dives. Discover Scuba to full certifications.
Flamingo Adventures
Horseback2-hour horseback ride on Playa Conchal beach and trails through dry tropical forest. Also offers snorkeling, catamaran, and ATV tours.
ATV Tamarindo
ATV ToursATV and UTV through tropical forest, river crossings, and beaches. Departures at 9am, 12pm, and 3pm from near Langosta Beach in Tamarindo.
Golf Cart Rentals
The best way to get around the beach towns. Street legal on secondary roads. Most deliver right to your rental.
Read our full transportation guide →
Blue Zone Carts
FlamingoFree delivery and pickup in Flamingo, Potrero, Brasilito, and Conchal. Includes charger, basic insurance, roadside assistance, and local map. $200 refundable deposit.
Rent Me Tamarindo
TamarindoDelivers to Tamarindo, Langosta, Playa Grande, Flamingo, Pinilla, Conchal, and Avellanas. Modern carts, responsive on WhatsApp.
LandShark Carts
App-BasedModern electric carts with Scan-and-Go app. Hourly, half-day, full-day, and weekly. Hotel and condo delivery in Tamarindo, Flamingo, Playa del Coco, and Potrero.
Surf Schools
Tamarindo is one of the best places in Central America to learn to surf. Warm water, sandy bottom, consistent waves.
Read our beginner surf guide →
Iguana Surf
Since 1989Right on Tamarindo Beach. 2-hour lessons at 8am, 10am, 1pm, 3pm. Max 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio. The original Tamarindo surf school.
Pura Vida Surf School
Budget-FriendlySteps from Tamarindo Beach. ISA-certified bilingual instructors. Beginners, intermediates, families, kids 6+. All equipment included.
Airport Shuttles
Liberia airport (LIR) to the beach towns. Book at least 24 hours ahead during peak season.
Tropical Tours Shuttles
Shared and private shuttles from LIR to all beach towns. Reliable, on-time, air-conditioned.
Native’s Way Costa Rica
Full-service agency in Tamarindo. Shuttles, tours, surf, fishing, custom packages. One-stop booking for everything.