Kayak in the estuary
Just a short walk down the beach from Sueño del Mar is the San Francisco Estuary. Book a two hour tour with a naturalist guide from the local aquatic adventure center, who will lead you into the estuary one hour before the high tide and return about one hour after the high tide. Experience the mangrove forest, as you meander through the salt-water river, gliding silently through the shade of the trees.
The fishing is excellent!
Tamarindo Bay is a Mecca for surfers and blue water sport fishermen. Sailfish, mahi-mahi, yellow tuna and marlin are abundant. We can arrange your fishing trip; anything from a few hours in a small boat operated by a knowledgeable skipper to a luxurious fully equipped boat.
Giant Leatherback Turtles Nest on nearby Playa Grande!
From October to March (especially from November to January) visit the Baula National Parkon the Matapalo River estuary, just minutes north of Tamarindo village. The guides will take you on an unforgettable tour to watch the giant (800 to 1,000 + pounds) leatherback turtles lay their eggs at night on Playa Grande.
Estuary Tour/Jungle Boat Ride
Also at the BaulaNational Parkyou can take a two-hour, guided estuary tour. Most of the land portion of the park is mangrove swamp, containing all six of the mangrove species found in Costa Rica. While touring you may see iguanas, caimans and crocodiles and many bird species, including the roseate spoonbill, or perhaps howler monkeys, coatis, otters, and many varieties of crabs.
Scuba Diving
Experience the diversity of marine life; choose from nearby several diving sites. The Catalina Islands have a large population of whitetip reef sharks and mantas. Around BatIslandenjoy friendly Pacific bull sharks. Lots of options at Agua Rica our local Dive Shop.
Horseback Riding
See the Guanacaste countryside from horseback. Ride down paths inaccessible to motor vehicles where you'll see (and hear!) howler monkeys, iguanas, and a variety of birds. Perhaps you'll pass a pair of yoked oxen. Gallop along the wide, open beach. We'll arrange your trip for you, according to your ability.
Golfing
There are three golf courses located near Sueño del Mar. Play the new, Ron Garl designed, 18 hole championship golf course near Playa Grande, just a few minutes' drive from Tamarindo. Or try Hacienda Pinilla, a championship golf course designed by course architect Mike Young. It was designed to blend harmoniously with its surroundings, keeping the environmental impact to a minimum, without sacrificing the pleasures or challenges of a professional golf course.
EASY DAY TRIPS FROM SUENO DEL MAR
Canopy Tour
The Kazm Cañon Tour shouldn't be missed if you love adventure! Located in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, 40 minutes from Liberia, the Kazm Cañon tour was created by high-wire tour experts - The Original Canopy Tour, which has an impeccable safety record.
On the trip from Tamarindo you'll travel through the Cordillera de Guanacaste and will enjoy the mountain views and the small villages you'll pass. Soon after you arrive you will be suspended 70 feet in the air, riding cables between suspended platforms over one of the principal rivers of the region. You'll also climb rock walls and fly on the "Tarzan Swing". No climbing experience is necessary to enjoy this amazing canyon exploration.
Hot Springs, Waterfall and Horseback Riding
Major volcanic activity occurred many times in the late 1960's in the Rincon del la Vieja Park, but now the volcano is only gently active and does not present any danger. There are fumaroles and boiling mud pools, steam vents and warm springs to explore. You can enjoy the therapeutic properties of the famous mineral mud and the warm water while visiting this area. A guide will lead you on a short hike by foot or horseback; we suggest an unforgettable a swim in the natural swimming pool at the base of a beautiful waterfall.
Pottery in Guaitil
This small pottery-making village is an easy trip from Tamarindo, less than an hour away. It is one of Costa Rica's best centers for native ceramic handicrafts, where you can see people making pots outside their houses. The pots are made from local clay and the artisans use only natural colors in the pre-Columbian Chorotega Indian style. It is interesting to watch the potters at work, using only ancient techniques. The pots and plates come in a variety of shapes and sizes; many of the huge pots decorating Costa Rican hotels and homes come from Guaitil.
Explore the beaches north and south of Tamarindo
Guanacaste is famous for its spectacular Pacific Coast beaches, which go on for over a hundred miles. The beaches are blessed with sunny days and warm crystalline waters. There are endless possibilities to explore dirt roads and to find quiet, lovely beaches with small restaurants tucked away. Watch out for rip tides on some beaches!
Relax with a Massage
After a day filled with adventure, enjoy a full body massage. Allow us to make the arrangements with our massage therapist, a graduate of the Scherer Institute of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
