Top Guanacaste and Northwest Kayaking

Get off the beaten path in Tamarindo on a kayak tour to Las Baulas National Marine Park. Latin America's largest mangrove estuary is only accessible by water, so you're sure to escape the crowds. No kayaking experience is necessary, as a nature guide shows you the basics and leads you on a peaceful paddle and hike to spot native Costa Rican wildlife like howler monkeys, iguanas, and exotic birds.

Climb aboard a 38-foot (11.6-meter) boat for a private Pacific Ocean boat tour from Tamarindo. This tour will include a mix of beach time and ocean time, with plenty of time for swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and snorkeling throughout the tour. Lunch and snacks will also be provided, and there will be an open bar on board so you can drink to your heart's content.

Set sail from Tamarindo in time to catch the sunset on this afternoon sailing tour. Snack and grab a drink from the open bar while admiring views of the Guanacaste coast, or go for an adventure using included kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkel equipment. As a bonus, this eco-conscious boat is low emission and serves all of its food and beverages in reusable materials—no single-use plastic on board.

Enjoy an easy introduction to kayaking and the tropical riches of the River Ora on this tour from Playa Samana and Carillo. With coaching and equipment included, there’s minimal effort on your part and you’ll paddle the quiet waters behind a guide. Spot monkeys, birds, and other species; glide by lush mangroves, and stop for snacks; all as your guide points out sights and shares information on the river’s ecosystem.

We have the best crew in Coco, they will be there helping you have the best time of your lives. They know where the fish are!

Get an up-close look at Costa Rica's hidden natural wonders on this Rio Celeste and Llanos de Cortes waterfall tour. Follow an expert local guide through breathtaking scenery, rugged trails, and truly beautiful attractions. This is the perfect way to explore outside the city and see what makes Costa Rica a top attraction for nature lovers.

Explore Tamarindo’s beaches and dry forest on an off-road ATV tour with river crossings, mountain views, and stunning tropical scenery. Learn to maneuver your vehicle, then follow your guide along a rugged circuit. Take in the sights and sounds of the Costa Rican forest and watch for birds and monkeys as you steer beneath coastal trees. Upgrade your tour to include other activities such as snorkeling, driving a UTV, ziplining, or even exploring other areas by ATV.

Grab your passport and head over the border for a whistle-stop tour of Nicaragua’s best bits from Costa Rica. Take in the views from Catarina Volcano, haggle over handicrafts at the Masaya Artisan Market and visit the active Masaya Volcano. After a delicious lunch of typical Nicaraguan cuisine, explore the colonial town of Granada, where you can marvel over the historic architecture and admire views of Mombacho Volcano. Finally, set sail across Lake Nicaragua for a 1-hour sunset cruise, stopping to meet the friendly monkeys of Monkey Island along the way.

Experience the thrill of hiking near one of the most active volcanoes in the Western Hemisphere! On this full-day trip from Guanacaste, get an up-close view of Costa Rica's famous Arenal Volcano and the surrounding tropical landscape. Rejuvenate with a dip in volcanic hot springs and enjoy stellar evening views of the volcano and emerging stars. Round-trip hotel transport from Guanacaste included.

Explore the sandy beaches, secluded bays, and jungle-clad shorelines around Playa Hermosa on this afternoon catamaran cruise. Admire the views as you sail along the coast, look out for dolphins and whales, and stop to swim and snorkel in a picturesque bay. While onboard, enjoy a tasty BBQ chicken lunch, grab yourself a drink from the open bar, and watch the sunset as you cruise back to shore.

Experience Tamarindo’s perfect breaks with a 2-hour surf lesson at a legendary beachside shop. Get in the water for the first time and practice paddling, popping up and riding in a forgiving beach break. More experienced surfers can hone their skills by surfing alongside an expert instructor, learning to read the breaking surf while improving technique and form. Riders of all skill levels can soak up the sun on the Pacific Coast and enjoy the security of an experienced surf school that places the emphasis on safety and fun. 

Experience Costa Rica’s longest ocean view dual zipline with admission to Diamante Eco Adventure Park, where you can ride side by side with family and friends. Your experience includes access to the 4,461-foot (1,360-meter) zipline, as well as a Tarzan swing, ‘Quick Jump’ free fall, and a hanging bridge that dangles over crocodile-infested waters.

Explore one of the world’s most diverse collections of species gathered in one place with a visit to the animal sanctuary at Diamante Eco Adventure Park in Guanacaste. From adorable three-toed sloths to scaly reptiles and sleek jungle cats, see an amazing array of animals rescued by the Costa Rican Ministry of Wildlife, and learn about the park’s conservation projects. The naturally designed habitats include hummingbird gardens and a large butterfly observatory teeming with jewel-toned beauties.

Adventure seekers and spa mavens alike will enjoy this full-day tour to Vida Aventura Nature Park, nestled in the scenic mountains of Guanacaste. Fly through the treetops on a series of ziplines, and then return to solid ground for a horseback ride complete with stunning vistas of two active volcanoes. Unwind after your adventure with a mineral-rich mud bath, followed by a refreshing rinse in a natural hot spring. Your tour includes a traditional Costa Rican lunch.

Explore more of the Costa Rican coastline than you could alone on this all-inclusive sunset cruise, complete with open bar and complimentary lunch. Admire the ocean from above and below, with time to snorkel among sea turtles, dolphins, and manta rays in a hidden bay away from large tour groups. Alternatively, take the opportunity to paddle board, swim, or kayak before sailing back to land while the sun sets.

Swap humans for wildlife on a half-day tour to Chora Island. Traveling by kayak allows you to reach parts of the coastline that are usually inaccessible, while exploring with a guide increases your chances of spotting marine life and land creatures twofold. Plus, this tour’s short duration makes it ideal for time-pressed travelers.

Paddle out to Capitan Island in Las Baulas National Marine Park on a kayak with this tour from Tamarindo Beach. Once on the island, you'll have plenty of time to explore the varied landscapes, see marine life in tidepools, and spend time swimming and snorkeling in crystalline waters before paddling back to Tamarindo.

A great way to connect to nature with a peaceful tour through the mangroves on a single or double kayak or on a stand-up paddle board. Take this tour at sunrise or at sunset (depending on the tides) accompanied by a local, experienced guide with a stop at a secluded black sand beach for refreshments. *Minimum of 2 passengers needed to operate at this rate. Single supplement applies if booking as a solo traveler or reach out and we can attempt to match you up with an existing group.

Explore the waters and mangroves in the Samara Beach area on this guided kayaking tour. Paddle along the Ora River through mangrove tunnels, heading toward Camaronal Beach. Be on the lookout for native birds along the way. At the beach, enjoy refreshments including juices and beer while you learn more about the area's ecosystem.

Skip the boat tours and make your own way to a Tamarindo snorkeling spot on this guided stand-up paddleboard tour on Tamarindo Bay. No experience is necessary to enjoy this trip—all instruction and equipment is included to ensure success. Once you reach Captain Island, slip on your snorkel gear and enjoy free time looking for wildlife like fish, stingrays, and octopi before paddling back to Tamarindo.

Fun, peaceful, and close to nature, kayaking through the mangrove forests outside of Tamarindo is a great way to get away from the beach and enjoy another side of the area’s famous wilderness. Follow a guide through the winding estuaries, stopping to admire crocodiles, monkeys, and other wildlife along the way. Then, get out and take a guided nature walk through the forest for even more chances to learn about Tamarindo wildlife.

Kayak over to Isla Capitan to reach an excellent snorkeling spot on this half-day tour from Playa Tamarindo. Start with a brief kayak lesson, then set off with your guide for the paddle to Captain Island. There you can go snorkeling where you might spot marine life such as colorful fish, stingrays, and octopus. Choose to ride in a single or double kayak with use of snorkeling gear included.

Swing, ride, and paddle your way through Rincon de la Vieja’s volcanic foothills on a full-day trip from Tamarindo that combines four adventurous activities. Grab a harness to explore the treetops on a canopy tour, then cool off in the Río Colorado while navigating white water in a raft or inner tube. Visit a nearby ranch for a traditional Costa Rican lunch, ride a horse through a distinctive dry tropical forest, and finish your day with a soak in volcanic mud and steaming hot springs.

Lazy Lizard is the original catamaran company in Flamingo and Tamarindo area, with over 20 years experience creating unforgettable memories for all our travelers. Our catamaran tour starts at the Flamingo Marina where our professional, friendly and experienced crew welcome you aboard. Breath in the refreshing Pacific Ocean breeze while being served refreshing drinks by our attentive crew. You will be sailing along the golden coast of Costa Rica where you have the opportunity to see the vast marine life the area has to offer (dolphins, whales, Manta Rays and more). The captain will take you to a crystal water point where you can play in the water, snorkel with a guide or individually to explore the reef, kayak or relax onboard the boat. After, we will restore your energy with a delicious tropical midday meal (gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options are available).