Tamarindo in November feels like the region taking a deep breath after the rains. The hills are still emerald green, the rivers are full and the sky clears for longer each week. For us, it is also the month the turtle calendar changes: the arribada peak at Ostional winds down, and on November 12 our sunset baby turtle releases begin.
Short answer: November is a transition month in Tamarindo. Rain decreases, especially in the second half, while the landscape stays green. The international high season begins, with a busy Thanksgiving week at the end of the month. Our baby turtle release tour starts on November 12, the Ostional arribadas are in their last peak month and estuary tours run every day with the high tide.
Tamarindo weather in November: the transition month
November closes the rainy season in Guanacaste. It rarely flips overnight: the month usually starts with some wet afternoons and ends with mostly sunny days.
Early November
- Afternoon showers are still common, and an occasional longer rain is possible.
- The town is quiet and shared tours have small groups.
- Rivers and waterfalls still carry plenty of water.
Late November
- Sunny days become the norm and rain becomes occasional.
- Breezier days can start to appear as the dry season approaches.
- Visitor numbers rise, especially around Thanksgiving.
For the complete year, see our guide to the best time to visit Tamarindo.
Costa Rica in November: high season begins
The international high season in Costa Rica runs from November to Easter week. In Tamarindo, the first half of November usually still feels calm, and businesses that took a short low-season break reopen.
The busiest stretch is Thanksgiving week, at the end of the month, when many North American families travel. If your dates fall around it, book shared tours a few days ahead and private boats earlier.
Tamarindo in November: releases begin, arribadas wind down
- Baby turtle releases: our Sunset and Baby Turtle Release tour is available from November 12. The conservation team decides when and where the hatchlings go to the sea, so the number of baby turtles varies from one afternoon to another. Learn how it works in our guide to the baby turtle release in Tamarindo.
- Ostional: November is the last month of the usual arribada peak, and arribadas can continue into December.
- Leatherbacks: the season at Playa Grande is under way, although sightings are now rare.
- Nesting near Tamarindo: our night tour to Playa Minas or Playa Jesús sees mostly olive ridley and black turtles.
To compare months, see the best time to see turtles in Guanacaste. Turtle sightings are never guaranteed.
What our guides see on the estuary in November
The mangroves keep their full rainy-season green, but the light changes: more sunny mornings mean crocodiles are back on the banks, warming up after the night. Herons, egrets and northern migrant shorebirds share the mudflats at lower tides.
In the dry forest, the leaves are still on the trees, so the howler monkeys are often found by sound first. As the weeks pass and the forest begins to dry, they slowly become easier to see.
How rain and tides affect tours in November
- Estuary boat and kayak tours leave with the high tide, which changes every day; we confirm the time by WhatsApp after you book. In early November, prefer morning tides; by late November, afternoon tides are usually dry and pleasant.
- The turtle release departs at 3:30 pm and follows the conservation team. If the weather makes the outing unsafe, we offer another date or a refund.
- Full-day trips leave early. Trails can still be muddy after rain in the first half of the month.
- Cancellations: if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure, we refund the deposit.
A sample November week
- Arrival day: rest, and check the tide times we send you.
- Day 2: the estuary boat tour on the morning tide.
- Day 3: the sunset baby turtle release (from November 12).
- Day 4: a full day at Rincón de la Vieja volcano.
- Day 5: the Ostional arribada if one is expected, or a beach day.
What to pack for Tamarindo in November
- A light rain jacket for the first half of the month.
- Sunblock, a hat and sunglasses; the sun returns strongly.
- Comfortable beach clothes for the release, and repellent applied well before it.
- Shoes with good grip for Rincón de la Vieja.
- Dark clothing for night turtle tours.
Things to do in Tamarindo in November: best tours
- Baby turtle release in Tamarindo at sunset: $50 per person, minimum 2 people, departure at 3:30 pm, available from November 12. Deposit $10 per person.
- Tamarindo estuary tour by shared boat: $40 per person, 2 hours, pickup from Tamarindo or Langosta included.
- Ostional arribada tour: $130 per person, minimum 4 people, children 3 and under free.
- Rincón de la Vieja tour from Tamarindo: $180 per person, minimum 4 people, departure between 6 and 7 am, return at 6 pm, with transportation, entrance tickets, drinks and a Costa Rican lunch. More in our Rincón de la Vieja guide.
Comparing dates? See Tamarindo in October for the quietest weeks or Tamarindo in December for the start of the dry season.
Coming in November? Book with Tamarindo Estuary Tours Mi Rey online with the deposit and pay the balance on the tour day, or write to us on WhatsApp and we will plan your days around the tides and the turtle releases.
Book these tours
Sunset & Baby Turtle Release$50 per personSee tour and book →
Shared Boat Tour (Mangrove Safari)$40 per personSee tour and book →
Ostional Arribada Tour$130 per personSee tour and book →
Rincón de la Vieja Combo Tour$180 per personSee tour and book →
Frequently asked questions
Does it still rain in Tamarindo in November?
Yes, but less than in October. Early November can still bring rainy afternoons, while the second half of the month is usually drier, with more sunny days as the dry season approaches.
When does the baby turtle release tour start in November?
Our Sunset and Baby Turtle Release tour is available from November 12. It departs from Tamarindo at 3:30 pm, costs $50 per person with a minimum of 2 people and includes transportation, water and a contribution to the conservation project.
Is November high season in Tamarindo?
The international high season begins in November, and Thanksgiving week at the end of the month brings many North American visitors. The first half of the month is usually still calm.
Can I still see the Ostional arribada in November?
Yes. November is the last month of the usual peak, which runs from September to November, and arribadas can continue into December. Write to us on WhatsApp to ask when the next one is expected.
Is November a good month for a Rincón de la Vieja tour from Tamarindo?
Yes. The forest is still very green and the rain is easing, especially later in the month. Trails can be muddy after rain, so bring shoes with good grip.
More Tamarindo guides
Tamarindo month by monthTamarindo in January: Weather, Crowds, Turtles and ToursTamarindo in January: dry, sunny and windy weather, peak season crowds, nesting turtles, how the tide sets the estuary tour and what to pack.
Tamarindo month by monthTamarindo in February: Dry Skies, Clear Nights and the Best ToursTamarindo in February: one of the driest months, fewer local crowds once schools reopen, turtles, monkeys in the bare dry forest and the tours that fit best.
Tamarindo month by monthTamarindo in March: Heat, Easter Week Crowds and the Best ToursTamarindo in March: hot and very dry, Easter week (Semana Santa) and spring break crowds, nesting iguanas and crocodiles, tides and the best tours to book.
Tamarindo month by monthTamarindo in April: The Hottest Month, Quieter Beaches and Smart ToursTamarindo in April: the hottest end of the dry season, quieter weeks after Easter, first rains, wildlife in the bare forest and tours timed to beat the heat.
Tamarindo month by monthTamarindo in May: First Rains, Green Hills and the Start of Turtle SeasonTamarindo in May: the first rains turn the dry forest green, low season brings quiet tours, olive ridley nesting increases and small Ostional arribadas begin.
Tamarindo month by monthTamarindo in June: Green Season, Fuller Waterfalls and Turtle NightsTamarindo in June: bright mornings and afternoon storms, a lush green estuary, waterfalls filling up, olive ridley nesting and quiet tours before July.