Things to Do in Tamarindo with Kids

Looking for things to do in Tamarindo with kids? This beach town in Guanacaste is a good base for families: wildlife lives just minutes from town and many tours last only a couple of hours. This guide brings together the family-friendly tours of Tamarindo Estuary Tours Mi Rey, with the rules for children on each one, plus practical advice for enjoying the beach and the sun safely.

Things to do in Tamarindo with kids: family-friendly tours

Estuary boat tour: the easiest first outing

The shared boat tour is the most relaxed way for children to see wildlife up close. In 2 hours, the boat travels through the mangrove of Las Baulas Marine National Park, where kids can spot crocodiles, iguanas and herons, and then take a short walk in the dry forest to look for howler monkeys.

$40 per person, minimum 2 people
Kids from 0 to 2 years old ride free
Includes a bilingual guide, water, seasonal fruit and transportation from Tamarindo or Langosta

Traveling with grandparents or a large family? A private boat for up to 10 people costs $800 per boat and lets the guide adapt the pace to your children. Read more in our guide to private boat tours for groups.

Sunset and baby turtle release

On the sunset and baby turtle release, you watch the sunset on the beach and take part in releasing baby sea turtles into the ocean, following the rules of the conservation project. It costs $50 per person (minimum 2), departs from Tamarindo at 3:30 pm, and includes transportation, water and a contribution to the turtle conservation project. It is available from November 12.

Horseback riding on the beach

The horseback riding tour lasts 1 hour, from the estuary along nature trails to ocean viewpoints and then along the beach. Children from 7 years old ride on their own with the guide; younger children ride with an adult, and kids from 0 to 3 years old do not pay. The price is $50 per person, minimum 2. Long pants make the ride more comfortable.

If your family wants both activities in one outing, the estuary and horseback combo costs $80 per person, and children follow the rules of each tour.

Kayaking for older kids and teens

Teens and active older children often enjoy the shared kayak tour ($60 per person), which includes life jackets and a dry bag. Our rates do not list a specific age for kayaking, so write to us with the ages of your children before booking. Our guide Boat or Kayak? compares both options.

Night turtle nesting tour

The turtle nesting tour ($60 per person) departs at 5:30 pm to Playa Minas or Playa Jesús. Kids from 0 to 2 years old do not pay. It happens at night, lasts a variable time and requires quiet on the beach, so it suits children who can stay up late. If no turtles are seen, the tour is rescheduled for the next night or replaced with the estuary tour. See our guide to the best time to see turtles in Guanacaste.

Full-day trips for older children

For school-age kids who handle long drives well, options include sloths and Llanos de Cortés waterfall ($185), La Leona waterfall ($160) and the Rincón de la Vieja combo ($180). They require a minimum of 4 people, kids from 0 to 3 years old do not pay, and juices for children are included. More details are in our guide to day trips from Tamarindo.

Beach safety tips for families

Check the sea before swimming. Waves and currents change with the tide. Choose calm areas, stay close to shore and keep small children within reach at all times.
Stay away from the estuary mouth. The mouth of the estuary is home to crocodiles and has strong currents when the tide changes. Do not swim or let children play in the water there.
Explore tide pools carefully. At low tide, rocky areas reveal small pools. Wear water shoes and keep an eye on the incoming tide.
Do not feed wildlife. Monkeys, iguanas and birds should keep their natural diet.

Sun, heat and hydration

Plan outdoor activities for the early morning or late afternoon.
Apply sunblock often, and use hats, sunglasses and light long sleeves.
Carry water and take shade breaks, especially with toddlers.
Use insect repellent at sunrise and sunset, and on tours in the mangrove.

Boat and kayak tours leave with the high tide, so the time changes from day to day. Our guide to Tamarindo tides explains how to plan around it.

How booking works

When you book online, you pay a deposit per person to reserve your spot, and the balance is paid in cash, in US dollars or colones, on the day of the tour. If you cancel at least 24 hours before departure, we refund your deposit. After booking, we send you the pickup or meeting details by WhatsApp.

Start with the estuary boat tour, add the sunset and baby turtle release or the horseback riding tour. If you are unsure which tour fits their ages, write to us on WhatsApp and the Tamarindo Estuary Tours Mi Rey team will help you plan.

Book these tours

Frequently asked questions

What is the best tour in Tamarindo for young children?

The shared estuary boat tour is the easiest option: it lasts 2 hours, children stay seated with their parents and kids from 0 to 2 years old ride free. Families also enjoy the sunset and baby turtle release, which starts in the afternoon.

From what age can children go horseback riding?

Children from 7 years old can ride on their own with the guide. Younger children ride with an adult, and kids from 0 to 3 years old do not pay.

Is it safe to swim with kids near the Tamarindo estuary?

No. The mouth of the estuary is home to crocodiles and has strong currents when the tide changes. Choose calm areas of the beach away from the estuary and keep children close.

Can children join the night turtle nesting tour?

Yes. Kids from 0 to 2 years old do not pay. The tour departs at 5:30 pm and its length varies, so it works best for children who can stay up late and keep quiet on the beach.

Are full-day tours a good idea with kids?

They work well for older children who are comfortable with long drives. Kids from 0 to 3 years old do not pay, and juices for children are included.

More Tamarindo guides

See all Tamarindo travel guides →