Tamarindo Estuary Boat Tour: Crocodiles, Monkeys and Mangroves Right Next to Town

Just at the north end of Tamarindo Beach, the town meets one of the most important wildlife areas in Guanacaste: the Tamarindo Estuary. This maze of mangrove channels is home to crocodiles, monkeys and dozens of bird species, and you can explore it on a relaxing guided boat tour minutes from your hotel.

What is the Tamarindo Estuary?

The estuary is where the Matapalo River meets the Pacific, protected as part of the Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge and Las Baulas National Marine Park. Its mangrove forest is a nursery for fish and a feeding ground for birds, and it's one of the easiest places in Costa Rica to see wildlife up close.

What will I see on the estuary tour?

• American crocodiles sunbathing on the riverbanks

• Howler monkeys and white-faced capuchins in the trees

• Herons, egrets, kingfishers and roseate spoonbills

• Iguanas, crabs and the occasional raccoon

How the boat tour works

Our Tamarindo estuary boat tour starts minutes from Tamarindo Beach. A local guide takes you slowly through the mangroves, spotting wildlife and explaining how this ecosystem works. It's calm, family-friendly and suitable for all ages.

Best time to do the estuary tour

Tours run with the tides, because the boat needs enough water to go deep into the mangroves. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for wildlife, when animals are most active. We confirm your exact time based on the tide schedule for your date.

How much does the Tamarindo estuary tour cost?

Our estuary boat tour starts from $45 per person, making it one of the best value wildlife tours in Guanacaste.

What to bring

• Insect repellent

• Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses

• Binoculars and a camera

• Water

Can I get there on my own?

Yes. The tour starts close to town, so you can walk, or rent a scooter or golf cart from Ohana to get around Tamarindo easily.

Book your Tamarindo estuary tour

Book with Ohana Rental & Tours and our local team will confirm the best tide time for your day. Book your Tamarindo estuary boat tour here.