Top Santa Cruz Half-day Tours

Explore the forest around Tamarindo on an ATV during this tour. Suitable for novices and experienced drivers, this tour goes off-roading to search for local wildlife and flora. Plus, all equipment and instruction is provided.

A perfect tour for both beginners and experienced drivers, this 2.5 hour ATV Snorkel tour takes you off-road through the back trails and forest viewing native wildlife such as monkeys, iguanas, and many birds. You will drive 45 minutes to the pristine blue waters of Playa Mina and Pueto Viejo near Playa Conchal where you will snorkel along the reef where you will see a vast variety of tropical fish, octopus, eels, and more!

Discover the incredible birds and biodiversity of Palo Verde National Park on this boat tour with lunch, departing from Tamarindo. Spot native wildlife such as crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys, and a colorful parade of bird species during a 2-hour cruise down the Tempisque River led by a naturalist guide. Afterward, discuss your sightings with fellow travelers over a traditional Costa Rican lunch at a local restaurant.

Go off the beaten path literally on this half-day, guided, ATV excursion. Learn about your four-wheeler and how to drive from your guide and then drive into the forest near Tamarindo. Pass through tropical rainforest seeing vegetation, monkeys, and iguana and ascend the trail to take in panoramic views from the top of the mountain. Cool off with a swims at hidden gems: Playa Minas and Playa Pirata.

Getting to the popular Playa Conchal is made all the more fun with this off-road UTV tour from Tamarindo. Drive your own off-road vehicle down the rugged Guanacaste coast to reach Playa Conchal, and spend time snorkeling in the famously clear waters once you arrive. Return to Tamarindo on a different off-road path for a 2-for-1 off-road experience.

Follow a professional team of captains and first mates into the open water where you'll have a chance to fly fish on this catch and release sport fishing tour. Make your way to Flamingo Beach, one of the area's top fishing attractions, then venture further afield, where water depths increase from 360 to 2000 feet. Fish for pacific sailfish, striped marlin, yellowfin and bigeye tuna on this fun-filled half-day on the water. 

Set sail for a relaxing afternoon of tropical breezes, cool cocktails, and an unforgettable sunset on this catamaran cruise from Flamingo Beach. Sit back and catch some rays on a boat equipped with trampolines, a freshwater shower, and other plush amenities, and unwind with free-flowing drinks from an open bar. Add an element of adventure with a snorkeling stop to explore Costa Rica's colorful marine life.

Explore a jungle river that flows alongside Palo Verde National park with a 5-hour wildlife tour and riverboat cruise from Tamarindo. Watch for crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys and dozens of birds as you navigate the slow-moving Tempisque River, spend two hours on the water spotting animals in their natural habitats, then come to shore for a traditional Costa Rican lunch. Learn the history of this once-bustling river that’s among the region’s most important bird sanctuaries, and finish your day with a return transfer to Tamarindo.