Costa Rica Vacation Planner - Family Fun & Surf - Tamarindo, Nosara, Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste)

Ultimate Costa Rica 8-Night, 9-Day Family Fun, Kid-Friendly, Beach and Surf Vacation Package - Guanacaste Coast with family-friendly activities, safe surf towns, and kid-friendly attractions. The itinerary prioritizes locations that are great for families, offers safe and fun surf spots, and includes plenty of wildlife and adventure opportunities. The locations are ordered based on proximity to Liberia International Airport (LIR), starting with the second furthest, then the furthest, and ending with the closest.

Itinerary Overview

• Duration: 8 Nights, 9 Days

• Region: Guanacaste, Costa Rica

• Locations: Tamarindo (2nd furthest), Nosara (furthest), and Playa Hermosa (closest)

• Focus: Family fun, kid-friendly activities, safe surfing, and wildlife

• Budget: $150–$250 per night for accommodations, $100–$200 per person for each tour or activity

• Airport: Liberia International Airport (LIR)

Day 1: Saturday – Arrival and Travel to Tamarindo

• Drive Time: ~1.5 hours (70 km / 43 miles) from Liberia International Airport (LIR)

• Activity: Settle into your hotel, explore the area, and enjoy a relaxing evening by the pool.

Days 2-3: Tamarindo (2 Nights)

Why Tamarindo?
Tamarindo is a vibrant, family-friendly surf town with safe beaches, plenty of kid-friendly activities, and a lively atmosphere. It’s a great introduction to Costa Rica’s surf culture and wildlife.

Top 5 Family-Friendly Hotels with Pools (Breakfast Included):

1. Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort: Beachfront, family-friendly, with multiple pools and breakfast included.

2. Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel: Eco-friendly, beachfront, with a pool and breakfast.

3. Wyndham Tamarindo: Stunning ocean views, family-friendly, with a pool and breakfast.

4. Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel: Quiet, family-friendly, with a pool and breakfast.

5. The Coast Beachfront Hotel: Beachfront, cozy, with a pool and breakfast included.

Best Surf Spots and Kid-Friendly Activities (Within 30-Minute Drive):

• Tamarindo Beach: Gentle, consistent waves perfect for beginners and kids learning to surf.

• Playa Langosta: Quieter beach with tide pools for kids to explore.

• Las Baulas National Marine Park: Turtle nesting tours (seasonal) and nature walks.

Top 5 Restaurants:

1. Pangas Beach Club: Beachfront dining with kid-friendly options.

2. Green Papaya Taco Bar: Fun atmosphere with swings and delicious tacos.

3. Nogui’s Restaurant: Beachfront spot with great desserts and local dishes.

4. Sprout: Healthy, organic meals for the whole family.

5. El Chiringuito: Casual beachfront dining with fresh seafood.

Top 10 Animals to Spot:

1. Leatherback turtles (seasonal nesting)

2. Howler monkeys

3. White-faced capuchin monkeys

4. Iguanas

5. Coatis

6. Scarlet macaws

7. Toucans

8. Hummingbirds

9. Dolphins

10. Crabs

Sights of Interest/Attractions:

• Las Baulas National Marine Park: Turtle nesting tours and nature trails.

• Tamarindo Estuary: Mangrove tours to spot wildlife.

• Playa Ventanas: A quiet, family-friendly beach nearby.

Top 5 Family-Friendly Tours or Surf Options ($100–$200):

1. Turtle Nesting Tour (Seasonal)

2. Family Surf Lessons at Tamarindo Beach

3. Mangrove Boat Tour in Tamarindo Estuary

4. Horseback Riding on the Beach

5. Snorkeling at Playa Conchal

Day 4: Travel from Tamarindo to Nosara

Travel Details:

• Drive Time: ~3 hours (125 km / 78 miles)

• Details: Scenic drive through the Nicoya Peninsula, passing through small towns and lush landscapes.

Days 5-7: Nosara (3 Nights)

Why Nosara?
Nosara is a tranquil surf and wellness haven, perfect for families. It offers safe beaches, kid-friendly activities, and abundant wildlife. Playa Guiones is one of the safest and most consistent surf spots in Costa Rica.

Top 5 Family-Friendly Hotels with Pools (Breakfast Included):

1. The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel: Stylish, family-friendly, with a pool and breakfast included.

2. Olas Verdes Hotel: Eco-friendly, steps from Playa Guiones, with a pool and breakfast.

3. Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort: Luxurious wellness retreat with family-friendly options and breakfast.

4. Nosara Beach Hotel: Beachfront, with a pool and breakfast included.

5. Living Hotel: Small, family-friendly hotel with a pool and breakfast.

Best Surf Spots and Kid-Friendly Activities (Within 30-Minute Drive):

• Playa Guiones: Long, gentle waves perfect for beginners and kids.

• Playa Pelada: Smaller, fun waves and tide pools for kids to explore.

• Nosara Wildlife Rescue: Visit rescued animals and learn about conservation.

Top 5 Restaurants:

1. La Luna: Beachfront Mediterranean cuisine with stunning sunset views.

2. 10Pies: Casual spot for fresh, local dishes and smoothies.

3. El Chivo: Tex-Mex with a lively atmosphere.

4. Beach Dog Café: Healthy, organic meals near Playa Guiones.

5. Rosi’s Soda Tica: Authentic Costa Rican food at great prices.

Top 10 Animals to Spot:

1. Howler monkeys

2. Olive ridley sea turtles (seasonal nesting)

3. White-faced capuchin monkeys

4. Coatis

5. Iguanas

6. Scarlet macaws

7. Motmots

8. Kinkajous

9. Armadillos

10. Hummingbirds

Sights of Interest/Attractions:

• Ostional Wildlife Refuge: Famous for turtle nesting.

• Nosara River: Great for kayaking and paddleboarding.

• Nosara Yoga Institute: Family-friendly yoga classes.

Top 5 Family-Friendly Tours or Surf Options ($100–$200):

1. Turtle Nesting Tour at Playa Ostional

2. Family Surf Lessons at Playa Guiones

3. Kayaking on the Nosara River

4. Horseback Riding on the Beach

5. Ziplining at Miss Sky Canopy Tour

Day 8: Travel from Nosara to Playa Hermosa

Travel Details:

• Drive Time: ~2.5 hours (120 km / 75 miles)

Days 8-9: Playa Hermosa (2 Nights)

Why Playa Hermosa?
Playa Hermosa is a quiet, family-friendly beach town with calm waters, safe surf spots, and proximity to Liberia International Airport.

Top 5 Family-Friendly Hotels with Pools (Breakfast Included):

1. Hotel Bosque del Mar: Beachfront, family-friendly, with a pool and breakfast included.

2. Villas Sol Hotel & Beach Resort: All-inclusive, with a pool and breakfast.

3. Hotel Mangaby: Affordable, family-friendly, with a pool and breakfast.

4. Hermosa del Mar Condos: Spacious condos with a pool and breakfast.

5. Villa Acacia: Small, family-friendly hotel with a pool and breakfast.

Best Surf Spots and Kid-Friendly Activities (Within 30-Minute Drive):

• Playa Hermosa: Calm waters, great for swimming and beginner surf lessons.

• Playa Panama: Quiet beach with calm waters for kids.

• Playa del Coco: Fun beach town with family-friendly activities.

Top 5 Restaurants:

1. Aqua Sport: Beachfront dining with kid-friendly options.

2. Ginger: Asian fusion cuisine with a relaxed vibe.

3. Roberto’s Restaurant: Fresh seafood and local dishes.

4. El Velero Restaurant: Beachfront dining with stunning views.

5. La Casita del Marisco: Casual spot for fresh seafood.

Top 10 Animals to Spot:

1. Howler monkeys

2. White-faced capuchin monkeys

3. Iguanas

4. Coatis

5. Scarlet macaws

6. Toucans

7. Dolphins

8. Sea turtles

9. Frigatebirds

10. Hummingbirds

Sights of Interest/Attractions:

• Rincón de la Vieja National Park: Family-friendly hiking and hot springs.

• Diamante Eco Adventure Park: Wildlife sanctuary and ziplining.

• Llanos de Cortez Waterfall: A beautiful waterfall perfect for families.

Here’s the completed Top 5 Family-Friendly Tours or Surf Options ($100–$200) for Playa Hermosa:

Top 5 Family-Friendly Tours or Surf Options ($100–$200):

1. Family Surf Lessons at Playa Hermosa: Perfect for beginners and kids, with experienced instructors.

2. Snorkeling at Playa del Coco: Explore vibrant marine life in calm, shallow waters.

3. Wildlife Sanctuary Visit at Diamante Eco Adventure Park: See sloths, monkeys, toucans, and other rescued animals in a family-friendly environment.

4. Catamaran Sunset Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing boat ride with snorkeling, snacks, and stunning sunset views.

5. Horseback Riding on the Beach: A fun and safe activity for families to explore the coastline together.

Day 9: Travel from Playa Hermosa to Liberia International Airport (LIR)

• Drive Time: ~40 minutes

Be sure to check out our Surf Costa Rica page for more Costa Rica surf and travel info. And grab some local style at our Surf Shop before your trip. For sure! A simple “pura vida” goes a long way here, so does repping the local team to start a conversation, make some friends, and let everyone know you want to be here and you’re here to surf. Because you’re one of the good ones. “Let’s Look Good Out There”.

Plus, we have tons more blogs to help you get your bearings, find your right spot, and get it wired. Join us and tag us on social and subscribe to our twice-monthly newsletter for rad event invites, news, real good discounts, and all things Costa Rica surf. We’re not trying to crowd the lineup in your email or drop in on your inbox, just trying to let you know what’s out the back and help you time it up for your set wave. Pura Vida!

Keep the stoke alive, ride with respect, and enjoy the pura vida every wave delivers. See you in the lineup!