Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica’s most visited beach towns — and for good reason. The surf is world-class, the sunsets are legendary, and the jungle never feels far away. But if you’re looking for things to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica that go beyond the beach bar scene, you’ve found the right guide. This is Tamarindo through a different lens: slower, deeper, and a whole lot more restorative.
1. Start Your Morning With Yoga
There’s no better way to begin a day in Guanacaste than an open-air yoga practice. Just outside Tamarindo, El Sabanero offers morning and evening yoga sessions on a jungle shala — a raised open-air platform where you move to the sound of birds rather than background music. Sessions are led by certified instructors and are available for all levels, from total beginners to experienced practitioners.
Whether you’re joining as a day guest or staying overnight, the yoga experience here sets a tone for the whole day. It’s become one of the most popular non-beach things to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica for wellness-focused travelers.
2. Spend a Day by the Jungle Pool
Not every day in Tamarindo needs to be about the ocean. El Sabanero’s pool is surrounded by tropical greenery, shaded by palms, and completely removed from the noise of the main strip. It’s an infinity-style pool designed for lingering — exactly the kind of place you find yourself staying hours longer than planned.
Day passes start at $29 per person, including lounge chairs, towels, and a tropical welcome smoothie. No overnight stay required. It’s one of the most accessible and genuinely relaxing things to do near Tamarindo for visitors who want a break from the crowds without leaving the area.
3. Book a Massage in the Jungle
You’re on holiday. You’ve earned it. El Sabanero’s spa offers several treatment styles — Relaxing, Deep Tissue, Lymphatic Drainage, and Hot Stone — all performed by trained therapists in a calm, natural setting. Treatments can be booked as standalone experiences or bundled into a day pass or overnight stay.
The Relax & Restore Day Pass ($129/person) combines a 60-minute massage with full-day pool access, a tropical smoothie, and a local lunch — one of the most complete ways to spend a day in Tamarindo without leaving a single property.
4. Explore the Beaches Around Tamarindo
Tamarindo’s own beach is beautiful, but the surrounding coastline is spectacular. From El Sabanero, guests can easily access Playa Grande (a leatherback sea turtle nesting site and world-class surf spot), Playa Flamingo (calm and upscale), and Playa Avellanas — a local favourite just south of town. The team at El Sabanero is happy to arrange beach shuttles and help with activity planning so you’re not wasting your morning figuring out logistics.
5. Take a Detox or Wellness Retreat
If a single day isn’t enough — and for many visitors, it isn’t — El Sabanero’s multi-day retreat packages offer a complete reset. The Free Spirit Experience is a flexible stay that includes daily yoga (morning and evening), guided meditation, a deep relaxation massage, authentic Costa Rican breakfasts, and airport transfers from Liberia or Tamarindo.
Retreats are designed to meet guests exactly where they are, physically and emotionally. This makes El Sabanero one of the most compelling options for people searching for structured wellness experiences among the many things to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
6. Eat Like a Local
Costa Rican breakfast — gallo pinto, fresh fruit, eggs, and strong coffee — is one of the simple pleasures of travelling here. At El Sabanero, breakfast is included in most packages and made with fresh local ingredients. If you’re venturing into town, Tamarindo’s restaurant scene has grown significantly, with excellent options ranging from fresh ceviche on the beach to creative vegetarian cooking in the village.
The Bottom Line
Tamarindo has something for everyone, but the best version of a stay here combines the beach with intentional time to slow down. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, El Sabanero is the easiest way to add a layer of wellness, nature, and genuine Costa Rican character to your trip.
Ready to plan your Tamarindo wellness day? View our day passes and retreat packages here.