Postcard from the Tamarindo Estuary
When we went to Costa Rica over New Year’s Eve, we purposely didn’t make any plans or schedule any activities in advance. For the first time in a long time, we figured we would show up and see what was on offer–and worst case scenario, I had no problem spending all day, every day on the beach. 
When we showed up at La Marejada, we asked the owner what they would recommend. I was so surprised when their #1 suggestion was a sunrise canoe tour through the nearby Tamarindo estuary to see birds, crocodiles and howler monkeys. Neither of us are big bird watchers, but we both love canoeing and I can never resist a good sunrise! So we booked ourselves in for the next morning, and we were pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed it.
There are motorboat tours throughout the day of the estuary, mostly to see the howler monkeys. But if you go at sunrise, you can paddle through the eerily still water and have the entire place to yourself. Jonathan, our guide, is so passionate about the birds and animals in the area and knows all of the species and their habits so well. It was incredible to hear him do a howler monkey call–he sounded just like the monkeys, and they truly responded to him! 
The canoe tour costs about $25 per person, and lasts 3-4 hours. Although you have to do a little bit more work than just sit in a motorboat, I think it’s well worth it to paddle it yourself in a canoe. It’s so serene that early in the morning: it’s really just you and the birds and the monkeys, as opposed to later in the day when the estuary is full of motorboats.
You can’t really book in advance and you can’t pay with credit card–but if you end up in Playa Grande, you can ask about the sunrise canoe tour with Jonathan at Taco Star or any of the hotels, and they’ll be able to hook you up. It’s something a little different–AND you can still spend the rest of the day on the beach! 
What’s your favorite photo from the Tamarindo Estuary? Would you be interested in this type of activity in Costa Rica?
