Sunset catamaran with snorkel stop and dinner
Sail the coast, snorkel in a quiet bay and watch the sunset with dinner and drinks on board.
See dates and prices →Costa Rica for wedding guests: key facts
- Best time for a wedding
- December to April
- Getting there
- Liberia (LIR) in Guanacaste is about 1h15 from Tamarindo and 30 minutes from the Papagayo Peninsula. San José (SJO) is 4 to 5 hours away by road.
- Getting around
- A car or a driver is needed for most trips. Pre-book shuttles from Liberia airport. Shared shuttles are cheap, private vans are best for groups.
- Top group activities
- Rincón de la Vieja day: hot springs, mud bath and waterfall; Canopy zip line tour; Group surf lesson in Tamarindo
- Activity prices
- Mid-range, from free walks to private charters
Updated November 2026
☀️ Relaxed things to do
Tamarindo estuary boat safari
Spot crocodiles, birds and monkeys in the mangroves on a calm boat ride.
See dates and prices →Palo Verde river safari
A boat trip through one of the best wildlife reserves in Central America, with lunch.
See dates and prices →Horseback ride on the beach at sunset
A gentle ride through the countryside and along an empty beach, for all levels.
See dates and prices →Beach yoga class and smoothie morning
A gentle group yoga session by the ocean. Perfect before the wedding.
See dates and prices →🍷 Foodie things to do
Costa Rican cooking class
Make gallo pinto, empanadas and fresh juices with a local family.
See dates and prices →Tamarindo food and taco tour
Graze through the best local spots in town, from ceviche to tacos and craft beer.
See dates and prices →🧗 Adventure things to do
Rincón de la Vieja day: hot springs, mud bath and waterfall
Hike near an active volcano, paint yourself with volcanic mud and soak in natural hot springs.
See dates and prices →Canopy zip line tour
Fly over the dry forest on a series of zip lines and platforms. Great for groups.
See dates and prices →Group surf lesson in Tamarindo
Beginner-friendly waves and patient instructors. Most people stand up on day one.
See dates and prices →Snorkel or dive at the Catalina Islands
Rays, turtles and tropical fish around rocky islands off the coast.
See dates and prices →Sport fishing charter
Go after sailfish, dorado and tuna on a private boat for your group.
See dates and prices →Where wedding guests should eat in Costa Rica
Pangas Beach Club
Tamarindo
Romantic dinner under the trees by the estuary, with tables on the sand.
Map ↗Seasons by Shlomy
Tamarindo
A long-time favorite with a short, seasonal menu. Book ahead.
Map ↗El Coconut
Tamarindo
Classic spot for lobster and seafood platters on the main road.
Map ↗Nogui's
Tamarindo beach
Beachfront café with fresh fish and famous pies. Easy group lunch.
Map ↗Patagonia del Mar
Tamarindo
Argentine-style grill with excellent ceviches.
Map ↗Wok n Roll
Tamarindo
Sushi and noodles in a lively room. Works well for groups.
Map ↗Bamboo Sushi Club
Tamarindo
Garden setting with creative rolls and cocktails.
Map ↗Lola's
Playa Avellanas
Laid-back beach restaurant south of Tamarindo, perfect for a day-after lunch.
Map ↗Green Papaya Taco Bar
Tamarindo
Fish tacos and burritos in a colorful garden.
Map ↗Pots and Bowls
Tamarindo
Fresh bowls and smoothies for a light lunch.
Map ↗La Bodega
Tamarindo
Popular breakfast spot with local coffee and fresh baking.
Map ↗Falafel Bar
Tamarindo
Cheap and quick falafel and shawarma in the center of town.
Map ↗Where to stay
Full guide to where to stay in Costa Rica →
- Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo $$$
Papagayo Peninsula. Luxury resort between two beaches, 30 minutes from Liberia airport. - Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort $$$
Tamarindo. Beachfront resort in the middle of town, easy for guests without a car. - Hotel Capitán Suizo $$$
Tamarindo. Calm, leafy beachfront hotel at the quieter end of Tamarindo.
Getting around
- Pre-book shuttles from Liberia airport. Shared shuttles are cheap, private vans are best for groups.
- Rent a car, ideally a 4x4, to explore beyond town. Some beach roads are unpaved and rough in the rainy season.
- Tamarindo town is walkable, but other beaches and the venue are usually a drive away.
- Book a shuttle for the wedding night. Roads are dark and taxis are scarce outside town.
Arriving
Liberia (LIR) in Guanacaste is about 1h15 from Tamarindo and 30 minutes from the Papagayo Peninsula. San José (SJO) is 4 to 5 hours away by road.
Good to know for guests in Costa Rica
- Currency: Costa Rican colón (CRC). US dollars are widely accepted.
- Tipping: A 10% service charge is included on restaurant bills by law. Extra tips are optional. Tip guides and drivers.
- Dinner time: Dinner is early, often from 6 to 9 pm, because the sun sets around 5:30 to 6 pm all year.
- Power plugs: Type A and B plugs (same as the US), 120 V.
Popular tours in Costa Rica right now
Questions guests ask about Costa Rica
When is the best time for a wedding in Costa Rica?
December to April is the most popular season. Surf beaches, volcanoes, hot springs and rainforest on the Pacific coast, with a relaxed pura vida pace. Guests can mix beach days with zip lines and wildlife.
How do guests get to Costa Rica?
Liberia (LIR) in Guanacaste is about 1h15 from Tamarindo and 30 minutes from the Papagayo Peninsula. San José (SJO) is 4 to 5 hours away by road.
How do guests get around Costa Rica?
Pre-book shuttles from Liberia airport. Shared shuttles are cheap, private vans are best for groups. Rent a car, ideally a 4x4, to explore beyond town. Some beach roads are unpaved and rough in the rainy season. Tamarindo town is walkable, but other beaches and the venue are usually a drive away. Book a shuttle for the wedding night. Roads are dark and taxis are scarce outside town.
What can wedding guests do in Costa Rica as a group?
Good group options include rincón de la Vieja day: hot springs, mud bath and waterfall, canopy zip line tour, group surf lesson in Tamarindo, sunset catamaran with snorkel stop and dinner. Most have private options for 10 to 20 people.
Is there a ready-made weekend plan for guests in Costa Rica?
Yes. Our Costa Rica wedding weekend itinerary has relaxed, foodie and adventure plans for the day before, the wedding day and the day after.
Getting married in Costa Rica?
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Create your guest pagePlan the weekend
Costa Rica wedding weekend itinerary
Ready-made relaxed, foodie and adventure plans for the day before, the wedding day and the day after.
See the plan →Welcome dinner restaurants in Costa Rica
Group-friendly places for the welcome or rehearsal dinner and the day-after brunch, with local dinner times and tipping.
See the restaurants →Best time to get married in Costa Rica
Month-by-month weather, rain, crowds and seasonal activities, with the best and cheapest months.
See the months →Where to stay in Costa Rica
Hotels from affordable to special, the best areas for guests, a map and room block tips.
See hotels and areas →Wedding welcome bag ideas
40 wedding welcome bag ideas for destination weddings: essentials, local treats, hangover kits and the itinerary card guests actually keep.
Read the guide →Compare Costa Rica with other destinations
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