A Costa Rica Bachelor Party City Guide to Plan Your Weekend
It's all about the pure life in Costa Rica, where the motto is "Pura Vida'' and life follows suit. On a Costa Rica bachelor party you'll find plenty to see and do—from ATVing and volcanoes—in this adventure capital, pls plenty of time to unwind by the pool or on the beach before the big day.
What Are Some Costa Rica Bachelor Party Ideas?
It's not easy to conquer all of Costa Rica in one trip, but by staying in Tamarindo, on the Pacific Coast, you'll have access to some of the best of Costa Rica's excursions from the daring to the tame. And if you want to thank the guys for making the trip, consider some gifts from The Knot Shop.
For the Adventurer
This is the land of adventure and the excursions on offer are why Costa Ricans live the pura vida lifestyle. You can zipline on a canopy tour, ATV through jungles and beaches, learn to surf or find countless opportunities for watersports from jet skiing and paddleboarding to scuba and snorkeling
For the Golfers
Want to play 18 with ocean views as you tee off? There are plenty of opportunities to do so in and around Tamarindo at unique public courses that infuse the Costa Rican lifestyle into the game.
For the Nature Enthusiast
It's not a trip to Costa Rica without experiencing some of its most amazing natural offerings and those range from the dormant Arenal Volcano to Marino Las Baula National Park where you'll find forests, beaches and nesting sea turtles (plus plenty of hiking opportunities).
What Do You Do at a Bachelor Party in Costa Rica?
A three-day Costa Rica bachelor party itinerary includes plenty of thrills both on and off the water. Just follow our guide to get the most out of your weekend here.
Day 1
Morning: The drive from the airport will take about an hour, so your morning will be spent getting to your hotel or rental home. But if you're hungry from the plane ride, stop on the way to Tamarindo at Waffle Monkey where the name says it all. Don't skip the waffle topped with eggs and bacon. Or for the sweeter—and more local—side of things, a version with local honey, coconut and bananas.
Afternoon: Get to know Tamarindo from the water on a private beach tour. A guide will boat you to various off-the-beaten path beaches that are away from the crowds and you'll have opportunities to snorkel among the life-filled colorful reefs along the way and from the various shores.
Evening: For dinner right on the send, check out Pangas Beach Club where you'll find delicious fresh seafood (think yellowfin tuna and lobster) amog other local fare. From dinner, make your way to Wild Panda's cocktail bar for frozen mojitos or another beach spot, El Be, which offers late night snacks along with its robust drinks menu.
Day 2
Morning and Afternoon: You're going in land today and you'll need an early start. Grab breakfast at your hotel or a nearby coffee shop before joining the ATV and Canopy Tour in Arenal National Park. Though the park is a three-hour drive from Tamarindo, the experience is worth the early wake up call and round trip drive. The tour includes a ziplining canopy tour that crosses hot springs, waterfalls and more at daring, dangling speeds. Then, you'll hop on an ATV for an off-road trip through the forest. All of this with the iconic Arenal volcano in view. A traditional Costa Rican lunch is available after the tour. Closer to Tamarindo, if you don't have the time to drive, is Rincon De La Vieja Volcano, where Action Tours offers a zipline canopy tour, river tubing, lunch buffet and a soak in the hot springs.
Evening: Tonight make your way to El Chiringuito Tamarindo for dinner. The open-air restaurant offers ocean views and fresh fish (try the whole grilled snapper or octopus kebab), poke bowls and sandwiches, along with a huge beer, wine and cocktail menu. A short walk away is El Garito, Costa Rica's version of a night club, steps away from the beach with a bar and live DJ. Kinky, also nearby, offers drinks and more low-key dancing.
Day 3
Morning: Grab brunch at Nogui's for both American favorites (omelets and waffles, for instance) and local cuisine, including a tortilla with eggs, ham, cheese and pico de gallo.
Afternoon: After brunch head out for a round at Hacienda Pinilla. Designed by Mike Young, the par 72 course is built along the Pacific coast and backed by tropical forest for an amazing natural setting with plenty of holes offering water views. Plus, the course is designated as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, so you'll see some of Costa Rica's extraordinary wildlife while you play.
Evening: If you haven't figured it out by now, Costa Rica is all about the seafood. And that's certainly the case at dinner tonight at Wabi-Sabi Sushi. Try the unique Ebi-fresa roll made with tempura shrimp, manga, asparagus and covered with strawberry, avocado and unagi sauce or the callejones roll, made with marinated octopus, mango, cucumber and avocado. For drinks, take it easy tonight at Pacifico Bar, an open-air spot on the beach with live music, reggae nights and great cocktails.
Where Should I Stay in Costa Rica for a Bachelor Party?
Tamarindo is plenty walkable around the beach area. The only transportation you'll be reliant on is a ride to and from the airport and any excursions that venture beyond the beachfront.
Best Costa Rica Bachelor Hotels
- While on the more luxurious side of things, the Wyndham Tamarindo has a fantastic infinity pool and onsite restaurant and is within walking distance to the beach.
- The oceanfront JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa offers a pool and private beach, plus all the amenities you can need to make up for it being a bit farther from the downtown area.
- Get a taste of the hacienda lifestyle at the Occidental Tamarindo, which offers an all-inclusive package, pool and beach access within ann affordable price.
Best Costa Rica Bachelor Home Rentals
- For larger groups (up to 13) a spacious Private Villa in a gated community is a great option that comes with a private pool, outdoor oasis and walking distance to the beach.
- A Poolside Townhome-Style Villa is a great option for up to 8, with a fantastic deck and patio for outdoor hangs and access to the Hacienda Pinilla pool, fitness center and golf course.
- Though a bit farther from the beach, Casa Del Sol, in the Hacienda Pinilla resort, offers a spacious interior for up to 10, a covered patio and a private pool.