Tamarindo & Flamingo: Canopy Zipline Tour with Wildlife Sighting

Ziplining high above Tamarindo’s forests with monkeys below

You’ll soar between ancient trees on this Tamarindo & Flamingo canopy tour, spotting monkeys and birds as you zipline high above Costa Rica’s dry forest. With hotel pickup included and friendly local guides leading every step, you’ll end up with dusty shoes, new laughs—and probably a story you’ll want to tell later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Canopy tour near Tamarindo Beach

• Travel 35 minutes northeast of Tamarindo
• Arrive at large family-owned farm
• Zip line on 9 cables up to 390 feet high
• Enjoy views of dry forest and lowlands
• Spot wildlife like howler monkeys and iguanas

The Experience

The first thing I noticed was the sound — cicadas buzzing somewhere above us, and then a sudden whoop from someone already flying down the first cable. Our guide, Javier, grinned and handed me my helmet (“You’ll want it,” he said, which didn’t exactly calm my nerves). The canopy tour started just outside Tamarindo Beach, maybe half an hour’s drive — I’d lost track staring out at those dusty green hills. Turns out the farm’s been in Javier’s family for ages. He pointed to a gnarly old tree and told us his abuela used to climb it as a kid. I tried to imagine that while getting strapped in.

I didn’t expect how dry the air would feel up there or how the wind would snatch your voice away when you’re zipping between platforms. The longest cable was wild — almost 1800 feet, Javier said (I forgot to ask if he’d ever measured it himself). Somewhere along the third line, we spotted a family of howler monkeys lounging in the branches below. One of them yawned so wide I almost missed my cue to jump off again. There were flashes of blue from birds darting past and once a coati scuttled across the path when we stopped for water. Someone in our group tried to name all the animals in Spanish; Javier laughed and corrected us gently — I still can’t pronounce “pizote” right.

The sun was sharp but not unbearable, and honestly, I barely noticed after a while because my hands were sweating more from nerves than heat. At one point my harness pinched weirdly and for a second I wondered if everyone else felt that too or if it was just me overthinking things (probably both). By the last platform, my legs were shaky but in that good way — like after running into waves at Flamingo Beach. We all piled back into the van with dust on our shoes and hair full of leaves, joking about who screamed loudest. The drive back felt quieter somehow; maybe everyone was replaying their own little moments up there among those old trees.

Top questions

How far is the canopy tour from Tamarindo Beach?

The canopy tour is about 35 minutes northeast of Tamarindo Beach by car.

What wildlife might I see during the canopy tour?

You may spot howler monkeys, white-nosed coatis, iguanas, and various birds during the tour.

Is hotel pickup included for this canopy tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels.

What is the maximum weight limit for participants?

The maximum weight limit for this canopy tour is 250 pounds.

Are children allowed on this zipline tour?

Children aged 4 years and older can join; they must be accompanied by an adult.

Is lunch provided during the Tamarindo canopy tour?

No lunch is included; however, water breaks are part of the experience.

Can infants join this activity?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap; specialized infant seats are available.

Are there any health restrictions for this zipline activity?

This activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travelers over 4 months.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by air-conditioned minivan with hotel pickup and drop-off (from selected hotels), use of safety helmet throughout the adventure, live entertainment from your local guides—plus plenty of time to spot wildlife before heading back to town covered in dust and smiles.