Playa Grande
Separated from Tamarindo by the Matapalo River is Grande Beach (Playa Grande) located within Marino Las Baulas National Park, Grande Beach is the site of the arribadas of the leatherback turtle. In the past thousands of turtles barraged the coast to bury their eggs but the Leatherback population has drastically declined and in 2008 only 32 turtles arrived during the nesting season.
More about Playa Grande
Female leatherback turtles come ashore to lay their eggs from October to May—an incredible spectacle to behold if you are one of those lucky enough to see it. Guides are available for hire for those interested in this rare, but unforgettable opportunity.
Surfing along Grande Beach is incredible and has attracted surfers from all around the globe. Although many skilled surfers have descended upon Playa Grande it is also a considered one of the better places to learn to surf or improve your surfing skills. Breaks are moderate and constant, earning Grande Beach a reputation of one of Costa Rica's premier surf destinations. In fact, nearby Tamarindo hosts several international surf competitions, a testament to the quality of surf available at Grande Beach.
A few hotel accommodations are available along Grande Beach at affordable prices. Although no rooms can legally face the ocean by law, the ability to lodge within a protected area is a rare luxury in Costa Rica. There will be no late nights singing songs around a beach fire since Playa Grande is a national park it is not permitted to go out on the beach after sundown.
The Tamarindo airport receives domestic flights from around Costa Rica, while Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport is the nearest airport for incoming travelers from abroad. Buses from both Liberia and San Jose arrive to Tamarindo daily, from which taxi or shuttle can be taken to Grande Beach.
Moments to look forward to
Buena Vista Mega Combo Adventure
Panache Catamaran Sailing Regular Tour
Panache Catamaran Sailing Private Tour 40Ft
Half Day Fun at the Ocean
Santa Rosa National Park Guided Hike and Liberia City Tour
Early Morning Bird Watching Tour - Guanacaste
Barra Honda Caves (Spelunking)
Vandara Nature Pass
Tenorio River Rafting Class III/IV
Group Surf Lesson Playa Grande
Incredible Stays
Rip Jack Inn
Rip Jack Inn's stellar location is 75 yards from Playa Grande, an expansive 3-mile beach along Guanacaste's Pacific coast. Playa Grande, which translates to "Big Beach", is a surfer's playground with consistent barreling waves. It is also one of only three places in the world where the giant Leatherback Turtle comes to lay its eggs, and thus the whole beach is protected as a National Park.
Hotel Las Tortugas
Hotel Las Tortugas can be found in the North Pacific Coast of Costa Rica on the gorgeous Playa Grande. Since prehistoric times Playa Grande has been one of the world's principal nesting beaches for the Leatherback turtle. The area is blessed with abundant sunshine, warm ocean breezes and privacy.
Playa Grande Park Hotel
A short walk from the beach, the Playa Grande Park Hotel is a great place to kickback in the radiant sunshine of the Guanacaste Region. Playa Grande presents a phenomenally beautiful stretch of beach, popular among surfers for its consistent, rolling waves. Its entire sandy shoreline is part of the Marino Las Baulas National Park, a marine sanctuary created to protect the nesting sites of giant Leatherback Turtles.
Sol y Luna Lodge
Located 440 yards from the sands of Playa Grande, the Sol y Luna Lodge offers charming bungalows for couples, friends, and family on one of Guanacaste's largest and less-developed beaches, a favorite among surfers for its playful waves.
Apartments Frijoles Locos
Apartments Frijoles Locos is a charming place located in the serene coastal village of Playa Grande, nestled in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. This area is renowned for its natural beauty, offering guests a peaceful backdrop of expansive beaches and lush landscapes. The hotel is situated just a short stroll from the beach, making it an ideal location for those looking to enjoy the tranquility and natural splendor of the region.
Casa Colibri
Casa Colibrí offers the ultimate beachfront experience, right on the golden sands and just steps away from an excellent surf break. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or just eager to catch some waves, this location provides easy access to some of the best surfing spots around. Plus, the stunning beach views and direct ocean access make it the perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun.
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