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.
Playa Grande Best Things to Do
On this tour you will go for a nighttime walk on the beaches of Marino Las Baulas National Park to look for green turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. Instead of the park’s heavily trafficked Playa Grande, you will head for the lesser-known Minas or Jesus Nombre beaches.
4 hrs
From $118Head off for a day of sailing, snorkeling, and swimming on this tour. You’ll sail up the coast from Playa Flamingo and explore some of the Nicoya Peninsula’s most beautiful coastal areas.
4 hrs
From $88Area Guide
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.
Feedback From Travelers
This trip was amazing. The logistics was excellent. All where on time. Transport & guides were very kind and informative. I will definatly do this again.
Go there to relax and enjoy the beach and solitude. 30 minute walk along the beach to nightlife and restaurants. The town has a couple of restaurants in short walking distance but not much nightlife. Great if you are looking to stay away from the crowds but close enough if you want to experience the nightlife.
Perfect beach destination. Loved the ocean waves and watching the surfers!!
- Playa Grande Things To Do
Playa Grande Things To Do
- Places Nearby
- Playa Flamingo5 km.
- Tamarindo1 km.
- Playa Danta26 km.
- Liberia77 km.
- Papagayo Gulf25 km.
- Ocotal41 km.
- Playa Negra34 km.
- Playa Ostional71 km.
- Playa Panama67 km.