Playa Grande

Located along the north Pacific Coast in Guanacaste province, Playa Grande is a vital part of the Marino Las Baulas National Park. After being incorporated into the park in 1990, the beach has been open to the public, but remains a highly protected region because it is a nesting site of the leatherback turtles. The pristine shoreline and crystal blue waters of Playa Grande make this one of the most beautiful beaches in Guanacaste.

Surfing – Playa Grande is often visited for its excellent surfing conditions along the main beach, which has long attracted surfers from across the globe. Playa Grande’s waves are accessible to surfers of all skill levels – anyone from a first-time rider to a pro can hit the waves here. The surf breaks are consistent and moderate, and this beach is much less crowded than neighboring Tamarindo. It is best for beginners to surf during the lower tides when there are less surfers and the waves are much smaller. This beach gets a south swell year-round, with a better chance of catching bigger swells between March and November. With perfectly warm waters throughout the year, there’s no better place than Playa Grande to catch the perfect wave.

Although the waters may be perfect for surfing, the tough currents and steep sea bottom make it challenging for swimming. However, on the northern end of the beach, a small trail leads to Playa Ventanas, which has a beautiful beach and a tiny bay perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Leatherback Turtles – This beach is only accessible during the day because it is patrolled after 6 p.m. to help protect the nesting sites of leatherback turtles. Between October and May, turtles come ashore to lay their eggs during the night. Playa Grande is considered to be the most important nesting site of these turtles, and locals take pride in protecting this land for these massive creatures. As the largest of the sea turtles, leatherbacks can grow to be seven feet long and weigh up to 700 kilograms! Travelers wanting to catch a glimpse of these shy creatures can attend a tour from Playa Grande to Tamarindo.