Seperated from Tamarindo by the Matapalo River is Grande Beach (Playa Grande), an uninspiring crop of pebble-rock seashore with the exception of numerous tide pools that are exposed at low tides. Located within Marino Las Baulas National Park, Grande Beach is the site of the wondrous arribadas of the leatherback turtle, when thousands of turtles barrage the coast during mating season.
Playa Grande Information
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.
Despite Grande Beach’s lackluster sand, Surfing along Grande Beach is incredible—regardless of skill level. 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 with Marino Las Baulas National Park 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.
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 José arrive to Tamarindo daily, from which taxi or shuttle can be taken to Grande Beach.
Despite Grande Beach’s lackluster sand, Surfing along Grande Beach is incredible—regardless of skill level. 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 with Marino Las Baulas National Park 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.
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 José arrive to Tamarindo daily, from which taxi or shuttle can be taken to Grande Beach.
What and Where is Playa Grande Guanacaste?
Playa Grande Guanacaste is a Costa Rica Travel Destination located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. (see all Costa Rica Regions)
Costa Rican National Reserves and Parks near Playa Grande Guanacaste, Costa Rica
2 KM to
Marino Las Baulas National Park
45 KM to Ostional National Wildlife Refuge
48 KM to Lomas Barbudal Biological Reserve and Dr Rafael Lucas Rodriguez
56 KM to Palo Verde
96 KM to Guanacaste National Park
96 KM to Rincon de la Vieja National Park
96 KM to Santa Rosa National Park
109 KM to Tenorio Volcano and Miravalles Protected Zone
45 KM to Ostional National Wildlife Refuge
48 KM to Lomas Barbudal Biological Reserve and Dr Rafael Lucas Rodriguez
56 KM to Palo Verde
96 KM to Guanacaste National Park
96 KM to Rincon de la Vieja National Park
96 KM to Santa Rosa National Park
109 KM to Tenorio Volcano and Miravalles Protected Zone
