Playa Grande

Introducing Playa Grande

From Huacas, the southwesterly road leads to Playa Grande, an undeveloped wilderness beach that’s equally famous among conservationists and surfers alike. By day, the offshore winds create steep and powerful waves, especially at high tide and in front of the Hotel Las Tortugas. By night, an ancient cycle continues to unfurl as leatherback sea turtles bearing clutches of eggs follow the ocean currents back to their birthplace.

Since 1991 Playa Grande has been part of the Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas de Guanacaste , which prevents beachfront development and ensures that one of the most important leatherback nesting areas in the world is preserved for future generations. Although there are a few accommodations near the beach, they are set back from the shoreline and carefully managed to ensure that ambient light is kept to a minimum.

Some travelers prefer to stay in nearby Tamarindo, as there is a better range of accommodations, and national parks aren’t exactly known for their wild nightlife. However, there are a number of beautiful hotels on Grande, and if you’re not looking to get tanked with a bunch of package holidaymakers, you might enjoy the peaceful solitude that comes with sleeping in a national park. And, of course, there’s nothing like waking up in the morning and being the first one in the water.

Last updated: Sep 23, 2008