Overview of the community, beach, amenities, and properties.

Playa Grande is only about 2km from the town but they are separated by the Tamarindo Estuary (Matapalo River) and the journey by road takes 30 minutes. It is quicker to walk down the beach and cross the estuary by boat (about $1 each way). Playa Grande is the northern half of the Bay of Tamarindo, which is just over 3.5 km in length.

THE “MARINO LAS BAULAS” NATIONAL PARK

The Las Baulas Marine National Park was created in 1995 and currently includes about 450 hectares of forest, mangroves, and beaches. Playa Grande was incorporated into the nature reserve in 1990.
The park is host to several turtle species (mentioned on the Tamarindo page), including the largest of them all, the Leatherback turtle, which is officially and endangered species.
Many other animals can be seen in the park: the Hairless fox (Didelphis marsupialis); deer; Howler monkeys; Coyote; Raccoons; and marine life and reptiles: the Tajalin crab; the Boa constrictor snake; the Garrobo (Basiliscus basiliscus); and Crocodiles.

Ref: Las Baulas Marine National Park on Wikipedia

THE BEACH AT PLAYA GRANDE

Playa Grande has white sand from the erosion of mineral rocks, rather than biogenic material such as seashells and coral. If you enjoy quieter and less commercial beaches with fewer facilities then this might fit you perfectly. Bathers must take care at the entrance to the estuary and it is not recommended to cross this, take a boat.

The beach is only open to the public during the day between October and March when the turtles are nesting. It is patrolled at night by park rangers to protect both the turtles and their eggs, which some people considered to be good food. It is not just hunters that are a nuisance, some tourists are eager to observe the turtles but their presence is a threat to the species. There are guided tours to see the turtles and at night you can only go the beach with a guide and relevant permits.

Artificial lights are banned from near the beach as it can disorientate the hatchlings, who might end up walking towards the land instead of into the sea. For this reason there are no hotels at the beach front. There is a hotel (Las Tortugas) and a few surf lodges there set back a little distance inland. You can rent equipment for surfing, kayaking, snorkeling , and pony trekking is available from here also.

There is no shade on Playa Grande so you might need a parasol or shelter if you plan to spend the day there. The beach has strong surfing waves at mid and high tides and is not the best place for casual swimmers. At low tide, the ocean is calmer and the waves are fun to play in.

Playa Grande has white sand from the erosion of mineral rocks, rather than biogenic material such as seashells and coral. If you enjoy quieter and less commercial beaches with fewer facilities then this might fit you perfectly. Bathers must take care at the entrance to the estuary and it is not recommended to cross this, take a boat.

SURF AT PLAYA GRANDE

Playa Grande faces West and benefits from swells originating from the South Pacific and those from the North Pacific. This makes it one of the most consistent surfing locations and the waves are usually a little larger than other nearby beaches. There are breaks for suitable for intermediates. Beginners will enjoy smaller days here, but on larger days might have a better time at Tamarindo It has breaks for experts that are really top quality and it is considered to be one of the best surf locations in Costa Rica. There are numerous different breaks and it is very popular with the locals.

LIVING AT PLAYA GRANDE

Deciding to live at Playa Grande is definitely a choice for nature-lovers. You must respect the environment to live here.The community that has built up here consists of surfers, young families and retirees from around the world. It is a tight-knit and harmonious community.

It is tranquil – or at least in some ways – you are likely to be woken by a Howler monkey outside your window. These monkeys are not enormous but in case you haven’t heard them before let me describe it. It sounds like the giant Kong rushing down the valley towards you. The first time you hear one you will very likely find yourself looking around for the nearest shelter.

AMENITIES AT PLAYA GRANDE

There is no ‘fast-food’ on sale at Playa Grande. The restaurants all use fresh ingredients from the ocean and the land a serve good wholesome dishes.

Numerous facilities are listed in the the following paragraphs on the three communities here. Most people will need to take regular trips into Tamarindo to stock the freezer or for any hardware requirements, pharmacies, or medical attention.

As documented on this website’s location hub page, “Neighborhoods”, which gives an overview of the beach communities in Guanacaste, there are numerous international schools not far away. It is a good place to raise a family.

The outdoor recreation opportunities available in this region are great, and again you will see more on our hub page linked above.

A home for Nature lovers

As mentioned already. There is a caring international community that has grown here. People are accepting of each others differences and all share a love of nature.

There are three neighborhoods here.

Las Ventanas – a gated community with ocean views

Playa Grande Estates is a tiny town with restaurants and a few boutique hotels. There is a treetop restaurant at the RipJack Hotel that has live music a few times each week (in normal times!). On Wednesday nights there is a craft market where you can enjoy craft beer, a bite to eat and some live music. There are homes with yards, self-build lots to choose from, and there are some affordable condo units very near to the beach.

Playa Grande Estates – at the north end of the beach

Playa Grande Estates is a tiny town with restaurants and a few boutique hotels. There is a treetop restaurant at the RipJack Hotel that has live music a few times each week (in normal times!). On Wednesday nights there is a craft market where you can enjoy craft beer, a bite to eat and some live music. There are homes with yards, self-build lots to choose from, and there are some affordable condo units very near to the beach.

Palm Beach Estates – at the south end

This neighborhood is at the south end of Playa Grande beach towards the Matapalo River. Palm Beach Estates is a nice residential community that has over 70 homes, a mini-supermarket, restaurants and a few small hotels. There are a few beach-front homes and the others are a very short walk away. It is also attractive to the vacation rental market due to having easier access to Tamarindo (you still need to take a boat). If you wanted a house for your own surf trips and to make an income from vacation rentals the rest of the year, then this might be the spot.

NEARBY NEIGHBORHOODS

To the south of Playa Grande, on the other side of the Matapalo River lies the town of Tamarindo, and at the south part of the town there is the more tranquil, Playa Langosta.

To the north there are the three beaches that have the name “the Gold Coast”. The first one to the north is Playa Conchal. This has an old village and also the the luxurious Westin Golf and Spa Resort. There are homes and lots at the beach-front and on wooded slopes and then there are the residential homes and condos within the Reserva Conchal resort.

Next to the north is Playa Brasilito, which has wonderful homes among the tress and at the beach front and then to the north of that, Playa Flamingo, where the new yacht marina is nearing completion.