Things to Do in Playa Grande, Costa Rica
SURF · TURTLES · MANGROVES · DAY TRIPS
Playa Grande is a place to slow down, but there’s plenty to do when you’re ready. Surf, turtles, and mangroves are right here. Boats, volcanoes, and ziplines are a short drive away. Most tours can be booked directly with local operators or through wherever you’re staying, and many include pickup.
In Playa Grande
Surfing
One of Costa Rica’s most consistent beach breaks. Gentle whitewater for first lessons, powerful peaks for experienced surfers.
Leaves from: The beach, near the main village entrance
Good to know: Mid tide is usually best. On bigger days, watch for strong currents.
Leatherback Turtles
Night turtle tours at Playa Grande are suspended while the few remaining leatherbacks are protected. You can still get involved: help release hatchlings or join a conservation day with local researchers.
Book with: SosGrande, WhatsApp +506 8378-9640
Good to know: hatchling expeditions run January to March. To see mass nesting of olive ridley turtles, go to Ostional Wildlife Refuge with an accredited guide; call first: +506 2682-0400.
Everything about the turtles →
Photo: NOAA (public domain)
Estuary Boat Tours
Glide through the mangroves of the Tamarindo estuary looking for crocodiles, herons, kingfishers, and monkeys.
Leaves from: The estuary, at the south end of Playa Grande
Good to know: Early morning or late afternoon brings the most wildlife.
Kayak & Paddleboard
Paddle the calm mangrove channels at your own pace, just minutes from the surf.
Leaves from: The estuary
Good to know: A guided tour is the easiest way to start. Ask about tide timing.
Horseback Riding
Ride the beach on the Tamarindo side of the estuary and the quiet backroads, ideally in the golden light before sunset.
Leaves from: Stables in and around Tamarindo
Good to know: Horses aren’t allowed on the Playa Grande side of the estuary.
Sunset Walks
Free, and the best show in town. Walk the long, empty beach as the sky turns orange and gold.
Leaves from: Anywhere on the beach
Good to know: Low tide gives the best reflections on the wet sand.
Nearby & day trips
Water Taxi to Tamarindo
A short boat ride across the estuary puts Tamarindo’s shops and restaurants minutes away, no car needed.
Leaves from: The estuary mouth, at the south end of Playa Grande
Good to know: Daytime only. Bring small cash.
Catamaran Sunset Sails
Sail the coast with drinks and a snorkel stop, back in time for sunset.
Leaves from: Tamarindo or Flamingo
Good to know: Book a day or two ahead in high season (December to April).
Snorkeling Trips
Boat trips to the Catalinas Islands and quieter coves, where the water is much clearer than at the surf beaches.
Leaves from: Tamarindo, Flamingo, or Potrero
Good to know: Visibility is best in the dry season.
Deep Sea Fishing
Guanacaste is a world-class sportfishing coast: sailfish, marlin, mahi-mahi, and tuna.
Leaves from: Flamingo or Tamarindo
Good to know: Billfish (sailfish and marlin) are catch-and-release in Costa Rica.
Zipline & Hanging Bridges
Fly between treetop platforms, or walk suspended bridges through the forest canopy.
Leaves from: Parks within about 30 to 60 minutes; most tours include pickup
Good to know: Wear closed-toe shoes.
ATV Tours
Backroads, river crossings, and hilltop viewpoints on four wheels.
Leaves from: Operators around Tamarindo; most include pickup
Good to know: Expect dust in the dry season and mud in the rainy season.
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano
Hot springs, mud baths, waterfalls, and hiking trails in a national park about two hours inland.
Leaves from: Full-day tours with pickup, or drive yourself (near Liberia)
Good to know: Plan a full day. It pairs well with an arrival or departure day through Liberia.
Photo: Flicka, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons