Costa Rica → Destinations → Playa Grande

Playa Grande Costa Rica

Located within the outstanding province of Guanacaste, Playa Grande was discovered because it is a nesting area for marine turtles. The Baula arrive every year at Playa Grande to lay and spawn their eggs. Las Baulas Marine National Park is highly regulated in order to prevent losing this incredible turtle species to extinction. It is okay to enjoy during the day, but at night Playa Grande is patrolled by the National Park Patrols from October to May. This is their spawning season and they patrol the area to make sure the eggs are not stolen. These turtle's eggs are traditionally known as an aphrodisiac, this belief is what made the Baula turtles hunted and endangered. These days, Playa Grande is one of the most preserved and watched over beaches on Costa Rica’s shoreline. This incredible beach can be a great surfing spot in some places and in others it is an amazing location with calm water. Guanacaste is a province in the North East side of Costa Rica and is known for having the most impressive natural resources in all of the Country: beaches, volcanoes, national parks mountains and rivers. Many activities that involve Ecoturism are available all around the area: white water rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, canopy and many other fun and entertaining things. Check with our travel advisors for more information and get help with booking your hotel and tours.

Playa Grande is a small community, with only a few hotels in its surrounding areas. You can take advantage of the wild life refugee here at Parque Nacional Marina Las Baulas. The park was re-established on July 9th, 1991. It has approximately 500 acres of wild life includes impressive flora & fauna and breathtaking locations very well preserved for the world’s pleasure and enjoyment. Inside you can find extensive mangrove swamps that have international importance. The mangrove swamps are home to many rare marine and plant species. Flowers and trees inside of the dry tropical forest are taken care at this natural sanctuary so our future generations can also enjoy them. It is definitely worth your time to go to Playa Grande and absorb all the magnificence of the tropical flora and fauna of Costa Rica. The regular animals found here besides the Baula turtle are deers, foxes, congo monkeys, coyotes and raccoons. The sea and marine life has a widespread variety: the waters are full of beautiful creatures and rare species: tajalin crabs and crocodiles are the most common to see along with many kinds and sizes of iguanas.

When you arrive at Playa Grande you will notice that none of the hotels have rooms facing the ocean. All exposed light is absolutely prohibited near the ocean during the Baula Turtle spawning period. The closest town from Playa Grande is the surfer's paradise of Tamarindo. This beautifully established town is where you can get everything for a great time from international cuisine at restaurants to novelty items at trendy shops. Tamarindo is a 45 minute trip from Playa Grande whether you drive or you decide to walk along the beaches shoreline. Either way, it will take you the same amount of time to arrive! But you should be careful with the estuary that connects both towns. Please be sure to take care of this perfect paradise when you visit. A return trip will definitely be in your future plans. We hope this natural gift to the world will stay the same for when you come back. To book any hotels in the Playa Grande area, don’t hesitate in contacting one of our travel advisors. You can be sure you will start your vacation off with the right foot.