Although our 6 year old charges these waves, doesn’t mean they are just for beginners! Something for everyone in Playa Grande.
PLAYA GRANDE:
Surfing Costa Rica- Playa Grande’s best spots and nearby surf breaks…To surf Playa Grande, Costa Rica you will need to access the beach at one of a few options. The main public beach access is at the end of the road straight down from Frijoles Locos Surf Shop, where Hotel Las Tortugas is, and 200 meters north of here known as ‘the palm trees’. Palm trees are great for families, offering good shade. Both places have guarded parking for $2 per vehicle. Don’t leave anything in the car anywhere, ever!
Palm Trees surf spot is closest to Casa Costa Palmera, Casa Sylmar, Casa Blanca, Villa Siempre, Villa Olivia and Casa Mirage.
Nearby the rock there is a wedgy beach break but not good for beginners. Beginner surfers should stick to Palm Trees or between Casa Mirage and around 100m north of Hotel Las Tortugas.
There is parking in front of RipJack Inn also, but not guarded. No matter what, never leave anything in your car. Ever.
Head high to a 6 ft surfer. Double overhead to a 6 year old.
It takes a good 25-30 minutes to walk to or from the Tamarindo estuary to the main peak in front of Hotel Las Tortugas. Main peak has plenty of crowd, plenty of vibe, and should only be surfed by competent strong intermediates and up.
Palm Beach Estates to the south end of Playa Grande has a long stretch of beach with breaks all along. Sandy bottom… tends to have more walled up waves but can be fun on the right day.
Casitas is at the very south of the beach before the river-mouth.
Other nearby breaks include Playa Avellanas (all levels of surfer), Playa Frijolar (Marbella), Junquillal and Playa Negra (truly advanced surfers only).
Check out our Driving Directions blog to access information on how to get to some of those other surf breaks mentioned.
Rent your surfboards from Frijoles Locos and ensure that you have something great to ride, that the airlines haven’t damaged en-route or charged you a fortune to carry!
