Playa Grande, from Playa Flamingo
Playa Grande is the long, almost undeveloped beach directly across the river mouth from Tamarindo, protected as part of Las Baulas National Marine Park. It is one of the Pacific’s remaining leatherback turtle nesting beaches, which is why the beachfront never got built up.
By day it is a surf beach: a consistent beach break with far more room than Tamarindo across the estuary. In nesting season (roughly October to March) ranger-led night tours are the way to see turtles; access at night is controlled, so book rather than wander.
The beach
Serious surf and currents; treat it as a surf and walking beach rather than a swimming pool. Baby-turtle releases and nesting tours run in season only.
Getting there
About 40 minutes by road from Flamingo through Huacas and Matapalo. From Tamarindo you can also cross the estuary by small boat and walk.
Tours around Playa Grande
Live listings with traveler reviews (avg 4.9), instant confirmation, and free cancellation on most tours.
Most Playa Grande surf lessons and turtle tours are run by operators based in Tamarindo, directly across the estuary. Confirm the pickup or departure point during booking.
Showing all 22 experiences
Tamarindo Mangrove Forest National Park kayaking
The Tamarindo estuary is a long, vast river mouth with mangrove forest. It is located between Tamarindo and Playa Grande. The labyrinth of meanders, streams and lagoons is vast and rarely explored. It is a perfect 2.5 hour trip for nature lovers. You can paddle through the calm waters of the estuary, between Playa Tamarindo and Playa Grande. On sunny days you can see a wide variety of bird species, crocodiles, iguanas and other animals. Enjoying the heart of the Las Baulas National Marine Park
Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR
You will be able to learn about the natural process of turtle sighting on the beaches near Cabo Velas. They are virgin beaches, where you will enjoy the splendor of the sunset and nightfall. They are spectacular simultaneous natural events. Start time is 5.30pm
Kayak and Snorkelling trip to Capitan Island; part of Las Baulas National Park
Capitan Island, the only island within Las Baulas National Park and created by a volcanic eruption, is a great place to explore! Don’t let it’s small size deceive you; it’s full of natural wonders for you to enjoy!
Playa Grande Surf Lessons on a Secluded Beach
Our secluded beach is the ultimate place to learn to surf with the best company in Costa Rica. No worries about 100s of other surfers around you and Playa Grande is a beautiful beach as well. The waves are awesome for beginners to intermediate surfers and we only surf around the high tide to give you the best possible waves. We take special care in every customer to make sure they have the best day of their vacation and take 150-250 pictures and video to prove it.
Beginners surf lessons on tamarindo beach
This surf lesson experience stands out due to its unique feature of learning from local surfers who are deeply connected to the Tamarindo surfing community. This aspect adds cultural depth to the lessons, providing participants with a deeper understanding of the sport and its significance in the area. The private nature of the lessons ensures personalized instruction tailored to each individual's skill level and goals, guaranteeing an efficient and focused learning experience. Set against the stunning backdrop of Tamarindo's coastline, participants can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings while catching unforgettable waves.
Surf Lesson in Tamarindo: Private and Group
Discover why surfing in Tamarindo is one of the best activities in Costa Rica with Blue Wave Surf & Tours! Experience an unforgettable surf lesson with our local surf instructors. Whether you're new to surfing or an experienced wave rider, Blue Wave Surf & Tours offers private and group lessons that are perfect for all ages and skill levels. Learn and practice surfing at one of the best beaches in Costa Rica, and create unforgettable memories in paradise. Beyond surfing, we also organize a variety of tours in Playa Tamarindo, ensuring you experience the best this beautiful area has to offer. Pura Vida! Don't forget to check out our adventures on Social Media! You might just find yourself featured in one of our posts. Follow us and join the Blue Wave community!
ATV Hidden Beaches Tour
This is a very popular ATV tour. We start in Brasilito and hit south from there along the beaches and through the dry forests of Guanacaste. We’ll cover a lot of ground and visit Playa Puerto Viejo, Playa Bahia de los Piratas and Playa Minas where a small hike is optional to see a beautiful viewpoint. Also along the trip we will stop to take beautiful pictures and take an optional swim for a little time on the ocean.
Best Surf Lessons in Tamarindo – MouseHead Surf School with Mao
Surf Tamarindo Like a Local Tamarindo Beach is one of the best places in Costa Rica to learn how to surf, thanks to its consistent waves and sandy bottom. With local instructor Mao guiding you, you’ll feel safe, supported, and confident from start to finish. This is more than just a surf class — it’s an unforgettable Costa Rica experience. Perfect For First-time surfers Families with kids Couples Travelers only Teens Intermediate surfers improving technique Do not experience necessary. Just bring your energy and we’ll handle the rest.
SSI Open Water Diver Course
TamaDive is focused on safety and personalized service. Don’t worry about anything; that's our job! In this 3 days course you will learn the basics of diving. During the first day, you will watch some diving videos and practice basic diving skills in the pool with your instructor. On the second day, you will discover the wonderful underwater fauna of Costa Rica in 2 open water dives while applying everything learned in the first day. And, on the last day, you will do the last 2 dives and take the final exam, thus consolidating everything seen before.
Private Tamarindo Costa Rica Surfing Class
Welcome to Costa. Surf! I’m Jason from the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Join me for an authentic surf experience in Tamarindo and secret local spots. All levels welcome—beginner to advanced. Connect with the ocean, nature, and pura vida spirit. After the session, enjoy fresh tropical fruit and local refreshments. Come for the waves, stay for the vibe.
Surfing Lesson in Tamarindo
Entry level surf class Supervised and encouraged by ISA certified instructors 2 hours clase 3 students per instructor Transportation included Soft board and rash guard Lesson in Tamarindo beach
Surf Lessons in Tamarindo With Local Coaches
With Tamarindo Surf & Tours you'll have two hours of fun living the local, Costa Ricain surf experience you've been dreaming about. Your instructor will give you plenty of instruction and tips both in and out of the water for you to get very good chances of catching plenty of waves. We guarantee you will enjoy your lesson with us. Surfing is all about having fun and living in the moment, and that is our number one goal for you. - Lockers, showers, bathroom and changing room available. - Lessons are available in French, English, and Spanish. - You can easily meet your instructor in front of Walter's restaurant. - Surfboards and rash guards are provided, so there's no need to rent them. - This experience is suitable for all ages and skill levels, and children are welcome. - Your guide will be informative, friendly, and professional. Come catch some waves and make unforgettable memories in Tamarindo!
The Official Craft Beer Tour of Costa Rica
We are The Official Craft Beer Tour of Costa Rica. We are the first and only craft beer tour available in the area.
Tamarindo Scavenger Hunt
Get ready for an exciting adventure that takes you through the VERY BEST of Tamarindo, Costa Rica’s top beach destination! From hidden gems to iconic hotspots, our Self-Guided Interactive Scavenger Hunt will have you discovering, exploring, and unlocking surprises along the way. With 7 days of access, you can complete the hunt at your own pace—whether you want to race to the finish or soak in the experience little by little. Are you ready to uncover the magic of Tamarindo? Let the adventure begin!
Private Rainforest Tour: Sloths, Hanging Bridges & Coffee
Unlike standard group excursions, this is a fully private all-inclusive rainforest day created exclusively for your party, with personalized timing, exclusive transportation, and a professional bilingual guide from pickup to drop-off. In one seamless journey from Guanacaste, you will experience Costa Rica’s most sought-after nature highlights together: a seasonal waterfall, guided hanging bridges, exceptional sloth spotting in a protected habitat, and authentic coffee and chocolate tastings — all without crowded buses, rushed schedules, or multiple bookings. Every detail is handled for you, including resort pickup, entrance fees, lunch, refreshments, and flexible pacing, allowing you to enjoy a true one-on-one wildlife experience in total comfort.
Celeste River Waterfall and Wildlife Reserve
The excursion to the stunning Rio Celeste Waterfall offers an immersion in the natural beauty of Tenorio Volcano National Park. Enjoy a hike along trails surrounded by lush greenery and marvel at the sky blue waters of the waterfall. Relax on the Río Celeste, where you can connect with nature, and enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch at a family-run coffee shop in Bijagua. The day culminates in a Private Wildlife Reserve, where you will learn about sustainability and the importance of environmental conservation. In the end, you will receive photographs of your unique experience. - Hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park and visit to the waterfall - Enjoy a swim in the waters of the Celeste River - Typical Costa Rican lunch in Bijagua included - Visit to a Private Wildlife Reserve to learn about sustainability
Tamarindo 4 Seat Golf Cart Rental with Delivery
**IMPORTANT!** CHOOSE 1 TRAVELER TO SEE CORRECT AVAILABILITY These electric golf carts are the best way to get around Tamarindo! Choose from 4 or 6 Seater Golf Carts Centrally located Tamarindo office - stop by to charge while hanging around town! Collision Insurance INCLUDED 100 Ft. Extension Cable – Charge Anywhere Environmentally Friendly Anti-Theft GPS System Lift Kit and All Terrain tires for the rough back roads Long Range Optional Rain Cover for Rainy Season Deep Cycle Battery – 20 Kilometer range! Lift Kit & All Terrain Wheels Front Guard Dashboard Storage State of Charge Meter Earth Gear & Carts is a sustainable initiative by Native’s Way Costa Rica to improve the impact traveling has on our environment. We offer Electric Golf Cart Rentals in Tamarindo, Sustainable Travel Gear such as solar powered chargers, and tour operations are on the front line of Costa Rica’s sustainability initiative.
Surfing with Locals at Tamarindo Beach
Why Choose Us? - Local Expert Coaches: Learn from the best in the industry. - Safety First: ILS certified instructors ensure a safe environment. - All Levels Welcome: Suitable for everyone, from novices to advanced surfers. Starting at age 5 years old.
Rincon De La Vieja Volcano Adventure Day.
There is no better place to enjoy the adrenaline that Costa Rica can offer. Nothing compares to flying over the largest volcano in Costa Rica: Rincon De La Vieja. In this adventure you can enjoy the best zipline in the Guanacaste area but we can also enjoy horseback riding, a 420 meter long water slide, a cultural experience that includes an explanation about sugar cane, typical food and a detailed explanation about the Pottery. To relax at the end, this park offers hot springs and mud baths. Don't forget, from the heights of the zipline to the relaxation of the hot springs, this is the best tour you can book and the best part is that it is private.
Sloth tour, Coffee, Chocolate and Tons of Wildlife
Discover the vibrant culture and spectacular nature of Costa Rica with the "Coffee and Wildlife" tour. Your journey begins with a refreshing swim at the stunning Llanos del Cortés Waterfalls, followed by an immersive coffee experience, where you’ll learn how coffee is cultivated, roasted, and ground. Delve into the rich tradition of chocolate making with an intriguing presentation, and savor the local flavors that define Costa Rican life. This six-hour adventure promises to blend natural beauty with cultural insights, crafting unforgettable memories of "Pura Vida." Join us for a day filled with exploration and delight. - Tour duration: Approximately 6 hours from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm - Refreshing swim at the picturesque Llanos del Cortés Waterfalls - Authentic coffee tour showcasing the journey from seed to cup - Fascinating insights into traditional chocolate making - And the always happy Sloth of Costa Rica Please enjoy this quest, of finding Costa Rica's unique species, a Sloth.
Multi-Adventure Tour in Guanacaste Nature and Culture
Your guide on this adventure day where you can experience the most important attractions of the province of Guanacaste. It also helps you make your investment and time worthwhile. The perfect combination of Adventure, Nature and Relaxation, all in one place and very close to the main beaches of the North Pacific. It will be an honor to be part of the family, you focus on your safety and your complete satisfaction, in a healthy and natural environment.
Adventure Tour Hot Springs, Ziplining, Water Slide & Cultural
Experience the ultimate Mega Combo Tour in Costa Rica, where adventure, natural beauty, and culture come together in one unforgettable day. This best-selling tour takes place in the iconic Rincón de la Vieja region, famous for its volcano, tropical dry forest, hot springs, and wildlife. Enjoy a full day of activities including zip lining, a scenic horseback ride, and an exhilarating ride down a 1,230-ft natural water slide—one of the longest and most exciting in Costa Rica. After the adventure, savor a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch before unwinding in soothing hot springs, complete with a volcanic mud bath known for its therapeutic benefits. Common search terms your listing will capture naturally: "ziplining Costa Rica," "hot springs," "Rincon de la Vieja National Park," "water slide adventure," "volcanic mud bath."
Need more options around Playa Grande?
The full Viator catalog has every operator, with the same reviews and free-cancellation terms. Prices in USD.
On the water from Marina Flamingo
2 sailing and fishing trips in this area depart from the Flamingo and Potrero side of the coast. Compare boats, not towns.
Rather have a local sort it out?
Pecari Rides runs private transfers, drivers, and trip help across Flamingo, Potrero, Tamarindo, and the wider coast, including Playa Grande.
Keep exploring nearby
Home base
Playa Flamingo
Back to the bay: every bookable tour around Flamingo.
30 to 40 min from Flamingo
Tamarindo
Costa Rica’s best-known surf town: surf schools on the sand, the region’s widest choice of restaurants, and actual nightlife.
15 min from Flamingo, then a short walk
Playa Conchal
A beach made of crushed shells with unusually clear, calm water. The best snorkel-from-shore spot near Flamingo.