Playa Grande

Costa Rica

Playa Grande

Playa Grande

Includes: airfares (ex Auckland), airport to hotel transfers, 10 nights twin share air-con accommodation. Longer or shorter stays are also available. A combo package of 5 nights at Playa Hermosa then 5 nights at Playa Grande is also available.

Costa Rica in Central America is a true gem. Not only does it tick many travel boxes, the surf there pumps as well! It’s the only country in the world where the tropical rainforest reaches right down to the coast and gorgeous sandy beaches – so geographically speaking it’s a stunning country to visit. The culture is vibrant and very laid back and travelling around is very safe and enjoyable. Great for families, couples, groups or those who are wanting to learn to surf in the tropics. There are numerous beach breaks and point breaks all up the Pacific Coast including the infamous likes of Ollies Pt and witches Rock.

Costa Rica is a good bet for surf any time of year. The Southern Pacific Ocean pulses energy toward Costa Rica’s Pacific coast year-round, although south swells are strongest from April through September.

The northernmost part of Guanacaste from Tamarindo to the Nicaraguan border sticks out like an elbow and is more exposed to winter swells from November to April. This region of Northern Costa Rica also benefits from Nicaragua’s “Lake Effect” offshore winds that can blow all day, every day during the dry season.

The area around Tamarindo is nicest during the dry season (Nov – Apr) when clean, offshore conditions, sunshine and easy access make it a veritable tropical paradise. May- Oct is the testing wet season, but this is a surf-rich time, when perfect, South West groundswells provide larger more consistent waves.
Tamarindo is a wide bay with a river mouth in the middle. At the northern end is Playa Grande, which is an excellent beach break and famous turtle breeding ground, (often in the line-up). With a decent swell, several good spots break in Tamarindo itself, these vary from a river mouth’s to beach breaks (variable) and several reef breaks (Pico Pequeño, Diria, Henry’s), all well situated for NW-W swells. Further North past Playa El Coco are the infamous breaks of Ollie’s Point and witches Rock, which are most definitely worth a visit!

Turtle Hotel, located in Playa Grande on the northern end of the Nicoya Peninsula, is conveniently situated 20mins from the international airport in Liberia or the domestic airport in Tamarindo. Most of Playa Grande is a national park area making sea turtle sightings common. The hotel is located in the centre of Playa Grande nestled in a beautiful spot on the beach with plenty of lush rainforest and native animals nearby. There are a few restaurants/bars within walking distance, but Playa Grande is fortunately undeveloped.

The owners Louis and Carrie are friendly and helpful hosts who both surf and have been living here for many years. They can arrange transportation, point out great surf spots and help with just about anything you may need during your stay in this surfing oasis.

The Surf hotel offers clean, comfortable, and affordable rooms, as well as a beautiful pool and jacuzzi. There are two accommodation options; they have eleven rooms (AC and private hot water bathrooms) at the hotel which is on the beach, or the hillside jungle apartments. These also feature AC and private hot water baths, as well as private porches set among the jungle trees which howler monkeys frequent. The apartments are great if you need a kitchen, plan an extended stay, or just want to enjoy a more secluded, private atmosphere set on a hillside above the ocean. The apartments are 500m from the beach/hotel (though you still have full access to its facilities).

Hiring a rental car and exploring the coast in search of waves will take you through some quaint surf towns, past gorgeous sandy beaches, beach bars, classic point breaks with waves rolling down the coast an also through some stunning countryside. A must while in Costa Rica is checking out some of the national Parks like the Arenal Cloud Forest. Walking 100ft above the ground through the rainforest canopy on rope bridges with monkeys, toucan’s and other wildlife is amazing!

Prices

Apartment
From $2,939 pp
5 Nights Playa Hermosa & 5 Nights Playa Grande
From $3,385 pp
Hotel Room
From $3,229 pp
Bungalow
From $3,879 pp

DISCLAIMER

All prices are a guide only, departures ex Auckland and are per person, based on twin share and subject to change, availability and currency fluctuations. Surcharges may apply. Contact us for the latest specials and a quote for the dates you wish to travel.

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