The Beaches of Playa Grande, Costa Rica
PLAYA GRANDE · VENTANAS · CARBÓN
Timeless Beauty Awaits You
Together, Playa Grande, Playa Ventanas, and Playa Carbón create nearly 10 kilometers of spectacular Pacific coastline to explore. From Playa Grande’s expansive golden sands and world-renowned surf breaks, to the secluded beauty of Playa Ventanas and the rugged natural scenery of the volcanic sand of Playa Carbón, each beach offers its own unique atmosphere, landscapes, wildlife, and unforgettable sunsets.
Red: Playa Grande village · Blue: Palm Beach Estates, by the estuary
Embrace Pure Serenity
Playa Grande at a glance
Kilometers of wide, golden sand inside Las Baulas National Marine Park, with no buildings on the beach itself. This is the one surfers travel for: a consistent beach break that works on almost any swell.
Best for: Surfing, long walks, sunsets, and space to yourself
Access: Main entrances in the village (red on the map) and paths from Palm Beach Estates (blue) at the south end
Facilities: None on the sand. No vendors, chairs, or umbrellas. Restaurants and surf shops are a short walk from the main entrance
Insider tip: Walk south at low tide for the emptiest stretch and the best sunset reflections. Watch for the crocodile warning signs near the estuary mouth and don’t swim there.
Rediscover yourself
Playa Ventanas at a glance
A small cove just north of Playa Grande, framed by rocky headlands. At low tide the rocks reveal the arches and tide pools that give Ventanas (“windows”) its name.
Best for: Tide pools, calm-day swims, and photography
Access: Walk north along the beach from Playa Grande at low tide. It’s an easy, safe walk
Facilities: None. Bring water and shade
Insider tip: Time your walk around low tide and start back before the tide turns
Rugged, dark-sand shores
Playa Carbón at a glance
The wildest of the three: darker sand, rocky outcrops, and almost nobody around. Come for the scenery and the solitude, not the swimming.
Best for: Solitude, beach walks, and dramatic sunsets
Access: On foot from the north end of Playa Ventanas. Ask a local to point you to the trail
Facilities: None
Insider tip: Go at low tide, bring water, and tell someone where you’re going. Phone signal can be weak
Before you go
A few things every visitor should know.
Rip currents. Playa Grande’s surf is powerful. Swim only in calm conditions, near other people, and never alone. If a current pulls you out, swim parallel to shore until you’re free, then head in.
Turtle season. Playa Grande is one of the most important leatherback nesting beaches on the Pacific coast. During peak nesting season (roughly October to February) the beach is closed to the public at night. The only way to see turtles at night is a guided tour booked at the Las Baulas ranger station in the village. No flashlights or flash photos on the sand after dark.
Tides. Walking between beaches and reaching the Ventanas tide pools depends on low tide. Check a tide chart before you set out.
Leave no trace. No vehicles, glass, or fires on the beach. Pack out everything you bring.
Sun. There’s little shade on the sand. Bring water, a hat, and reef-safe sunscreen.