Playa Grande

Surf Guide

Playa Grande is one of the most consistent breaks in the region, and it often holds a lot more size than Tamarindo. This quality beachbreak is located on the north side of the river mouth from Tamarindo (about 25 minute drive/30 minute beach hike), and focuses anything from the Southern Hemi, especially South-West swells. There are outer reefs, which make low tide not ideal (close-outs mostly). Mid tide is best, offering fun A-frames, rippable rights and lefts, as well as barrels. A big high tide will often produce very annoying backwash. If everywhere else is flat, however, Playa Grande will have something to ride, and it's especially good when an off-season Southern Hemi swell combines with winter-time offshore winds. Grande is also the closest quality surfing beach to Liberia International Airport (LIR), which is about an hour's drive on all paved roads. Other spots from LIR: Reserva Conchal is a 15-minute drive; Playa Flamingo is a 25-minute trip; and Potrero is a 30-minute drive. Click here to download Surfline's North Costa Rica Surf Guide pdf.