Playa Grande
Playa Grande is Costa Rica's conservation success story—a powerful beach break within Las Baulas National Park, protected as one of the world's most important leatherback turtle nesting sites. The wave doesn't care about its ecological significance, producing hollow, powerful peaks that can humble surfers used to the region's mellower options. The turtle sanctuary means restricted beach access during nesting season, but also means the beach has been preserved from the development that transformed neighboring areas. Surfing here feels like participating in something larger than just riding waves.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 195° - 265°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.3m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (85°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 125°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.8m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Las Baulas National Park. Respect turtle nesting season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Playa Grande?
Playa Grande works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.8m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Playa Grande?
Offshore wind at Playa Grande blows from the E (85°). Anything in the 45° to 125° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Playa Grande?
Playa Grande wants SW swell (195° to 265°) between 0.8m and 3m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Playa Grande?
The main season at Playa Grande is Apr-Oct. A secondary window runs Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. Year-round. Turtle nesting reserve - respect regulations.
How do I get to Playa Grande?
Fly into LIR, then allow about 80 minutes by road. Las Baulas National Park. Respect turtle nesting season.
What kind of wave is Playa Grande?
Playa Grande is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Year-round. Turtle nesting reserve - respect regulations.
Getting There
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