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.
Playa Grande surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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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
- 1.8m - 2.5m
- 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?
The Playa Grande profile favors the recorded tide range, ideally between 0.3m and 1.8m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Playa Grande?
The Playa Grande profile uses wind from E (85°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 45° to 125°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Playa Grande?
The Playa Grande scoring profile favors swell from SW (195° to 265°), a swell-height range of 0.8m to 3m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
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?
The spot profile lists LIR as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 80 minutes. 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.
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