Top Things to do in Playa Grande
Top 10 Things to do in Playa Grande, Costa Rica
Discover the best top things to do in Playa Grande, Costa Rica including Mojo Surf Adventures, YouAreCostaRica, Frijoles Locos Surf Shop & Spa, Playa Grande Shuttle & Tours, Las Baulas National Marine Park, Mato's Surf Shop, Tuanis Adventures, Playa Grande Surf Camp and Surf School, Seven Cave Bar, Sweet Sunsets and Pura Vida.
Restaurants in Playa Grande
1. Mojo Surf Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 116 reviews
Costa Rica's premier 5 star surf school welcomes you to join us for a great adventure, learning how to surf with the best instructors in Guanacaste, while catching amazing waves on your own private beach. We supply the boards, rash guards, fresh pineapple and ice cold water, instructors, 2 hours of lessons and pick up and drop off (if needed). A must do experience in Costa Rica.
Reviewed By Micheal P
Where to begin... WELL. It was SO fun. My girlfriend and I were picked up by the very charismatic duo of Tim and Sparky. We were taken to a very secluded section of beach, which was both beautiful and awesome; and given a very comprehensive and personal lesson on how to surf. Sparky, a former professional surfer, did an amazing job of guiding us on all aspects of Surfing including: telling us when to paddle, and when to "get up!" AND I ACTUALLY DID IT. I SURFED FOR REAL. Which was so cool!! They provided water, and fresh pineapple for us. Tim took lots of pictures so we'd have something for the 'gram. We stayed until sunset, and then headed home. It was unbelievable. A PERFECT way to spend an afternoon in Costa.
2. YouAreCostaRica
Overall Ratings
5 based on 104 reviews
If you are coming to Costa Rica, call us immediately, YouAreCostaRica team is waiting to show you our beautifulcountry from our personal experience. Explore Costa Rica with us!
Reviewed By Andra S - Toronto, Canada
This is a gem of a service. We explored the backroads and secret Beaches and trails north of Playa Grande in a fabulous personalized private excursion with Marcos. He knows the area intimately and finds birds, monkeys, turtle nests, and wildlife that are camouflaged to the rest of us! He came well prepared with snorkel gear, boogie boards, beach chairs and umbrella, even fresh cold snacks! His English is great and he is so knowledgeable and friendly and proud of his Guanacaste. Very highly recommended for any tour you could imagine.
3. Frijoles Locos Surf Shop & Spa
Overall Ratings
5 based on 231 reviews
Frijoles Locos Surf Shop provides fun, safe and professional surf lessons for the whole family. Our store is packed with retail surf and resort wear, board shorts and bikinis are an essential item for around here! We offer quality surfboard rentals, snorkel equipment, bike rentals, boogie boards, SUP Stand Up Paddleboards and other beach rentals including beach chairs and shade. We offer personalized surf vacation packages for couples, small groups or families (surf guiding, surf lessons, massages, yoga, adventure... see website)....We offer concierge services prior to your arrival, to help organize your activities, tours, ground transportation, everything you need to make your week go smoothly. If you are traveling to Costa Rica with children, contact us, we have pack n plays/ cribs for rent, a portable high chair and plenty of good advice for families. Upstairs from the surf shop we have two vacation rental apartments perfect for individual families of 4-5 people, or two families on vacation together. There is an adjoining door that means you can have your own privacy when you want it. The condos upstairs are very comfortable, with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, sized around 1250 sq. feet. Just email us for more info/ photos. Also located onsite is the El Frijol Feliz Day Spa for amazing massages, spa services, pedicures, and more. Recently under new management the Day Spa contact is separate to Frijoles Locos however we are happy to connect you. Frijoles Locos are your one stop shop for everything you need for your Playa Grande family/ surf/ vacation! Please contact us prior to arrival so we can best help you for all your vacation needs.
Reviewed By Jeremy W
This place is paradise! We enjoyed a 6 night stay in one of the upstairs apartments. Jeannette provided amazing service during the booking process - she carefully accommodated our every need, to include surfboard rental, surf lessons, rental car, zip-lining, and much more!
The apartments upstairs are perfect for a family vacation. We rented one apartment for 6 people (3 adults, 3 children). With the full kitchen and outside deck, we felt like we had plenty of room, and all the amenities we needed.
The surf shop has an excellent selection of boards, and a knowledgeable and caring staff. The beach is a very close walk, but the surf shop goes the extra mile to load up boards and drive you to the best spot if you sign up for surf lessons.
Our surf instructor, "JJ" is a brilliant teacher. He has an amazing passion for Surfing, and he has a natural way of communicating that helps even the most challenged learn to surf, and most importantly, enjoy the lesson.
Overall, the shop provides top-notch service. We've already booked our next vacation at Frijoles Locos.
4. Playa Grande Shuttle & Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 39 reviews
We are a local tour operator & shuttle service; our private and shared shuttle services and tours are run all over Costa Rica, from the Mountains to the beach. Based in the province of Guanacaste - we operate out of Parque Nacional Marino las Baulas, Playa Grande. This park's main goal is to protect and ensure the leatherback turtle's well-being and keep the park a thriving environment for them to nest. After years working in the tourism industry, we have all the knowledge and tools required to make your experience unforgettable. We are local people; born and raised in this beautiful country who are the best guides you can get to explore our amazing country.
Reviewed By Karlynn C
We booked this company via our hotel for our return trip to San Jose. Our driver, Arriel, was wonderful! Friendly, professional, punctual, knowledgeable and all around great guy! He took this final day of our trip and turned it into another vacation day with his...MoreHola We want to thank you for sharing your experience with us; It was a pleasure to meet you!! We hope you enjoyed Costa Rica; looking forward to take you to your next destination in our beautiful country! Hope the best for you! Pura vida
5. Las Baulas National Marine Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 212 reviews
This National Park protects the main nesting Beaches for the leatherback turtle of the Tropical Eastern Pacific. This place is also an important spot for migratory birds, the american crocodile and other wildlife.
Reviewed By PattyBueno - Mexico City, Mexico
Amazing experience.
This is a night time activity that requires good night vision and a moderate physical condition for walking.
If you are not a nature lover, this activity isn’t for you.
We saw two turtles nesting.
The groups should really be kept strictly to what the National Park permits which is 30 people. We were too many people. It is extremely important to keep in mind this is a conservation project. We are not in Sea World. Families traveling with small children need to know that silence and patience is needed. I do not recommend going with children under 8. The turtles get stressed. We need to follow directions with our utmost respect to nature.
Take water. Wear pants and closed walking shoes. You will be walking through the National Park to the beach in the dark. Apply a natural bug repellent and take something to cover your arms and face if case the bugs get too intense. It can also get pretty hot.
Patience, silence and following the rules are very important for the turtles to lay their eggs.
Enjoy this miracle of nature.
6. Mato's Surf Shop
Overall Ratings
5 based on 49 reviews
Welcome to MatosSurfShop with tree locations, two in Tamarindo Beach and one at the National Park Playa Grande),Costa Rica. We are the Surf Shop that offers "Whatever a surfer needs". Located in Playa Grande National Park Las Baulas, the PLAYA GRANDE SURF SHOP offers a big selection in new and used Surfboards. From sizes 5.0 To 10 ft we have them for rent and to sell. We take the Surf Photos at Playa Grande and we have been capturing the action Since 2000. Full Surf Supply and King Ding Repair EXPRESS Fast and Clean. Original T-Shirts with Our Own Photos and art work, and a big selection of souvenirs made by local Artists. We also offer our own Video Productions and Custom Photo and Video Service, and of course Surf Lessons at Playa Grande or Tamarindo depending upon your level.
Reviewed By mstark619 - Austin, Texas
One of the best surf shops I've ever been to. They do it right at matos surf shop. They have a huge selection of boards to rent for the day, hour, or weekly. The warm welcoming and friendliness is what kept us coming back, thanks for everything!
7. Tuanis Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
Tuanis Adventures is a Surf, Retreat, and Tours company based in Playa Grande, Costa Rica. We are here to provide customized experiences for any type of surfer, traveler, or getaway. Come have a 'Tuanis" and unforgettable trip with us, we are at your service:)
Reviewed By Jacklyn V
My trip was OUTSTANDING. Marco Sanchez is the best tour guide. He knows Playa Grande well and knows where to send you to have fun. Everyday was different and beautiful while visiting Playa Grande. Our trip included River rafting, boat rides through the jungle to...MoreThank you so much Jacklyn! Can't wait to have you back for the next adventure. Tuanis!
8. Playa Grande Surf Camp and Surf School
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
At Playa Grande Surf School we offer walk up surf lessons for 1 or more people. Each lesson last 1 to 2 hours and will be instructed by one of our qualified instructors. Each lesson is tide dependant so if necessary we will give you a time for your lesson. We provide everything you will need to become a surfer.
Reviewed By Lisa P
I stumbled upon this gem by accident while traveling from Tamarindo and have been so so grateful for the discovery! After spending a week in the action packed and party of Tamarindo (especially during Christmas and New Years) I couldn't have been happier to have found this fabulous camp ran by a fabulous couple - Justen and Lindsay.
Located in a small area set back from the beach (only a 2 minute walk) by the name of Palm Beach, PGSC is about a 5 minute drive (also walkable via beach or road) from the main Playa Grande strip. Everything you need is just around the corner at a small convenience store, and if you need to get into Tamarindo it is a short and pleasant boat ride ($1) down the estuary. You may even see a croc or some monkeys :) There are some really great restaurants nearby like Seven, Bula Bula, and Cantarana. It was a welcome change of pace from Tamarindo and other more touristy towns (Playa del Coco). The camp is the perfect cozy environment for having a dip in the pool, a coffee and snack at the cafe out front, or a read and a snooze in one of the many hammocks around. With a great international crowd always coming in, you're sure to make some fabulous friends and improve your Surfing with one of their great instructors (Vidier!). Thank you team PGSC for a fantastic experience, I can't wait to return :)
9. Seven Cave Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Rebecca W - Manchester, United Kingdom
How this place has such high ratings is beyond me. We had a half hearted welcome followed by average (at best) food. Promised a 'BBQ' I was surprised to see no flame in sight and was served meat that I believe had been sat in an oven for what tasted like three weeks. This place gets a second star because they have a cute dog and cat. Please stay away and get better food elsewhere. Thoroughly disappointing.
10. Sweet Sunsets and Pura Vida
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Photography at Playa Grande, Costa Rica. Sports, family and couple photography on our beautiful beach located in Guanacaste.
Reviewed By 1950fede - Lugano, Switzerland
Marvelous Beach just to forget all the daily problems & hassles. Just let you go, without Smartphone and radio... Nature pure.., PURA VIDA..!!
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