Tamarindo is a town in the Guanacaste Province, on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. It’s known for beaches with strong surf, like Playa Tamarindo and Playa Langosta. To the north, Playa Grande beach is a major nesting site for huge leatherback turtles, and forms part of Las Baulas National Marine Park. The mangrove-lined estuary of Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge protects animals such as howler monkeys and crocodiles.

As part of the Marino Las Baulas National Park, Playa Grande in Costa Rica is not just a beautiful beach, it’s an important beach for turtles and wildlife. It’s also one of the best beaches for surfers looking to score some fast and fun waves.

closePlaya Negra has long been known for its world-famous surf break. Memorialized in the famous surfing film Endless Summer, Playa Negra is also close to several other famous Guanacaste surf spots including Playa Avellana, Playa Junquillal, Playa Langosta, Witch’s Rock and Tamarindo.

Brasilito is the quintessential Tico fishing village with lots of cool holes in the wall, broad beautiful beaches and a thriving local population. Playa Conchal is the next beach south.