Surfs up!

Costa Rica Travel, North Pacific Coast, Playa Tamarindo and Playa Grande

First up in my Costa Rica travel series is the Tamarindo area on the Pacific North coast. Looking for guaranteed sun and 85-90 degree weather, this is it!

Tamarindo is absolutely a surfers paradise. There are at least 30 – no maybe 50 surf shops on the approximately 2 mile road along Playa Tamarindo. The place is packed out in the high season. Think Camden on steroids! It seemed we were not going to be able to park to take pictures for you. So we opted for a few from the car!

Tamarindo beach from the car - Coastal Collage

Tamarindo beach from the car – Coastal Collage

 

Tamarindo Costa Rica -Coastal Collage

Tamarindo Costa Rica -Coastal Collage

No mind about the crowded streets, it just ads to the excitement! If you have never surfed before there are plenty of surfer dudes ready to give you lessons. For this place, throw 2 bathing suits and a little cover up in a carry on and book a place for a week. Make sure it is right in town and don’t bother with a car.

Playa Tamarindo - Coastal Collage

Playa Tamarindo – Coastal Collage

We found a little parking at the edge of town finally. As you can see there is plenty of room on the beach for everyone.

Waiting for the perfect wave - Coastal Collage

Waiting for the perfect wave – Coastal Collage

View of Tamarindo from Playa Grande - Coastal Collage

View of Tamarindo from Playa Grande – Coastal Collage

Playa Grande is another fabulous beach on the Pacific North coast.  Playa Grande is host to nesting leatherback turtles and is part of Marino Las Baulas National Park.

Surfs up 2 - Coastal Collage

Surfs up 2 – Coastal Collage

This too has awesome waves for surfing, paddle boarding, boogie boarding, or just having a ton of fun playing in the waves. (Loved that!) It is practically deserted by East Coast standards.

Surfs up at Play Grande - Coastal Collage

Surfs up at Play Grande – Coastal Collage

Surfs up - Coastal Collage

Surfs up – Coastal Collage

Mobil surf lessons - Coastal Collage

Mobil surf lessons – Coastal Collage

Mobil surf lessons. Guess he’s not going too far with that flat tire.

Monkey crossing - Coastal Collage

Monkey crossing – Coastal Collage

And yes we did see a monkey crossing the road on the way in to the beach.

Paddle boarding - Coastal Collage

Paddle boarding – Coastal Collage

Met this expat on the beach. When we asked whether he surfed his answer was, “I try to paddle surf.” Looks like a little more than trying. He was paddling for about an hour or so. By the way, everyone is so friendly here. Anyone, whether local residents, expats or vacationers, they are all willing to tell you the best spots in the country to visit. It is easy to see why everyone is so enthusiastic!

Sign for Play Grande - Coastal Collage

Sign for Play Grande – Coastal Collage

You will need a car to get to Playa Grande.  If you take the little dirt road on the right as you approach the beach, there is a secondary parking area that brings you to the palms. It’s a nice shady spot that will protect you from the blistering afternoon sun.

Palms at Playa Grande - Coastal Collage

Palms at Playa Grande – Coastal Collage

Palms overhead - Coastal Collage

Palms overhead – Coastal Collage

Playa Grande is the without a doubt the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. Don’t know if much can compare.

Romance at Playa Grande - Coastal Collage

Romance at Playa Grande – Coastal Collage

Check out my post ‘Sunset at Playa Grande‘ for awesome sunset pics. Breathtaking!

Accomodations at Playa Grande are sparse. There are one or two hotels but they are both a bit of a distance to walk.  A house rental would be awesome if you could get one. Seems like there might be 4 or 5 right there on the beach.

Next up: Playa Flamingo and Playa Conchal.

 

Karen Olson

About Karen Olson

Karen Olson is a photographer, writer, and artist working in metal. Her blogs offer a global perspective, a celebration of art and culture. She 'lives like a tourist' in Midcoast Maine where she makes her home and finds inspiration for art and life in her travels. Follow her creative passion with Renuko Style at renukostyle.com and Coastal Collage, a Bangor Daily News Blog at coastalcollage.bangordailynews.com Karen's photography portfolio can be found at seeingartineverydaylife.com