Las Baulas National Marine Park

Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas

A protected coastal park safeguarding one of the Pacific's key leatherback turtle nesting beaches at Playa Grande. Beyond turtle-watching, its mangrove estuary offers boat tours rich in birds and crocodiles.

Things to do

• Nighttime Leatherback Turtle Tour — Join a ranger-guided walk on Playa Grande between October and February to witness the giant leatherbacks laying eggs under strict red-light rules.
• Tamarindo Estuary Boat Tour — Cruise the mangrove-lined estuary at dawn or dusk to spot American crocodiles, herons, roseate spoonbills, and howler monkeys.
• Surfing at Playa Grande — Catch consistent, uncrowded beach-break waves along this long stretch that's a favorite for surfers escaping busy Tamarindo.
• Visit El Mundo de la Tortuga — Learn about leatherback biology and conservation at this small museum near Playa Grande before or after a turtle tour.
• Birdwatching in the Mangroves — Explore the estuary's red and black mangroves that shelter frigatebirds, kingfishers, and numerous wading species.
• Sunset at Playa Grande — Watch the Pacific sun sink over the wide, quiet beach that fronts the protected turtle nesting grounds.
• Kayaking the Estuary — Paddle quietly through the tidal channels for close, low-impact wildlife viewing among the mangroves.

Food to try

• Casado — A hearty plate of rice, black beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of grilled fish, chicken, or beef, found at local sodas.
• Fresh Ceviche — Locally caught fish or shrimp cured in lime with cilantro, onion, and peppers, ideal after a hot day on the beach.
• Pescado Entero Frito — Whole fried fish served with rice and patacones, a coastal Guanacaste staple at beachside restaurants.
• Gallo Pinto — The traditional Costa Rican breakfast of rice and beans stir-fried with onions and Salsa Lizano, often served with eggs and tortillas.
• Agua de Pipa — Chilled coconut water sipped straight from a green coconut, sold from roadside stands near the beach.
• Chifrijo — A popular bar snack layering rice, beans, crispy chicharrón, and pico de gallo, great with a cold Imperial beer.

Local customs & good to know

• Turtle tours require reservations — Nighttime leatherback viewing is limited and must be booked through authorized guides at the ranger station to protect the nesting turtles.
• No lights or flash photography — White light and camera flashes disorient nesting turtles and hatchlings, so bring only red-filtered lights if any.
• Respect Playa Grande's protected status — Beach access is restricted at night during nesting season, and building lights near the shore are regulated to keep the coast dark.
• Pura Vida greeting — Locals use 'pura vida' as a warm hello, goodbye, and thank-you, reflecting Costa Rica's laid-back attitude.

Nearby

• Tamarindo — 4 km
• Playa Conchal — 8 km
• Playa Flamingo — 13 km
• Playas del Coco — 30 km