Restrooms
Not AvailableNo
Food & Drinks
AvailableYes
Parking
AvailableYes (multiple informal parking areas)
Nudity Policy
OPTIONALNudity is optional and rare (away from crowded areas)
The Good
- Insanely spacious and uncrowded: Imagine a 2-mile beach with only about 50 people on it. You can literally pick a stretch and feel like it’s your own private beach. Total opposite of Tamarindo’s spring-break chaos just next door.
- One of the best surf beaches in Costa Rica: Even if you’re not a surfer, it’s unreal to watch. The level of surfers here is no joke. It seriously feels like watching a live surf movie around sunset.
- Low tide is swimmer-friendly: When the tide is low, the beach gets wide and forgiving, waves break farther out, and you can safely cool off in knee-deep water without getting tumbled.
- Perfect for long walks: The sand is soft, white, and super easy to walk on. Many people casually walk for 1–2 hours along the shore, spotting tiny crabs, shells, driftwood, and endless ocean views.
- Stunning sunrises, sunsets, and night skies: Sunsets here are next-level, and if you stay nearby, star-gazing at night is incredible with almost zero light pollution.
- Turtle nesting beach: This area is part of a protected zone where sea turtles lay eggs, which adds a special “this place matters” feeling to the experience.
The Bad
- High tide changes everything: At high tide the beach can shrink down to just 20–50 feet, and waves hit hard and close to shore. This is not the time for casual swimming.
- Strong currents and big waves: Even experienced swimmers should stay alert. This is a serious ocean beach, not a calm lagoon.
- Almost zero shade: This is one of the sunniest beaches in Costa Rica with very little natural shade. No umbrella = guaranteed sunburn.
- Crossing the river depends on tide: Walking to Tamarindo involves crossing the estuary at low tide or paying a small fee for a boat ride. At high tide, walking across isn’t an option.
- Road access varies by section: Some parts are easy for any car, while others require SUV or careful driving through muddy patches and small river crossings.
The Naked Truth
Playa Grande is freedom through space, not nudity. It feels wild and open because it’s huge, windy, and uncrowded; not because it’s clothing-optional. This is a serious ocean beach where surfers rule the water, families spread out without bumping into each other, and long walks matter more than laying still. Nudity here is not a regular occurance but happens away from the crowds occasionally. It is not a well known Costa Rican naturist beach and caution is needed before stripping off (if you even have the opportunity).
What makes Playa Grande special is contrast: it sits right next to chaotic Tamarindo, yet feels calm, natural, and almost empty. But the ocean demands respect; tides and currents change the experience completely, and shade is nearly nonexistent. If you come prepared, check the tide, and lean into the scale of the place, Playa Grande delivers one of the most satisfying beach days in Costa Rica.
Insider Tip
If your goal is relaxing and swimming, go at low tide. If you want surf action, late afternoon is prime time.
Who's Here
Surfers, beach walkers, families who want space, photographers, couples, and travelers escaping the crowds of Tamarindo. Social but never chaotic.
Beach Surface
Wide, soft white sand with a gradual sandy seabed. At low tide, it’s perfect for walking and shallow swimming. At high tide, the shoreline tightens and waves become powerful.
Access Difficulty
Easy to Moderate: Some access points are smooth and car-friendly, while others involve rough dirt roads, shallow river crossings, or muddy trails.
Photos
Our Visit
Discover the beauty and freedom of Playa Grande, a stunning nude beach destination.
Discover the beauty and freedom of Playa Grande, a stunning nude beach destination.
Map
Getting There
Playa Grande is located just north of Tamarindo, separated by the Tamarindo River estuary.
By Car: You cannot drive directly across the estuary from Tamarindo. Instead, drive inland via Route 160, looping around to reach Playa Grande. The trip takes about 25–35 minutes, depending on road and weather conditions. Follow signs for Playa Grande / Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas. Once in the area, dirt roads branch off to multiple informal beach access points and parking areas.
Alternative (on foot or boat): At low tide, it’s possible to walk across the estuary from Tamarindo. At higher tide, small panga boats ferry people across for a small fee.
There is no public transportation serving Playa Grande. Access is by car, taxi, or boat only.
Recommended Accommodation
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