The Nature

Surrounding the golden sands of Playa Grande near Tamarindo is a biodiverse tapestry that showcases some of Costa Rica's most treasured natural offerings.

Nature: Playa Grande is part of the Las Baulas National Marine Park, a sanctuary established primarily to protect the nesting sites of the endangered leatherback turtles. Its coastal position melds with mangroves, estuaries, and dry tropical forests, creating a varied and unique environment. Adjacent to Playa Grande is the Tamarindo Estuary, an essential waterway that provides a thriving habitat for many species and plays a critical role in the regional ecosystem.

Vegetation: The dry tropical forest around Playa Grande is a maze of deciduous trees that shed leaves during the dry season, adapting to the region's climate. Towering Guanacaste trees, named after the province, stand as sentinels with their wide-reaching canopies. Cacti, thorny shrubs, and various succulents dot the landscape, perfectly suited for the dry spells. The edges of the beach are fringed with coastal vegetation, including salt-resistant plants like the sea grape and morning glory vines. In the estuaries, one can find red and black mangroves, their roots diving deep into the brackish water, creating intricate networks that shelter juvenile marine life.

Animals: Beyond the iconic leatherback turtles that journey to its shores, Playa Grande is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise. The forest is home to howler monkeys, their deep roars echoing through the canopy, and curious white-faced capuchin monkeys. Nimble iguanas and the more elusive green basilisk lizards can be spotted basking in the sun. The skies above often showcase a pageantry of colors with various bird species, including the roseate spoonbill, ospreys, and the ever-vigilant frigatebirds. The Tamarindo Estuary serves as a refuge for crocodiles, while its waters teem with mullet and other small fish, drawing in a range of wading birds, from egrets to herons.

Every twist and turn around Playa Grande offers a new encounter with nature. It's not just a beach; it's a vivid showcase of Costa Rica's commitment to preserving its natural wonders for generations to come.