295km (183 miles) NW of San José; 70km (43 miles) SW of Liberia

Playa Grande is one of the principal nesting sites for the giant leatherback turtle, the largest turtle in the world. The beach is a long, straight stretch of soft, golden sand that boasts a well-formed and consistent beach break with surfable waves along its entire length. When the surf is up, the beach can be a bit rough for casual swimming. Playa Grande is relatively undeveloped, but the steady influx of tourists is severely threatening its status as a turtle nesting site.