Hotel Las Tortugas
Playa Grande
Located as close to the Playa Grande beachfront as permitted, Hotel Las Tortugas is an eco-friendly hotel that is terrific for surfers. The hotel provides a stress-free, pura vida style environment, perfect for washing life's worries away. Hotel amenities include a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, open-air restaurant, bar, garden with hammocks and some ocean views.
Playa Grande is not only one of Costa Rica's best surfing beaches, but it's also one of the best-kept secrets. Located just north of the most famous surf beach in Costa Rica, Tamarindo, Playa Grande receives little press or hype. But it should, at least with the surfing community. The waves of Playa Grande are big and outstanding for surfing, particularly on the high tide break.
Hotel Las Tortugas is sandwiched between Las Baulas National Marine Park and the Tamarindo National Wildlife Sanctuary. The Las Baulas Park was created to protect the giant leatherback sea turtles that nest there from mid-October through mid-February. The turtles nest at night, so you need to go on an escorted tour with a park ranger to see them. The ranger station is approximately 100 meters from the hotel, so this is easy to arrange. The Tamarindo National Wildlife Sanctuary protects many species of animals including crocodiles, iguanas, and monkeys. Kayaking tours through the sanctuary are a lot of fun!
Between sessions on the beach, you can come up and use the outside shower to rinse off the salt and sand. The swimming pool is perfect for just relaxing at the hotel, and the jacuzzi is relaxing in the evenings.
The open-air restaurant serves up a mix of Costa Rican and American dishes, offering everything from burgers and fries to filet mignon and jumbo shrimp. Prices are reasonable, and they always use fresh ingredients. The bar serves up tropical drinks such as their own, Playa Grande Margarita.
Rooms at the Las Tortugas are basic but pleasant, offering amenities such as a bed and private bathroom with hot water shower. In other words, as the hotel says, "a climate-controlled space for resting up for the next nature excursion". Check the Amenities Section for a thorough list of what is in each room type.
Latitude: N 10° 19' 14.44"
Longitude: W 85° 50' 21.21"
