Playa Langosta, Costa Rica: A Surf Lover’s Paradise!
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As one of the best surf beaches in the Guanacaste province, Playa Langosta, Costa Rica, is ideal if you're looking for a super-chill beach with a quiet scene.
However, if you feel like getting rowdy, you're only two kilometers (1.24 miles) away from the atmospheric town of Tamarindo. So, you'll benefit from being able to retreat to the peace and quiet when you please.
If your ideal holiday is surfing and relaxing, keep reading.
Playa Langosta
On a map, Playa Langosta, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, is between Marino Las Baulas National Park to the south and the beaches of Tamarindo to the north.
Whether you are a keen surfer, someone who enjoys checking out tidal pools, or taking casual strolls on the beach during sunset, Playa Langosta is definitely worth a visit.
The long stretch of sparkling white sand is lined with natural foliage. Removed from the hustle and bustle, the further you walk along the coast, the quieter it becomes.
Public amenities
There are no toilet or shower facilities on the beachfront.
Food and beverages
You won't find any bars or restaurants on the beach, but there is a wide range of local and international places in Langosta town or neighboring Tamarindo.
The best things to do around Playa Langosta, Costa Rica
Surf the waves
Playa Langosta beach, Costa Rica, is known for its amazing surf breaks. It's why a lot of people are drawn to this long beach with bright sand.
Surfers usually head to the southern end of the beach at the mouth of the estuary, where there is an excellent surf break. The biggest draw? Compared to busier Tamarindo, you won't have to fight for the best waves.
There are surf shops at the beach if you need to hire a board or take a lesson with an instructor.
Pro tip: There are many coral and rock outcrops, as well as strong currents, so the waves are best suited for experienced surfers. During low tide, the outcrops can be exposed.
Spot leatherback turtles at Playa Grande in Marino Las Baulas
Marino Las Baulas National Park has powdery white-sandy beaches, lush forests and mangrove wetlands. It's one of the most biodiverse national parks in the province.
If you are visiting between October and May, try your luck at spotting the leatherback turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs at Playa Grande. You'll have the best chances two hours before or after hide tide.
However, you can only visit at night if on a guided tour with a certified guide. Keep in mind—no flashlights are allowed to avoid disturbing the turtles.
Plan a day at Langosta Beach Club
Heading to Playa Langosta with your partner who surfs all day? Why not suggest heading to Langosta Beach Club for the day? It's the best of both worlds.
Not only can your partner surf, but you can enjoy everything the club has to offer. Located in Tamarindo, just a few minutes' drive from Playa Langosta, you will find private chairs on the beach or the infinity pool bar.
Did we mention the restaurant is one of the best in the area and has a fully equipped fitness and yoga center?
Besides enjoying the amenities of the beach club, Tamarindo Beach is an excellent location to go snorkeling, take a catamaran at sunset, or go deep-sea fishing.
Pro tip: While you can become a member at Langosta Beach Club, guests are welcome to pre-book a day pass.
Visit the neighboring beaches
Guanacaste province is known for its incredible beaches, so it would be a shame to miss out on a beach-hopping adventure.
Playa Avellana
Playa Avellana is known for its laid-back atmosphere.
You won't find any shops, only a few restaurants and some vacation rentals. Come here for the pura vida lifestyle and the rarely crowded beach.
You can rent stand-up paddleboards or take surf lessons if you are feeling adventurous. Or you can be super lazy and simply lay back and relax.
You can't visit Playa Avellana without going to Lola's Restaurant—it's an institution. Expect fresh local food, a relaxed vibe, and some cold beverages.
Playa Negra
Continue your beach hopping day by heading south to Playa Negra, 4.7 kilometers (2.92 miles). Like its neighbor to the north, it's a quaint beach town with decent swells year around. You have to be in the know to stumble across this beautiful spot. And now you are!
Playa Negra's main wave break is famous for its right hand barrel. Even the legendary surf film Endless Summer II was filmed there. If you are not a surfer, walk one minute south of the main break to Sandy Beach, where there are no rocks and calm waves.
Or just chill on the black sand beach unique to the area. So, put your swimsuit on, bring your towel and come for a day of sunbaking and relaxing.
Besides the beach, the town is low-key, with chickens, horses and dogs wandering about. There are a handful of sodas for local food and internationally inspired eateries.
Pro tip: During the rainy season, the roads can get fairly bumpy, and since they are all dirt, it is recommended to hire an SUV.
Go on a sunset sailing tour
The best thing about Playa Langosta is how chill it is compared to Tamarindo. However, it's still close enough that you have access to all the tours departing from there.
Nothing screams vacation more than sailing the coastline in the late afternoon, hair salty as you sip on a glass of champagne. You'll pass by some exotic bays, white sandy beaches, and tropical jungles in the distance.
Most tours also offer snorkeling, so be sure to pack your swimsuits.
Weather in Playa Langosta
The Guanacaste province happens to be one of the driest parts of the country, which means sunny days, hot weather and minimal rain for most of the year. But there are two main seasons to be aware of.
The dry season and the rainy season.
The dry season occurs from December to April, and from May to November is the rainy season.
The perks of visiting during the dry season are that the days are long and full of sunshine. Temperatures sit around 35°C (95°F) during the day. You will also have a greater chance of spotting turtles during these months.
While May to November is the rainy season, there are still a lot of rain-free days. September and October get most of the rain, so avoid those months if possible.
Packing list essentials for Playa Langosta
If you are coming to surf, you will need to ask yourself an important question, will you bring your surfboard? Of course, if you want to avoid carrying it around, you can always hire a board.
Besides that, below are some items—other than the obvious (swimsuits, shorts, towels, etc.)—you won't regret packing:
Dry bag - not only can you use this as your day bag, but you can also put your wet surf gear in there after spending the day at the beach.
Reef-safe sunscreen - as the temperatures remain hot all year round, bring sunscreen that can protect yourself, as well as the ocean.
First-aid kit - Bring bandaids and dressings in case you cut yourself on any of the coral and rock outcrops at Playa Langosta.
Insulated water bottle - bring one that can keep your water cold throughout the day. Nothing is worse than hot water when you're thirsty.
GoPro - attach the GoPro to your surfboard so you can show your friends the waves after your trip.
How to get to Playa Langosta
There are two ways most people get to the area:
The first is from the nearby domestic airport in Tamarindo. By car, this will take you about 12 minutes.
Otherwise, if you are flying in from overseas, you will probably land at Liberia International Airport. From Liberia to Playa Langosta, it will take 1 hour and 30 minutes by minivan.
Besides adding Playa Langosta to your itinerary, check out Bookaway's other routes in Costa Rica.
Map
Take a moment, and check out Playa Langosta and its surroundings.
FAQ
What is the closest airport to Playa Langosta?
Tamarindo Airport is the closest airport servicing domestic flights from San José and Liberia. But when arriving internationally, the closest is Liberia Airport.
Is Playa Langosta safe?
The area is reasonably safe, but like all areas of Costa Rica, it is important to use common sense. Don't leave valuables in the car unattended and on show. If you have any concerns, it's best to ask the hotel/motel where you are staying.
Can you swim at Playa Langosta?
The beach is predominantly known for surfing for a reason. And since there are rocks during low tide and strong currents, it's not the best beach for young children to swim.
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