Playa Ventanas Las Baulas
A vital nesting ground for Leatherback turtles and a haven for diverse wildlife, offering wild beaches and rich estuary ecosystems.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for turtle spotting & sunsets
Playa Ventanas Las Baulas
Best Time
Best for turtle spotting & sunsets
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vital nesting ground for Leatherback turtles and a haven for diverse wildlife, offering wild beaches and rich estuary ecosystems.
"Go see the estuary with Jonathan from Los Tortugas hotel. He's no frills and not fancy but he's authentic and a great guide. "
Book an Estuary Tour 🛶
Guides like Jonathan offer incredible insights into local flora and fauna. Essential for spotting wildlife!
Wear Water Shoes! 👟
Muddy trails and slippery canoe launch points make water shoes a must for estuary tours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Leatherback Turtle Nesting
Playa Grande
Witness endangered Leatherback turtles nesting on the beach at sunset. A truly magical and rare wildlife experience.
Estuary Wildlife Tour
Adjacent Estuary
Explore diverse wildlife including crocodiles, monkeys, and numerous bird species via hike and canoe.
Expansive Beaches
Playa Grande & Playa Ventanas
Miles of wide, relatively untouched beaches perfect for long walks, surfing, and sunset viewing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Turtle Nesting Season & Access
Estuary Tour Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book an Estuary Tour 🛶
Guides like Jonathan offer incredible insights into local flora and fauna. Essential for spotting wildlife!
Wear Water Shoes! 👟
Muddy trails and slippery canoe launch points make water shoes a must for estuary tours.
Bring Bug Spray 🦟
Mosquitoes and gnats can be prevalent, especially near the estuary. Protect yourself!
No Shade on Beach ☀️
Playa Grande has minimal shade. Bring your own umbrella or be prepared for direct sun.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book an Estuary Tour 🛶
Guides like Jonathan offer incredible insights into local flora and fauna. Essential for spotting wildlife!
Wear Water Shoes! 👟
Muddy trails and slippery canoe launch points make water shoes a must for estuary tours.
Bring Bug Spray 🦟
Mosquitoes and gnats can be prevalent, especially near the estuary. Protect yourself!
No Shade on Beach ☀️
Playa Grande has minimal shade. Bring your own umbrella or be prepared for direct sun.
Respect Turtle Rules 🐢
Avoid bright lights at night to not disturb nesting turtles or confuse hatchlings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa Ventanas Las Baulas offers a raw, natural experience with stunning beaches and rich wildlife, particularly the chance to see nesting Leatherback turtles and diverse estuary creatures. While the lack of amenities and challenging access roads are noted, the authentic encounters and natural beauty are highly praised. Some visitors express concern over conservation efforts and development pressures.
"This was a fun drive down dirt roads to Playa Grande. The surf is rough here it can be tough swimming but the water was beautiful we were on a mile long beach with about four other people. No shade so bring your own or be prepared. Well worth the visit"
Richard Donati
"Summary: Go see the estuary with Jonathan from Los Tortugas hotel. He’s no frills and not fancy but he’s authentic and a great guide. You will see lots of wildlife. For the estuary tour wear strap on sandals that can get muddy and waterproof gear or clothes and things that can get wet if it rains. Wear bug spray. The beaches are also very beautiful and still somewhat untouched. It's a great spot to watch the surfers and sunsets in the evenings.
Details:
The park is a beautiful place but you can tell that there is a battle between those wanting to preserve the beauty and those wanting to develop. There are rules about building too close to the beach and protecting the beach from light (to encourage turtle nesting) but it seems to not be enough. Our guide mentioned that fewer and fewer turtles are coming to Playa Grande and it sounds like it may not be long before no turtles come to Playa Grande to nest.
We found our guide Jonathan through the reviews here. We stayed at Rip Jack and he stays and works out of Los Tortugas next door.
Jonathan has been doing this for 20+ years in the Playa Grande area. He knows it well. He’s not the type of guide that is going to hold your hand and give you a detailed prep list but I will do some of that here. He is the type that says “meet me at Los Tortugas at 5:45” and that’s the extent of your prep. But if you want to see nature and experience the estuary, I can’t imagine there is anyone better suited.
We enjoyed his morning hike and canoe tour of the estuary so much that we booked a turtle trip with him for the very same night. Note that we did not witness turtles nesting here as they have apparently quit coming or at least are much rarer to see at Playa Grande. So here’s a little bit about both of our trips with Jonathan.
The estuary tour can start at 6am or 9am. It’s a little harder to get up and moving at 6am but I highly recommend it if you want to increase your chances of seeing more wildlife. Both are $40/person which is well worth what you get.
We started the estuary tour with a short hike where we saw lots of birds, crocodiles(!), bats, crabs, plants, and an amazing/shocking amount of termites/termite nests.
After the hike we moved further down the road where got in canoes and toured the estuary. Jonathan and his assistant did all of the paddling which was nice. In the estuary we saw more birds, bats, howler monkeys, and got up very close (really close) to a crocodile.
Things I wish I had known before the estuary tour:
- The trails are quite muddy and uneven. Occasionally you will need to go under a low tree branch. You should avoid this trip if you need assistance walking. I'm not advocating for paved walkways here. I very much appreciate that it is untouched. This is more of a warning for those that need a more developed area for mobility.
- The areas where we got into and out of the canoes are muddy and slippery. I recommend water shoes or sandals with a heel strap and not flip flops or tennis shoes. You will want to avoid this trip if you do not have good balance or need assistance walking although Jonathan will do his best to accommodate you.
- Bug spray is highly recommended. I’ve been to places where the bugs were worse but it certainly would have been more comfortable/enjoyable to have had some protection against the mosquitos and gnats.
- There is really no cover to speak of other than the trees. Your personal items should be either waterproof or placed in a waterproof bag in case that it rains. Consider the same comment with regard to your attire.
I highly recommend Jonathan's estuary tour. Jonathan is polite, passionate, and genuinely cares about the park. Go and see this area. You will not regret it."
Matt
"Hmmmm….. if this is a national park, it isn’t. It is a beach. Apparently if you want to see turtles, they come ashore at sunset. Otherwise it is a regular beach. There is no signage and no apparent efforts to protect turtles and their nesting site. The dudes at the beach entrance claim that for 40 bucks a person they will take you somewhere at night to see them. Hmmmmm. There is a food truck area near there that doesn’t really want any business. Parking is free unless you want to pay for protection I guess. The government needs to put more effort into this national parque. There is an area at Playa Negra that seems to be doing more to protect turtles. I’d skip it and let the turtles do their thing in peace."
rose San
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access is typically via dirt roads, which can be rough. Many visitors drive from Tamarindo. Renting a 4x4 vehicle is often recommended, especially during the rainy season. Parking is generally free, though some areas might have unofficial 'guards' asking for payment.
Public transport options are limited and may require multiple transfers. It's more common for visitors to arrange private transport or join organized tours.
The road is described as a dirt road, which can be challenging. Some reviews suggest it's a 'fun drive' but can be tough, especially after rain.
Yes, you can drive to the beach area, and parking is available. Be prepared for unpaved roads leading to the parking spots.
While it's a national park, some reviews indicate no explicit entrance fee for the beach itself, though unofficial parking fees might be requested. Estuary tours have separate fees.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There isn't a formal ticket system for general beach access. However, guided tours, especially for turtle viewing or estuary exploration, require booking and payment.
As a natural park and beach, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. Turtle nesting tours operate at night, typically around sunset.
Estuary tours, often led by experienced guides like Jonathan, are typically around $40 per person. This is considered well worth the experience.
While turtles nest at sunset, it's highly recommended to go with a guide. They know the best spots and ensure you don't disturb the nesting process, which is crucial for conservation.
Yes, visitors are urged to avoid shining bright lights at night to protect nesting turtles and hatchlings. Respecting the natural habitat is paramount.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy long walks on the beach, surfing, watching sunsets, and exploring the adjacent estuary with a guide. Turtle nesting observation is a major draw during the season.
The surf can be rough, making swimming challenging at times. It's best to be cautious and aware of the conditions.
The estuary is rich with wildlife, including crocodiles, howler monkeys, various bird species, bats, and crabs. Leatherback turtles are the main attraction on the beach during nesting season.
There is very little natural shade on Playa Grande. Visitors are advised to bring their own umbrellas or sun protection.
Wear water shoes or sandals with heel straps, as the trails are muddy and slippery. Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is also recommended.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Reviews mention a food truck area near the beach entrance, but one visitor found them unwelcoming. It's advisable to bring your own snacks or plan to eat in nearby towns like Tamarindo.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is a good idea, especially since dining options directly at the beach are limited and can be hit-or-miss.
Tamarindo, a short drive away, offers a wide array of restaurants, from casual beachside eateries to more upscale dining experiences.
There are no dedicated bars or cafes mentioned within the park itself. The food truck area is the closest option, but its availability and welcome can vary.
Designated picnic areas are not explicitly mentioned. However, you can find spots on the beach to enjoy your own packed meals.
📸 📸 Photography
The wide-open beaches, dramatic sunsets, and the diverse wildlife in the estuary offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The unique black sand beaches also provide interesting contrast.
Absolutely not. Flash photography at night is strictly prohibited as it can disorient nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing wildlife from a distance without disturbing them. A wide-angle lens is great for landscape shots of the beach and estuary.
Drone regulations can be strict in national parks. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone to avoid fines or confiscation.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for beach and landscape photography. Early mornings are best for wildlife activity in the estuary.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For beach time, the wide-open Playa Grande is great for running around, but the rough surf means close supervision is essential. Bringing plenty of shade, snacks, and water is crucial as amenities are scarce. Consider visiting during calmer parts of the day and focusing on the educational aspects of the estuary tour.
🐢 Wildlife Enthusiasts
The estuary tour offers a different kind of wildlife spectacle, with opportunities to see crocodiles, howler monkeys, and a vast array of bird species. Early morning tours are often best for spotting the most active animals. Remember to bring binoculars and a good camera to capture the incredible biodiversity.
🏄♀️ Surfers & Beach Lovers
Be aware that the surf can be quite strong, so casual swimmers should exercise caution. The lack of shade means it's best enjoyed in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the harshest sun. It's an ideal location for long walks and enjoying the dramatic Pacific sunsets.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Leatherback Turtle Conservation
Guides are essential for turtle viewing tours. They are trained to locate nests and ensure minimal disturbance. They can also educate visitors about the turtles' life cycle and the importance of protecting them. While sightings are not guaranteed, the experience of witnessing a Leatherback nest is profoundly moving and a testament to successful conservation efforts when visitors cooperate.
It's important to note that the number of turtles nesting here has reportedly decreased in recent years, highlighting the ongoing challenges in conservation. This underscores the need for continued vigilance and support for local conservation initiatives.
Navigating the Estuary
During the tour, you might encounter crocodiles, howler monkeys, numerous bird species, and bats. The guides, like the highly recommended Jonathan, possess extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna, enhancing the educational and observational aspects of the tour. They handle the paddling, allowing you to focus on the incredible biodiversity surrounding you.
Be prepared for the possibility of rain and ensure your belongings are protected in waterproof bags. The experience is raw and natural, offering a stark contrast to more developed tourist attractions. It's an opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form.
Beach Experience & Surfing
There is virtually no shade on Playa Grande, so visitors should come prepared with umbrellas or other sun protection. The beach transitions from rocky areas to wide white sand, offering diverse scenery. While the park aims to protect its natural state, some reviews mention concerns about development and the balance between preservation and commercial interests.
Despite these concerns, the beach remains a stunning natural asset, perfect for long walks, enjoying the powerful ocean waves, and witnessing spectacular sunsets. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the raw beauty of the Pacific coast.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit