Located just south of Tamarindo, Playa Langosta is a small community on the Guanacaste coast that offers a quieter alternative to the hustle and bustle of Playa Tamarindo.
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Unlike Tamarindo, with its rowdy nightlife and crowded surf, Langosta offers a quieter atmosphere with a ton of laid-back beach adventures.
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How to Get to Playa Langosta
Langosta Beach is located in Guanacaste province, about 1.5 hrs from Liberia Airport and 4.5 hours drive from San Jose Airport. There is a domestic in Tamarindo with short flights from San Jose offered by Sansa Airlines.
The best way to reach and explore Playa Langosta is by car. You can also find tours from Tamarindo or use a bus or shuttle from nearby hotels or the airport.
By Car
Liberia International Airport, the closest international airport is 70 kilometres (44 miles) and about a 1.5-hour drive on well-paved roads. The good news is you don’t need a 4×4 to reach Langosta
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By Bus/Shuttle
Consider taking a shared shuttle to a Langosta hotel, or opt for a private shuttle if you’re with a large group. Interbus offers shared shuttle options, just be sure to check with them here.
Best Time to Visit Playa Langosta
Located in Guanacaste, the driest and warmest part of Costa Rica, Playa Langosta Guanacaste enjoys consistently excellent weather with clear skies for most of the year.
Dry season in Guanacaste runs from December to April. Daily temperatures this time of the year average around 30°C (85°F). It’s hot, but dry and sunny.
The rainy season spans from May to November, but the rainfall isn’t as intense compared to other parts of Costa Rica. Expect hot and sunny days with strong afternoon showers and day time temperatures around 25°C (70s°F).
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Things to Do at Playa Langosta
Playa Langosta is a favourite for a reason: it is quiet and secluded, yet just minutes away from amenities and offerings in Tamarindo. There’s an abundance of things to see, do, and experience!
Hit The Waves
Playa Langosta is famous for its incredible surf. The waves here are short, fast, and perfect for experienced surfers. Despite its popularity, Playa Langosta is often less crowded than Tamarindo and Playa Grande breaks. Be cautious of rocks and coral in this area, especially during low tide.
Visit National Parks
Playa Langosta is conveniently located in close proximity to a couple of great National Parks in Guanacaste. They are worth a visit for a day trip while staying in Playa Langosta.
Marino Las Baulas National Park: A biodiverse park covering 1,100 acres of mangrove and 54,000 acres of forest. Globally known as a nesting site for giant leatherback turtles, the world’s largest sea turtles. Bird watching is also a popular activity here.
Palo Verde National Park: A wildlife haven along the Tempisque River near Playa Langosta. The park is huge and famous for its vast wetlands and expansive marshes of forest, a vital habitat for migratory birds, crocodiles, and diverse plant life.
Rincón de la Vieja National Park is located about 2 hours from Playa Langosta. Hike through scenic trails or enjoy horseback riding, witness volcanic phenomena, and relax in rejuvenating thermal springs.
Relax at Langosta Beach Club
Spend the day relaxing at the Langosta Beach Club. You can snag a day pass (book ahead!) for access to their spa, bar, restaurant, and private cabanas. Enjoy their infinity pool and a sweet beachfront spot, good for sunset cocktails.
Enjoy Outdoor Adventures
There are plenty of outdoor adventures on offer in Guanacaste, and most tours will gladly pick up guests from their hotel in Playa Langosta.
You can zip through the treetops at 120 metres high and up to 600 metres long, passing through a scenic dry forest with magnificent old trees in the Tamarindo Canopy forest.
You can also go horseback riding, go mountain biking, and kayaking in the local mangroves! Keep an eye out for wildlife like birds, red macaws, falcons, howler monkeys, and iguanas.
Enjoy Sunset Sailing on A Catamaran
Get on board the catamaran snorkelling and sunset cruise from Tamarindo! Sail to the captain’s favourite snorkelling spots, spot marine wonders and enjoy a Pacific Ocean sunset.
Remember, you can always explore Playa Langosta sustainably with eco-friendly tour operators; we recommend Dream Chaser Catamaran Tours for a sustainable way of exploring the waters around Langosta.
Go Snorkelling or Scuba Diving
If you choose to get wet, take a refreshing swim in the Pacific Ocean on a sunset cruise from Playa Tamarindo aboard a custom-built 66-foot catamaran with Marlin del Rey Sailing Tours.
Some tours stop at Catalina Islands to give you a chance to explore hidden reefs and inlets. Scuba diving trips to the nearby Las Catalinas island can be organized in Tamarindo.
Go Fishing
The north Pacific coast near Tamarindo, Costa Rica, offers excellent fishing opportunities with highly prized species like marlin, mahi, roosterfish, and yellowfin tuna. Fishing is particularly good from May to August. You can also fish from the shore.
If you don’t have fishing gear, consider joining a fishing tour from Rhino Charger Sport Fishing and cast your line into the waters.
FAQs:
Can you Swim at Playa Langosta?
Yes, Playa Langosta offers several excellent swimming spots along the beach. While there are some areas with rocks, it’s generally not an issue during high tide. Playa Langosta’s beach has both sandy stretches and rocky areas. It’s important to be aware of the rocky sections while exploring the shoreline during low tide.
Can you Fish at Playa Langosta?
Yes! Playa Langosta is known for its fantastic inshore and offshore sport fishing. There are many prime fishing spots teeming with prized species that anglers love.
Can you Surf at Playa Langosta?
Absolutely! Playa Langosta is a prime spot for experienced surfers, providing consistent and quality waves for an exceptional surfing experience; it’s quick and short, with strong currents.
Is Playa Langosta Safe for Families?
Playa Langosta is a safe, quiet community with fewer crowds; the water is safe and shallow, making it perfect for families.
Where to Stay in Playa Langosta
While Langosta doesn’t offer an abundance of accommodation options, it compensates with high-quality choices. Rental prices are also seasonal, so expect higher rates for vacation rentals in the dry season compared to the rainy season.
Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas
Cala Luna is a boutique family-friendly Eco hotel located on Langosta Beach; this boutique hotel is one of the best in the area, with 39 spacious rooms and villas featuring private pools, beachfront access, a spa, and luxurious amenities. It also has an onsite Italian restaurant and cocktail bar.
Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel
Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel offers a pleasant stay with a lower impact on the environment. This adult-only boutique hotel provides a comfortable and eco-friendly stay with beachfront access to Tamarindo Beach, a spa, wellness centre, and an on-site poolside restaurant. All 42 well-maintained rooms offer spacious accommodations with private bathrooms, fridges, Wi-Fi, AC, and TVs. Guests often engage in activities like snorkelling, diving, horseback riding, and fishing during day trips from Jardin del Eden.
Occidental Tamarindo
Set on Playa Langosta Beach, Occidental Tamarindo is a resort-style hotel with close to 200 rooms. Each of the luxury rooms offers a private bathroom with luxury amenities. Occidental Resort is the only all-inclusive resort in the area, it features multiple restaurants, a children’s area, spa, and a pool. The resort adopts eco-friendly practices, and with a beachfront location, you’re just steps away from white sand beach and spectacular sunsets.
Where to Eat: Best Restaurants in Playa Langosta
Langosta has limited dining options, so for more choices, consider heading to nearby Tamarindo. Here are a few options to consider
El Sapo Ristopizza Cocktail Bar
A cosy spot in Playa Langosta with a cool mix of modern and rustic décor, offering delicious Italian food to splurge on for a romantic date or a casual hangout. They also have vegan-friendly and gluten-free choices and cocktails made from locally sourced ingredients.
Fish & Cheeses
Fish & Cheeses is the most popular eatery in Playa Langosta and a restaurant worth a splurge. It’s an authentic Italian gourmet restaurant within a cheese and pasta factory, where both are handmade using local milk. The restaurant offers an extensive Italian wine menu, fresh homemade pasta, and a great selection of wines, complemented by live performances from local musicians on weekends.
Surf Club Bar & Grill
Surf Club Bar & Grill is a perfect spot for a casual outing with friends or family, offering budget-friendly options like tacos, sandwiches, and burgers. Their ceviche is highly recommended by visitors and locals. Ideal for a laid-back lunch or dinner, the place features entertainment and live sports events on the big screen.
The Bottom Line
Playa Langosta offers a peaceful and laid-back atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for those seeking a quiet Costa Rica beach town with excellent surf and sandy shores. It’s a hidden gem near the bustling Tamarindo, with stunning natural beauty and endless adventure possibilities.
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