We are trying to decide between these 2 locations for our last bit of beach time. We want a beach with fun waves - not super rough, but not flat water, think boogie boarding/body surfing. Our prime goal is to hang out with the family at a clean, safe place before leaving out of Liberia. Which location do you like better and why?

We thought about some other beaches, but we were told they either had no waves (Flamingo, Hermosa), dirty (Tamarindo), too rough (Playa Grande) or too far from Liberia (Mal Pais). If we got any of this wrong, please advise.

Thank you so much.

We went to Playa Samara a few years ago. The waves are nice, but not too big. There is a coral reef about a half mile off-shore. There are boats which will take you out there to snorkel. I've never been to Playa Nosara, but I was put off by a New York Times article showing people riding horses on the beach. It's very romantic for the riders, but the rest of us are left with unpleasant souvenirs of their ride.
I'm not a big fan of Playa Tamarindo (reminds me of the Jersey Shore), and I've been to Playa Grande, but I don't recall it being particularly rough.

Nosara is a small and lovely beach town. The surf is ideal for surfers, and I would classify it in the "rough" range. We didn't swim there for that reason.

Samara is a more primitive town with calmer waters. Waves support body surfing, I think (not my activity). There are a couple of businesses teaching people to surf, so yeah, the waves are there.

I never found Tamarindo to be dirty - just cluttered, noisy, crowded, and not to my liking. It will only get worse, what with all the new construction going on.

Carol L

rbrazill, are you the one who did the report a couple of years ago of driving the Pacific coast of the Nicoya between Samara and Malpais? If not, do you remember that post?

Hi,

I agree that Flamingo is calm water, Tamarindo is over crowded and dirty.

Playa Grande can be rough and includes riptides but during certain times of day would be perfect. Playa Ventanas (next cove north) is deserted and not nearly as rough so you can hike there for calmer action.

Boat rides across the estuary to Tamarindo are $0.80 and are perfect for quick trips there and back. Grande doesn't offer anything other than hotels and rental houses / villas.

Nosara is a lot further than Grande but is a really fun place to visit. Great for non-spanish speakers, surfers, and nature lovers. Rips here too but it is a beautiful beach (as is Grande) and offers some limited nightlife.

Have a fun vacation!
Roger
http://www.fun-costa-rica-vacations.com