Location
Costa Rica
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
December to April
About Playa Grande
Playa Grande is a long, wild surf beach on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, north-east of the village of Montezuma in Puntarenas Province. More than 3 km of sand and waves, it is reached only on foot along the coast through the edge of the Nicolás Wessberg Absolute Natural Reserve, and that walk keeps it uncrowded. It is the area's best surf beach, with powerful waves; swimming is only sensible in calm conditions and at lower tides, and high tide covers much of the sand. Playa Grande is sometimes used by nude and topless sunbathers, but nudity is not the cultural norm in Costa Rica and the beach has no designated nude section, so discretion matters. Surfers, walkers and day-trippers from Montezuma share the sand. There are no services of any kind on the beach, so bring water, food and shade, and keep valuables to a minimum.
Getting there
Walk from Montezuma village: follow the beach and coastal trail north-east past several smaller beaches and through the edge of the Nicolás Wessberg reserve, about 30-45 minutes each way on a sandy, sometimes rocky and muddy path with short climbs. Parking is in Montezuma (paid lots and street parking); there is no road to the beach itself. Buses reach Montezuma from Cóbano and the Paquera ferry. Plan around the tides, as high water narrows the beach. Not wheelchair accessible.
What visitors say
Visitors describe Playa Grande as a beautiful, empty stretch that rewards the walk from Montezuma, with good surf and few people. Hikers recommend bringing plenty of water and going at low tide, since high tide covers much of the beach. Reports of nude sunbathing are occasional rather than routine, and travellers advise checking who is around before undressing.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Costa Rica has no designated nude beaches and nudity is not culturally accepted; at Playa Grande occasional nude sunbathing is tolerated because of the remoteness, not authorised. Be discreet and cover up near the trail and other visitors (as of 2026).
Naturism at Playa Grande sits under Costa Rica's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: Costa Rica public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 9.6695, -85.0493
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Costa Rica
Frequently asked questions
Is Playa Grande a nude beach?
Not officially. It is sometimes used by nude and topless sunbathers because it is remote, but nudity is not the norm in Costa Rica, so be discreet.
How do I get there?
Walk 30-45 minutes north-east from Montezuma along the coast and through the edge of the Nicolás Wessberg reserve. There is no road access.
Is it safe to swim?
It is a surf beach with strong waves; swim only in calm conditions, ideally at low tide.
Are there facilities?
No. Bring water, food and shade; shops and restaurants are in Montezuma.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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