Hotel in Playa Grande, Guanacaste, Guanacaste
Hotel Las Tortugas
A charming eco-hotel on the edge of Las Baulas National Park at Playa Grande. Famous for its connection to sea turtle conservation, the hotel offers exclusive guided turtle night tours during nesting season. The beachfront location and knowledgeable staff make it special.
Hotel Las Tortugas stands on the beach at Playa Grande, on the Pacific coast of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, within the boundaries of Las Baulas National Park — one of the most critical nesting sites in the world for the giant leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). The hotel holds the distinction of being the only beachfront property directly on Playa Grande, positioning it at the heart of the conservation landscape that has made this stretch of coast internationally known among wildlife and eco-tourism enthusiasts.
The property was founded by Louis Wilson, a conservationist whose advocacy played a central role in protecting Playa Grande as a national park. This origin story is woven into the hotel's identity: the mission to safeguard leatherback nesting habitat informs its eco-tourism ethos, and the hotel actively cooperates with park rangers and researchers monitoring the turtle population. During nesting season — which runs roughly from October through March — the hotel organizes guided nighttime turtle watching tours that allow guests to observe female leatherbacks emerging from the sea to lay eggs, under the supervision of licensed naturalist guides operating within strict park protocols.
Accommodation at Hotel Las Tortugas consists of rooms and apartments set in a beachfront garden environment. Rooms are comfortable and well-ventilated, designed to suit the coastal setting. The outdoor pool, heated jacuzzi, and on-site restaurant provide amenities that make extended stays rewarding. A yoga program operates during the high season. Playa Grande itself is a long, uncrowded beach noted for its powerful surf break, which draws experienced surfers in addition to the wildlife-oriented visitors who make up the hotel's primary clientele.
Access to Playa Grande from the nearby town of Tamarindo is traditionally by boat across the Matapalo estuary — a short, scenic crossing that itself often yields sightings of crocodiles, birds, and marine life. The hotel is approximately 2–3 km from the estuary landing point.
Amenities
- Beachfront
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Turtle tours
- WiFi
- Garden
Visit / Book / Contact
Location
Playa Grande, Guanacaste
10.3294, -85.8561 — View on map
Highlights
- Beachfront location on Playa Grande — the only hotel directly on this prime leatherback sea turtle nesting beach
- Eco-tourism heritage rooted in sea turtle conservation and active cooperation with Las Baulas National Park
- Exclusive guided nighttime turtle watching tours during nesting season (October–March)
- Outdoor pool, heated jacuzzi, and on-site restaurant in a lush beachfront garden setting
- Direct access to Playa Grande's uncrowded surf break, one of Guanacaste's finest for experienced surfers
Tips
- Book turtle watching tours through the hotel as early as possible — spots are limited by park authority quotas
- Bring a red-light headlamp for turtle tours; white lights disturb nesting behavior and are prohibited on the beach at night
- Playa Grande is reached from Tamarindo via a short boat crossing across the estuary — confirm crossing times with the hotel at check-in
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent; the beachfront garden environment attracts mosquitoes after sunset
- The surf at Playa Grande is strong; non-surfers and swimmers should take local advice on safe entry points before entering the water
FAQ
When is the leatherback turtle nesting season at Playa Grande?
Giant leatherback sea turtles typically nest at Playa Grande from October through March, with peak activity between November and February. The exact timing varies year to year based on ocean conditions and individual turtle cycles.
Are turtle watching tours guaranteed to produce a sighting?
Sightings are not guaranteed as turtles nest on their own schedule, but Playa Grande's status as a major nesting site means probability is high during peak season. Guides are experienced and maximize sighting opportunities within the park's ethical guidelines.
How do guests get to Hotel Las Tortugas from Tamarindo?
The traditional route is a short boat crossing from Tamarindo across the Matapalo estuary, followed by a short walk or vehicle transfer to the hotel. The hotel can advise on current crossing options and times, which vary by season and water conditions.
Is Hotel Las Tortugas family-friendly?
The hotel welcomes families with children, and the turtle watching experience is particularly impactful for older children and teenagers. The beach and pool are safe for supervised children, though the surf can be powerful and parents should exercise caution.
Accessibility
The hotel grounds are largely flat and beachfront, though sandy terrain limits wheelchair access to the beach itself. Guests with mobility needs should contact the hotel directly to confirm room layout and accessibility of common areas before booking.