If you’re the kind of traveler who seeks the best of both worlds – proximity to Tamarindo’s vibrant energy but not being engulfed by it – then welcome to Playa Langosta. An ideal haven nestled just 1.5 miles south of Tamarindo, this quaint beach town could have fallen into the realm of a bedroom community… Except, it’s an upscale and serene locale all its own, complete with Playa Langosta rentals, dining, shopping, things to do, and more.
Discover this picturesque and protected sanctuary, where white-sand beaches are shaded by mangroves, glistening outcroppings extend into the sea, and the waves carry the spirit of both adventure and relaxation.
Welcome to Playa Langosta, Costa Rica
For Playa Langosta’s allure lies not just in its scenic charm but also in its strategic location: Positioned at the end of a sandy road, and yet a mere 5 minutes from Tamarindo, this coastal destination seamlessly blends the advantages of its bustling counterpart – but without the occasional crowds and beach commotion. Here, you can bask in the solitude of sun and sand during the day, and then embrace Tamarindo’s vibrant nightlife after dark… but only when it suits you.
And yet, Playa Langosta is still more than just its proximity to Tamarindo. Characterized by a laid-back and tranquil ambiance, this refined destination and beach town hosts exquisite Playa Langosta rentals, premier surfing spots, and a wide variety of truly unforgettable activities – all within a town that can be traversed on foot within minutes.
Visit the curved, white-sand beaches of Playa Langosta, flanked by mangroves and scattered palms, and discover the promise of exhilarating waves and exceptional surfing (albeit with caution due to strong currents). On idyllic days, the cerulean sky reflects off the beach’s rock formations, offering sands that are often sparsely populated, if not desired. And if luck is further on your side, you might even encounter hermit crabs and sand dollars amidst the shores.
Yet, within minutes of this serene paradise, you'll discover a coastline renowned for warm swimming waters, golden sunsets, world-class sport-fishing, leatherback sea turtle watching, scuba and snorkeling adventures, canopy tours, ATV excursions, horseback riding, and epic surfing.
The adventure continues with an oceanfront, world-class, 18-hole golf course at Hacienda Pinilla. Playa Langosta's strategic location also ensures easy access to other sought-after destinations like Las Baulas National Marine Park, Ostional Wildlife Refuge, Rincón de la Vieja National Park, Palo Verde National Park, the Catalinas Islands, and so much more – all a mere 75 minutes from the newly expanded international Guanacaste Airport (LIR) in Liberia.
When to Visit Playa Langosta
Your choice of when to visit Playa Langosta will naturally depend on your schedule. But if you have a little flexibility, here’s what to consider:
- Dry Season (December through Easter): Revel in endless sunshine but expect the highest prices of the year.
- Mid-Season (post-Easter to mid-June): Enjoy a delightful balance of affordability and sunny weather.
- Summer Season (mid-June through mid-August): Experience a mid-year peak with prices just below the true high season.
- Green Season (mid-August through mid-December): Embrace the daily chance of rain as prices reach their lowest points of the year.
Things to Do in Playa Langosta
Playa Langosta is a cherished destination for good reason.
While the town and beach exude tranquility and seclusion, Playa Langosta is merely minutes away from the best that Costa Rica's Gold Coast has to offer, including an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered! Picture world-record inshore and offshore sport fishing, breathtaking nature-watching, adrenaline-pumping canopy ziplines, and much more.
Here are some of our favorite activities in Playa Langosta:
- Surfing & SUP: Experience epic surfing at its finest! Playa Langosta ranks among the best surf spots in the Tamarindo area (beginner and advanced), particularly when a Southern Hemi is in play. Despite its popularity, this spot is often less crowded than Tamarindo and Playa Grande breaks, offering a true score. (Plus, quick access to other popular Tamarindo surf spots like Tamarindo, Playa Grande, and Playa Avellanas.)
- Sport Fishing: Our Pacific waters boast incredible inshore and offshore fishing, and Stay in Tamarindo connects you with the best boats and crews. For an authentic Costa Rican fishing experience, we also offer traditional Costa Rican panga fishing boats.
- Catamaran / Sunset Sailing: Opt for a catamaran snorkeling and sunset cruise to make the most of your afternoon in Playa Langosta. Catamarans set sail daily to explore the captain's preferred snorkeling destinations, where you may encounter undersea wonders such as puffer fish, starfish, octopus, and manta rays. The journey concludes with a breathtaking Pacific sunset, complete with snacks, meals, and sometimes even drinks.
- Snorkeling and/or Scuba Diving: Embark on group or private snorkeling and scuba excursions from Playa Langosta, exploring everything from popular tourist draws like the Catalina Islands to secluded reefs and inlets only accessible with an experienced boat crew.
- Turtle Nesting: Visit neighboring Las Baulas National Park or Ostional Wildlife Refuge, both renowned nesting sites for sea turtles (leatherbacks and olive ridleys, respectively). Witness the awe-inspiring sight of these majestic creatures laying their eggs or hatching, if you time your visit right.
- Canopy / Zipline: Set on a 150-year-old Costa Rican horse and cattle ranch, our preferred zip line tour features 11 cables, a swinging bridge, and an exhilarating rappel.
- Wildlife & Nature Tours: Whether it's a mangrove kayaking adventure or a leisurely river float, Playa Langosta is teeming with sloths, iguanas, monkeys, and a diverse array of aquatic and migratory bird species. The ocean wildlife includes sea turtles, dolphins, and whales.
Things to See in Playa Langosta
Discover the abundance of attractions this locale has to offer – from powder-soft beaches to lush forests and captivating islands. Here are a few of the top sights in and around Playa Langosta:
- Beaches: Playa Langosta boasts powdery white sands and rugged outcroppings, paired with an estuary that separates the residential north from the untamed southern beach, contained within the protective confines of Las Baulas National Marine Park. Plan some aquatic birdwatching and peel your eyes for spotted sandpipers, blue herons, white-lored gnatcatchers, and more. For additional beach destinations, explore our top-7 area beaches and options for beach-hopping throughout the area.
- Las Baulas National Marine Park: Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Las Baulas, where thousands of majestic leatherback turtles annually make their way ashore to lay eggs, and weeks later, their tiny hatchlings embark on their journey to the sea. Witnessing this spectacle is truly incredible. If they’re not nesting or hatching, head a bit further afield to Ostional Wildlife Refuge.
- Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge: Nestled within the wildlife-rich Tamarindo Estuary, vast saltwater jungles extend into mangroves and wetlands, serving as habitats for monkeys, coatis, herons, and caimans.
- Catalina Islands: For exceptional scuba diving and breathtaking offshore scenery, the enchanting Catalina Islands are Playa Langosta's premier destination. Keep your snorkel mask peeled for starfish, living coral, reef sharks, manta rays, and more.
- Nightlife: While Playa Langosta itself may quiet down after dark, a mere 1.5 miles north, Tamarindo comes to life with vibrant nightlife. Enjoy dancing, dining, drinks, and live music tailored to the rhythm of this sometimes sleepy beach town.
Where to Stay: 4 Playa Langosta Vacation Rentals
There are so many options in Playa Langosta rentals (see our full inventory). Here are four special homes to consider:
Casa de Luz
Playa Langosta | 8 Bedrooms | 7 Baths | 24 Guests
Oceanfront Casa de Luz is our House of Light – Playa Langosta's very own sun-dappled, luxury jewel, and one of the most eco-friendly vacation homes in the region.
Solar-powered and environmentally minded, Casa de Luz is an on-the-sand, luxury home that out-superlatives the superlatives: It's the closest high-capacity vacation rental to downtown Tamarindo. It's the only beach villa where every sleeping and living space has Pacific Ocean and sunset views. It was the first solar-powered home in the province. It's one of our elite-level vacation homes, thanks to extra services and amenities. And it's also one of an exclusive few vacation homes to be fully staffed.
Home to almost every luxury and amenity available in Costa Rica – an oceanfront pool, air-conditioning throughout, a Pacific-view swimming pool, high-speed WiFi, private beach access, and much more – Casa de Luz delivers on Guanacaste vacations like no other.
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Villa Estrella Azul
Playa Langosta | 8 bedrooms | 6 baths | 18 guests
Designed as the ideal retreat venue – the amenities of a boutique hotel and the expectations of a warm, private home – Villa Estrella Azul is both expansive and intimate, at once luxurious and cozy.
Named for its blue-and-sun-bleached beach palette, the "Blue Star Villa" serves as a welcoming beacon, even amidst the incredible smorgasbord of Playa Langosta vacation rentals. Here, no comfort is spared, no amenity is overlooked.
Wrap yourselves in the indulgence of a beach-adjacent location (just a two-minute walk to the beach!) and the luxury of fine amenities, including a custom infinity pool, gourmet-ready chef's kitchen, brick pizza oven, and expansive outdoor living: pergola, verandas, and a private yoga pavilion. And then, there's the catered daily breakfast, rooftop terrace, and eight spacious rooms to house your vacation dreams.
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Soul House
Playa Langosta | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Baths | 14 Guests
Answer the call to breathe and accept Soul House’s invitation to soothe your soul. Welcome to a truly incredible, almost spiritual experience at this Balinese-inspired villa, located in the peaceful, yet still convenient community of Playa Langosta.
Populated with Balinese-style artwork and accents – each, reinforced via thoughtful details throughout – this special retreat offers quiet and privacy for all, including in the second-floor private apartment (perfect for the trip organizer!). Outdoors, you’ll revel in the backyard enclave, where shaded seating, lush gardens, and a private pool make themselves available for everything from retreat activities to quiet afternoons of diversion and reflection.
Indoors, you’ll appreciate the home’s high design, clean lines, and ample light to soothe the soul, escape to serenity, and reclaim your spirit. Find your balance by the flames of the firepit and among statues, hammocks, and palms. Breathe deeply of the sea breeze. And rejoice in the knowledge that you’ve found your way to Soul House, a standout even among the most distinguished Playa Langosta rentals.
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Crystal Sands 504
Playa Langosta | 3 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 12 Guests
Because only your very own penthouse will do, Crystal Sands 504 delivers with a breezy private balcony and some of Playa Langosta’s best views – directly onto Langosta Beach and the Pacific Ocean, and stretching for as far as the eye can see. Your front yard is the ocean and the horizon, with only the occasional passing sailboat (or breeching whale, or paddling sea turtle, or playful dolphin…) to dot your private panorama.
Of course, there’s more. Because this is a penthouse in paradise and the dream must include a private hot tub on the balcony, a gourmet kitchen and full-sized gas grill, breezy and open interiors, and, again, that view. Because you’ll have it from the living room, the dining room, the kitchen, and the bedrooms – even from your shower, if you’re lucky. And that’s another something to be thankful for, isn’t it?
If you’re lucky enough to spend some downtime here, curl up by the TV and watch a movie in your spacious living room or enjoy the warm tropical rain in your covered outdoor dining and covered jacuzzi on the balcony. There’s no better feeling!
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Looking for More Playa Langosta Rentals?
At Stay in Tamarindo, we really are different. We really do care about you. And we really will go the extra mile, especially when searching out the best Playa Langosta vacation rentals for your needs.
We’re going to work hard for you. We’re going to follow up with you. And we’re going to do everything we can, to ensure that this is not just your Best Vacation Ever, but also Everything You Want It to Be.
Because that is what we mean, when we talk about our quality of service: We want to transform the way you travel. We want to deliver the best everything you’ve ever experienced – including the best value. And we want you to go home completely fulfilled, whether you came to relax for a week straight or packed your days full of every adrenaline-soaked, high-adventure activity you could fit in.
So go ahead, give us a try. Embrace the experience. Live your best life. And now, book your best-ever vacation. It all starts with getting in touch with our concierge!