Playa Langosta travel guide
Playa Langosta, Costa Rica: where to stay, eat and play
A quiet, upscale beachfront village of villas just south of Tamarindo, and a very special place for us. It’s where we got married.
By Sarah & Thomas, calling Costa Rica home since 2016
Best Time
Dec to Apr
From LIR airport
1 to 1.5 hours
Best Airport
LIR
Temperature
Hot and sunny
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Our take
Who Playa Langosta is for
Playa Langosta is the place to stay if you want luxurious villas and a relaxed vibe, but still close to the action of Tamarindo. There isn’t a whole lot to do in Langosta itself besides enjoying the beaches, and that’s what gives it the peaceful feeling. We got married at a beachfront villa here, so it definitely holds a special place in our hearts.
One thing to keep in mind: There are no gas stations or ATMs in Langosta. You’ll need to make the short drive to Tamarindo.
How long to stay: A week in a villa is perfect: pool days, sunsets and a few day trips.
Langosta or Tamarindo?
Choose Langosta if…
You want a tranquil, secluded beach experience, with villas, pools and sunsets.
Choose Tamarindo if…
You want a lively beach town with more amenities, restaurants and nightlife.
Our take
Tamarindo is just a few minutes away, so you get the best of both by staying in Langosta.
Getting there
Getting to Playa Langosta
From Liberia Airport
About 1 to 1.5 hours on main roads the whole way. Easy for a somewhat experienced driver.
From San José it’s about 5 hours. You’ll take a cash-only toll highway, then a long main road with trucks, then Paso de Tempisque (a plaza with fast food is right before the turn). Use Waze, since police often check speed there.
For more info:
Rental car
Rent a car if you want day trips. Adobe gives our readers 10% off.
Transfers and shuttles
Take a private transfer or taxi to Langosta, and have Adobe deliver a car for just a few days. Shuttles are easy too. Book on Bookaway and use code SARAHMC5 for 5% off.
Where it is
Playa Langosta is on the North Pacific coast of Guanacaste, just south of the bustling surf town of Tamarindo.
Good to know: For groceries, go to the big Automercado in Tamarindo.
Weather
Playa Langosta weather and best time to visit
Dry season (late Dec, early May)
Extremely hot with no rain. From late February to mid-April, everything turns brown. Villa prices are also much higher in the dry season.
Rainy season (May: Nov)
We love May to mid-August, with a daily afternoon storm, far fewer tourists and everything green and blooming. Mid-August to December is cooler and rainier.
Daytime
Hot and sunny
Sunrise / Sunset
about 5:30 AM / about 5:30 PM
Rain usually starts
Afternoon
Our tip
Our tip: Visit in the green season for better villa prices and a lush, quiet beach.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Playa Langosta
Capitán Suizo
Beachfront · Spa · Restaurant
A stunning beachfront hotel with an outdoor pool, spa, restaurant, bar and massages.
Cala Luna Boutique Hotel
Resort-style · Pool · Concierge
A very nice resort-style stay with a shared pool, restaurant, lounge, massages and concierge.
Sueño del Mar
Beachfront · Cozy · Breakfast
Right on the beach, cozy and nice, with breakfast included.
Favela Chic
Adults-only · Bungalows · Kitchens
Modern bungalows with private kitchens and a shared pool, about a five-minute walk to the beach.
Most people here rent a villa or condo instead of a hotel. That’s what we did for our wedding!
See our favorite Tamarindo area hotels →
Our pick
Rent a villa
Langosta is all about beachfront villas and condos. Hire a private chef and arrange tours, and you won’t even need a car.
Book early for the dry season, since villa prices are seasonal and much higher from December to April.
For more options, we suggest VRBO. Browse Playa Langosta rentals on VRBO →
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Things to do
Things to do in Playa Langosta
Our favorite
Surf in Tamarindo
Lots of Tamarindo surf shops offer lessons and board rentals, and they’ll guide you to the best spot for your level.
Good to know
Advanced surfers will love Witch’s Rock. Be careful near the Tamarindo river mouth, because crocodiles have been known to enter the water there.
On the water
Take a sunset sail
Enjoy a sunset snorkel trip with a delicious meal and all the drinks you could want. It’s super fun!
Also try
Sport fishing, inshore or deep sea, for sailfish, tuna and marlin. We suggest Captain Noah of Sea Breeze Fishing.
Visit Playa Avellanas
A quiet beach town just south. Spend a relaxing afternoon at a beach bar like Lola’s (a car that handles dirt roads helps).
Day trip to Río Celeste
A bright blue river and waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park. And yes, it really is that blue.
Party in Tamarindo
Tamarindo has a serious nightlife scene. Walk downtown for bars and clubs, or join a beer tour.
Palo Verde river safari
A wildlife boat ride full of unique birds you can’t see anywhere else in the country.
Go scuba diving
Experienced divers and those wanting to get PADI certified can join one of the many Tamarindo dive tours.
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Tell our planner your dates, airport and travel style. It picks the regions that fit, with hotels, tours and drive times for each stop.
Where to eat
Where to eat in Playa Langosta
Fish & Cheeses
Italian market · Homemade ravioli
A small Italian market to eat in or take away. It’s popular, so reserve. Get any of the homemade ravioli.
El Sapo
Italian · Pizza · Cocktails
Delicious Italian food. We usually go for the pizza, because we know it’s excellent.
Surf Club Bar & Grill
Casual · Budget
Relaxed and budget-friendly for sandwiches, tacos and burgers.
Private chef
Villa dining
Many villas can arrange a private chef, which is perfect for groups.
There aren’t many restaurants in Langosta itself, but Tamarindo, a few minutes away, has tons.
Practical stuff
Good to know before you go
Good to know
Packing for Playa Langosta
Sun coverage
You’ll spend a lot of time in the pool or on the beach, and the sun is really strong.
Nice outfits
For dinners at all the great restaurants nearby.
Water shoes
The beach has some rocky sections.
Travel insurance
Always a good idea. It’s not just for injury, but for theft, trip interruptions, and lost luggage. We use Heymondo.
Good to know
Safety
Langosta is quiet and safe. Use normal precautions with your belongings.
Good to know
Practical basics
Groceries
For groceries, we suggest the large Automercado in Tamarindo, a few minutes away.
ATMs and banks
There are no ATMs in Langosta. The nearest is the BCR inside the Automercado in Tamarindo.
Gas
There are no gas stations in Langosta, so fill up in Tamarindo. All gas stations in Costa Rica are full service, so stay in your car and an attendant fills it up.
Getting around
Getting around Playa Langosta
You might just enjoy your villa, hire a chef and book tours, and then you won’t need a car. But Langosta is a great base for day trips, which are easier with one.
Rental car
Choose Tamarindo as your Adobe pickup and ask for delivery to your villa (a small fee may apply).
Walking and taxis
You can walk along the beach toward Tamarindo, and taxis are easy to find.
FAQ
Playa Langosta FAQ: your questions
Is it better to stay in Playa Langosta or Tamarindo?
For a tranquil, secluded beach stay, choose Langosta. For a lively beach town with more amenities, choose Tamarindo.
Is the beach in Playa Langosta rocky?
Yes, there are some rocky areas, along with sandy stretches.
How far is Playa Langosta from Liberia Airport?
About 41 miles (66 km), or roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by car.
Is Playa Langosta good for surfing?
Yes, especially for experienced surfers. Beginners will find lessons and gentler waves in Tamarindo.
Are there ATMs in Playa Langosta?
No. There are no gas stations or ATMs in Langosta. Head to Tamarindo, a few minutes away.
Is Playa Langosta good for a wedding?
We think so! We got married at a beachfront villa here, so it definitely holds a special place in our hearts.
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