Just south of Tamarindo there is a town called Playa Langosta, but if you search for it in Google you’ll get only hits for Tamarindo. It begs the question, is Langosta a town? Well, yes and no depending who you ask and how you define what constitutes a “town.”
But, we’re not gonna go down that rabbit hole. We can safely avoid this debate by agreeing on one thing. Playa means beach, and that makes Playa Langosta a beach if nothing else. In case you were wondering, Langosta means lobster.
To some travelers and locals, Playa Langosta the best beach of the Tamarindo area. Let’s see how that assertion stacks up…
Surfing Playa Langosta
If you surf, you know Tamarindo. You, at least, know of it even if you haven’t been.
The problem with Tamarindo’s surf reputation is its breadth of talent. Everyone and their mother knows about learning to surf in Tamarindo.
If you’re a veteran surfer, the crowd of noobs can be… challenging. Even the nearby waves on Playa Grande can be busy, and other destinations like Avellanas are too far to walk for early morning tide.
Playa Langosta offers a long beach of surfing, and one nice estuary, which is only for the skilled.
The sunny beaches of Langosta
There are two lengths of beach in Langosta, the one south of the estuary which is true Playa Langosta. And there’s the stretch north of the estuary, which is not really Langosta, but close enough.
There’s not much there in the way of buildings (read: none) so folks from Langosta tend to meander north. It’s so unbeaten, don’t be surprised to see topless sunbathing.
Unlike Tamarindo, which can get pretty packed this time of year, Langosta’s beaches are wide open.
Langosta’s lodging
Finding a place to stay in Playa Langosta is no easier or harder than Tamarindo proper. Most people treat them as one destination. In truth, both have their secluded jungly locals like this month’s featured property in Tamarindo and their lofty condo-style vacation rentals like the Peninsula tower.
What Langosta offers that Tamarindo doesn’t is a little distance from town. It’s not too far to walk, but you’ll probably prefer to take a cab or drive it. Your neighbors in Langosta are more likely to be away as many of the properties there are second homes.
All the noise in Langosta
Here’s the thing. There really isn’t much noise in Langosta. There aren’t enough bars to keep you up, but there are a couple. Sometimes they throw darts really hard, and once in a blue moon they watch the game sorta loud, but you won’t likely know it.
Most Langosta vacation rentals are far from any raucousness. For travelers who prefer Langosta over Tamarindo, this is a huge draw.
Langosta’s safety
Travelers always want to know the safety of an area. For many of them, the entire country of Costa Rica will outperform their hometown’s safety. It would be dishonest to suggest that Costa Rica is a crime-free place. It’s not, but most crime in Costa Rica is petty.
In fairness, crime can happen anywhere. But, despite what you may read online, Costa Rica remains one of the safest nations in Latin America. Langosta is no exception.
Not to mention, foreign places can seem less safe simply because they are unfamiliar. As always, walking alone in dark places is not wise, but it’s probably not as risky as you imagine.
Nobody can guarantee your safety, but you’ll likely feel just as safe in Playa Langosta than you do at home. To be sure, all of our vacation rentals have security measures in place, gated entry, cameras, and in some cases guards.
The bar and restaurant scene in Playa Langosta
This is one area where Tamarindo central has its sister town beaten in spades, but not without a good fight. Playa Langosta has traditionally not been the most happening restaurant scene but for a few standouts. In recent years, however, this is shifting.
As more people seek refuge in Langosta’s laid back style, more and more restaurateurs have taken their cue to serve up new and interesting foods.
There is a Surf Club Sports Bar in Langosta that’s been there for years, which has always served short order food. As of this writing, the former owner of Matty’s Deli from around the corner has purchased that location and is about to reopen with a beefed-up menu. Expect big things there.
Langosta is also home to a lovely boutique pizzeria, and several other restaurants, which do not require you to compromise your high tastes.
We might be based in Tamarindo, but we’re big fans of Tamarindo’s neighbor Langosta. Call it what you will, it’s a great place by any measure, one worthy of a night or two. Heck, make it a week or two. We think you’ll enjoy yourself in Playa Langosta.
Horizon Pacific Management & Rentals is located in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Offering vacation rentals, property management, long-term rentals, as well as a complete concierge service. Providing you with a local contact during your stay, Horizon Pacific is a company you can trust, with the experience you need.