Playa Langosta begins where Tamarindo ends, separated from the main bay by a low rocky headland. The mood is different — fewer surf schools, fewer beach bars, more low-key holiday homes set back behind the dunes. The sand is darker and patches of black volcanic rock break the beach into smaller coves.
The surf at Langosta is a step up in seriousness from Tamarindo — a punchy beachbreak with a faster takeoff, suited to intermediate surfers and above. There is a small estuary at the south end with mangroves and birdlife, and a long walk south takes you onto the next beach, Playa Penca. The whole area is part of Las Baulas national park.