Where is Coco Beach?

You’ll find Coco Beach (also called Playas del Coco) on Costa Rica’s beautiful Pacific shore.  This lovely beach town draws visitors with its calm beauty lively culture and many outdoor activities.  Coco Beach has something for everyone, whether you want to relax on the beach, get an adrenaline rush or live like a local for a while.

Where to Find Coco Beach Costa Rica

Playa del Coco sits in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica about 200 kilometers northwest of San José, the capital.  The town lies in a scenic bay of the Gulf of Papagayo featuring a crescent-shaped dark sand beach that runs for over 1.5 kilometers.  The clear waters of the Pacific Ocean wash up on the golden sands creating a calm and welcoming feel in this popular vacation spot.

The area around Coco Beach Guanacaste boasts a mix of dense tropical woods gentle slopes and rough volcanic structures creating a beautiful setting.  Nearby, Rincon de la Vieja National Park hosts one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes.  This park draws thrill-seekers who want to hike, soak in hot springs and spot wildlife.

Things to Do in Coco Costa Rica

Things to Do in Coco Costa Rica

Playas del Coco buzzes with life offering a wide range of attractions and things to do in Coco Beach Costa Rica that cater to all kinds of visitors.  Beach lovers can relax on the main beach, catch some sun, take a dip or just enjoy the peaceful setting.

Thrill-seekers can visit the nearby Bat Islands, a protected marine area teeming with sea life.  Here, you’ll find vibrant coral reefs schools of tropical fish, and if you’re lucky, dolphins or whales.  This underwater paradise draws many for snorkeling and scuba diving.  The water activities don’t stop there – sport fishing remains a big draw in this former fishing village.

For land lovers, Playa del Coco offers many activities.  You can hike in nearby forests, check out the town’s buzzing markets and local craft souvenir shops, and join guided tours to explore the area’s natural and cultural treasures.  Popular day trips from El Coco Costa Rica include visits to the breathtaking Rio Celeste waterfall and beach hopping to nearby spots like Playa Hermosa, Playa Panama and Playa Ocotal.

Best Time to Visit Playa Coco Costa Rica

The best time to visit Coco Beach depends on what you want and the kind of trip you’re planning.  Most tourists come during the dry season, from December to April.  You’ll see sunny skies, feel nice temperatures and have less rain.  This works well if you want to hang out on the beach or do outdoor stuff.

From May to November, it’s the rainy season.  This time has its own appeal.  You’ll see green lush scenery, bump into fewer tourists and maybe catch some big storms coming in from the Pacific.  If you like watching birds, monkeys or checking out wildlife, this could be your time to go.

No matter when you choose to visit Cocoa Beach Costa Rica, you should prepare for the tropical weather.  It stays hot and humid all year round.

Places to Stay in Playa de Coco

Playas del Coco has many places to stay that fit all budgets and likes.  You can find fancy beachfront resorts cute small hotels, and cheap hostels.  This variety meets the needs of all types of travelers, including the large expat community in Coco Guanacaste Costa Rica.

Coco Beach Costa Rica Hotels

Many hotels and resorts in Del Coco Beach Costa Rica boast ocean views, infinity pools and private beach access.  These spots appeal to travelers who want a luxurious getaway.  To experience local life, guests can rent cozy bungalows or roomy villas.  These options give a homey feel to vacationers.

No matter where you stay in Playa el Coco Costa Rica, you’ll find air conditioning, Wi-Fi and places to eat on-site.  These features help ensure guests have a pleasant time during their visit.

Dining and Nightlife in El Coco Costa Rica

Dining and Nightlife in El Coco Costa Rica

Playas del Coco Costa Rica serves as a food and culture center boasting many eating and entertainment choices to suit different likes and wants.

Coco Beach Costa Rica Restaurants

The town’s lively food scene shows its mix of cultures, with local Costa Rican dishes and food from all over the world.  Guests can enjoy fresh seafood at the many good restaurants, like ceviche and grilled fish, plus classic meals such as gallo pinto (a rice and bean dish) and tamales.  For those who love sweets, the town is also known to offer tasty tropical fruit desserts and cool smoothies.

Coco Beach Costa Rica Nightlife

As night falls, Coco Playa buzzes with activity.  Bars on the beach and clubs offer many ways to have fun, from bands and DJs to salsa and karaoke.  If you want to hit the dance floor or sip drinks while gazing at the ocean, Playas del Coco has options to fit your mood.

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How to Get Around Coco Beach

You can reach Playas del Coco from many parts of Costa Rica with ease.  The area boasts a good mix of public and private ways to travel.

The easiest way to get to Coco Beach involves driving a private or rental car.  You’ll find the town right off the Panamerican Highway, which makes it easy to reach from big cities and airports like Liberia International Airport.  If you prefer, you can also take public transport such as buses that connect Playas del Coco to other places across the country.

Once you’re in Playas del Coco, you won’t have trouble moving around.  The town center is small and you can walk everywhere.  If you want to see more of the area, you have options.  You can take taxis, use shuttle services, or rent bikes to get around.

Safety and Travel Tips for Visiting Playas del Coco

Playas del Coco is safe for tourists, but you should still be careful and watch out for yourself.  Don’t walk by yourself at night in quiet areas and be careful with your money and valuable stuff.

It’s also good to know about local customs and rules, like taking care of the environment and following any signs you see.  Make sure you’re ready for the hot weather by protecting yourself from the sun, drinking lots of water and wearing comfy clothes.

If you follow these easy safety and travel tips, you’ll have a great time in the peaceful and pretty Playas del Coco.

Things to do in Playa del Coco Surrounding Areas


Playas del Coco draws visitors in, but the nearby parts of Guanacaste have even more to offer people who love to explore.

Travelers should check out Rincon de la Vieja National Park.  Here, you can walk through thick forests, see volcanic areas and relax in natural hot springs.  The Bat Islands, a protected area in the sea, are close by.  You can snorkel, scuba dive and look for wildlife there.  Many people also enjoy catamaran tours and sunset sailing.

People looking to experience culture should visit Liberia, the main city of Guanacaste province.  This lively place has lots of local crafts, food and traditional events.  You can check out the city’s old colonial buildings, walk through busy markets and soak up the area’s deep cultural roots.

Reasons to Add Costa Rica Coco Beach to Your Travel Plans

Playas del Coco in Costa Rica stands out as a real find mixing calm natural beauty lively culture, and lots of outdoor fun.  This charming beach town caters to all kinds of travelers.  Indeed, whether you want to chill on the beach, get your heart racing with thrills or dive into the local way of life.

Next, read about Nicaragua.