Located conveniently to the Liberia Airport, Playa del Coco is a fun stop for partiers and those who want a flavor of local culture. Coco is also one of the most easily accessible beaches on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

Discover Playa del Coco, Costa Rica: Your Beach Paradise

Welcome to Playa del Coco, a vibrant coastal town located in the beautiful Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. Nestled along the country's northwestern Pacific coast, this charming destination is known for its beaches, rich marine life, and a welcoming atmosphere that invites travelers to relax, explore, and embrace the Pura Vida lifestyle. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Playa del Coco has something for everyone.

Playa del Coco Highlights:

Beaches: Playa del Coco is famous for its crescent-shaped bay with a long stretch of soft, golden sand. The beach offers ample opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Crystal-clear waters off the shores of Coco are perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, and spotting diverse marine life, including rays, tropical fish, and even the occasional shark.

Water Adventures: As one of the premier diving destinations in Costa Rica, Playa del Coco boasts numerous dive shops and opportunities to explore underwater treasures. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a beginner, you can discover vibrant coral reefs, underwater caves, and captivating marine ecosystems.

Sportfishing Paradise: The region's abundant marine life makes Playa del Coco a haven for sportfishing enthusiasts. Book a fishing charter and try your luck at catching sailfish, marlin, dorado, and other prized species. It's an angler's dream come true.

Lively Town Center: The town center of Playa del Coco is brimming with life, offering a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. Enjoy freshly caught seafood, sip tropical cocktails, or shop for souvenirs to commemorate your trip.

Sunsets and Nightlife: Don't miss the breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. As day turns into night, Playa del Coco comes alive with a bustling nightlife scene. Join the festivities at beachfront bars and clubs, where you can dance the night away.

Traveler's Tips:

Airport Accessibility: Playa del Coco is conveniently located near the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. This means you can start enjoying the beach and water activities shortly after your arrival.

Weather: The climate in Playa del Coco is tropical with a distinct wet and dry season. The dry season, from November to April, is ideal for beachgoers and outdoor adventures, while the wet season, from May to November, sees occasional rain showers with heavier rains in September and October.

Accommodations: Playa del Coco offers a range of accommodations, from small hotels to vacation rentals and boutique inns. It's advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Nature Excursions: Beyond the beach, explore nearby national parks like Rincon de la Vieja and Santa Rosa for hiking, wildlife viewing, and thrilling zip-lining adventures.

Pura Vida: Embrace the local saying, "Pura Vida," which translates to "pure life." It's a philosophy that encourages living life to the fullest, appreciating the beauty of nature, and enjoying the simple pleasures.

Playa del Coco, Costa Rica, is a tropical paradise that offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and vibrant culture. Whether you're an avid water sports enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a tranquil escape by the beach, this coastal gem has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. Come experience the magic of Playa del Coco and create lasting memories in this slice of paradise.

Planning a vacation to Playa del Coco

We recommend a 3 night stay when planning a vacation to Playa del Coco.  Any additional time should be spent visiting more interesting parts of the country.

Coco Beach Hotel and Casino is our highest recommendation for your Playa del Coco hotel.  It is affordable and conveniently located within walking distance to the beach and town.  There are many vacation rentals in Playa del Coco, though we do not recommend this due to lack of security.

There are plenty of activities to do in this area.  Check out this page for a complete list of Playa del Coco tours.

You will not need a rental car for visiting Playa del Coco.  Transfers to and from most other destinations are available.  Taxis are also readily available for getting around town.

Reasons to visit

  • It is conveniently located near Liberia Airport
  • Casinos and nightlife
  • Good souvenir shopping
  • There is a boardwalk
  • Good sport fishing

Reasons NOT to visit

  • High rate of petty theft
  • Not the prettiest beach in Costa Rica
  • Party spot for locals that can get out of hand at times on weekends

How to get there

From San Jose: Take the Autopista del Sol to Caldera and then turn left after Punatrenas on the Interamerican Highway, Rt. 1.  Follow all the way to Liberia.  Turn left at the main intersection, Rt.21 and follow to Comunidad.  Turn right on Rt. 151 and follow to Coco.

Weather and packing list

The Northwest Pacific is one of the driest climates in Costa Rica. The beach areas have a fairly steady year round temperature with daytime highs averaging in the upper 80s to lower 90s. Night time lows are usually in the upper 70s. Precipitation varies through the year with the nicest weather between November and August.

Visitors should pack a bathing suit, towel, shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block, and insect repellent.

Fun Fact: Playas del Coco is named after the color of the sand on the beach.

Location

Latitude: N 10° 33' 0"
Longitude: W 85° 43' 1.2"

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