Playas del Coco, Guanacaste: The Ultimate Guide

Playas del Coco is one of the most popular and rapidly growing beach towns in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. Known affectionately as "El Coco" by locals, this vibrant horseshoe-shaped bay offers a unique blend of traditional fishing village charm and modern convenience. Whether you are looking for world-class sportfishing, a bustling expat community, or a strategic hub to explore the rest of the Gold Coast, Playas del Coco delivers.

Table of Contents

1. Location & Accessibility

2. The Beach: North vs. South

3. Activities: Sportfishing & Scuba Diving

4. Dining & Nightlife: Restaurants in Playas del Coco

5. Amenities & The Expat Community

6. Real Estate in Playas del Coco

7. Sample 5-Day Family Itinerary for Playas del Coco

8. Expert Tips for Your Visit

Location & Accessibility

One of the primary reasons Playas del Coco ranks so highly among beaches of Costa Rica is its unmatched location. It serves as the perfect launchpad for travelers who want to see it all without spending their entire vacation in a car.

• Liberia International Airport (LIR): Just 35 minutes away, making it one of the most accessible beaches after landing.

• Rincon de La Vieja National Park: Located 1 hour inland, offering volcanic mud baths, hiking, and hot springs.

• Surf Beaches: Famous surf spots like Tamarindo and Playa Grande are roughly 1 hour south.

• Nicaraguan Border: For those looking to renew visas or explore a second country, the border is just 90 minutes north.

Expert Tip: Because Coco is so close to the airport, it is an excellent location for your first or last few nights in Costa Rica to minimize travel stress.

The Beach: North vs. South

The beach at Playas del Coco stretches for approximately 3 kilometers (nearly 2 miles) and has distinct personalities depending on which end you visit.

The Northern End

The northern end is the "recreational heart" of the beach. It is generally quieter regarding boat traffic and is lined with beautiful vacation rentals and condos.

• The Waterfall: During the rainiest months of the Green Season (typically September and October), a freshwater stream cascades over the cliffs at the far northern tip, creating a scenic small waterfall right onto the beach.

• Swimming: The waters here are generally calm, making it ideal for families and casual swimmers.

The Southern End

The southern end retains the town’s heritage as a fishing village.

• Commercial Hub: This is the zone for commercial fishing boat launches. You will often see locals bringing in red snapper and mahi-mahi fresh from the ocean.

• Secret White Sand Beach: Adventure seekers can walk the rocks at low tide from the southern end to discover a secluded, small white sand beach.

  • Warning: You must be extremely careful with the tide. If the tide comes in while you are exploring this cove, you can get stuck and be unable to walk back over the rocks safely.

Activities: Sportfishing & Scuba Diving

Sportfishing in Costa Rica

Playas del Coco is legendary for sportfishing in Costa Rica. The Papagayo Gulf offers nutrient-rich waters that attract anglers from around the globe.

• Inshore Fishing: Target Roosterfish, Snapper, and Jacks near the rocky outcrops.

• Offshore Fishing: Venture deeper for Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado (Mahi-Mahi), and Yellowfin Tuna.

Scuba Diving

Coco is the gateway to some of the best diving in the country, specifically the Bat Islands (Islas Murciélago), where experienced divers can swim with Bull Sharks. For beginners, local sites offer encounters with sea turtles, eagle rays, and huge schools of tropical fish.

Dining & Nightlife: Restaurants in Playas del Coco

The culinary scene in Coco has exploded in recent years, offering far more than just traditional rice and beans. Restaurants in Playas del Coco cater to a diverse international palate, fueled by the large expat community.

• Beachfront Dining: Enjoy fresh seafood with your toes in the sand at the various beach bars and restaurants lining the boardwalk (Paseo del Amor).

• International Cuisine: You can find high-quality Italian, Mediterranean, Asian Fusion, and American-style steakhouses.

• Nightlife: The main drag comes alive at night with open-air bars, live music venues, and casinos, making it one of the few beach towns with a genuine "nightlife" vibe.

Amenities & The Expat Community

Unlike smaller, more rustic beach towns, Playas del Coco offers high convenience levels that make long-term stays easy and comfortable.

• Supermarkets: The town boasts multiple large grocery stores (including Auto Mercado, which carries many imported U.S. brands) and budget-friendly options like Maxi Pali.

• Beachfront Park: The "Amor de Temporada" boardwalk features well-maintained public areas, basketball courts, and beachfront park gyms (outdoor exercise equipment) popular with locals and fitness-conscious tourists.

• Medical Care: There are several pharmacies, private medical and dental clinics, and emergency services available in town.

Expert Tip: The robust infrastructure makes Coco a top choice for digital nomads who require reliable high-speed internet and coworking spaces.

Real Estate in Playas del Coco

The market for real estate Playas del Coco is thriving. It attracts a mix of retirees, investors, and families looking for a vacation home that generates rental income.

Why Invest Here?

1. High Occupancy Rates: Due to the proximity to the airport and amenities, vacation rentals perform well year-round.

2. Diverse Inventory: The market offers everything from luxury ocean-view villas on the hillsides to affordable condos within walking distance of the beach.

3. Community: The established expat community provides a welcoming network for new buyers, making the transition to living in Costa Rica smoother than in more isolated areas.

Sample 5-Day Family Itinerary for Playas del Coco

This itinerary balances adventure, relaxation, and local culture, using Coco as your convenient home base.

Day 1: Arrival & Sunset Settlement

• Afternoon: Arrive from Liberia Airport (LIR). Check into your vacation rental or hotel and pick up groceries at Auto Mercado or Maxi Pali.

• Late Afternoon: Head to the Amor de Temporada boardwalk. Let the kids play in the beachfront park or use the outdoor gym equipment.

• Evening: Grab a casual dinner at a beachfront restaurant on the Paseo del Amor and watch the legendary Guanacaste sunset over the boats in the bay.

Day 2: Ocean Adventure

• Morning: Book a half-day private boat charter. Do some inshore sportfishing for snapper or roosterfish, then ask the captain to take you snorkeling at a nearby calm spot like Playa Huevo.

• Lunch: Cook your "catch of the day" at your rental, or take it to a local restaurant that will prepare it for you.

• Afternoon: Relax at the northern end of the beach. If it’s green season, look for the small waterfall cascading onto the sand.

Day 3: Volcano & Culture Day Trip

• Morning: Drive 60 minutes inland to Rincon de La Vieja National Park. Hike the Las Pailas loop to see bubbling volcanic mud pots and fumaroles.

• Afternoon: Visit a nearby hot springs resort or waterfall (like Oropendola Waterfall) to cool off.

• Evening: Return to Coco for a nice dinner. Try one of the high-end Italian or Mediterranean spots on the main boulevard.

Day 4: Beach Hopping & Hidden Gems

• Morning: Rent a golf cart or take a taxi to explore the southern end of Coco beach. At low tide, carefully walk the rocks to find the secret white sand cove (watch the tide tables!).

• Afternoon: Drive 10 minutes south to Playa Ocotal for excellent snorkeling directly off the beach, or 20 minutes north to Playa Hermosa for a change of scenery and calmer waves.

• Evening: Enjoy the nightlife. Walk the main street, check out the souvenir shops, and grab gelato for dessert.

Day 5: The "Pura Vida" Farewell

• Morning: Enjoy a slow breakfast at a local café. If you are certified, squeeze in a morning tank dive to see sharks or rays. If not, take a final swim in the calm waters of the bay.

• Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Casado (rice, beans, salad, plantains, and meat) at a local Soda (small family-run restaurant).

• Departure: The drive to the airport is only 35 minutes, so you can maximize your beach time before your flight.

Expert Tips for Your Visit

• Watch the Sunset: The sun sets directly in front of the bay. Grab a spot on the boardwalk around 5:30 PM for a spectacular show.

• Rent a Golf Cart: While the town is walkable, renting a golf cart is the preferred local mode of transport and makes getting from the grocery store to your condo much easier.

• Currency: You can use US Dollars almost anywhere in Coco, but you will usually get a better exchange rate if you pay in Costa Rican Colones.