Playa del Coco

Air:

You can fly directly into the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, just 15 miles from Playa del Coco. Local flights from San Jose are also available - Nature Air and Sansa Air offer 40-minute daily flights from San Jose into Liberia.

Bus:

Costa Rica's excellent public bus system will drop you off at Playa del Coco's downtown plaza. Buses depart San Jose three times daily (8:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.; check current schedules), and the 5.5-hour ride costs about $7. Buses from Liberia depart almost every hour during daylight, and the short one-hour trip costs less than $1. Bus schedules and prices change frequently, so please call ahead for more detailed information: 2222-1650 or 2245-9552.

Private transportation services are also available to Playa del Coco. Air-conditioned, comfortable vans will pick you up for the trip in many popular Costa Rican towns, including San Jose, Monteverde, Jaco, Manuel Antonio and Arenal. The journey costs approximately $45 per person each way, and 24-hour advance reservations are required.

Car:

From San Jose or the Juan Santamaria International Airport, take the Interamerican Highway (Route 1) to Liberia. Once in Liberia, follow signs past the Daniel Oduber International Airport, then go west toward the town of Communidad. You will arrive at an intersection with a gas station on your left and signs to Playa del Coco directing you to the right. Follow the road signs to Playa del Coco and, almost two miles later, you will arrive at Playa del Coco's main boulevard. The trip from San Jose will take approximately 5 hours, and the journey from Liberia will take just 35 minutes.

ATV Tours

Race through sugar cane fields, maneuver along the coast’s rocky terrain, and discover Northern Guanacaste’s back roads aboard a quad. Often you will be accompanied not only by your guide, but by birds, butterflies and inquisitive howler monkeys. Tours last from two and a half to four hours.

Banana Boats

Hop aboard a banana boat tour and prepare for a wet afternoon of splashing, falling and frolicking. Banana boat tours typically leave from Playa del Coco’s biggest hotels, and are suited for groups of four to ten people.

Bird and Wildlife Watching

Nearby Palo Verde National Park boasts 15 separate habitats that provide for more than 300 bird species and 145 mammal species. Just north of Palo Verde, the Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve is home to 250 bee species (25 percent of the world’s total), several endangered tree species, 60 species of nocturnal butterflies and many other protected plants and shy animals.
 
Just outside of Liberia, a 35-minute journey from Playa del Coco, Africa Mia safari park brings fourteen animals species from the savannah to Costa Rica, including zebra, giraffe, and antelope. Closer to home, the beaches of Northern Guanacaste are lined with howler monkeys lazing in the trees, coatimundis romping through the forest and many bird species calling to each other from high above.

Canoeing and Sea Kayaking

Rent a canoe or sea kayak at your hotel, and paddle out onto the open Pacific. If you drive just a few miles north to the Papagayo Gulf, sea kayaking is especially wonderful, as tiny, secluded beaches dot the coast, many only accessible by boat. 

Canopy Tours

There are two major canopy tours in northern Guanacaste, and both offer high-flying action and an up-close look at the forest’s canopy. Tours may include a combination of heart-stopping cables, suspension bridges, and family-friendly courses. To the north near Santa Rosa National Park, the area’s most thrilling canopy tour offers two and a half hours of treetop diversion on 24 platforms that cover almost two miles of cable. The more southern tour, located just outside Playa Ocotal, is family-friendly and lasts approximately one hour. Reaching a thrilling height of 82-feet, its longest cable sends you hurling through 1,150 feet of forest canopy.

Day Spas

Relax with a natural mud mask or unwind during a deep tissue massage at one of the area’s day spas. Order a la carte or pamper yourself with a spa package that caters to your every relaxation need. Spas are located at several of Playa del Coco's upscale hotels.

Golfing

The northern Pacific’s golf courses offer sweeping ocean views, beautiful greens and championship holes. Ranging from fancy to decidedly informal, the area’s golf and country clubs allow every golfer to be comfortable on the course.

Hiking

Northern Guanacaste is an ideal base for hiking enthusiasts. Santa Rosa National Park, Guanacaste National Park, Rincon de la Vieja National Park and Barra Honda National Park all lie within easy day trip distance, and are threaded with some of the country’s most well-groomed and beautiful hiking trails.

Back on the Northern Pacific coast, you will find many beach walkways, forgotten roads, and hiking paths to explore. Take your camera with you, as the resident animal population might appear for an amazing photo op.

Horseback Riding

Several local outfits rent horses for trips to exhilarating waterfalls, hidden beaches, and favorite local spots. Half or full-day excursions are available, and some companies will also rent horses by the hour. Though their rates are tempting, be forewarned that rock bottom-priced outfitters may use overworked, unhealthy horses.

Jet Skis

Jet skis are available for rent along the Northern Guanacaste coast, and tours generally last two to three hours.

Mountain Biking

Rent a bike and enjoy the quieter side of Coco Beach, where birds, monkeys and other wildlife live far from the roar of engines and other man made noise.  Foot paths and dirt roads provide excellent biking opportunities.  Bikes can be rented in Playa del Coco for under $10 daily.

Parasailing

Feel the adrenaline boost of flying through the air with only a parachute behind you and a speedboat below. Experience the grand Pacific Ocean as never before. Parasailing tours will pick you up from Playa Hermosa or Playa Panama, just a few miles north of your Playa del Coco hotel.

River Tours

Float down the peaceful Tempisque River or through Palo Verde’s canals. On both trips, you’ll meet American crocodiles, flamboyant birds, swinging monkeys and many other wildlife species. Palo Verde Boat Tours will pick you up from your Playa del Coco hotel.

Sailboat Tours

Sailing tours depart daily from Playa del Coco, and will take you to some of the coast’s most tranquil islands and quiet beaches. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, turtles and the occasional whale. Many sailboat tours will drop anchor for snorkeling, later serving lunch and drinks from the comfort of the sun-drenched deck.

Snorkeling

Half and full-day snorkeling tours are available, and may take you to small islands, hard-to-reach beaches or secluded coral reefs. Note that several sailboat tours stop for snorkeling, as well. Snorkeling equipment can be rented for $15 per day. The rocks on the northern and southern ends of Playa del Coco are the best places to snorkel without hiring a boat.

Scuba Diving

The northern Pacific coast is one of Costa Rica's most exciting places to dive with large marine creatures – like white tip reef sharks, whales, spotted eagle rays and sea turtles. Sightings of moray eels, parrotfish, cortez angelfish, pufferfish and morrish idols are almost guaranteed. Novelty dive sites, located less than 20 minutes from the shore, include a baby shark cave and an impressive shipwreck. Volcanic remains scar the ocean floor throughout the area, providing ideal hiding places for various schools of tropical fish, squid, and octopi.

The best time to dive Playa del Coco is during the rainy season, from May-December and into January.  Enormous schools of manta rays, with wingspans of 14-20 feet, flock to the Catalina Islands (one hour south) in January, February, and March; while 8 to 15-foot bull sharks frequent the Bat Islands (two hours north) March through November. Two-tank dives cost roughly $80. Local dive shops offer PADI certification and advanced diving courses.

Sunset Tours

Several of the area’s sailboat companies offer spectacular sunset and dinner tours. Head out onto the sparkling Pacific, dine on gourmet fare and watch as the sun sets in a furious display of brilliant reds, impossible oranges, and relaxed pinks.

Surfing

Take your first surf lesson or test old skills at one of Northern Guanacaste’s many surf spots.  No matter your skill level, this slice of paradise has waves to match. For advanced surfers, don’t miss a surf tour to Ollie’s Point or Witch’s Rock. Ollie’s Point at Portrero Grande offers a fast right point break, with very fast and hollow waves.

There is no road access, so surfers must depart by rented boat or surf tour from Playa del Coco or Playa Ocotal. The right point break in Santa Rosa National Park is only accessible by boat from Playas del Coco.  Witch’s Rock at Playa Naranjo, the surf spot forever immortalized by the film Endless Summer 2, is home to some of the best breaks in Costa Rica. You must depart from Playa del Coco by rented boat or with a surf tour.

Sportfishing

Spend just an afternoon or an entire week aboard a sport fishing boat, reeling in some of the strongest fighters in Costa Rica. Sailfish, marlin and rooster fish are the most common catches. If you prefer to do your fishing from gentler waters (or terra firma), local companies can outfit you completely for fly fishing.

On Foot

Playa del Coco is pleasantly pedestrian friendly, making a car-less vacation simple and enjoyable. Hotels in the center of town are close to restaurants, most amenities, and almost every tour outfitter. When a car is needed, taxis are available and easily hailed from the beachfront plaza.

Car

Cars may be rented in Liberia, and during the dry season, any mid-sized car will suffice. For those arriving in the rainy season, a 4WD is recommended, as pouring rains wash out many of Coco’s streets. 

Taxi

Taxis are widely available in Coco Beach, and most downtown destinations can be reached for less than $2.

Cell Phones

Cell phone service is generally strong in Playa del Coco, though certain pockets have little or no signal. If your cell phone company does not offer international coverage, you can rent one in Costa Rica for around $10 per day.

Public Phones

Playa del Coco's bus stop by the downtown plaza has a public phone. Public phones may also be available in Coco's expanding commercial centers. Local and international calling cards can be purchased in any pharmacy or grocery store.

Internet

Internet cafes line the downtown plaza and main road, and several wireless (WiFi) hotspots are available throughout town. Many area hotels also offer free WiFi or per-hour Internet access.

Post Office

Playa del Coco's post office is located in its beachfront plaza, and offers both national and international mail services.

Banks

Coco Beach has many banks that conduct national and international transactions. To withdraw funds from a foreign account, use one of the ATMs marked ATH.

Gas Stations

Fill up on gas in Liberia – it's your last gas stop before Playa del Coco.

Medical Facilities

Playa del Coco has a Red Cross location, and the nearest major hospital is located in Liberia.

Beaches (from north to south): 

Gulf of Papagayo

The Gulf of Papagayo is dotted by 12 golden-sand beaches separated by gray cliffs that jut out into the Pacific Ocean. The calm coves’ protected waters are ideal for beginner swimmers, young children and visitors just wishing to relax. Many of Papagayo’s secluded beaches are best accessed by canoe or sea kayak. Their sparkling sands dance with scuttling hermit crabs, and the gulf’s resident howler monkeys will boldly call out to you during a relaxing sunbath. Make a date to watch the sunset from one of these gentle strips of sand – Papagayo is known for some of the best sunsets in Costa Rica.

Playa Panama

Just a mile south of Papagayo, Playa Panama is a bay within a bay. The resulting waters are nearly wave-free, and perfect for floating the afternoon away. Playa Panama is very popular with vacationing Costa Ricans, who often set up camp on the beach.

Playa Hermosa

Not to be confused with Jaco’s neighbor of the same name, Northern Guanacaste’s Playa Hermosa is an elegant, mile-long strip of gray-sand beach. Tide pools mark its northern and southern points, and its bay is always filled with fishing boats, sailboats and even the occasional cruise ship.

Playa del Coco

Shaped like a horseshoe, Playa del Coco is one of Guanacaste’s most popular and accessible beaches. Hard-packed gray sand is ideal for walks down its mile-long beach, and the waves are often strong enough for boogie boarding fun. Playa del Coco is the best departure point for trips to Ollie’s Point and Witch’s Rock, both located in Santa Rosa National Park. These surf breaks are world famous and some of the best in Costa Rica, though not for the faint of heart. Witch’s Rock is particularly well-known for its appearance in the classic surf movie Endless Summer 2. Playa del Coco is also one of the best scuba diving and snorkeling locations in the country. Diving tours depart daily for the rich waters of Bat Island and Santa Catalina Island, and sailboat tours regularly take snorkelers to reefs and underwater volcanic formations.

Playa Ocotal

Just two miles south of Playa del Coco, Playa Ocotal is quieter and more relaxed than its busy neighbor. A small gray-sand beach lines the waterfront.

National Parks, Private Parks and Wildlife Refuges:

Africa Mia

One of Guanacaste’s newest and most unique attractions, Africa Mia safari park is a treat for all. Giraffes, antelope and zebra roam the open savannah, the lovely El Salto waterfall rumbles in the distance and visitors happily feed the park’s ostriches, dromedaries (one-humped camels) and deer. Located just one hour away from your Playa del Coco hotel, this is an ideal day trip for the entire family.

Guanacaste National Park

Adjacent to Santa Rosa National Park, 86,000-acre Guanacaste National Park boasts several habitats from lowland dry forest to mountainous cloud forest. Two volcanoes – Orosi and Cacao – frame the park, and researchers can often be found perusing its lands for new discoveries. Guanacaste National Park is about a one and a half hour drive from Playa del Coco.

Lomas de Barbudal Wildlife Refuge

Backing up to Palo Verde National Park, this tranquil wildlife refuge helps to protect endangered rosewood and mahogany trees. The 6,500-acre park is also home to 250 bee species – about 25 percent of the world’s total – as well as 200 bird species. There is a small network of hiking trails throughout Lomas de Barbudal, and most visitors are accompanied only by wildlife and the occasional researcher. At just one and a half hours from Playa del Coco, Lomas de Barbudal is a convenient and memorable day trip.

Palo Verde National Park

This 45,500-acre wetland sanctuary is the largest component of the larger Tempisque Megapark, which also includes the Caballero Wildlife Refuge, Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve, Barra Honda National Park and the newly-added Cipanci Wildlife Refuge. More than 300 bird species make their homes here, including herons, storks, spoonbills, egrets, ducks, scarlet macaws and toucans. Monkeys, bats, American crocodiles, coatimundis, armadillos and jaguarundi join their avian neighbors, and make a trip to Palo Verde National Park one that is not soon forgotten. Just south of Lomas de Barbudal, Palo Verde National Park is located just over an hour and a half's drive from Playa del Coco.

Santa Rosa National Park

One of the oldest national parks in Costa Rica, Santa Rosa sprawls out over almost 96,000 acres. The park serves as one of the most important nesting sites for several turtle species, and is also a symbol of national pride: Costa Rica has only been invaded three times by foreign armies, and each time, the would-be conquerors were defeated in Santa Rosa. Reaching Santa Rosa National Park is a challenge, but it’s worth the 1.5 hour trip. More than 250 bird species, 50-60 bat species, 115 mammal species, 4000 moth and butterfly species and thousands of insects make their homes here. Visitors may hike miles of trails, explore the historic La Casona building and Monument to the Heroes, or simply relax at one of the park’s beautiful ocean overlooks. Santa Rosa National Park is also home to famous surf breaks Ollie’s Point and Witch’s Rock.

Rivers:

Tempisque River

Beginning at the Guanacaste Mountain Range, the Tempisque River travels 90 miles south to empty into the Gulf of Nicoya. The river cuts right through Palo Verde National Park, and many river tours float along its waters in search of white-faced monkeys, American crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species.

Day Trips:

Rincon de la Vieja National Park

A mere 90-minute drive from Playa del Coco, Rincon de la Vieja National Park offers well-groomed trails, towering volcanoes, boiling mud pots, steaming fumaroles and amazing natural beauty. Full-day tours depart daily and include transportation, a guided tour, lunch and unforgettable memories.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

One and two-day tours depart almost daily, climbing from Costa Rica’s dry savannah into the country’s most celebrated cloud forest. Walk through the canopy along hanging bridges, swing among the trees on the country’s first canopy tour and experience one of the most bio-diverse regions in Costa Rica. Views from Monteverde seem to stretch out forever, and on a clear day you can see straight out to the Pacific Ocean.

Arenal Volcano

One and two-day tours depart almost daily, traveling to one of Costa Rica’s most popular tourist destinations. The majestic Arenal Volcano sets off lava light shows nearly every night, and the area’s hot springs are famous for their restorative properties.

Barra Honda National Park

Go on a caving expedition at Costa Rica’s most famous and labyrinthine caves. Known for its spectacular rock formations and incredible views, visitors will witness geological formations created more than 50 million years ago. Hike through the ancient caves and discover the park’s weaving waterways on a full-day trip from your Playa del Coco hotel.

Nicaragua

Discover the beauty of one of Nicaragua’s most colorful cities, Granada. Gaze at its canary yellow church, walk through its colonial streets and swim in nearby Laguna de Apoyo. Purchase souvenirs at the eclectic Masaya market and drink in the views of the town’s active Masaya Volcano.