Coco Beaches (Playas del Coco) is known for its popularity amongst Costa Rica’s youth, who pack the beach from side to side on weekends for some fun in the sun. Although a small fishing village, Coco is one of the most sought after locations in all of the country—its white-grey sands stretch to Centinela Point, three kilometers away.
See more photos in the Playa Del Coco photo gallery. (photo gallery opens in new window)
Playa Del Coco Information
This laidback beach is a favorite of both foreigners and ticos alike, which frequently indulge in Coco’s ongoing fiesta, which grows in intensity after the passing of the rainy season. Whether it is world-class sportfishing, snorkeling, Scuba Diving, or relaxing for a day on a boat, Playa del Coco offers a wide range of activities.
Unlike most other Beaches along the Guanacastecan coast, the water at the Coco beaches consist of a grayish tint instead of the usual blue-green that is characteristic of the Papagayo region. The beach is often seemingly overrun by visitors, especially during late November and the month of December, when ticos traditionally holiday. Thus, visitors seeking a laidback environment free of noise should steer clear of the Coco Beaches. Conversely, those in search of a party should look no further than Coco.
Nightlife can be found in one of the discos or bars that are within close proximity to the town’s central plaza. Restaurants are widespread and many double as bars after nightfall. Other facilities such as shops and markets are extensive, as are entertainment venues like casinos and discos. Because Coco is the largest of the Papagayo villages, services are abundant.
The village center is a bit rundown compared to the usual opulence found along Guanacaste’s northern coast—however, Coco does have its share of luxury Resorts. Affordable accommodations are plentiful, thus attracting a number of locals and budget travelers throughout the year.
Not far south of the Coco Beaches is Marino Las Baulas National Park (Parque Nacional Marino las Baulas), allowing visitors the once in a lifetime opportunity to see the arribadas of the leatherback, pacific green, and hawksbill turtles, when masses of turtles—sometimes thousands—storm the coast to lay their eggs.
The nearby Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia facilitates seamless travel to the Coco Beaches for those traveling from abroad. Driving from San José takes about five hours by car and buses from either Liberia or San José run daily.
Unlike most other Beaches along the Guanacastecan coast, the water at the Coco beaches consist of a grayish tint instead of the usual blue-green that is characteristic of the Papagayo region. The beach is often seemingly overrun by visitors, especially during late November and the month of December, when ticos traditionally holiday. Thus, visitors seeking a laidback environment free of noise should steer clear of the Coco Beaches. Conversely, those in search of a party should look no further than Coco.
Nightlife can be found in one of the discos or bars that are within close proximity to the town’s central plaza. Restaurants are widespread and many double as bars after nightfall. Other facilities such as shops and markets are extensive, as are entertainment venues like casinos and discos. Because Coco is the largest of the Papagayo villages, services are abundant.
The village center is a bit rundown compared to the usual opulence found along Guanacaste’s northern coast—however, Coco does have its share of luxury Resorts. Affordable accommodations are plentiful, thus attracting a number of locals and budget travelers throughout the year.
Not far south of the Coco Beaches is Marino Las Baulas National Park (Parque Nacional Marino las Baulas), allowing visitors the once in a lifetime opportunity to see the arribadas of the leatherback, pacific green, and hawksbill turtles, when masses of turtles—sometimes thousands—storm the coast to lay their eggs.
The nearby Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia facilitates seamless travel to the Coco Beaches for those traveling from abroad. Driving from San José takes about five hours by car and buses from either Liberia or San José run daily.
What and Where is Playa del Coco?
Playa del Coco is a Costa Rica Travel Destination located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. (see all Costa Rica Regions)
Costa Rican National Reserves and Parks near Playa del Coco, Costa Rica
20 KM to
Marino Las Baulas National Park
30 KM to Santa Rosa National Park
40 KM to Lomas Barbudal Biological Reserve and Dr Rafael Lucas Rodriguez
45 KM to Guanacaste National Park
59 KM to Rincon de la Vieja National Park
74 KM to Palo Verde
90 KM to Tenorio Volcano and Miravalles Protected Zone
100 KM to Ostional National Wildlife Refuge
30 KM to Santa Rosa National Park
40 KM to Lomas Barbudal Biological Reserve and Dr Rafael Lucas Rodriguez
45 KM to Guanacaste National Park
59 KM to Rincon de la Vieja National Park
74 KM to Palo Verde
90 KM to Tenorio Volcano and Miravalles Protected Zone
100 KM to Ostional National Wildlife Refuge
