Playa Gigante (Bahía Gigante)
Beach · Nicoya Peninsula · hidden gem
The beach of Gigante, an old fishing village on the Gulf of Nicoya surrounded by forested hills, with the remains of an old pier. Peaceful and far off the tourist track, with views out to the little gulf islands.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 1.5 h
- Best time
- morning or sunset
- Kids
- 4 / 10
- View
- 7 / 10
- Crowds
- 1 / 10
- Swimming
- 6 / 10
- Effort
- 1 / 10
- Location
- 9.89969, -84.92905 — Google Maps
- Ratings
- 4.7 on Google (30)
Before you go
- Entry
- Free
- Tickets
- Free entry, no ticket
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Pair it with Playa Pájaros and Playa Mango on the same stretch of coast north of Paquera.
Be careful
No lifeguards; keep to calm water.
Getting there
North of Paquera on the road toward Playa Naranjo, then down into Gigante village.
Places nearby
- Bahía Rica (bioluminescent kayak tours & fishing lodge)Tours & AdventureA small wooden kayak-and-fishing lodge on the bluff 1.5 km east of the Paquera ferry landing, best known for its night kayak tour on Paquera's bio-bay, where every paddle stroke lights up blue-green plankton and you can even jump in and swim through the glow.
- Soda La EsmeraldaSodas & Local FoodA roadside soda on the Paquera-Tambor road with a solid Google rating from over 250 reviews - a handy refuel stop for traditional Costa Rican food.
- Parque Marino del PacíficoParks & WildlifeAquarium park in Puntarenas' old railway station, about three hectares of tanks with sea turtles, tropical fish, rays, crocodiles and large sharks, plus a small pool and play area for children - an easy family stop at the east end of the seafront.
- Tortuga Island Tour (Isla Tortuga Tour Costa Rica)Tours & Adventure · from $70High-volume Isla Tortuga operator: snorkeling, a beach day and lunch on the island, with departures from Tambor and Montezuma, Santa Teresa and Puntarenas.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/105884862 · https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/105884862 · https://www.google.com/maps/search/Playa+Bahia+Gigante+Paquera