Playa Blanca (Bahía Gigante)
Beach · Nicoya Peninsula
A pale-sand gulf beach in the Gigante area north of Paquera, with almost no waves and green, glassy water. Reviewers call it clean, calm and safe for kids.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 2 h
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 5 / 10
- View
- 7 / 10
- Crowds
- 2 / 10
- Swimming
- 7 / 10
- Effort
- 1 / 10
- Location
- 9.918796, -84.923111 — Google Maps
- Ratings
- 4.4 on Google (414)
Before you go
- Entry
- Free
- Tickets
- Free entry, no ticket
- Swimming
- Yes
- Kids
- Good for kids
- Bring
- water shoes
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Bring water shoes - there are pebbles and stones at the water's edge.
Be careful
Calm water; usual sun and theft precautions.
Getting there
North of Paquera on the road toward Gigante and Playa Naranjo.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 node/8653070369 · https://www.google.com/maps/search/Playa+Blanca+Paquera