Playa Blanca (Junquillal)
Beach · Guanacaste · hidden gem
A hidden white-sand cove just north of Playa Junquillal, a rare white-sand beach on this coast. Unlike the surf beach next door, it's calm enough to snorkel along the rocks in turquoise water, with mature trees for shade.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 2 h
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 6 / 10
- View
- 8 / 10
- Crowds
- 2 / 10
- Swimming
- 7 / 10
- Effort
- 2 / 10
- Location
- 10.17941, -85.81934 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Entry
- Free
- Tickets
- Free entry, no ticket
- Swimming
- Only when the water is calm
- Facilities
- shade
- Bring
- snorkel mask, water shoes
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
There's a small lookout on the point at the north end - walk up for the view over the cove.
Be careful
Rocks and reef at both ends - snorkel on a calm day and wear water shoes.
Places nearby
- Restaurante Lochito'sSodas & Local Food · from $10Casual local restaurant a few minutes' drive from Playa Junquillal, the go-to for fresh-caught fish and Tico casados on this quiet stretch of coast.
- Mundo Milo Eco Lodge (restaurant)Food & CoffeeSmall eco-lodge restaurant by Playa Junquillal with a varied menu of local and international dishes and vegetarian options.
- Restaurante TatankaFood & Coffee · from $12Seafood-focused restaurant at Hotel Tatanka near Playa Junquillal - fish and ceviche a short drive from the beach.
- Pargos AdventuresSurf, Boats & DivingSurf and paddle shop in Playa Negra: board rentals and lessons, guided SUP through the mangrove tunnels of the Nandamojo River, SUP yoga, and two-hour guided tide-pool snorkeling at low tide for families.
- Jalapeño EateryFood & CoffeeBreakfast-and-lunch spot inside the Playa Negra Surf Lodge with handmade tortillas, burritos and tacos from mostly organic local produce - and homemade hot sauces.
- Café Playa Negra (Leche de Tigre restaurant)Food & CoffeeStylish hotel-restaurant in Los Pargos serving Peruvian food - ceviche, grilled seafood - plus pastries, a short drive from the Playa Negra reef break.
Sources: OpenStreetMap relation/6997822 · https://costarica.org/beaches/guanacaste/junquillal/ · https://www.dominicalrealty.com/property/land-for-sale-in-junquillal/16127