Playa Cabuyal

Before you go

Tickets

Free entry, no ticket

Parking

Free

Road

Gravel — a regular car is fine

Swimming

Only when the water is calm

Facilities

restrooms, food, shade

Kids

Good for kids

Bring

food, water, cash

Fewer people

Even on weekends there are few people; weekdays are nearly empty.

Season

A 4x4 or high-clearance car is recommended in the rainy months (about Sep-Dec).

Checked

2026-10

Tip

Pack food and drinks for the day; there is only one small restaurant near the beach and no cell signal.

Be careful

Shuffle your feet when wading (stingrays rest in the shallows) and don't sit under manzanillo trees: their sap and fruit are toxic.

Getting there

About 40 minutes from Liberia via Route 253 toward the Papagayo coast; the last stretch before the beach is unpaved.

Places nearby

• Roberto's (La Gaviota Tropical)Food & CoffeeBeachside restaurant at La Gaviota Tropical on Playa Hermosa, open from breakfast to late dinner; known for fresh fish and local cocktails.
• Restaurante Mar AzulFood & CoffeeSeafood restaurant and fish market in Playas del Coco where you pick your fish, preparation and sauce from the day's catch brought in by local artisanal fishermen.
• Tio Leo Coffee TourFood & Coffee · from $45Small family coffee and cacao farm just outside Liberia that runs a hands-on tour with tastings, roasting and a cooking class.
• Mar & Tierra Restaurante Doña FlorSodas & Local FoodA friendly local restaurant a couple of blocks off Coco's main road, good for real Costa Rican food at fair prices: gallo pinto for breakfast, casados, fried rice and fresh fish later in the day, plus burgers, sandwiches and tacos.
• Soda TeresitaSodas & Local FoodLively family soda on the road into Playas del Coco, with fish casados and kid-friendly fried chicken and fish fingers at soda prices.
• Soda Jardín TropicalSodas & Local FoodSimple soda near the beach in Playas del Coco serving casados, grilled fish and big breakfasts all day; good value and generous portions.