Playa Cocles

Tip

Take a lesson or just watch the surfers from the sand; if you swim, do it in front of the lifeguards.

Be careful

Strong rip currents and undertow: swim only near the lifeguards on calm days, and if a current pulls you out, swim parallel to the shore.

Places nearby

• La NENAFood & CoffeeFamily-style Caribbean restaurant in Cocles, a few minutes from Puerto Viejo, built around coconut rice and beans, whole red snapper in Caribbean sauce, jumbo shrimp and seafood bisque, with spiny lobster when in season.
• The Indulgence Spa (La Costa de Papito)Yoga & Wellness · from $40Treatment rooms in the gardens of La Costa de Papito in Cocles, open to non-guests, with massages, chocolate-based skin treatments, facials and a salon.
• Spicy CoconutFood & CoffeeSmall Caribbean-style house in the Cocles jungle with an ocean view and a sloth-hosting almendro tree, serving poke bowls, ceviche and grilled meats with cocktails, plus a little shop.
• Jaguar Rescue CenterParks & Wildlife · takes 1.5 h–2 h · from $29Wildlife rescue center on the southern Caribbean coast where visitors take guided tours to learn about rehabilitated sloths, monkeys and other animals.
• Caribeans Coffee & ChocolateFood & CoffeeCafe and micro cacao farm a few steps from Playa Cocles: coffee roasted on site, smoothies, breakfast and mocha cake, and a daily chocolate tour with a short jungle hike and a bean-to-bar demonstration.
• Caribe HorseParks & Wildlife · from $70Family-run stable since 2007 offering ethical horseback rides on rescued horses along the beaches and rainforest trails around Puerto Viejo, from a 1.5-hour beginner ride to full days.