Playa Nacascolo (Papagayo peninsula)

Tip

Ask at the peninsula gate about public beach access and parking before you drive in; one guide notes you can park outside the front gate of the hotels and walk in.

Be careful

There is little shade or service here, so bring water. At low tide the bay turns into wide flats, so check the tide before wading out.

Getting there

Reached through the gated Papagayo peninsula; ask at the gate about public access.

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.
• 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.
• Villa Buena OndaStays · from $110Private micro-resort near Playas del Coco that hosts one group at a time, with eight suites on six secluded acres.