pura vida passENES

Playa Ocotal

Beach · Guanacaste

A small, sheltered cove south of Coco with dark sand and some of the best free shore snorkeling in the area along its rocky points.

Cost
Free
Time there
2 h
Best time
morning
Kids
7 / 10
View
8 / 10
Crowds
4 / 10
Swimming
8 / 10
Effort
1 / 10
Location
10.54641, -85.72293 — Google Maps

Tip

Snorkel the rocks on the right side of the beach in the morning, when the water is clearest; gear can be rented near the entrance.

Be careful

Watch for boats anchoring in the bay, and skip snorkeling when the sea is rough.

Places nearby

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Costa Rica Amazing TripsTours & AdventureLicensed local tour desk covering the Papagayo coast, with combos to Rincón de la Vieja, rafting, diving at Playas del Coco and sailing.
  • 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.
  • Diamante Eco Adventure ParkTours & Adventure · takes 4 h–8 h · from $15An all-in-one adventure park on a private bay near Playa del Coco: an almost mile-long dual Superman zipline with Pacific views, a free-fall jump, ATVs, and a sanctuary with sloths, big cats, toucans and butterflies, plus lunch and a beach with kayaks and paddleboards.

Sources: OpenStreetMap way/113047991 · https://www.snorkeling-report.com/spot/snorkeling-playa-ocotal/ · https://mytanfeet.com/costa-rica-beach-information/playa-ocotal-costa-rica/comment-page-1/