Playa Penca (Punta Cacique, Playas del Coco)
Beach · Guanacaste
A small white-sand cove at the tip of Punta Cacique, the forested headland between Playas del Coco and Playa Hermosa. The water is usually calm and clear, and the rocks at both ends are good for snorkeling with reef fish, rays and the odd turtle.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 2.5 h
- Best time
- morning, calm sea
- Kids
- 6 / 10
- View
- 8 / 10
- Crowds
- 4 / 10
- Swimming
- 8 / 10
- Effort
- 4 / 10
- Location
- 10.57313, -85.69721 — Google Maps
- Ratings
- 4.7 on Google (832)
Before you go
- Tickets
- Free entry, no ticket
- Parking
- On the street
- Road
- Gravel — a regular car is fine
- Walk
- 10 min
- Swimming
- Only when the water is calm
- Kids
- Good for kids
- Bring
- water, snacks, snorkel mask, sturdy shoes
- Fewer people
- Weekday mornings are the quietest.
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Bring your own mask and snack: there is nothing to buy on the sand, and the rocks on either side are the best snorkeling.
Be careful
The path down is steep with loose gravel, so wear proper shoes. Swim only when the sea is calm and keep an eye on the boats.
Getting there
Public access road off the Coco-Hermosa road (turn at the top of the hill). A guard notes your name and plate. A luxury hotel opened on Punta Cacique in 2025, so expect construction and follow the signs to public parking; then walk down about 10 minutes.
Places nearby
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/113048692 · https://wanderlog.com/place/details/779672/playa-penca · https://www.twoweeksincostarica.com/playa-penca/ · https://snorkeling-report.com/fr/spot/snorkeling-la-penca-costa-rica/