Playa Pochote
Beach · Nicoya Peninsula
A long, clean gulf-side beach at the northern end of Bahía Ballena, next to the small town of Pochote, with a campground just behind it.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 2 h
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 3 / 10
- View
- 7 / 10
- Crowds
- 2 / 10
- Swimming
- 5 / 10
- Effort
- 1 / 10
- Location
- 9.73584, -85.00424 — Google Maps
- Ratings
- 4.3 on Google (39)
Before you go
- Entry
- Free
- Tickets
- Free entry, no ticket
- Parking
- Free
- Road
- Paved all the way
- Swimming
- Only when the water is calm
- Bring
- shade, water
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
There's no shade or restrooms at the public access - a nearby campground rents parking with shade and bathrooms.
Be careful
Waves can be stronger than on Tambor beach - keep kids close. Don't leave valuables in the car.
Getting there
From the main road at Pochote, between Tambor and Paquera; small public parking area.
Places nearby
- Soda La EsmeraldaSodas & Local FoodA roadside soda on the Paquera-Tambor road with a solid Google rating from over 250 reviews - a handy refuel stop for traditional Costa Rican food.
- Ylang Ylang Beach ResortStays · from $224Beachfront jungle resort a short walk from Montezuma village.
- Sabor de Mar MontezumaFood & CoffeeSmall seafood spot in Montezuma that reviewers call a hidden gem: very fresh ceviche, fish in shrimp sauce and big portions at fair prices, with friendly staff.
- Soda La NaranjaSodas & Local FoodFamily-owned soda in Montezuma serving authentic Costa Rican plates: orange chicken, ceviche, fish tacos and mango smoothies in generous portions at reasonable prices.
- Soda El ArtesanoSodas & Local FoodSimple local soda in the centre of Montezuma, right next door to Soda La Naranja, serving typical plates and fish at some of the lowest prices in town.
- Ice Dream Gelato & Coffee ShopFood & CoffeeLittle café in the middle of Montezuma for coffee, breakfast and gelato - the easy cool-down stop between the beach and the falls.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/932648710 · https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/932648710 · https://www.google.com/maps/search/Playa+Pochote+Costa+Rica