Playa San Juanillo
Beach · Nicoya Peninsula
A tucked-away cove where a thin strip of sand separates two bays - one calm, one with livelier waves - with rock shelves and tide pools at low tide.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 2.5 h
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 5 / 10
- View
- 8 / 10
- Crowds
- 2 / 10
- Swimming
- 5 / 10
- Effort
- 2 / 10
- Location
- 10.03099, -85.74207 — Google Maps
- Ratings
- 4.7 on Google (406) · 4.5 on Tripadvisor (90)
Tip
Plan around low tide for the pools, and bring snacks and water: food nearby is limited and there are few bathrooms.
Be careful
The rock shelf is sharp and slippery - wear water shoes and swim on the calmer side.
Getting there
Unpaved road; reviewers prefer a 4WD SUV but say it is not strictly required.
Places nearby
- Sibu Wildlife SanctuaryParks & Wildlife · from $40Non-profit sanctuary near Nosara that rehabilitates and houses injured and orphaned wildlife, mostly howler monkeys.
- Lagarta Lodge Day Pass and Chirriboca RestaurantDay Passes & Hot Springs · from $80Eco-boutique Lagarta Lodge sells a day pass for non-guests: $80 per person, of which $60 comes back as credit at the restaurant, spa and tours.
- Playa PoniesTours & Adventure · from $80Small Nosara stable running guided rides through the jungle trails by the Nosara River and out to Playa Pelada and Guiones.
- Soda VanessaSodas & Local FoodEveryday soda in Nosara, popular with locals for big breakfasts and set lunches at friendly prices; gallo pinto with eggs and tomato is the reviewers' favourite.
- Soda y Cevichera MarySodas & Local FoodSmall cevichería-soda in Nosara with fresh ceviche, fish casados and a few vegan plates.
- El ChivoFood & CoffeeA Nosara staple since 2009, nicknamed the town's 'Cheers': tacos, burritos, sandwiches and burgers with solid vegetarian options, local craft beer, a kids' menu and games.
Sources: OpenStreetMap node/3293512908 · https://wanderlog.com/place/details/573706/san-juanillo-beach