Playa Tivives
Beach · Jacó & Herradura · hidden gem
A dark-sand Pacific beach beside the small fishing village of Tivives, backed by the coastal dry forest of the Tivives Protected Zone, with rocky points, a river mouth and sunsets over the gulf. It is a local beach, far from the Jacó crowd.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 1.5 h
- Best time
- afternoon
- Kids
- 4 / 10
- View
- 6 / 10
- Crowds
- 2 / 10
- Swimming
- 3 / 10
- Effort
- 2 / 10
- Location
- 9.8797, -84.7122 — Google Maps
Tip
Services are basic, so bring water, snacks and some cash. The dry season (December to April) and the hour before sunset are the best time to come.
Be careful
Waves and rip currents can be strong and the river mouth is not a place to swim. Leave nothing valuable in the car.
Places nearby
- Hotel Cerro LodgeParks & Wildlife · from $10A small lodge built for birders and photographers, a few minutes from the Tarcoles River and Carara National Park, with sea and mountain views.
- Soda El GuácimoSodas & Local FoodOpen-air roadside soda on the Costanera north of Tárcoles with big portions, quick service and clean tables.
- Jose's Crocodile River TourParks & WildlifeBoat tours on the Tárcoles River to see big American crocodiles up close, plus scarlet macaws, roseate spoonbills, ospreys and mangrove channels.
- El Jardín Orotina (buffet & souvenir stop)Food & CoffeeBig roadside stop near Orotina with a self-service Costa Rican breakfast and lunch buffet, a large souvenir hall, an ice-cream counter and live marimba music.
- Jungle Crocodile SafariParks & Wildlife · takes 1.5 h · from $40A relaxed boat ride on the Tarcoles River, home to one of Costa Rica's largest crocodile populations, out through the mangroves to the river mouth.
- Crocodile Man TourParks & Wildlife · takes 2 h · from $39.55A long-established boat tour on the Tarcoles River, where big American crocodiles bask on the banks a short drive from Jacó.
Sources: Wikidata Q6147622 · https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zona_protectora_Tivives · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6147622