Playa Zapote

Tip

Little is published about this spot: go early and ask locals about access and conditions.

Be careful

Watch for rip currents and check tides; many beaches have no lifeguards.

Places nearby

• The Pearl of the Osa (Iguana Lodge beach restaurant)Food & CoffeeCasual beachfront restaurant and bar at Iguana Lodge on Playa Platanares: fish tacos, ceviche, tropical mahi-mahi and homemade coffee ice cream, with vegan and gluten-free options and macaws overhead.
• Aventuras CaféFood & CoffeeFamily café near the Puerto Jiménez airstrip, opened in 2021 by the owners of a long-running kayak outfit: healthy breakfasts, tuna burgers, chicken fajitas on corn tortillas, fresh coffee and a coconut-yuca cake.
• Osa Wild TravelFood & CoffeeLocally run Osa tour company founded by a tropical biologist; biologist guides lead Corcovado day trips and multi-day treks, mangrove kayaking and farm visits from Puerto Jiménez and Drake Bay.
• Hellen's Chill HouseFood & CoffeeCozy corner café in Puerto Jiménez with friendly staff, strong coffee, smoothies and frozen cappuccinos; regulars come for pancakes and typical Costa Rican plates.
• Soda JiménezSodas & Local FoodNo-frills soda on a side street in town serving big plates of casado (rice, beans, salad, plantain and your choice of protein) at local prices, with vegan options.
• Cafetería MonkaFood & CoffeeBreakfast favorite with a terrace over town: breakfast burritos, sandwiches with plantain chips, good coffee and smoothies, with vegan and vegetarian choices at friendly prices.