Playa Buena sits tucked into Culebra Bay near the Occidental Papagayo resort. This protected cove offers clear swimming waters with views across the bay to the Four Seasons Peninsula and Marina Papagayo.

A paved access road leads to parking, followed by a short walking path down to the beach. The cove setting provides shelter from ocean swells, making it suitable for swimming and relaxing in the calm waters. Natural forest surrounds the beach area, creating a secluded atmosphere.

Morning hours bring glassy conditions to the bay, perfect for swimming or watching boats cross between the marina and resorts. The beach remains less visited than neighboring Playa Panama, offering a quieter alternative for those seeking a peaceful cove setting.

Easy Drive

Playa Buena is between the well known beach towns of Playa Hermosa and Playa Panama. If you’re driving from the south, you’ll be on Route 159, which is the main corridor along the coast in this area.

Once you pass Condovac in Playa Hermosa, you’ll look for a well maintained road which turns to the ocean(left). There are several resorts at the end of this road including Occidental Papagayo Adults Only, and Sol Papagayo. 

Once you’re at the entrance of Occidental, there is a Y junction in the road that has ample street parking. You may also find a local parking attended, so be sure to have a couple thousand Colon for him to watch your vehicle.

Walking The Path

Some beaches in Costa Rica are rather adventurous to access. Playa Buena is no such beach. The path is laid brick which is easy to traverse. It’s also wide so you can carry some wider equipment if you have it. 

A great option for any beach adventure is always a Backpack Cooler, which allows you to free up your hands to carry other beach essentials. 

The walk to the beach from the parking area is very short, so it’s a great location if you have young kids.

White Sand, Great View

This beach is fantastic for the whole family. There’s a massive beach area at low tide, and the water was breaking very easy.

Off in the distance you’ll be able to see the volcano range that lies behind Liberia. You’re also going to be able to see the resorts around the bay like Planet Hollywood and The Four Seasons. 

On the occasion of filming, it was particularly windy out. This caused some dirt to be kicked up in the water around the shore. Snorkeling in these conditions wasn’t great, but on a calmer day there’s lots of tide pools and rocks which will make for clear views of all the sea life. 

You’ll also be able to rent Jetski’s on this beach, we were quoted at $50 USD for half an hour. There was also a couple getting a massage on the beach during our time there. Surely the increase in tourist traffic from the nearby resorts increases the services offered on the beach.

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Playa Buena FAQ: Hidden Cove Guide

Q: Where is Playa Buena located?
A: Near Occidental Papagayo Resort. Overlooks Culebra Bay. Views to Four Seasons Peninsula. Close to Playa Panama. Part of Papagayo bay system.

Q: What’s the beach like?
A: Protected cove setting. Grey sand beach. Clear swimming waters. Bay views across water. Natural forest backdrop. Calm waters most mornings.

Q: How’s the access?
A: Paved road to parking area. Short walking path to beach. Public access available. Well-maintained trail. Parking near path entrance.

Q: What facilities exist?
A: Basic parking area. Paved access path. Resort facilities nearby. Bring water and supplies if not resort guest. Some natural shade available.

Q: What activities are possible?
A: Swimming in protected waters. Beach walking. Photography opportunities. Sunset viewing across bay. Watch boats pass to marina.

Q: What’s nearby?
A: Occidental Papagayo Resort overlooks beach. Marina Papagayo visible across bay. Four Seasons Peninsula views. Close to Playa Panama.

Q: When to visit?
A: Morning hours calmest waters. Good year-round swimming. Dry season most reliable weather. Sunset views across bay. Weekdays typically quieter.