Playa Ocotal is a small beach located in Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica. It’s well known for its super relaxing atmosphere and crystal clear water. In this blog post we’ll go over what you need to know before you go, and some videos of the beach.
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How To Get There
It’s likely you’ll be arriving at the Liberia International Airport if you’re heading to Ocotal. Playa Ocotal is about an hour drive with average traffic conditions. All the roads to Ocotal are paved and passable with any car. Along the route there’s many convenience stores and supermarket to get some food and drinks at. You’ll see them on the road.
Simply drive to Playas del Coco to begin. Both Waze App and Google Maps will take you on the best route. Once you arrive in Coco, you’ll head down the main strip. Before reaching the beach, you’ll see Rich Coast Diving on the left, and a T-junction. You’ll turn left at this junction.
Following this road, you’ll cross a small bridge. Stay to the right and continue on the paved road all the way out to Ocotal. There’s a few roads leading off but they aren’t paved. You should have no problem staying on the main road. Be careful though, this stretch is narrow and often has children and animals within the roadway.
At Ocotal, there’s two small roads which lead down to parking areas at the beach. The first parking area is on the road in front of the development called “Los Almendros de Ocotal”. There’s a small playground here for children. The second entrance to the beach and parking area is at Father Roosters restaurant.
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Welcome To The Beach!
Where ever you decide to park, you’ll be steps away from the beach. In the video posted below, high tide was approaching so the water was both farther up the beach and a bit more choppy. It’s also taken on a Sunday, so there’s lots of families out enjoying the water and sun.
As you can see in the video, the wildlife is more abundant on this beach. We see a White-Throated Magpie-Jay, which looks strikingly similar to a Blue Jay. These birds are a bit bigger and have very unique features on their neck and tails. We also quickly see a Sting Ray jumping out of the water. If you happen to watch the water for a bit you’ll always see rays and fish jumping just off shore.
Howler monkeys will also frequent the beach at Ocotal to forage through the trees. These monkeys often stay high up and just look around. They don’t try to hide though, so you can usually get some great photos of them.
The Best Snorkeling
Playa Ocotal often has perfect condition for snorkeling. The water is so calm that you can easily glide around looking for fish. The calm water also means that there’s better visibility, so you can spot the unique fish.
As you look out towards the water, the right side of the beach (north) has a large rock formation that juts out into the ocean. There are deep crevasses and boulders that you can explore. The waves on this side can be stronger, and its better for more experienced snorkelers.
The left side of the beach (south) is more protected from the waves. There’s a very shallow area that’s between the beach of Ocotal and a small island. This spot has lots of cool fish swimming around, like needlefish and pufferfish. This side is great for small kids who want to explore.
I suggest bringing a snorkel set with you to Costa Rica. With your own set in hand you can explore Ocotal and many other nearby beaches without having to rent equipment. I use this Cressi set which is available on Amazon.
Be Safe & Stay For A While
Use caution with the water, as always, the water presses in on this beach heavily at high tide. Many kids were having a blast just getting thrown about in the water as it broke, but just be sure to keep a close eye on young ones.
If you’re staying in the area, there’s many short term rentals available in the hills around Ocotal. Just be sure to have the proper plans for getting to town if you’re going to need groceries often. A rental car will do, and many people will rent golf carts for getting to/from Ocotal.
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FAQ for Playa Ocotal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
1. How do I get to Playa Ocotal from Liberia Airport?
Playa Ocotal is about a 1 hour drive from Liberia International Airport (LIR). You can easily rent a car at the airport or take a taxi. Many visitors also arrange for shuttle services ahead of time.
2. Is Playa Ocotal a good spot for snorkeling?
Yes, Playa Ocotal is well-known for its clear waters, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling. You can see various marine life close to the rocky areas on either side of the beach.
3. What is the best time to visit Playa Ocotal?
The dry season from December to April is the most popular time to visit Playa Ocotal, as the weather is sunny and warm. However, visiting during the green season (May to November) offers lush scenery and fewer tourists.
4. Are there any hotels or accommodations near Playa Ocotal?
Yes, Playa Ocotal has a range of accommodations, including hotels and vacation rentals. The nearby town of Playas del Coco offers more options within a short drive.
5. What activities can I do at Playa Ocotal?
At Playa Ocotal, you can enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and beachcombing. The calm waters are also perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling.
6. How far is Playa Ocotal from Playas del Coco?
Playa Ocotal is located about 10 minutes from Playas del Coco by car, making it easy to visit both beaches during your trip.
7. Is Playa Ocotal safe for swimming?
Yes, Playa Ocotal has calm waters and is generally safe for swimming. However, it’s always best to be cautious and check local conditions, especially during high tide.
8. Can you find restaurants and bars near Playa Ocotal?
Yes, there is a beachfront restaurant at Playa Ocotal. For more dining options, you can drive to Playas del Coco, which offers a wider selection of eateries.
9. Is Playa Ocotal crowded?
Compared to nearby beaches like Playas del Coco, Playa Ocotal tends to be quieter and less crowded, making it a good spot for a peaceful day by the sea.
10. What wildlife can you see around Playa Ocotal?
You might spot monkeys, iguanas, and various bird species around Playa Ocotal. In the water, sea turtles and colorful fish are common sights for snorkelers and divers.
