Just off the beaches of Hermosa and Penca, clear Pacific waters offer some of Guanacaste’s best snorkeling spots. Both beaches provide protected coves where calm waters and rocky points create natural fish habitats.

Playa Hermosa’s long curved bay has snorkeling areas at both ends, where morning waters stay calm and clear. The beach’s Blue Flag status helps maintain water quality, while natural rock formations attract various fish species near the shore.

Less than 20 minutes away, Playa Penca’s small hidden cove offers excellent visibility in its protected waters. This smaller beach tucked between headlands provides ideal conditions for seeing tropical fish, especially during morning hours when waters are calmest and crowds are thin.

Here’s a map of Costa Rica showing the location of Playa Hermosa. It’s near to the Liberia International Airport.

Playa Hermosa

Playa Hermosa is a well known tourism destination in Guanacaste Province. It’s under an hour drive to the Liberia Airport, and has an amazing beach. It’s a very quiet small town, as it’s about 10 minutes from the much busier Playas del Coco. Still, Hermosa has lots to do including snorkeling on the beach.

We’re snorkeling on the north end of the beach, as there’s lots of rocks where the fish will hang out during high tide. To get to the north end of the beach, you’ll turn right at the main intersection of the beach and continue along until you reach the end of the road. This is where you’ll find the entrance to the Condovac community. There’s on-street parking and some private lots.

Simply walk down to the beach with your gear and head out into the water. We’re using a Cressi Snorkeling Kit (Amazon), which is a very cost effective way to start in the water. The mask is very effective and provides great clarity, and the snorkel has a purge valve in the event water gets in the snorkel (which it always does). The fins are also long and provide great propulsion.

In The Water

On the north end, there’s a roped off area for easy swimming, which has no rocks. There’s generally a life guard on duty, however always be sure to have your own safety plan. 

The water in Hermosa is calm compared to many beaches on the Pacific Coast, however rip currents can form. Be sure to watch the water before entering and stay aware of your distance from the beach and other rocks. 

Weaker swimmers should consider using a pool noddle while they glide over the water, which are available to buy at the Luperon store in town. 

Playa Penca

Playa Penca is another great beach, but it’s off the main roads and generally requires a vehicle with high ground clearance to get to. Penca is on a ridgeline that separates Playas del Coco and Playa Hermosa, so although it’s not very far, it it less busy.

In addition to driving to Playa Penca, you can always find a small charter boat/water taxi to bring you to this beach. The captains for these boats are always hanging out on Coco beach, just ask around and you’ll get introduced to one.

Fish, Snakes, Eels

This video was taken in mid December, which is well into the summer in Costa Rica. The water is very clear, but the water does get affected by the increased winds. It was still an easeful swim and well worth the crystal clear water.

We found an array of different creatures, starting with a Sea Snake which has washed itself up on the beach. These snakes are poisonous so if you see them, keep a good distance so you don’t get bit. Generally when these snakes wash up on shore they’re sick or dying, but can still bite.

In the water, there was all kinds of different coral fish, puffer fish and an eel as well. The eel in this video is a Tiger Snake Eel, which are not dangerous. This eel was just off the shoreline in some small rocks, so you don’t have to go very far to find some incredible creatures.

Another unique thing was caught on video was a long, translucent worm like creature. I believe this was a “Salp”, which are a chain of organisms that attach to each other. I almost didn’t see it, until I saw the GoPro bump into a chain of small dots in the water. I had initially thought it was a string of plastic, until it started moving on its own and clearly had a clear biotic capsule on each segment.

All these great creatures we’re found within 50 meters of the shore, which makes Playa Penca well worth the trip for snorkeling.

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Snorkeling Hermosa & Penca FAQ: Clear Water Guide

Q: Where are these beaches?
A: Playa Hermosa 7 km north of Coco. Playa Penca 20 minutes from Hermosa by car or boat. Both in Guanacaste’s northern Pacific coast. Clear water locations.

Q: What’s best for snorkeling?
A: Hermosa: Rocky points at the north end of beach. Clear morning waters.
Penca: Entire cove good for snorkeling. Protected from waves. Better visibility than larger beaches.

Q: When’s best time to go?
A: Early morning calmest waters. High tide covers more reef area. Dry season clearest visibility. Check tide charts. Arrive before 9 AM for best conditions.

Q: What marine life appears?
A: Common sightings: Angel fish, Parrot fish, Rays, Starfish, Eels near rocks. Occasional sea turtles. More active morning hours.

Q: What facilities exist?
A: Hermosa: Beach town services, restaurants, parking
Penca: Basic parking only, no facilities, bring supplies

Q: How’s the access?
A: Hermosa: Easy paved road access
Penca: Short trail to beach from parking
Both have clear water entry points

Q: What should you bring?
A: Snorkel gear, Water shoes recommended, Sun protection, Water bottle, Dry bag for valuables. Basic gear rentals in Hermosa.