Playas del Coco has a 3 km crescent bay along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. The natural shelter between two hills creates calm waters throughout the year, and it’s just 35 minutes from Liberia International Airport in Guanacaste.
The main strip follows the shoreline with local restaurants, shops, and tour companies. Small roads branch toward quiet sections of beach and residential areas, making it easy to explore on foot or by car.
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This beach town balances basic amenities with a relaxed atmosphere. You’ll find clean sand, clear swimming areas, and convenient facilities while experiencing the authentic feel of a Costa Rican coastal community.
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Playas del Coco is on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast in Guanacaste province. You’ll arrive at Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, making Coco one of the most accessible beach areas in the region. The drive takes you through Guanacaste’s dry forest landscape on Route 151. This area sees less rainfall than other parts of Costa Rica, meaning consistent road conditions year-round.Location & Getting There
Map of Costa Rica showing the location of Playas del Coco in the northwestern part of the country.
Distance from Airport
The 25 km route from Liberia Airport passes through Comunidad and Sardinal. Both towns have local restaurants and small grocery stores where you can stop for supplies on your way to the beach.
The trip typically takes 35 minutes. School zones cause slowdowns between 6:30-7:30 AM and 2:00-3:00 PM on weekdays. Signs clearly mark the route to Playas del Coco.
Transport Options
Airport transfers run directly to Coco, ranging $40-60 USD based on time and group size. Book these through your accommodation or local companies.
Public buses run every two hours between Liberia and Coco from 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM, costing ₡1,200. The bus terminal in Coco is one block from the beach.
Rental car offices operate at Liberia Airport. Local red taxis use meters for in-town trips, while airport taxis charge fixed rates.
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The curved bay at Coco Beach is 3km long, and it’s protected by hills on both sides. This natural shelter blocks ocean swells, creating gentle waves and safe swimming conditions year-round. The dark sand beach slopes gradually into the water. During low tide, the exposed beach extends up to 100 meters from the treeline, while high tide brings water closer to the beach access points.Beach Overview
Bay Features & Swimming
The bay’s protected position creates ideal swimming conditions for all skill levels. Water depth increases slowly. The gentle slope makes it safe for children to play in the water on most parts of the beach. Morning have the calmest conditions, with water typically flat until midday. Afternoon winds can create small waves, but they are rarely very high. The water temperature stays between 26-29°C (79-84°F) throughout the year. Visibility varies with conditions, reaching 3-5 meters on clear days in the deeper water.Beach Facilities
At the main strip of the beach, there are several hoses mounted as showers. These let you rinse off the sand your day at the beach. The areas further out from the beach don’t have these showers. Trees line most of the beach, so you’ll be able to find natural shade throughout the day. The central area includes wooden benches and covered picnic tables. The main entrance has an on street parking area that fills quickly on weekends. Side streets further from the beach have additional parking options within a 5-minute walk. Parking at the outer parks of the beach is right at the beach front, so you can have a picnic or barbecue right at the ocean.Playas del Coco is great for water activities all year round. Tour companies run daily trips for fishing, snorkeling, and sunset cruises. The calm bay is perfect for swimming and paddling close to shore. You’ll find most tour operators right on the beach. Coco is known for fishing, with boats heading out early. You can charter half or full day trips to catch tuna, mahi-mahi, and marlin.Activities
Water Sports & Tours
You’ll be able to book boat tours, ranging from small boats for 10 people, all the way to luxury catamaran tours. The catamarans take you to nearby beaches for snorkeling, and include food and drinks onboard. Scuba companies have shops within Coco, they take divers to nearby spots like the Catalina Islands and local reefs. You can rent gear and do courses if needed.Beach Activities
The main beach area has outdoor exercise equipment and a volleyball court. Street vendors sell grilled meats and ice cream along the beach front. They’re primarily at the main section of the beach where it’s busiest. Many people walk the beach to the north end of the beach where Pacifico Beach Club is. The walk is about 1 km on firm sand, perfect for sunset walks.
The main beach area at Coco, showing a dock which is great for taking photos.
The high season in Coco is between December and April when the weather is dry and sunny. Prices for hotels and rentals increase during these months, and weekends get busy with local tourists. The low season usually has some afternoon rain but fewer crowds. Many places are discounted from May to November, and morning activities are rarely affected by weather.Practical Information
Best Times to Visit
Coco’s local events peak during Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter week. If you’re visiting during these times, book early as hotels fill quickly. The months of May and November often have good weather and lower prices. Mornings stay clear most days, even in rainy season. These are the months that are just after and before the expected high seasons. Water visibility is best from December to March. If you’re planning water activities, book morning tours when winds are calmer. There’s a lot of great snorkeling beaches are Playas del Coco which are most clear during this time.Where to Stay
Hotels line the main strip and side streets, with prices from $50-200 per night. Most of them are within walking distance to the beach and restaurants. There are other options in the mountains that have a great view, but a car rental is best for mobility if you are staying up there. Many people will rent condos or apartments, especially for longer stays. The most popular are for this style of accommodation is called ‘Las Palmas’, which is at the north end of the beach.Be sure to comment on YouTube with your own experience, tips or questions. Subscribe To Our Channel to get more videos of locations and destinations!Follow Us
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