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Playas del Coco is a base for days on the water, quiet beaches and trips into Guanacaste's dry forest and volcano country. It suits families, divers, anglers, surfers and anyone who likes a busy plan with an easy evening in town. Here's what you can do, and how to fit it around the wind and the seasons.
On the water
Coco's bay has little swell, and boats anchor safely offshore.
Snorkeling and diving. Dive and snorkel boats from Coco head to the Catalina Islands, known for manta rays. Closer to shore, Ocotal's gentle water is a good place to start. Coco and Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste suit beginner divers. Read the full guide to snorkeling and diving from Coco.
Sailing and sunset cruises. Sailboat and yacht trips are part of the local offer, and many end with sunset on the water. Compare boat trips, sunset sails and fishing to see what each outing involves.
Sport fishing. Coco grew up as a fishing village, and sport fishing is still an important part of town life. Anyone who fishes, including the crew, needs a sport fishing card from INCOPESCA, the national fisheries institute.
Kayak and paddleboard. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are offered in Coco and Ocotal.
Surf trips by boat. Surfers take boats from Coco to Ollie's Point, a remote break for moderate and experienced surfers. Witch's Rock (Peña Bruja), off Playa Naranjo, sits in Santa Rosa National Park, so trips there follow ACG rules.
Beach days
You don't need a boat to enjoy the coast. Each beach near Coco has its own feel:
- Playas del Coco: almost three kilometers of grayish sand on a sheltered bay, with town a short walk away.
- Playa Ocotal: a small cove with low waves and hill views, southwest of town.
- Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste: a long, quiet beach with palm shade, just north of town. It is not the beach of the same name near Jacó.
- Playa Panamá: a wide, low-swell bay with shade trees and a small mangrove.
- Papagayo Peninsula beaches: white-sand coves across Culebra Bay, several reached by long stairways or by boat.
Watch the beach flags and ask locally about currents before you swim.
Wildlife outings
A boat ride along this rocky coast can turn up caves, islets and, in season, dolphins. Humpback whales, nurse sharks, manta rays, colorful reef fish and sea turtles also live in these waters. Whales and dolphins appear in different months, so ask your operator what's around when you visit.
Around the Bat Islands (Islas Murciélago), bull sharks, mantas, whales and dolphins all appear, depending on the time of year. The Guanacaste Conservation Area (ACG) manages that marine sector and sets the entry rules.
On land, the Iguanita Wildlife Refuge protects coastal mangroves and is good for hiking and birdwatching. The road in is a long dirt road past cattle farms.
Feeding wild animals is not allowed in ACG parks. Give wildlife space and take only photos.
Inland day trips across Guanacaste
Guanacaste's landscapes run from tropical dry forest to lower mountain forest. The ACG, which includes Santa Rosa and Rincón de la Vieja national parks, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999.
Rincón de la Vieja National Park. In the Las Pailas sector, a trail loop passes pools of hot water and bubbling mud. The Santa María sector has hot springs.
Santa Rosa National Park. La Casona houses a history museum about the old Guanacaste cattle ranches and the Battle of Santa Rosa. There, on March 20, 1856, Costa Ricans pushed back the invasion of William Walker and his filibusters. Stone corrals from the old hacienda still stand nearby.
Adventure and farm country. The region offers canopy tours, ATV rides, cycling, hiking and horseback riding.
Wellness. Yoga and other wellness offerings are part of the local mix, often in private spaces.
Planning your days
Mix water days with land days so you don't spend every morning on a boat. Put water trips early in your stay. Boats can be held back by wind, and a spare day gives you room to rebook.
Strong trade winds blow mainly from December to March, and the boat captain makes the final call on trips. Read when sea conditions suit each activity before you set your dates.
Choose operators who hold current permits and insurance. For diving, look for a center linked to an international training agency such as PADI.
When you're ready, browse tours that meet or pick up in Playas del Coco, on Guanacaste Tour.
Bookable land tours and day trips
- Coffee and chocolate tour: a two-hour tasting tour in Playas del Coco itself, with no long drive. View on Viator Partner link
- Sloths, coffee, chocolate and a waterfall: an inland day trip with a naturalist guide, lunch and a waterfall swim. It meets at the entrance to Coco or picks you up. View on Viator Partner link
- Volcano-area adventure day: ziplining, river tubing, hot springs and a mud bath in the Rincón de la Vieja volcano area. Hotel pickup included from Playas del Coco, Ocotal, Playa Hermosa and Playa Panamá. Some resorts (Andaz, Four Seasons and Planet Hollywood on the Papagayo Peninsula, plus Waldorf Astoria) have an extra transport fee billed separately. Kids under 8 can't join the tubing. View on Viator Partner link
- Rainforest, hanging bridges and a sloth sanctuary: a day trip that leaves from Coco or picks you up. A minimum group size applies, so the trip can be cancelled if too few people book. View on Viator Partner link
Compare more Playas del Coco activities on GetYourGuide.
View on GetYourGuide Partner linkPark hours, trail openings and boat rules change, so check current conditions with the park or your operator before you go.