Playas del Coco

A bustling seaside town and one of Guanacaste's oldest beach communities, popular for diving and nightlife. Its dark-sand bay serves as a launch point for dive trips, fishing charters and offshore island excursions.

Things to do

• Scuba diving at Bat Islands — Take an advanced dive trip from Coco to the Bat Islands (Islas Murciélago) for the chance to see bull sharks and giant manta rays.
• Diving the Catalina Islands — Explore volcanic pinnacles teeming with rays, turtles and schooling fish on a half-day dive or snorkel trip offshore.
• Stroll and swim at Playa del Coco — Walk the dark-sand bay lined with restaurants and enjoy calm, protected water good for a relaxed swim.
• Sportfishing charter — Book a panga or offshore boat from the beach to fish for marlin, sailfish, dorado and roosterfish.
• Sunset drinks and nightlife on the main strip — Coco has some of Guanacaste's liveliest bars and beach clubs that stay busy well after dark.
• Day trip to Playa Hermosa and Playa Ocotal — Head just south to quieter neighboring beaches for snorkeling and calmer scenery.
• Souvenir and craft shopping at the town plaza — Browse the central plaza and boulevard for local artisan stalls, hammocks and Costa Rican coffee.

Food to try

• Fresh ceviche — Sample citrus-cured fish ceviche made from the day's catch, a staple at nearly every beachfront soda and bar.
• Casado — Try the classic Costa Rican plate of rice, beans, plantains, salad and a choice of grilled fish, chicken or beef.
• Whole fried red snapper — Order pargo entero, a whole fried snapper served fresh from local waters, a Guanacaste coastal favorite.
• Gallo pinto breakfast — Start the day with this seasoned rice-and-beans dish served with eggs, tortillas and Lizano sauce.
• Chifrijo and bocas — Grab bar snacks like chifrijo (rice, beans, fried pork and pico de gallo) alongside a cold Imperial beer.
• Fresh coconut and tropical fruit — Buy pipa fría (chilled coconut water) and seasonal mango or papaya from beachside vendors.

Local customs & good to know

• Bring cash in colones and small US dollars — Many small sodas and vendors prefer cash, and having colones avoids poor dollar exchange rates.
• Embrace pura vida pacing — Service and life move slowly here, so relax and don't rush your meals or boat departures.
• Book dive and fishing trips a day ahead — The best boats and dive operators fill up fast, especially in the December-to-April dry season.
• Respect the strong currents and boat traffic — The bay is a busy launch point, so swim near shore and stay clear of marked boat channels.

Nearby

• Playa Hermosa — 4 km
• Playa Flamingo — 16 km
• Playa Conchal — 22 km
• Las Baulas National Marine Park — 30 km