Playas del Coco is the closest beach town to the Guanacaste (Liberia) International Airport. You can go from touchdown to toes in the sand in a short matter of time. El Coco beach offers a more local and low key experience and is the launch point for many ocean activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing and fishing. It’s an ideal destination for retirees, families, seniors and couples.
If a resort is what you’re looking for, then the Papagayo Peninsula offers many choices with a handful of upscale boutique hotels and all-inclusive resorts. All of them offer a the utmost luxury and exclusive beach resort experience in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The Papagayo Peninsula is the ideal destination for luxury travelers, honeymooners and couples.
How to Get to Playas del Coco/Papagayo Peninsula
Adobe Transfers offers private transportation services to Playas del Coco, the surrounding beaches and the hotels in the Papagayo Peninsula. All private shuttles include 1 stop along the way. Adobe Transfers offers direct airport pick ups, international and domestic as well as door to door services.
Below are the average prices for private shuttles to El Coco beach and the Papagayo Peninsula. Prices are quoted in USD, per way and up to 8 passengers with luggage.
Liberia International Airport – Playas del Coco: $67, 30 minutes
Liberia International Airport – Papagayo Peninsula: $82.96, 1 hour
San Jose International Airport – Playas del Coco: $299.79, 5 hours
La Fortuna – Playas del Coco/Papagayo Peninsula: $220, 4 hours
Monteverde – Playas del Coco/Papagayo Peninsula: $210, 3 hours
Tamarindo – Playas del Coco/Papagayo Peninsula: $100, 1.5 hours
What to Do in Playas del Coco/Papagayo Peninsula
Many tourists use Playas del Coco/Papagayo Peninsula as a homebase for their vacation or stay 1-3 nights.
Fishing
El Coco originally started as a small local fishing village and has grown to become a premiere fishing destination in Costa Rica. Visitors can hop in the local boats “pangas” or charter a luxury fishing boat for an inshore or offshore fishing trip. The Gulf of Papagayo is one of the best fishing destinations in Costa Rica, offering catch such as mahi mahi, wahoo, red snapper, grouper and much more.
Fishing tours start from $400.
Sunset Cruise
Snorkel, swim and relax with your loved ones on an unforgettable sunset cruise in the Gulf of Papagayo. Catamaran tours cruise around the Gulf so visitors can see beautiful coastlines and then watch the sun go down over the horizon. It’s a wonderfully relaxing experience. Morning and afternoon tours are available, with mornings better for snorkeling and afternoons better for views and the sunset.
Sunset catamaran cruises range from $75-95 per adult.
Surf Trip
Up in the corner of the Gulf of Papagayo lies one of the most sought after surf spots in Latin America – Witch’s Rock (Roca Bruja). Take a 50 minute boat ride from El Coco to Witch’s Rock for an epic surf trip, catching sweet A-frame waves in the unspoiled waters of the Santa Rosa National Park, perfect for intermediate and pro surfers. The national park’s protected waters are home to a variety of marine life which can be seen on the way, such as whales, manta rays, dolphins and turtles.
Then when a swell hits and waves get big, head over to Ollie’s Point, another iconic surf spot in Costa Rica for an incredible day of surfing.