Playa Hermosa- Main photo
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Playa Hermosa, Jacó: Surf, Sun, and Wildlife in Puntarenas, Costa Rica.

Playa Hermosa Jaco Summary

Playa Hermosa, located in Puntarenas near Jacó, Costa Rica, is a dream for surfers. It became famous worldwide after hosting the World Surfing Championship in 2009. Apart from its waves, this beach is also home to the Playa Hermosa National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge protects the nesting area of Olive Ridley turtles and other fauna along its coasts and estuaries.

Getting to Playa Hermosa

Getting to Playa Hermosa in Puntarenas, Costa Rica is easy whether you go by car or public transportation

By car

By car from San Jose, it takes about two hours to drive 104 km (64.6 miles) to arrive at Playa Hermosa. From Liberia airport, the distance is about 204 km (127 miles) taking a little over three hours. Regardless of where you start your trip, roads are well-paved and in good condition, so any type of vehicle can easily access it.

Once you’re at Playa Hermosa parking depends on which part of the beach you plan to visit. If you want to be close to town there are several exits to the beach near the soccer field and the mini-supermarket; here you can park on the street – there usually aren’t any locals taking care of cars unless it’s high season.

If you go toward the Wildlife Refuge, the road leading up to it is right in front of the beach so you can leave your car on that road.

By public transportation

From San José, there are two main routes by bus to get this beach

The first option is taking a bus to Quepos or Manuel Antonio that stops in Playa Hermosa as well.

These buses run at different times throughout the day and schedules plus ticket information can be found on the official websites below.

The second option is taking a bus to Jacó; once in Jacó, you need to take another bus going towards Quepos which will also stop in Playa Hermosa.

Coming from Liberia requires two buses; firstly, take one bus from Liberia to Puntarenas at the Liberia bus terminal. his part of the trip takes about three hours and the final stop is in Puntarenas. In Puntarenas, you need to take another bus towards Quepos which will stop in Playa Hermosa. This second bus ride takes about an hour.

For a more direct and private option, taxis and ridesharing services such as Uber or DiDi are available. Prices for these services are around $260 each way from Liberia and $130 each way from San José.

All key points including parking areas are marked on the tourist map provided at the end of the article.

Playa hermosa near the Town

Access to the Beach

There are many entrances to the beach at Playa Hermosa. The easiest ones to get to are close to town, where there are restaurants and mini-marts. In these parts, you can also rent a shower or restroom, so it is possible to have a nice day at the beach.

Some of the entrances are closer to the wildlife refuge, and farther from the town. Here, the road runs right next to the beach, so it is enough to park in the place you like. But these places are usually quite empty; there are no public services here (although there may be private ones associated with hotels).

Things to Do at Playa Hermosa

Surf

Playa Hermosa is known as a surfer’s paradise, hosting the World Surfing Championship in 2009. Also in 2020, the beach was included in the list of world surfing reserves, making it the only one of its kind in Costa Rica and in Central America and the Caribbean, and the fifth in Latin America.

Nevertheless, owing to its strong currents as well as powerful waves that crash onshore, swimming is dangerous at Playa Hermosa, not even close to the shore. The waves can be very challenging and if you are not an experienced surfer, it is advised that you stay on the sand.

From my standpoint as someone who has been swimming all her life, I have a great deal of respect for this beach. On one occasion only did I try to go into the ocean but each time strong waves knocked me down fast. It was a terrible experience which made me realize sitting on soft sand quite far offshore watching those skilled surfers catch their big ones was much safer.

Playa Hermosa Jaco Palm tree
Playa Hermosa Waves

Walking through the beach

Walking along this beach is an excellent way to appreciate its scenery, as one of the longest beaches in Costa Rica, stretching from the north to Punta Mala for 11.12 km (7.5 miles).

The loose black sand provides ideal nesting grounds for Olive Ridley turtles, thus some part of the beach has been declared wildlife refuge areas.

While strolling along the beach, you might get lucky enough to spot various types of animals, especially around its three estuaries; there are many bird species including scarlet macaws as well as reptiles such as iguanas and crocodiles which inhabit this region.

Scarlet Macaws Playa Hermosa

Best time to go to Playa Hermosa

The best time for visiting Playa Hermosa is during the dry season particularly December, January and February when weather conditions are mild with cool breeze blowing through most part of day thus making the temperature moderate. this makes it perfect both for surfing or exploring around because there will be no scorching sun heat that usually accompanies such activities

March and April are the hottest months in Playa Hermosa with temperatures ranging from 33°C (91°F) or higher. It is wise to drink a lot of water and avoid too much sun exposure during these months. You may want to plan your activities for early mornings or late afternoons so as not to be caught up by heat waves while on the beach

During the rainy season, mornings are generally sunny or rain-free hence making them the best time for beach trips. Most times it rains in the afternoon but sometimes you may experience thunderstorms either in the morning hours or throughout the day long.

Playa Hermosa- North side

Tips for Visiting Playa Hermosa

  • Shoes:  To make your walk at the beach more comfortable, wear comfortable footwear such as water shoes or sandals since you will be walking on sand which can get very hot at certain periods of the day.
  • Gear: Carry a small backpack where you can put essentials like towels, a small blanket for sitting on the sand while watching beautiful sceneries, snacks, and drinks with you. Also remember to pack sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, a hat, and mosquito repellant, especially during evenings and rainy seasons.
  • Clothing: Bring light summer clothes that are breathable because of the high temperatures that characterize Playa Hermosa’s climate.
  • It is best to carry cash, especially if you plan to use the showers and toilets in the area.
  • Stay away from weekends, New Year’s Eve, and holidays if you don’t want to be around a crowd. If you do come during these times, get there early so you can find a parking space
  • Remember that turtles lay their eggs on this beach, so be sure not to leave trash.
  • Be cautious near estuaries since they contain crocodiles. Look around and try not to cross them especially when it is raining.
  • Never leave your things in the car even if it can be seen from the shore; keep doors locked at all times and check on it every once in a while.
Playa Hermosa- South

Playa Hermosa Tourist Map

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