Local Tips for Visiting Playa Ocotal in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
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For years, I spent family vacations in Playas del Coco, just ten minutes away from Playa Ocotal. But back then, I never made it to Ocotal. The road to the beach used to be rough, and without a 4×4 vehicle, it just wasn’t an option for us. Things have changed since then—access is much easier now, and you don’t need a special car to get there.
On my recent trip, I finally made the short drive over, and I realized I had been missing out on a simple, quiet spot that’s great for snorkeling and exploring tide pools. If you’re planning a visit to the Guanacaste coast, here are some local tips to help you make the most of Playa Ocotal.
Getting to Playa Ocotal
By Car
Playa Ocotal is just a 10-minute drive from Playas del Coco. The road is paved all the way, but it’s not in perfect shape. Some parts have potholes, and a few sections feel worn or are missing pavement. If you’re driving a small car, it’s not a problem, but you’ll want to take it slow.
The street gets narrow in some spots and has a few curves. There are often cars parked along the sides, and some areas don’t have sidewalks, so you might see people walking close to the road. I recommend driving slowly and being extra careful, especially if you’re going during busier times of day.
You can drive all the way to the beach, and that’s where you’ll park. It’s a public road that ends right at the beach. When I last visited, a local man offered to watch my car for 2,000 colones. I didn’t have to pay him right away—he was fine with getting paid when we left.
By Public Transportation
If you’re planning to visit Playa Ocotal using public transportation, it’s important to know that there’s no direct bus service to the beach. Buses only go as far as Playas del Coco, which is about ten minutes away from Ocotal.
Once you arrive in Playas del Coco by bus, your best option is to take a cab or use a ride service like Uber to get to Playa Ocotal. It’s a short ride, and prices usually start at around 3,000 colones. That was the case the last time I checked, but it might vary a bit depending on the time of day or demand.
Access to the Beach
Playa Ocotal has just one main access point, and it’s through the public road that reaches the beachfront. The public street leads right to the beachfront, and you’ll find yourself just about 50 meters from the sand. There aren’t multiple entrances or paths, so if you’re driving, this is the only way in.
This same street is also where everyone parks their car, so space fills up quickly. When I visited, I got there between 9 and 10 a.m. on a weekday, and the road was already packed with cars. I can only imagine how much harder it gets to find parking on weekends or holidays. If you’re planning a visit and you’re driving, try to get there early, especially during high season or long weekends. There aren’t other entrances to the beach and no designated parking lot, so once the street is full, it’s a bit tricky. You might end up parking farther away or waiting for someone to leave
Things to do in Playa Ocotal
Snorkeling
One of the main things people do at Playa Ocotal is snorkeling. When I visited, I saw a lot of people already in the water with their gear. Most were near the rocks at both ends of the beach, where you can usually see fish and other sea life.
While you can try snorkeling on either side, I found that the north end had stronger currents and more rocks. At first, a few of us were trying to see something in that area, but the waves picked up, and it didn’t feel very safe. Most of us ended up moving away from that spot.
The south end was much better. The water was calmer, and visibility was definitely clearer that day. If you’re bringing your own gear and want the best chance to see something, I’d recommend starting on the south side. It’s easier to move around, and you’re more likely to spot fish without having to fight the waves.
Make sure to bring your own gear if possible, since I didn’t notice any rentals directly on the beach when I was there. And of course, always keep an eye on the tide and wave conditions—they can change quickly.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is another popular activity at Playa Ocotal. Just like in Playas del Coco, the area around Ocotal has good spots for diving, and it’s common to see groups getting ready for their trips.
When I visited, I saw two different groups with their gear, preparing to head out. They had instructors with them, and it looked like everything was organized through local diving schools.
Most of the diving trips leave straight from the beach or nearby pick-up points. You won’t see much diving directly from the shore, since the best spots are further out, but the beach works well as a meeting place for the groups before they go.
Natural Pools
One of the things Playa Ocotal is known for is its natural pools. These are located at the northern end of the beach, where the rocks create small pools that you can enjoy when the tide is low.
When I visited, I noticed a few families with kids in that area. The pools don’t have strong waves at low tide, which makes them a good spot if you’re going with children. It’s also possible to snorkel there since small fish sometimes get trapped in the pools.
It’s important to plan your visit around the tide, though. I wouldn’t recommend going to the pools during high tide. The waves crash over the rocks and it can get dangerous. The rocks are sharp in some areas, and it’s easy to slip or get hurt if the water’s too strong. If you time it right, though, it’s a nice spot to take a break and enjoy the view.
Enjoy the Beach
Playa Ocotal is a small black sand beach, about 500 meters from end to end. It doesn’t take long to walk across, which is nice if you want to explore a bit. But be aware that some parts have a lot of rocks, especially closer to the water, so wearing water shoes makes it easier and more comfortable to get around.
Most people tend to stay on the north and central parts of the beach. That’s where the public access road is and also where you’ll find the only beachfront restaurant. It’s a good area if you want to be near everything and don’t mind a few more people around. The south end of the beach is quieter. There are more trees, and it’s easier to find some shade there, especially if you’re not bringing your own umbrella. I walked down that way to relax for a bit, and it felt more out of the way. It’s a good spot if you’re looking for a quieter place to sit, read, or just enjoy the view without too much noise around.
Best time to go
In my experience, the best time to visit Playa Ocotal is during the dry season. December, January, and February are especially good months because the weather tends to be sunny but not too hot. It’s a lot more comfortable during those months.
If you’re visiting during the rainy season, which usually runs from May to November, it doesn’t mean you should skip the beach. You just need to plan your visit early in the day. Mornings are usually sunny and calm, and most of the rain hits in the afternoon
In terms of crowds, I’ve noticed that weekdays are a lot more relaxed. Monday to Friday is your best bet if you’re hoping for fewer people and more space to spread out. On weekends and holidays, it gets noticeably busier, especially around the parking area and the main beach access. If you do end up going on a weekend, arriving early is key—not just for a good spot on the beach, but also for parking.
Tips for Visiting Playa Ocotal
- Arrive Early: Parking is limited and fills up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Early arrival gives you better parking options and more time to enjoy the beach.
- Wear Water Shoes: The beach has several rocky sections, especially near the shore. Walking around barefoot isn’t the most comfortable, and water shoes make it way easier to get in and out of the ocean, snorkel, or explore the tide pools.
- Bring cash: It’s helpful to have cash on hand to pay locals who watch your car or any other establishments selling services or products, such as massages or drinks.
- Bring What You Need: There’s only one restaurant right in front of the beach, so don’t expect a ton of food or drink options. I’d recommend bringing water, snacks, sunscreen, and anything else you’ll need for a few hours.
- Check the tide and waves: For the natural pools, low tide is the best time to visit. But also check currents and waves for snorkeling.
