Diving
Diving is becoming more and more popular in Guanacaste, thanks to its excellent dive sites, including the Gulf of Papagayo and the Santa Catalina islands.

Sport Fishing
This is one of the Northern Pacific region’s main attractions. Artisan and recreational fishing are possible, but of greater interest are the tournaments in which several world billfish records have been broken. The fish are returned to the water after weigh-in.

Playa Puerto Soley
Located in the northern part of Guanacaste, on wide, beautiful Bahía Salinas, this beach is very popular among residents of nearby La Cruz. The surf here is moderate, the sand soft. Famous for its sunsets, this beach invites visitors to walk along the shore and take in the splendor of the bay and Isla Bolaños.

Playa Coyotera
This is a large beach, in front of which lies Isla Bolaños. The island can be visited by boat or kayak. A great place to windsurf during windier months, this beach is ideal for relaxing, walking, horseback riding and exploring nearby places on mountain bikes.

Playa Rajada
Gentle surf makes this a perfect beach for swimming and relaxing in the shade of its lush trees. Rajada is also excellent for walking and photography.

Playa Lobo
Set in a beautiful, sheltered cove with little surf, this beach’s breathtaking scenery is complemented by its coastal greenery. It’s a great place to swim, relax and contemplate, as well as enjoy the plant and bird life.

Bahia Cuajiniquil
Sheltered from winds, this bay’s main attraction is a beautiful mangrove swamp. It’s a popular place with fishermen, who find it a safe place for their boats.

Playa Blanca
Located within Santa Rosa National Park’s Murciélago sector, this beach is on the Santa Elena Peninsula, the geologically oldest region in Costa Rica. The lovely bay is bordered in the south by the Fila Carrizal mountain range, which stretches to Cabo Santa Elena. Coastal greenery, ample space and calm waters make this an ideal place for relaxing, walking, swimming and observing the fascinating plant and bird life.

Playa Prieta
This small, clear-water bay is located near Playa Virador. Like Virador and Playa Blanca, Prieta is great for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing.

Playa Naranjo
Its northern stretch features a tongue of dark sand surrounded by ocean and river mouths that form a wide estuary and mangrove swamp rich in plant and animal species. The beach is perfect for walking and taking in the magnificent scenery, which includes Peña de la Bruja, a rocky island popular with surfers. Camping is permitted.

Playa Blanca and Playa Virador
With crystalline waters and gentle surf, Playa Blanca is located near Punta Mala inside Bahía Culebra. Along with other beaches, Blanca forms the Gulf of Papagayo tourism project. From this 960-meter-long beach, Playa Monte del Barco and Playa Chorotega can be seen across the way. Together, Playa Blanca and neighboring Playa Virador form a narrow natural bridge that connects them to Punta Mala. Set in a lovely cove with white sand and crystal-clear waters, Virador is great for swimming and diving.

Playa Nascascolo
With clear water and gentle surf ideal for swimming, walking and diving, this beach is popular with tourists who enjoy walking along the water’s edge and exploring the small estuary at its southern end.

Playa Iguanita
A beautiful beach at the back of Bahía Culebra, Iguanita is bordered to the north and south by two rocky points. To the south flows the Quebrada Grande, which empties into the Iguanita estuary, forming a dense mangrove swamp.

Playa Monte del Barco
This small beach is located between two points that give it shelter, providing a lovely environment for relaxing and swimming. From the slopes and top of the neighboring hill, visitors can see all the splendor of Bahía Culebra—spectacular at sunset.

Playa Chorotega (PANAMÁ)
A large, fine sand beach with little surf, Chorotega is fringed by brazilwood, manchineel and mesquite trees. A small mangrove swamp occupies the Rocha estuary. Popular for swimming, relaxing, walking and camping, the beach is frequented by families wishing to enjoy the beautiful maritime landscape that stretches to the white beaches on the other side of Bahía Culebra.

Playa Hermosa
Around two kilometers long, this lovely gray-sand beach is located between two mountainous points. To the south, in front of Punta Cacique, are Isla Pelona and Isla Montosa. With little surf and abundant coastal greenery, this beach is excellent for swimming, sunbathing, beautiful sunsets, water sports, walking and horseback riding.

Playas del Coco
With a long tradition, this is one of the most popular beaches in Costa Rica. Located in a bay with little surf, it is highly suitable for swimming and boat anchorage. Its gray sands stretch for almost three kilometers. To the south is Punta Centinela, which features a white-sand cove. Playas del Coco offers a wide range of services that allow tourists to enjoy all kinds of recreational and sporting activities, including sport-fishing, diving and boat tours. The beach is also great for walking and horseback riding.

Playa Ocotal
Set in a cove bordered by hills, this beach has gray sand and little surf. At its southern end is Punta Cirial, surrounded by crystalline waters. This beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing and water sports such as diving and sport fishing, which are offered in various parts of the region. Magnificent views of the Gulf of Papagayo are enjoyable from the heights of the adjacent hills. South of Ocotal is a smaller cove called Bahía Azul or Pez Vela (Blue or Sailfish Bay), known for its sport-fishing camp.

Playa Guacamaya
With gentle surf and lush greenery, this lovely beach is set amid a beautiful maritime landscape dotted with several islets. Sunbathing, swimming, walking and rest and relaxation are enjoyable activities; photo opportunities are excellent.

Playas Danta y Pan de Azucar
These beaches are set in two coves less than a kilometer long and flanked by hills that offer magnificent panoramic views of Bahía Potrero and Bahía Brasilito. The calm waters here are ideal for swimming. The Pitahayas and Santa Catalina islands can be made out from Playa Danta. Some nine kilometers away, the Santa Catalina islands make up one of the most preferred dive sites in the entire region.

Playa Prieta
It features gentle surf and lush coastal vegetation.

Playa Penca
Strong to moderate surf, this beach features an estuary and mangrove swamp that makes it especially attractive for relaxation and contemplation.

Playa Potrero
Set in a bay of calm waters, this beach features estuaries and mangrove swamp, as well as beautiful scenery. Potrero is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, walking and horseback riding. Organized sport fishing and diving are available here.

Playa Blanca ( FLAMINGO )
Set in a cove with moderate surf suitable for swimming, this beach features a mangrove swamp. Playa Blanca is ideal for those who wish to enjoy both beach and nightlife.