Guanacaste · Costa Rica
Playas del Coco
Diving capital of the Pacific
About Playas del Coco
Playas del Coco (often called simply 'Coco') is one of the closest beach towns to Liberia Airport — just 35 minutes by road — making it a popular first stop for travelers arriving in Guanacaste. The town has a relaxed, unpretentious character, with a mix of local fishing culture and international tourism.
Coco is best known as a diving base: the Catalina Islands and Bat Islands (Islas Murciélagos) are among the top dive sites in Costa Rica, offering encounters with bull sharks, manta rays, and large schools of fish. Sport fishing is also popular, with charters available for marlin, sailfish, and dorado.
Highlights
- Scuba diving at Catalina Islands
- Bat Islands (bull shark diving)
- Sport fishing charters
- Playa Hermosa & Playa Panama (nearby)
- Beachfront restaurants & bars
- Easy access from Liberia Airport
Experiences near Playas del Coco
Getting there & around
Playas del Coco is 35 minutes from Liberia Airport by private transfer. Shared shuttles connect it to Tamarindo, Papagayo, and San Jose. The town itself is walkable.
View transport optionsHow long to stay
2–3 nights is enough for Playas del Coco unless you are a serious diver. Day-trippers from Liberia or Papagayo can cover the beach and town in a single day.
Best season
The dry season (November–April) offers the best visibility for diving and the calmest seas. The wet season brings greener surroundings and fewer crowds, but afternoon rain is common.
Combine with
Coco is 30 minutes from Liberia Airport and 45 minutes from Papagayo — easy to combine with either. Tamarindo is 1.5 hours south. Many visitors use Coco as a first or last night before flying.
Travel tips
- Book diving trips in advance — the best operators fill up quickly in high season.
- Playa Hermosa (north of Coco) is calmer and less developed for a quieter beach day.
- The Bat Islands (Islas Murciélagos) require a longer boat ride but offer exceptional bull shark diving.
- Coco's main beach is not the best for swimming — head to Playa Hermosa or Playa Panama instead.
- The town has a good selection of budget and mid-range accommodation.
Tips by traveler type
Divers
The Catalina Islands (45 min by boat) are the main dive site — bull sharks, manta rays, and large schools of fish. Book with a PADI-certified operator.
Anglers
Sport fishing is excellent year-round. Sailfish, marlin, and dorado are the main targets. Charter boats depart from the main dock.
Budget travelers
Coco is more affordable than Tamarindo or Papagayo. The beachfront has good-value restaurants and bars with a local crowd.
Frequently asked questions
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