Papagayo
Gulf of Papagayo

Situated only 30 minutes away from Liberia’s Daniel Oduber International Airport, the Gulf of Papagayo attracts visitors worldwide for its string of cocoa and salt and pepper sand beaches that run along the Pacific coast, surrounded by verdant hillsides and rocky headlands. The Gulf of Papagayo is spread out over 15 miles of coastline and offers over 30 beaches to discover. Playa Ocotal, Playa Del Coco and Playa Hermosa are a few of the must-see beaches worthy of exploration.

Beautiful Golfo De Papagayo Coast line with gorgeous tropical flora
Rincon De La Vieja in Guanacaste Costa Rica

Playa Ocotal is approximately one-third of a mile long with calm, warm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. During the week, bring all the essentials necessary for a peaceful day of relaxation under the sun. On the weekends, prepare to mix it up with the locals as Ticos seeking their own serene escape come to enjoy Playa Ocotal’s tranquil environment. Many healers believe the white mist coming off of Playa Ocotal’s sea is bursting with negative ions and electronically charged particles that beneficially effect people, plants and animals. Should this positive energy leave you feeling inspired, continue your high with a deep sea diving adventure! Playa Ocotal is a fabulous location for scuba diving with Catalina Island located just offshore. Catalina Island is flooded with large schools of tropical fish, giant manta rays, stingrays, moray eels, sea turtles and sharks.

White Water rafting in Golfo De Papagayo Costa Rica
Stunning scuba diving off the coast of Papagayo Costa Rica with tropical fish

Just 4km northeast of Playa Ocotal sits the trendy, developing beach town, Playa Del Coco. Snorkeling and scuba diving are also popular in Playa Del Coco, as are sport fishing, sailing and kayaking. Arrange for a fishing charter and sail over to Costa Rica’s Parque Nacional Palo Verde and explore one of the most ecologically diverse places in the country. Ranked as one of the best tourist destinations in Costa Rica, Playa Del Coco has become quite the party destination with an array of boutique shops, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and casinos.

Continue north of Playa Ocotal and stumble upon the crystal blue waters of Playa Hermosa (“Beautiful Beach”) only 7km away. Surrounded by ridges of volcanic rock and lush tropical forests, the Blue Flag award-winning Playa Hermosa certainly lives up to its name. Get the heart pumping with an exhilarating day of windsurfing or water biking. Schedule a Pacific Ocean excursion aboard a catamaran and ride along the coast with a loved one for a relaxing day or evening at sea.

Playa Del Coco shore line with tranquil waters in Costa Rica
Plenty of reefs found in Golfo De Papagayo Costa Rica for scuba diving or just enjoying the view
Playa Hermosa and all the sail boats ready for fishing and activities in Costa Rica

Playa Hermosa is an excellent stop for a fantastic meal with restaurants to please all palettes. Pescado Loco (“Crazy Fish”) specializes in Costa Rican standards such as whole-fried red snapper, Galician octopus and marinated seafood ceviche. Don’t pass up the chance to experience the stunning open-air restaurant, Ginger, which lures guests in with their gourmet selection of Asian and Mediterranean-inspired tapas. Kick-back over cocktails with friends at the amazing Monkey Bar, built to resemble a tree house, while listening to the hoots of howler monkeys overhead.

Golfo De Papagayo provides everything traveling families, couples and groups of friends could possibly want or need while touring Costa Rica. National parks Rincón De La Vieja, Santa Rosa and the wondrous Arenal Volcano are all located nearby and make for spectacular day trips that will turn into lasting memories. Whether visiting Playa Ocotal, Playa Del Coco or Playa Hermosa, the Gulf of Papagayo is a breathtaking place to see, explore and discover.