Costa Rica Beaches

Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Playa Bejuco Costa Rica

Location: between Esterillos and La Palma (Bandera) beaches in Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
Bejuco Beach GPS Coordenates: 9.518574,-84.435730 (9°31’06.86″N, 84°26’08.62″W)
District: Parrita, canton: Parrita, province: Puntarenas.
Zone postal code: 60901.

Bejuco Beach Costa Rica is a quiet and beautiful dark sand beach, with blue waters, and surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, mostly by palms and almond trees, with powerful crystal clear waves ranging from moderate to strong ideal for surfing and fishing, as well as its neighboring beaches, located on the Pacific coast of Puntarenas, Costa Rica. This beach limited on its back, with Bejuco River and an area of ​​mangroves, also the mouth of the river has sandy banks for your enjoyment.

Bejuco is higly recommended for tourists looking for uncrowded beaches for a relaxing holiday, as it is easy to spend the whole day at Bejuco and not see another person.

This secluded beach is often described as a fun spot to tackle plenty of incredible waves, best surfed at rising tide. These very consistent waves create a true surfer’s paradise for experienced surfers, but rookies might need to find alternate locations, as here there is little to no current, so lots of paddling is required in order to track the best waves.

If you like pure unspoiled tropical nature then this is the perfect beach, making ideal to take long walks, and if you like fishing, well no better place to be then that Bejuco Beach. In fact, due to its pristine and clean environment, Bejuco Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag Eco award for many years. Also, Bejuco Beach boasts a small stream that can be explored by boat, so it is a popular nesting area for birds ideal for bird watching.

Much of the surrounding area of Bejuco Beach is undeveloped however a few small projects are beginning sprout up, as well as it offers several accommodation options and a few sodas where you can enjoy typical Costa Rican meals.

Bejuco Beach offers numerous entertainment possibilities, easy accessibility plus beautiful scenery. Visitors can choose to drive or to fly into the nearest airport to get to the beach.

Getting to Bejuco Beach in Parrita, Puntarenas:

From San José

Drive north towards Puntarenas on route #27. Take the Pozón exit (to Jaco), and continue for about 66 km (41 miles), passing over the Tarcoles river and the towns of Jaco, Hermosa and Esterillos. Turn right at the entrance to Bejuco beach and continue for 1 km (0.5 mile) until you reach the beach. This route requires a total of 2.5 hour from San Jose.

From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR)

Drive to the northeast towards Liberia. Once in Liberia, continue along the same highway to Puntarenas for about 120 km (75 miles). Once at the entrance to Puntarenas, continue on route #27 to San Jose for about 25 km (15 miles) until you reach the exit to Pozon and Jaco, take it and continue for about 66 km (41 miles), passing over the Tarcoles river and the towns of Jaco, Hermosa and Esterillos. Turn right at the entrance to Bejuco beach and continue for 1 km (0.5 mile) until you reach the beach. This route requires a total of 4.5 hours.

By bus

You can take a bus from the route San José – Quepos / Manuel Antonio (Transportes Morales, 2221-4214 / 2777-0318), making the stop at Bejuco beach, which takes about 2.5 hours.

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Bejuco Beach in Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Location: between Hermosa and Bejuco beaches in Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
West Esterillos Beach GPS Coordenates: 9.526662,-84.503169 (9°31’35.98″N, 84°30’11.40″W)
Center Esterillos Beach GPS Coordenates: 9.529481,-84.480014 (9°31’46.13″N, 84°28’48.05″W)
District: Parrita, canton: Parrita, province: Puntarenas.
Zone postal code: 60901.

Esterillos Beach Costa Rica is a vast and beautiful beach of nearly 7km extension with gray sands, crystal blue waters that invite you to go for a swim, and natural wealth all along the coast with palms and almond trees that line a forest edge, located on the central Pacific coast, in the canton of Parrita, Puntarenas, costa Rica.

Esterillos is divided into three sections: Esterillos Oeste beach to the West, Esterillos Centro beach in the middle, and Esterillos Este beach to the East. The part of Esterillos Centro and Esterillos Este, boasts gorgeous mangrove swamps, while Esterillos Oeste has small creeks and headlands, which are excellent points for observation of both wildlife and lush landscapes.

This part of the Central Pacific has one of the most consistent and cleanest breaks for surfers. Waves frequently break head high and are terrific all year long, but common consensus says that the West Coast is often better. These strong waves are best surfed while the tide level is rising, that is when the swells get big. Besides surfing, the waters are friendly towards all sorts of activities, such as diving, snorkeling and swimmers, always taking into account the necessary precautions. At low tide, the size of the beach increases dramatically, creating an extense dark sanded beach waiting to be explored, making it ideal for long walks or horseback riding.

Esterillos Beach features easy access, a wide array of accommodation options as well as a legal camping site. Here you will find plenty of hotels and cabins sprinkled throughout the Esterillos area that has direct access to the beach, to stay either further back through the dense secondary forest, or in the beautiful hillside with spectacular views of this peaceful paradise.

Esterillos Beach is passable throughout the year, has bus service and for those interested in domestic flights Esterillos beach does offer a grassy airstrip.

Getting to Esterillos Beach in Parrita, Puntarenas:

From San José

Drive north towards Puntarenas on route #27. Take the Pozón exit (to Jaco), and continue for about 57 km (35 miles), passing over the Tarcoles river and the towns of Jaco and Hermosa. Turn right at the entrance to Esterillos beach and continue for 1.5 km (1 mile) until you reach the beach. This address is for Esterillos Oeste, if you want to visit Esterillos Centro and/or Esterillos Este, do not to take Esterillos Oeste exit, instead you should follow the Costanera road for about 3.2 km (2 miles) to Esterillos Centro, or 6 km (4 miles) to the Esterillos Este entrance. This route requires a total of 2 hour from San Jose.

From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR)

Drive to the northeast towards Liberia. Once in Liberia, continue along the same highway to Puntarenas for about 120 km (75 miles). Once at the entrance to Puntarenas, continue on route #27 to San Jose for about 25 km (15 miles) until you reach the exit to Pozon and Jaco, take it and continue for about 57 km (35 miles), passing over the Tarcoles river and the towns of Jaco and Hermosa. Turn right at the entrance to Esterillos beach and continue for 1.5 km (1 mile) until you reach the beach. This address is for Esterillos Oeste, if you want to visit Esterillos Centro and/or Esterillos Este, do not to take Esterillos Oeste exit, instead you should follow the Costanera road for about 3.2 km (2 miles) to Esterillos Centro, or 6 km (4 miles) to the Esterillos Este entrance. This route requires a total of 4 hours.

BY BUS

You can take a bus from the route San José – Quepos / Manuel Antonio (Transportes Morales, +506 2221-4214 / +506 2777-0318), making the stop at Esterillos beach, which takes about 2.5 hours.

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Esterillos Beach in Puntarenas, Costa Rica

More Esterillos Beach Costa Rica Photos

Location: between Jaco and Esterillos beaches in Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
Hermosa Beach GPS Coordinates: 9.576397,-84.606346 (9°34’35.02″N, 84°36’22.84″W)
Hermosa Beach entrance GPS Coordinates: 9.577148,-84.605638 (9°34’37.73″N, 84°36’20.29″W)
District: Jaco, canton: Garabito, province: Puntarenas.
Zone postal code: 61101.

Hermosa Beach Costa Rica in a wide and calm beach with a broad grey-sands and blue waters contrasted by pounding white surf of undeniable beauty, located in the Central Pacific coast of Puntarenas province.

Although Hermosa Beach is much less developed than neighboring Jaco beach, it attracts experienced surfers from around the world for its consistent waves which can reach as tall as 13ft, being one of the reasons why there follow the annual surfing contest. Swimmers are advised to take caution as strong riptides are common.

Importantly, in Costa Rica there are several beaches named Hermosa, two of them very famous, one of them is located in Guanacaste – which is not a surfing beach at all – and the other one is in the Central Pacific, which also boasts the Playa Hermosa Wildlife Refuge. This recently created refuge, December 2nd 1999, comprises the strip of beach where the mangrove swamp is. Birds and nesting Olive Ridley turtles may be seen here. In fact, the Playa Hermosa Wildlife Refuge is intended to protect the beach that serves as nesting site for the Olive Ridley turtle. These are one of the smallest sea turtles, weighing in at a mere 90 pounds. Females typically arrive solo or in small groups ashore to lay their eggs between the months of July and December. There are no organized turtle tours in this area; however visitors during the nesting season may spot an Olive Ridley come ashore at night.

Getting to Hermosa Beach in Garabito, Puntarenas:

From San José

Drive north towards Puntarenas on route #27. Take the Pozón exit (to Jaco), and continue for about 42 km (26 miles), passing over the Tarcoles river, and then turn right at Hermosa Beach entrance and continue until you reach the beach, after passing the Jaco entrance. This route requires a total of 1.5 hour from San Jose.

From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR)

Drive to the northeast towards Liberia. Once in Liberia, continue along the same highway to Puntarenas for about 120 km (75 miles). Once at the entrance to Puntarenas, continue on route #27 to San Jose for about 25 km (15 miles) until you reach the exit to Pozon and Jaco, take it and continue for about 42 km (26 miles), passing over the Tarcoles river, and then turn right at Hermosa Beach entrance and continue until you reach the beach, after passing the Jaco entrance. This route requires a total of 2.5 hours.

Hermosa Beach Costa Rica By Bus

You can take a bus from the route San José – Quepos / Manuel Antonio (Transportes Morales, +506 2223-5567), which takes about 2.5 hours.

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Hermosa Beach in Puntarenas, Costa Rica

More Hermosa Beach Costa Rica Photos

Location: between Herradura and Hermosa beaches in Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
Jaco Beach GPS Coordenates: 9.613983,-84.630207 (9°36’50.33″N, 84°37’48.74″W)
District: Jaco, canton: Garabito, province: Puntarenas.
Zone postal code: 61101.

Jaco Beach Costa Rica is a 4 km (2.5 miles) long strip beach of grey sands and blue waters of consistently big waves and the breaks are very good that offers world renowned surfing, located in Puntarenas province along Costa Rica’s central Pacific Coast, being also one of the closest beaches to San Jose.

Jaco is one of the most popular Costa Rican beaches as it offers most of the services such as a post office, health center, police station and branches of major banks. Furthermore, there are an abundance of surf shops, hotels and restaurants to suit every budget. There are also plenty of tour operators in town that arrange everything from horseback rides on the beach, to some excellent off shore sport fishing and sea kayaking. Among the activities that Jaco Beach encloses are surfing, swimming, ATV tours, bicycle rentals, crocodile safari, national parks and reserves, boat and white-water rafting, canopy tours and an excellent nightlife. However, visitors need to be careful about swimming here, as riptides are quite common along the beach shore.

Jaco beach lies between several mountains, so it has a tropical climate mainly defined by the dry and wet seasons. Generally speaking, from August through early December is the wet season, and from late November through early April is the dry; the remaining months have irregular rainy spells.

On the other hand, at about 15 km (9.3 miles) north of Jaco beach, is the Carara National Park, recognized for its exuberant wildlife and dense rain forest with several miles of trails open to visitors. Carara is a great place to view much of Costa Rica’s wildlife. Early morning or around sunset is often the best time to see the wealth of scarlet macaws that rest among the mangroves. It is also possible to see crocodiles, white-faced monkeys, peccaries, coatimundis and a wide variety of birds.

With all this to offer it is no wonder why Jaco beach is as popular as ever. However, There are concerns in Jaco about drugs, crime and prostitution. Being aware of your surroundings and using common sense should help you to avoid any undesirable situations. We recommend not leaving anything unattended not even inside your vehicle. If you are using a rental car to travel to Jaco or surrounding areas, ask for the full coverage insurance.

Getting to Jaco Beach in Garabito, Puntarenas:

From San José

Drive north towards Puntarenas on route #27. Take the Pozón exit (to Jaco), and continue for about 34 km (21 miles), passing over the Tarcoles river, and then turn right at Jaco entrance. Continue for about 2 km (1.2 miles), turn left and continue for 1km (0.6 mile) more and then turn right in any of the entrances until you reach the Jaco beach. This route requires a total of 1.5 hour from San Jose.

From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR)

Drive to the northeast towards Liberia. Once in Liberia, continue along the same highway to Puntarenas for about 120 km (75 miles). Once at the entrance to Puntarenas, continue on route #27 to San Jose for about 34 km (21 miles), passing over the Tarcoles river, and then turn right at Jaco entrance. Continue for about 2 km (1.2 miles), turn left and continue for 1km (0.6 mile) more and then turn right in any of the entrances until you reach the Jaco beach. This route requires a total of 2.5 hours.

By bus

You can take a bus from the route San José – Jaco (Transportes Jacó, +506 2223-1109), which takes about 2 hours.

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Jaco Beach in Puntarenas, Costa Rica

More Jaco Beach Costa Rica Photos

Location: between Caletas and Jaco beaches in Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
Herradura Beach GPS Coordenates: 9.648350,-84.656911 (9°38’54.06″N, 84°39’24.88″W)
District: Jaco, canton: Garabito, province: Puntarenas.
Zone postal code: 61101.

Herradura Beach Costa Rica is a small beach of grey sands, calm blue waters and a palm tree lined shoreline that has become one of the most popular tourist destinations, located on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, exactly at about 5km (3.5 miles) north of Jaco.

Initially Herradura, which refers to the shape of the bay of this particular beach whose Spanish name means “horseshoe”, was a rural beach and sleepy little town. Nowadays, this unknown paradise has seen a lot of changes due to the demand of tourism and property development. Today Herradura beach is a tourist hotspot with different types of hotels, vacation rental condos, homes, camping sites, groceries, restaurants and nightlife, such as the prestigious Marriott Los Sueños Resort, with its own marina and golf course, known as the Fishing Capital of Costa Rica playing home to Costa Rica’s only full service five star Marina Boats and home to the largest fleet of the country’s top Big Game Sport fishing Captains and boats.

All this makes Herradura beach ideal for those looking for activities like swimming, water sports, boat trips, sport fishing, golf and many other options. Also, Herradura is located nearby the Carara National Park, famous for its crocodiles in the Tarcoles River and mangroves where you could see birds such as macaws, herons and toucans, as well as its trails will allow visitors to see an abundance of wildlife and impressive flora.

However, Herradura beach still does not attract as many visitors as its neighbor beaches such as Jaco does, making it a great place to slip away in a quiet environment. In fact, Herradura has a campground nearby with showers and other basic services just a few hundred meters from the coast, making it perfect for low budget travelers and backpackers.

Getting to Herradura Beach in Garabito, Puntarenas:

From San José

Drive north towards Puntarenas on route #27. Take the Pozón exit (to Jaco), and continue for about 31 km (19 miles), passing over the Tarcoles river, and then turn right again at Plaza Herradura (where the Auto Mercado supermarket is) towards Herradura. Continue for about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) until you reach the beach. This route requires a total of 1.5 hour from San Jose.

From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR)

Drive to the northeast towards Liberia. Once in Liberia, continue along the same highway to Puntarenas for about 120 km (75 miles). Once at the entrance to Puntarenas, continue on route #27 to San Jose for about 25 km (15 miles) until you reach the exit to Pozon and Jaco, take it and continue for about 31 km (19 miles), passing over the Tarcoles river, and then turn right again at Plaza Herradura (where the Auto Mercado supermarket is) towards Herradura. Continue for about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) until you reach the beach. This route requires a total of 2.5 hours.

By bus

There are no public buses to Herradura, however, you can take a bus from the route San José – Jaco (Transportes Jacó, +506 2223-1109), which takes about 2 hours, or you can also take a bus from the route San José – Quepos / Manuel Antonio (Transportes Morales, +506 2223-5567), which takes about 2 hours, making the stop at Plaza Herradura and then walk to the beach in both cases.

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Herradura Beach in Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Location: between La Pita and Limoncito beaches in Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
Agujas Beach entrance GPS Coordenates: 9.716883,-84.632535 (9°43’00.77″N, 84°37’57.12″W)
Agujas Beach GPS Coordenates: 9.722593,-84.652448 (9°43’21.33″N, 84°39’08.81″W)
District: Tarcoles, canton: Garabito, province: Puntarenas.
Zone postal code: 61102.

Agujas Beach Costa Rica located in the canton of Garabito in Puntarenas, is a quiet beach of gray sands and calm blue waters alternating with rock formations that allow the creation of creeks coves at low tide, where visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim.

Agujas, which is also the name of a fish that is abundant in the area, is ideal for swimming, fishing, snorkeling, sunbathing or simply walking along the beach. Agujas beach is also one of the beaches of Costa Rica that has been recognize with the Blue Flag award, for maintaining environmental friendly conditions.

Agujas Beach enjoys a very quiet environment as it is located in a village of fishermen, with a minimum tourism development, recommended for those who like to camp on the beach under a starry sky.

Within the main attractions of Agujas beach, is that not only is just 60 minutes driving from San Jose, but also is surrounded by some of the main beaches in Costa Rica, such as Jaco and Hermosa, without mention the Punta Leona hotel resort and the Herradura Marina. Furthermore, Agujas Beach is located near the Carara National Park, a place created to protect and study its rich ecosystem, which also presents traces of Indigenous remains of occupations.

Getting to Agujas Beach in Garabito, Puntarenas:

From San José

Drive north towards Puntarenas on route #27. Take the Pozón exit (to Jaco), and continue for about 23 km (14 miles), passing over the Tarcoles river, and then turn right again towards Agujas. Continue for about 1 km (0.6 miles) until you reach Agujas beach. This route requires a total of one hour from San Jose.

From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR)

Drive to the northeast towards Liberia. Once in Liberia, continue along the same highway to Puntarenas for about 120 km (75 miles). Once at the entrance to Puntarenas, continue on route #27 to San Jose for about 25 km (15 miles) until you reach the exit to Pozon and Jaco, take it and continue for about 23 km (14 miles), passing over the Tarcoles river, and then turn right again towards Agujas. Continue for about 1 km (0.6 miles) until you reach Agujas beach. This route requires a total of 2 hours.

By bus

There are no public buses to Agujas, however, you can take a bus from the route San José – Jaco (Transportes Jacó, +506 2223-1109) at the Coca Cola bus station 16th st, 1-3 avenue, which takes about 1.5 hours, making the stop at Agujas beach entrance, and then walk to the beach.

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Agujas Beach in Garabito, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

More Agujas Beach Costa Rica Photos

Location: between Tarcoles and Agujas beaches in Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
La Pita Beach GPS Coordenates: 9.740358,-84.631376 (9°44’25.28″N, 84°37’52.95″W)
District: Tarcoles, canton: Garabito, province: Puntarenas.
Zone postal code: 61102.

La Pita Beach Costa Rica is a small gray-sand beach with blue waters, used as port by several fishermen, ideal for watching spectacular sunsets.

At La Pita you may do some birdwatching, here you can find pelicans, herons and the beautiful Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao), among many others. However, due to its proximity to the mouth of the Tarcoles River, bathing in the area is dangerous, since crocodiles go from the river to the sea.

Getting to La Pita Beach in Garabito, Puntarenas:

From San José

Drive north towards Puntarenas on route #27. Take the Pozón exit (to Jaco), continue for about 20 km (12.5 miles) and then exit at La Fiesta del Marisco restaurant, the entrance to the beach is next to the restaurant’s. This route requires a total of one hour from San Jose.

From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR)

Drive to the northeast towards Liberia. Once in Liberia, continue along the same highway to Puntarenas for about 120 km (75 miles). Once at the entrance to Puntarenas, continue on route #27 to San Jose for about 25 km (15 miles) until you reach the exit to Pozon and Jaco, take it and continue for about 20 km (12.5 miles) and then exit at La Fiesta del Marisco restaurant, the entrance to the beach is next to the restaurant’s. This route requires a total of 2 hours.

By bus

You can take a bus from the route San José – Jaco (+506 2223-1109), making the stop at La Pita beach or La Fiesta del Marisco restaurant. It is recommended to buy the ticket a day early to save your space.

Address map: Click here to view address map from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO La Pita Beach in Puntarenas, Costa Rica

More La Pita Beach Costa Rica Photos

Location: between Azul and La Pinta beaches in Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
Tarcoles Beach entrance GPS Coordinates: 9.760068,-84.626570 (9°45’36.24″N, 84°37’35.65″W)
Tarcoles Beach GPS Coordinates: 9.759754,-84.627771 (9°45’35.11″N, 84°37’39.97″W)
District: Tarcoles, canton: Garabito, province: Puntarenas.
Zone postal code: 61102.

Tarcoles Beach Costa Rica is located in the canton of Garabito in Puntarenas, is a beautiful and quiet beach of gray sands and blue waters.

The beach is surrounded by lush natural beauty that includes forests, mangroves and lagoons that serve as nesting area for many birds, including the spectacular Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) and the unique Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja), among many others.

In fact, Tarcoles beach offers variety for recreation, such as boat trips down the river, crocodile tours, hiking to the Manantial de Agua Viva waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in the country, or simply relaxing in one of the natural pools in the area. Furthermore, Tarcoles is a fishermen beach, giving you also the chance to try and catch your meal. However, due to its proximity to the mouth of the Tarcoles River, bathing in the area is dangerous, since crocodiles go from the river to the sea.

Getting to Tarcoles Beach in Garabito, Puntarenas:

From San José

Drive north towards Puntarenas on route #27. Take the Pozón exit (to Jaco), and continue for about 16 km (10 miles) and then turn right again towards Tarcoles town. Continue for about 1 km (0.6 miles), turn right again, continue for about 100 m (350 ft) and turn left until you reach Tarcoles beach. This route requires a total of one hour from San Jose.

From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR)

Drive to the northeast towards Liberia. Once in Liberia, continue along the same highway to Puntarenas for about 120 km (75 miles). Once at the entrance to Puntarenas, continue on route #27 to San Jose for about 25 km (15 miles) until you reach the exit to Pozon and Jaco, take it and continue for about 16 km (10 miles) and then turn right again towards Tarcoles town. Continue about 1 km (0.6 miles), turn right again, continue for about 100 m (350 ft) and turn left until you reach to Tarcoles beach. This route requires a total of 2 hours.

By bus

There are no public buses to Tarcoles , however, you can take a bus from the route San José – Orotina (+506 2233-9695 ó +506 2427-9146) at the Coca Cola bus station 16th st, 1-3 avenue, which takes about 1.5 hours, and then take another bus from the route Orotina – Puntarenas (+506 2428-8462, Orotina Park side) making the stop at Guacimo and Ceiba entrance, which takes about 30 minutes. However, it is recommended to take a taxi from Orotina to Guacalillo beach, as the last 10 km must be done by foot.

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Tarcoles Beach in Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Playa Azul Costa Rica

Location: between Guacalillo and Tarcoles beaches in Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
Azul Beach entrance GPS Coordenates: 9.778042,-84.626226 (9°46’40.95″N, 84°37’34.41″W)
District: Tarcoles, canton: Garabito, province: Puntarenas.
Zone postal code: 61102.

Azul Beach Costa Rica located at the mouth of the Tarcoles River, in Puntarenas, is a beach with dark gray sands and blue waters.

Due to its proximity to the Tarcoles River, Azul beach surroundings are ideal for bird watching, as well as a wide variety of other mangrove vegetation and wildlife. However, it is not advisable to swim in the area, since alligators go from the river to the sea.

Getting to Azul Beach in Garabito, Puntarenas:

From San José

Drive north towards Puntarenas on route #27. When you see Pozón exit (to Jaco), take it and continue for about 16 km (10 miles) more, then take the exit for Tarcoles town on your right. Continue for 1 km (0.6 miles), turn right and follow the road for about 2 km (1 mile) more until you get to Tarcoles River. Here turn left and continue for 800 m (2,650 ft) until you reach to Azul beach. This route requires a total of one hour from San Jose.

From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR)

Drive to the northeast towards Liberia. Once in Liberia, continue along the same highway to Puntarenas for about 120 km (75 miles). Once at the entrance to Puntarenas, continue on route #27 to San Jose for about 25 km (15 miles) until you reach the exit to Pozon and Tarcoles, take it and continue for about 16 km (10 miles) until until you reach the exit for Tarcoles town, take it and continue for 1 km (0.6 miles), turn right and follow the road for about 2 km (1 mile) more until you get to Tarcoles River. Here turn left and continue for 800 m (2,650 ft) until you get to Azul beach. This route requires a total of 2 hours.

By bus

There are no public buses to Guacalillo, however, you can take a bus from the route San José – Orotina (2233-9695 ó 2427-9146) at the Coca Cola bus station 16th st, 1-3 avenue, which takes about 1.5 hours, and then take another bus from the route Orotina – Puntarenas (bus company phone 2428-8462) making the stop at Guacimo and Ceiba exit, which takes about 30 minutes. However, it is recommended to take a taxi from Orotina to Guacalillo beach, as the last 10 km must be done by foot.

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Azul Beach in Garabito, Puntarenas, Costa Rica