Playa Conchal is known for being one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches. Located in the Guanacaste Province, this small, gorgeous beach gets its name from the millions of shells that make up the sand (conchal means shell in Spanish). Every year, visitors from all over the world come to see this white sand, seashell beach, with its blue-green waters, a rarity on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
Playa Conchal is unique in that there isn’t a town right by it. To access Playa Conchal, you have to first reach the town of Brasilito and then walk south along the beach. The other option is to stay at The Westin Resort, Reserva Conchal, or the W Costa Rica, which feature direct access to this secluded gem of a beach.
Beach in Playa Conchal, Costa Rica4 of Best Things to Do in Playa Conchal, Costa Rica
If you’re a beach lover, you’ll love it here! Hours of sunshine, sparkling water, and white sand create the scene right out of a postcard. You can pay to rent lounge chairs and a shade structure to idle the day away, go for a swim, snorkel, get out on the water in a kayak, or simply enjoy seeing what the local vendors are selling. Pack your book, take plenty of sunscreen, load up on snacks, and get ready to spend the day (or two) at Playa Conchal.
1. Snorkeling
Depending on the tide and the time of day that you visit Playa Conchal, you might be in luck for some epic snorkeling. If the conditions are right, the clear waters provide great snorkeling opportunities, and there are locals renting snorkel masks right on the beach. Be careful, though, as there can be strong waves and the conditions can seem calmer on the surface than they actually are. Stay close to the shore and to where other people are snorkeling to be safe.
The best time to snorkel is in the early mornings, before the wind picks up. The dry months, December to April, mean less rain and clearer water as well. But keep in mind these months can be more crowded, which could mean fewer fish.
2. Shelling: Look, Don’t Take
Thanks to the stunning beauty of the millions upon millions of tiny white and pink shells that make up Playa Conchal, a past popular activity was to collect and take home these tiny souvenirs. Shelling in Costa Rica is illegal, and in an effort to preserve the ecosystem and the natural beauty of Playa Conchal, shelling at Playa Conchal is now best avoided. Not only is the act of shelling illegal, but it’s also disruptive to the environment. In order to help protect and maintain the beauty and the natural wonder of Playa Conchal, visitors are encouraged to look, but not take, the gorgeous shells that make up the beach and the beauty.
3. All-Inclusive Relaxation
There’s only one true all-inclusive hotel by Playa Conchal, and that’s The Westin Reserva Conchal. This resort features beachfront access to Playa Conchal, an 18-hole golf course, and a spa. While there are few other hotels right near Playa Conchal, if you’re looking for a true all-inclusive vibe, The Westin is your pick.
Spending a few nights can be a welcome and well-deserved break from the adventurous side of Costa Rican travel. Treating yourself to some true R&R can be the perfect way to end a trip, and The Westin at Playa Conchal is one of the best options you’ll find.
4. Kayak & SUP
Thanks to the curve of the bay, the water can be calm and flat at Playa Conchal. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are fun activities to try out on the aquamarine waters, even for first-timers. There are rentals up and down the beach at Playa Conchal, so bring a hat, lather on the sunblock, and head out to sea!
Beaches in Playa Conchal, Costa Rica & How to Access Them
This section of Guanacaste has lots of stunning beaches, so Playa Conchal likely won’t be your only spot while exploring the coastline. A few other beaches to check out in the area are:
Playa Brasilito
If you’re visiting Playa Conchal, you’ll likely get there by parking at Playa Brasilito, as this is the last town before the road ends. This lively town is a great place to grab a bite to eat before or after visiting Playa Conchal, and you can check out the beach in town as well. There are paid parking areas here with guards, or you can leave your car on the street. From Playa Basilito, you’ll walk past the barrier that blocks cars from entering. It’s about a twenty-minute walk along the beach to reach Playa Conchal, and the sand gets hot, so keep your shoes on!
Playa Flamingo
Just north of Playa Conchal and Playa Brasilito, you’ll come across Playa Flamingo and the Flamingo Marina. This area can feel a bit touristy with the major developments that go along with the marina, but the beach itself is lovely and worth the visit. It’s about twenty minutes by car from Playa Brasilito.
Playa Portero
Keep heading north up the coast, and the next beach you’ll hit is Portrero. Playa Portero and the town of Portero sit within Portero Bay, and the town is a mix of small fishing vibes meet Pacific coast development. There are more beaches along this curve of the bay, so keep going from the town of Portero and discover Playa Penca as well as Playa Prieta.
More on The Westin at Playa Conchal
Costa Rica isn’t known for its all-inclusive resorts, as the options within the country are few and far between. The Westin at Playa Conchal is one of the few true all-inclusive resorts, and it’s hard to visit Playa Conchal and not take notice of the impressive 971 hectares that make up the resort.
You might consider indulging in a day pass to use some of The Westin’s amenities while you visit Playa Conchal, or you might even splurge and bookend your Costa Rican getaway with a few nights of true relaxation.
The Westin at Playa Conchal features an 18-hole golf course, a swimming pool complex, a spa, a gym, as well as over 10 bars and restaurants on-site. There’s also The Westin Family Kids Club, ensuring that the whole family will enjoy their stay.
Playa Conchal Weather & When to Visit
Dry Season – The dry season in Playa Conchal is from December to April, with November and May as transition months. The weather during the dry season is full sun and dry days, perfect for beach time, but remember your sunscreen! The sun can be intense, and the temperatures can reach the 90s day after day. This is also the high season, so expect more crowds if you visit during these months.
Rainy Season – Green season, or rainy season, runs from May to November, with mostly sunny mornings and rainfall in the afternoons and evenings. This is still a fine time to visit, as afternoon showers keep temperatures cooler (though not by much) and the rainfall turns the surrounding area a lush green. This time of year draws fewer visitors, so you’re more likely to enjoy empty beaches.
When to Visit – Don’t let the weather get in your way. Weather apps often show rain on days that stay bone dry, and when it does rain, it doesn’t need to ruin the day. Golfers will be happiest visiting Playa Conchal during the early green season, during May and June, when the mornings are sunny and the afternoons see just enough rain to keep things fresh.
Food Scene in Playa Conchal, Costa Rica
There isn’t much in the way of food at Playa Conchal, or any services for that matter. The beach itself has some vendors selling pipa frias or cold coconuts, as well as drinks and some basic Costa Rican dishes. The resorts allow non-hotel guests to eat in specific restaurants, but sometimes a day pass is required, or you might need a reservation, so always check before you go.
There are plenty of food options around Playa Conchal, so be sure to check out:
- Papaya Restaurant – Brasilito, Latin, Seafood $$
- Zona Azul – Reserva Conchal W Costa Rica, American, Bar $$$$
- Soda Brasilito – Brasilito, Latin, Seafood $
- Cocina de Mercado – W Costa Rica, Latin, International $$$
- Patagonia del Mar – Brasitio, Seafood, International $$$
Plan Your Trip to Playa Conchal, Costa Rica
Airport Near Playa Conchal
There are two airports close to Playa Conchal: Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) and Tamarindo Airport (TNO). Daniel Oduber Airport, also known as the Guanacaste Airport, is in Liberia, and the drive from Liberia to Playa Conchal is around an hour and a half.
The Tamarindo Airport is a small, domestic-only airport about a 30-minute drive from Playa Conchal. Flights to and from TNO operate daily, with Sansa Airlines, and tickets range from $155 to $190 one way. The flight time is just under an hour.
San Jose, Costa Rica to Playa Conchal
The drive from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) takes about 5 hours, so it’s best to leave in the morning as driving at night is not recommended. The fastest option is to catch a flight from SJO Domestic Terminal to Tamarindo Airport with Sansa.
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