Ultimate Guide to Playa Conchal, Costa Rica
by Jennifer LaCharite
Playa Conchal, Costa Rica was recently named the most beautiful beach in the world. With clear blue water and millions of tiny sparkling shells, it’s no surprise that Conchal Beach was given this special distinction.
The list of “50 best beaches in the world” was published by EnjoyTravel.com, which publishes its list every January. This year, the top spot went to Playa Conchal Costa Rica, claiming that the country is “the hottest destination to visit right now”.
But what makes Playa Conchal so special?
Read on to find out – along with everything else you need to know, including how to get to Playa Conchal, what to do, where to eat, and the best Playa Conchal accommodation options!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
Playa Conchal Costa Rica FAQs
Where is Playa Conchal?
Playa Conchal is located along Guanacaste’s North Pacific Coast. It can be found between the beaches of Brasilito to the north and Playa Viejo to the south.
What Airport Do You Fly into for Playa Conchal?
The closest international airport to Playa Conchal Costa Rica is located near Liberia at the Guanacaste Airport (LIR). It is a 1-hour drive from Playa Conchal. It is a five-hour drive from the international airport in the capital city of San Jose.
Can You Swim in Playa Conchal Costa Rica?
Situated in a protected cove, Playa Conchal can be great for swimming, depending on the tides and conditions at the time you visit. I have personally been when it was perfectly calm and also when it was a bit too rough for my liking. Once I got past the break, however, it was a great place to swim. The waves and rip tide here make swimming generally unsuitable for young children.
What’s So Special About Playa Conchal Guanacaste?
Playa Conchal, or shell beach, is distinctive in that it is covered with millions of tiny pink and white seashells. These shells have been worn smooth by the lapping waves and reflect the sunlight in a dazzling way.
Is Playa Conchal Better Than Manuel Antonio?
While both Conchal and Manuel Antonio have stunning, white sand beaches, Playa Conchal is easier to access, being only one hour from one of Costa Rica’s two international airports. Conchal is in the north, so you will not have the “jungle meets the beach” experience like you would in Manuel Antonio National Park, however, you do not have to pay to access Conchal Beach like you do to enter the park.
How to Get to Playa Conchal Costa Rica
It is fairly easy to get to Playa Conchal Costa Rica.
From San Jose, take the Interamericana Route 1 until you reach Limonal. From Limonal, take Route 18 (Paso del Tempisque) all the way down until you are forced to turn either left or right onto Route 21. Turn right and continue until you reach the city of Santa Cruz.
From Santa Cruz, you will travel a curvy set of roads until you reach the town of Brasilito or Reserva Conchal, which makes up the entrance to Playa Conchal. This trip will take about five hours depending on traffic and there are tolls to pay, which typically amount to about $1.50 USD. The route without tolls is not as good.
From Liberia, it is a simple drive along Routes 21 and 155, which will take you under two hours.
For GPS purposes, enter Brasilito Park or Reserva Conchal.
Looking for a car rental for your trip? Find the best prices here.
Public Access to Conchal Beach
There is no direct vehicle access to Playa Conchal, which is what makes this beach feel so exclusive. You can park your car around Brasilito Park and walk south along Brasilito Beach to get to Conchal Beach. This walk will take about 15 to 20 minutes one way.
For those staying at the private residences of Reserva Conchal, the all-inclusive Westin Reserva Conchal, or W Costa Rica, you have exclusive access to Playa Conchal. You can also get a day pass for $169 per person to access the resort and beach.
One way to get around this restriction is to make a reservation at one of the W Hotel’s restaurants, which include Cocina de Mercado, Latitud 10° Norte, and Zona Azul. Call ahead no more than two days beforehand to see if there is availability because if the hotel is very full they will not accept outside diners. I spent my birthday at Playa Conchal using this easy access after a lovely lunch at Zona Azul.
Things To Do At Playa Conchal Costa Rica
Many people are happy to just lay on this beautiful beach and enjoy the scenery. In fact, you can rent beach chairs and even a canopy for shade at Playa Conchal. You can find a variety of drinks and cocktails for sale right on the beach.
If you really want to relax, there are several locals offering massages on their massage tables for reasonable prices, which are typically around $35 an hour.
Snorkeling is a popular pastime at Conchal Beach, however, it is best to stick close to the Brasilito Beach side of Conchal for this activity. You can rent the equipment for about $20 and see colorful fish and even manta rays!
There are also kayak, SUP, and jet ski rentals available at Playa Conchal.
Read More: Pura Vida Guide to Playa Brasilito, Costa Rica
Playa Conchal Costa Rica Hotels
The only hotels directly on Playa Conchal are the W Costa Rica and The Westin Reserva Conchal Resort. While the Westin is an all-inclusive resort, the W Hotel is not. The W Costa Rica will cost you around $700 per night, while the Westin Resort will be around $1,000 for two adults.
You can also stay on the beach at Hotel Brasilito, however, this is on the Brasilito side of the beach and from here it is a short 15-minute walk to Playa Conchal. Nearby Hotel Conchal is a boutique hotel with a large pool in the town of Brasilito, across the street from Brasilito Beach. Both of these options will cost you around $80 per night. There is also a beach hostel called Brasilito Lodge right on the beach.
Playa Conchal Costa Rica Restaurants
Besides the restaurants we mentioned at the W Costa Rica and Westin Resort, there are no restaurants along Playa Conchal. Nearby Brasilito Beach offers some good beachside options, however. Indira Bar may look rough, but it offers authentic Costa Rican dining and seafood options – and the best sunset view at the beach! Nearby La Casita del Pescado offers the same unbeatable view and fresh seafood. Another popular restaurant in the area is Masala Indian Restaurant.
Things To Know Before You Visit Conchal Beach, Costa Rica
Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your trip to this stunning beach.
- Visit early to avoid crowds. Because of its beauty, Playa Conchal is a popular beach and can get quite busy, especially on the weekends.
- Bring everything you need. Since there are no amenities here, you will have to bring most of the things you need, unless you plan to rent things as we mentioned for the day.
- Bring cash in small denominations. It is best to bring local currency or small currency of USD if you want to rent equipment or buy drinks on the beach.
- There are no bathroom facilities. There is no washroom unless you are permitted back into the W Hotel’s Zona Azul restaurant, which is right on the beach. Of course, you would have to have come from this restaurant with your reservation prior if you want to be allowed back in to use the facilities.
Playa Conchal Weather
Like much of the North Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, the weather at Playa Conchal depends on the season but it will always feel hot. During the dry and busiest season from December to May, the daily high typically reaches 32 degrees Celsius (90 F). Rainy season afternoons are not much cooler at 27 C (80 F).
Other Nearby Beach Towns
Other nearby beach towns include Brasilito as mentioned, as well as Flamingo and Potrero to the north. You will find the bustling surf town of Tamarindo and the laid-back Playa Grande to the south.
Read more: 15 Best Things to do in Tamarindo
Day Trips from Playa Conchal
If you’re spending more than a day or two at one of the hotels in Conchal, you’ll likely want to venture out and see what else Costa Rica has to offer. Here are a few recommendations:
- Visit Rincon de the Vieja. Hike the largest and most active volcano in Guanacaste and soak in natural hot springs at Rincon de la Vieja Volcano.
- Head to Llanos de Cortez. Swim at a refreshing and beautiful waterfall at Llanos de Cortez Waterfall. This waterfall is inexpensive to visit and easy to access, at only a two-hour drive from Conchal.
- Go sport fishing. Enjoy a full day of deep-sea fishing and get the chance to reel in blue marlin, Mahi-Mahi, yellowfin tuna, roosterfish, and more.
- Try out the Superman zipline. Visit Diamante Eco Adventure Park for a chance to ride the country’s longest Superman zipline facing the ocean and see sloths, jaguars, and more at their animal sanctuary.
- Discover the best scuba diving in Costa Rica at the nearby Las Catalinas Islands, home to white-tip reef sharks, giant manta rays, sea turtles, and silvery schools of jacks.
Is Playa Conchal Costa Rica Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Who doesn’t want a chance to see the world’s most beautiful beach? Playa Conchal is a must-see spot in Costa Rica and well worth the walk even if you’re not staying at the exclusive Westin property. (Though if you can splurge – we recommend it!)
Thank you, so helpful!