Conchal Beach (Playa Conchal)

The Basics

Your reward for giving up direct access and plentiful amenities is Playa Conchal's castaway vibe. Bring snorkeling gear and swim with colorful reef fish, or explore the length of the beach on horseback at sunset. If you want more action, hang around the Westin resort where Jet Ski rentals and massage vendors bring Conchal to life. Many Guanacaste ATV tours also stop here for a joy ride on the flat, sandy shores.

Things to Know Before You Go

• There are few amenities directly on the beach, so bring what you need for the day.

• Brasilito Beach at the north end has a small selection of bars and restaurants.

• Cabanas and umbrellas can be rented near the Westin resort.

• Look for the strolling vendors who offer budget-friendly beach massages.

• Watch children closely, as ocean currents can be strong, and there is no lifeguard.

How to Get There

Playa Conchal is located between Playa Flamingo and Tamarindo in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province, an hour from the Liberia airport. There is no direct road or parking lot nearby. Many visitors park at Brasilito and take a scenic 15-minute stroll (about 1.2 miles or 2 kilometers). Alternatively, join an ATV tour for an off-road beach ride.

When to Get There

Costa Rica is beloved for its year-round beach weather, so there's no bad time to visit Playa Conchal. However, the dry season (June through November) is more likely to have sunny skies all day. Weekends get crowded, so visit on a weekday for a more secluded experience.

Beach Hopping in Guanacaste

Guanacaste province boasts many of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches, and you can get a sampler of sandy toes, swimming, and sunbathing at different spots without traveling too far. If you have access to a vehicle, you can drive the 12 miles (20 kilometers) from Playa Conchal to the famous surf spot of Tamarindo in about 30 minutes, while the serene Playa Flamingo is even closer. Many ATV and combo tours also stop at a handful of beaches along the Pacific Coast.

Ways to explore

Conchal Beach may have a castaway vibe, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do, especially if you stay at one of the resorts. Snorkel with colorful reef fish, ride the length of the beach on horseback, take a sunset cruise, or explore the coast in an all-terrain vehicle.

Several day tours from Tamarindo and Flamingo Beach (Playa Flamingo) stop at Conchal Beach, so join a beach-hopping tour, or combine your visit with hiking in the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, wildlife-watching at Palo Verde National Park, or tubing down the Rio Negro.

Accessibility

Both resorts at Conchal Beach are wheelchair accessible, but the beach isn’t easily accessible.

Age limits

There’s no lifeguard patrol, so keep a close eye on young children; both resorts are family-friendly.

What to pack

Camera, towel, reusable water bottle, wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a picnic lunch

What to wear

Swimsuit, sandals/flip-flops

Not allowed

While shell-hunting is a popular pastime, it’s not recommended to remove any of the shells from the beach.

Amenities

Both resorts have extensive facilities, including restaurants, swimming pools, and a spa.

Address 

Conchal Beach is near the village of Brasilito in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province. The only direct access to Conchal Beach is for guests of the two resorts; otherwise, it’s about a 10-minute walk from neighboring Brasilito Beach.

Driving

Take National Route 180 (La Ruta 180), which runs through Brasilito. Both resorts offer free parking for hotel guests. Otherwise, there is a paid parking lot in the center of town; from there, you can walk to the beach.

Public transportation

There is no public transportation to Brasilito or Conchal Beach, and neither hotel offers shuttle service. If you don’t have your own means of getting around, you can take a taxi or join a guided tour.

Best times to visit

The most scenic time for beachside activities is early morning or late afternoon, and it’s worth sticking around to watch the sunset. Snorkeling is often best at low tide.

Best days to visit

Conchal Beach rarely gets overcrowded, especially if you head to the west end of the beach away from the resorts. Choose a weekday for the most tranquil experience.

Best months to visit

Costa Rica’s best beach weather is during the dry season (November–April), and snorkelers can enjoy excellent visibility. However, there are still sunny spells from May to October—you might even score cheaper accommodation.