Part of the celebrated Papagayo beach corridor—alongside Playa Hermosa, Playa Panama, and Playa Ocotal—Playas del Coco sits just 20 minutes from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR). Many consider it one of the most dynamic towns on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast for both full-time living and real estate investment. What began as the country’s largest fishing village has grown into a vibrant, fully serviced beach community—yet it has never lost its connection to the sea. Even today, much of the region’s fresh catch is pulled from these waters, from Dorado (Mahi Mahi) and Yellowfin Tuna to Wahoo, Snapper, and Grouper, while offshore anglers regularly pursue trophy Marlin and Sailfish.
Coco’s bay is naturally calm, which explains why hundreds of boats rest at anchor just offshore on any given day. Sportfishing charters, dive boats, catamarans, snorkel tours, and sailing excursions operate year-round, making ocean adventures part of daily life. The town also serves as an official Pacific port of entry for vessels arriving from abroad, with harbor and immigration services supporting international yachting traffic. Historically, the protected waters of nearby Bahía Culebra even provided refuge to ships during World War II, underscoring the area’s longstanding maritime importance.
Longtime residents often recall when Coco had a single dirt road, unreliable electricity, and only limited access in and out of town—especially during the rainy season. Today, that image feels worlds away. Modern infrastructure includes paved roads, sidewalks, improved water systems, and expanded utilities. The beachfront has undergone significant enhancements in recent years, highlighted by the “Paseo Amor de Temporada” boardwalk—named after the beloved song by Costa Rican musician Héctor Zúñiga. The waterfront now features landscaped walkways, recreational courts, shaded gathering spaces, and a welcoming public beach environment that reflects Costa Rica’s commitment to open coastal access.
THINGS TO DO!
Life in Coco revolves around the ocean, but it also thrives on community. Families gather along the shore in the evenings, children play in the surf, and volleyball and soccer matches animate the beachfront courts. Just steps from the sand, the local soccer field becomes a focal point of town pride, especially on weekends. The dining scene is equally energetic, with dozens of restaurants offering everything from traditional Costa Rican fare to international cuisine across all price points. Downtown Coco, as locals call it, delivers a lively nightlife mix of sports bars, live music venues, casual lounges, and late-night entertainment—creating a social atmosphere that appeals to both visitors and residents.
As the commercial and service hub for the greater Papagayo region, Coco offers supermarkets, banks, medical and dental clinics, pharmacies, gyms, spas, and a wide range of retail shops. Hotels, condominiums, vacation rentals, and residential communities provide housing options for every lifestyle, from short-term visitors to retirees and full-time expatriates. English is widely spoken, high-speed internet is readily available, and the town’s walkability—combined with affordable taxis and regular bus service—adds to its convenience.
Playas del Coco is often described as having the perfect blend of “Tico and First World”—local produce trucks and open-air markets coexist comfortably with modern amenities and international services. Festivals, rodeos, holiday celebrations, and parades regularly bring the town together in classic Costa Rican style. At the same time, bilingual schools, churches of multiple denominations, and established community groups support the growing number of families choosing to relocate.
Perhaps most importantly, residents frequently cite safety and accessibility as two of Coco’s strongest attributes. With an active police presence and a well-lit, compact downtown, the town maintains a reputation as one of the more secure and welcoming beach communities in the country.
From its humble beginnings as a lantern-lit fishing village to its present-day status as a thriving coastal hub, Playas del Coco continues to evolve—without ever turning its back on the ocean that built it. For those seeking energy, convenience, and authentic seaside character in one location, Coco remains one of Costa Rica’s most compelling destinations.
FAQ About Playas del Coco
Is Playas del Coco good for swimming?
Yes. The bay is calm and generally safe for swimming compared to Costa Rica’s surf-heavy beaches.
How far is Coco from Liberia Airport?
It is approximately 20 minutes by car from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport.
Can foreigners buy property in Coco?
Yes. Foreigners can own titled property in Costa Rica with the same rights as locals, except in certain concession zones.
Is Coco busy all year?
It has consistent activity year-round, with higher visitor numbers during the dry season and holidays.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes. Calm water, schools, medical services, and recreational facilities make it attractive for families.
Playas del Coco has evolved dramatically over the decades, but it has never drifted away from the ocean that shaped it. From fishing boats at sunrise to sunset walks along the boardwalk, it offers a coastal lifestyle that is both practical and spirited. For those seeking accessibility, energy, and authentic seaside character in one place, Coco continues to make a strong case for itself.
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