Playa Penca, Beach in Sardinal, Costa Rica
Playa Penca is a beach in Sardinal with white sand sitting between rocky outcrops on the peninsula that separates Playa del Coco from Playa Hermosa. The site sits in Guanacaste and has a natural boundary created by the rocky formations.
The beach stayed mostly undeveloped until 2024 when the Nekajui resort project by Ritz-Carlton started construction. This marked the first major building effort on this quiet stretch of coast.
Local people gather here regularly with hammocks and food, following how they have always spent time by the sea. This daily presence shapes the beach's character and how it feels when you visit.
You need to walk about ten minutes from the parking area down an uneven path to reach the sand. No facilities or services are available on the beach itself.
The waters here hold many marine animals, including spotted eagle rays with wingspans around 11 feet (3.4 meters). These rays often swim close to the surface where visitors can spot them.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
