Playas del Coco, Pacific coast beach in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica.
Playas del Coco is a Pacific beach town with dark volcanic sand stretching for several kilometers along the Gulf of Papagayo. Three islands are visible from the shore, giving the coastline a layered backdrop.
The settlement began as a small fishing community before rapid tourism growth in the 1990s reshaped it into a major destination. This shift brought new infrastructure and changed the makeup of the population.
The town keeps its fishing roots alive, visible in the boats at the harbor and the way locals gather at markets and casual dining spots. Traditional practices still shape the daily rhythm, even as tourism grows around them.
The beach is accessible year-round, though afternoon rains arrive during the wet season from May through November. Waters are generally calm and suitable for swimming, particularly during months with lighter winds.
The water stays remarkably calm year-round, allowing swimmers to encounter marine life in shallow zones. This natural stillness creates opportunities to watch fish and other sea creatures close to the surface.
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