What makes Playa Conchal, Costa Rica, so unique and different? The beach seems like any other, but when you get to it, you realize that it’s all white shells and not sand.
Everyone claims that it’s the best beach in Costa Rica, and world travelers often vote it as a favorite tourist spot.
Getting to Conchal Beach can be a little tricky, though. There’s no public beach access. If you plan to visit, save this guide to learn more about visiting, where to stay, and what to do.
Let’s learn more about this beach lover’s dream now!
Where Is Conchal Beach?
Conchal Beach is found in the northwestern province of Costa Rica in Guanacaste. It’s roughly 38.5 miles (62 kilometers) from the Liberia Airport, which serves the area.
However, you may decide to use Tamarindo Airport. This is the closest domestic option in the area.
What to Know Before Visiting Playa Conchal
If you’re staying at a resort, you can likely skip this section. Alternatively, if you only plan to stay for a day, here are some tips:
- Those who visit Playa Conchal from Brasilito will have to walk about 20 minutes on another beach before getting to the white-shelled beauty.
- There are absolutely no facilities, including restaurants, picnic tables, changing rooms, showers, and bathrooms. Make sure you wear your swimsuit if you wish to swim. Bring towels, sunglasses, hats, drinks, food, and water. Locals will often set up booths offering meals and alcoholic beverages.
- During the dry season, Conchal Beach experiences bioluminescence on some nights. Though it’s random, we recommend keeping your eyes open and crossing your fingers for luck to see it.
- Conchal Beach gets extremely packed from December to April, as well as on the weekends and during Easter and Christmas. It’s wise to go very early in the morning to enjoy it without so many crowds. Likewise, May and November might be the best time of the year to go.
- The waves here can be very strong. Be careful; be sure you use the buddy system to avoid issues. You may also want to take swimming lessons before your trip.
Getting to Conchal Beach
Because there’s no direct access to Conchal Beach, you’ll have to go through Playa Brasilito. Simply park your vehicle in the neighboring town, walking across that sandy area to get where you want to go. It takes about 20 minutes.
Parking for Conchal Beach – The Brasilito Parking Lot
The “Brasilito Parking Lot” is in the heart of the town and quite close to the pedestrian entrance. You’ll see guards in orange vests, and they do charge about 3000 CRC. We recommend leaving your valuables at home or in the hotel safe, making sure to lock all the doors and roll up the windows in the car.
Street parking is allowed if you don’t want to pay a fee. However, it’s “at your own risk.” While it’s not a dangerous town, it’s still wise to be aware of your surroundings.
Walking Across Brasilito Beach
From the Brasilito parking lot, which faces the ocean, you’ll walk to the left down a road, which comes to a dead end for vehicles.
You’ll keep walking to the left. Don’t fear getting lost because there will be plenty of other people heading to Conchal Beach. Be prepared for the trip to take about 15 minutes on dark and compact sand.
We generally recommend wearing good shoes for the walk. The sand will get very hot, and it could penetrate flip-flops or light sandals.
Alternative Way to Get to Playa Conchal, Costa Rica
Some people prefer to go by car to Playa Conchal. You’ll drive to Puerto Viejo and can park right on the beach. This will be the western side.
If you wish to see all the white shells, though, you must walk to the other side of Conchal Beach, which takes about 25 minutes. Typically, the locals stay by the Puerto Viejo area because it’s less crowded.
Ultimately, you’ll need a vehicle with high clearance, especially if you visit the area during the rainy season. Again, make sure you don’t leave valuables in your car. There is no secure parking lot on the beach.
Visit Conchal Beach
Conchal is often voted as one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches. Some say it’s the best in the world. You’ll enjoy crystal-clear waters, and the shore features tiny white shells instead of sand.
The glimmering shells are perfect, but your eyes will likely be called to the warm, turquoise waters. Both tourists and the locals love this beach.
Just be aware that Conchal’s waves aren’t calm. If you have children, make sure to watch them carefully.
At the east end of the beach, you’ll see countless shells. However, if you go to the left (west), there are fewer of them. This is because the tourists often take them. Remember that you should only leave your footprints and enjoy the memories when you visit here.
Consider walking toward the west side of the beach to see the small estuary. Reserva Conchal in Costa Rica protects the dry tropical forest, estuaries, and mangroves.
When to Go to Conchal Beach
Ultimately, you can go to Conchal Beach any time. Most people visit in May, November, and June because there are fewer people around, and it’s quite green.
Weather in Playa Conchal, Costa Rica
Conchal is in Guanacaste, which is one of the driest and hottest provinces in Costa Rica. While it’s sunny and warm all year long, it does follow the typical rainy season patterns from May through November.
The temperatures are often over 90 degrees Fahrenheit in March and April, but the rainiest months are in November and October. You’ll usually experience high humidity levels.
During the dry season, the mountains will turn yellow. However, in the rainy season, everything is a deep green. It’s beautiful to see the lush forest paired with the white shore and bright turquoise water.
Overall, Costa Rica’s weather can’t be beaten, regardless of when you visit.
Hotels in Playa Conchal
Costa Rica is unique because it has an exclusive development process, which is shared by Westin Playa Conchal and Reserva Conchal. We recommend both properties when you want a beautiful resort experience. Let’s learn more about them:
The W (Reserva Conchal)
The W at Reserva Conchal is nestled within the tropical landscape in Guanacaste Province. It’s an oasis of tranquility and luxury.
You’ll enjoy unparalleled amenities, a stylish design, and sleek architecture at Reserva Conchal. In fact, it’s considered a haven of comfort and sophistication.
When you stay at Reserva Conchal, indulge in the lavish spa, world-class dining, and many outdoor adventures.
Most people aren’t aware that Reserva Conchal is home to a championship golf course. Play a few rounds and then explore the beautiful tropical rainforests and beaches surrounding the resort.
While it isn’t an all-inclusive resort, you’ll still enjoy adventure, relaxation, and a touch of paradise at Reserva Conchal.
Westin Playa Conchal – An All-inclusive Resort/Spa
You’ll also find the Westin Playa Conchal resort, which is set against a backdrop of pristine beaches and lush tropical landscapes. It offers various world-class amenities, such as upscale accommodations, gourmet dining options, and a beautiful spa.
Whether you want to lounge by the infinity pool, enjoy tee-time at the Robert Trent Jones II golf course, or simply munch on some fish tacos between meals, there are so many options.
There are plenty of thrilling adventures to take, but the resort offers endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. You’ll enjoy exceptional service and unparalleled beauty. The Westin Playa Conchal Resort promises you an unforgettable escape into paradise. If you want the best Costa Rican getaway, this is the place to go.
What to Do in Playa Conchal
Do you want to make new friends or just enjoy a relaxing getaway? There are many things to do in Playa Conchal. The locals often rent out equipment and will take credit cards, though they prefer cash.
You can pay in CRC, but USD is welcome. Here are a few things to do while here:
Snorkeling
If you want to snorkel on Playa Conchal, the east end (close to Brasilito) is the best place. You’ll see tons of shells. During the low tides, you can see the fish swimming around the rocks.
Renting a Canopy or Chairs at Conchal Beach
Many locals at the beach will rent out snorkeling equipment, chairs, and canopies on Conchal Beach. The prices can vary by day, but it costs roughly 10,000 Costa Rican Colones, which is about $18 for two people to enjoy all the perks.
Generally, the canopies are beside the rocky beach areas, which is perfect. You’ll likely snorkel at that end because it has more white shells than other places.
Massages
Getting a massage at the beach sounds a little strange, but many locals set up stands. They’re usually inexpensive, so you can relax while in the most calming area of the world.
Jet Ski Rentals
Locals are often on the beach and will allow you to rent almost anything, including jet skis. It’s wise to negotiate prices, and there are also tours you can take so that you don’t miss anything.
Swimming
Costa Rica is known for its beaches, and you can swim at all of them. However, the waves at Conchal Beach can be rough. We recommend keeping toddlers, babies, and young children close to the edge.
Kayaking
You can do so many things on Conchal Beach, depending on your preferences and budget. People often rent kayaks or stand-up paddle boards and hit the waves. Again, be careful because there are strong rip tides in this area.
Check Out the Viewpoint
Once you arrive at Conchal Beach, you’ll see a hill separating it from Brasilito. It’s called Punta Conchal, and most people walk past it because they don’t notice it. However, there’s a trail that you can follow to experience stunning views of both areas.
The trail is quite narrow and goes through bushes. You might experience some loose rocks, so be careful. Luckily, it’s easier to see and hike in the dry season, but you may not get up there after it’s rained for a while.
Experience the Wildlife
On the northwestern coast of Guanacaste, you’ll find many animal species. There are plenty of chances to spot wildlife.
Since Playa Conchal is near the Palo Verde National Park, the Tamarindo Mangroves, and the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, you’ll have many opportunities to see all types of wildlife.
Visit the Reserva Conchal Golf Course
When in Costa Rica, people rarely think about tee-time or golfing. However, the Robert Trent Jones II golf course at Reserva Conchal is a beautiful place. If you enjoy this sport, it’s wise to visit so that you can say you’ve been there.
There are other golf courses to enjoy, as well. Don’t forget to check them out.
Horseback Riding
Sometimes, people prefer to stay on dry land. You can still enjoy the area by taking a horseback tour along the beach. Typically, the horses travel through shady trails, which is perfect when scouting wildlife.
Sportfishing
The waters off of Guanacaste are full of Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, Sailfish, and Mahi-Mahi. Take a fishing excursion on the high seas to catch some beautiful fish. Read about my list sport fishing trip on this page.
The Top Conchal Day Trips
If you plan to stay at either of the two hotels or in Brasilito, you’re in an excellent location. This city has so many fun things to do and various day tours available.
Here are some of the day tours to consider in Guanacaste, Costa Rica:
- Scuba diving in the Catalina Islands
- The Guachipelin Adventure Tour
- The Diamante Eco Adventure Park
- Boating in the Playas del Coco
- The Ostional Wildlife Refuge
- Day tours in Monteverde
- Day tours at Arenal Volcano
- The Rincon de la Vieja National Park
- Catarata Llanos de Cortes
- Rio Celeste
- Visiting the beaches in Las Catalinas, Danta, Flamingo, Potrero, Brasilito, Mina, Avellenas, Langosta, and Taramindo
A Few Other Beaches to Visit in Costa Rica
While Conchal might be the most popular beach in Costa Rica, there are many others to consider, as well. Here are a few of them:
- Playa Prieta – This is a small beach near Flamingo and Las Catalinas.
- Playa Cabuyal – This is a local white-sand beach found in the Gulf of Papagayo.
- Santa Teresa – This is a booming surf town found in the Nicoya Peninsula.
- Mal Pais – Check out this small fishing village, which is near Santa Teresa in the Nicoya Peninsula.
- Jaco – You’ll find this small surfing beach town roughly 1.5 hours away from San Jose. It’s actually the most developed area in Costa Rica.
- Flamingo – This is an upscale beach community close to Conchal. It offers fishing, scuba diving, and a large marina to enjoy and explore.
Visit Costa Rica’s Conchal Beach for Relaxation
Are you ready for a Costa Rican getaway? Relaxation and tranquility are on the menu at Playa Conchal. Whether you enjoy golfing, swimming, hiking, or snorkeling, there are plenty of things to do in the area.
Get off the beaten path, explore the white-shell beach everyone raves about, view the ocean, and stay in a glorious hotel. You’ll experience new food items, relax in the spa, and enjoy luxury accommodations!