Playa Conchal Costa Rica

You have your pick of beautiful beaches when you visit Costa Rica, but if there's one that you don't want to miss it's Playa Conchal. Playa Conchal is a stunning beach in Guanacaste province on the Gold Coast. It's one of the most popular to visit and for several excellent reasons. From soft white sands to plenty of opportunities for watersports and other activities, the beach has it all. You'll find a fantastic choice of places to stay nearby too, including accommodation that will give you direct access to the beach.

About Playa Conchal

Conchal means shell (like conch), so Playa Conchal is sometimes called Shell Beach. The name of the beach comes from the white shells that you can sometimes find along the shoreline. The white sand is also made up of millions of white shells that have become finely crushed over many, many years.

You can find a huge range of things to do both on and around the beach, as well as activities within easy reach of the beach. If you want to enjoy what the beach itself and the ocean have to offer, you could snorkel, jet ski, kayak, swim, and more. Close to Playa Conchal, you can also find day trips to go on, including options for hiking, boating, and visiting national parks.

Playa Conchal is close to many other beaches, making it a good place to visit if you're already in the area. You might choose to explore multiple beaches at once, including the nearby Playa Brasilito and Playa Flamingo.

Playa Conchal Location

Playa Conchal is found on the North Pacific Coast. It's conveniently located close to two airports, Tamarindo Airport and Liberia International Airport, which are 30 minutes and 60 minutes away, respectively. Or if you're starting from San Jose and planning to drive, it will take around 4 to 5 hours to complete the trip of just over 160 miles.

The region delivers fortunate weather nearly all year round, with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures. Between the months of December and April are a great time to visit if you're looking for maximum sunshine. This is the drier season, whereas the green season that begins in May usually has more rainfall. However, you can find that any time of year is an opportunity to enjoy the beach and the surrounding area. During the green season, you can often benefit from sunny mornings and early afternoons before it starts to rain later in the day. The lush greenery of these months provides a benefit that many visitors prefer to the dry months.

You can expect the highest average temperatures in March at 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 Celsius). It never really gets cold in the area, but September is the coolest month, with an average temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit or 26 degrees Celsius. October is the rainiest month, so you might want to pick another time to visit if you prefer it to be a little drier.

Things to Do at Playa Conchal

You will never be short of things to do when you visit Playa Conchal. Whether you're someone who loves to get active or you just want to kick back and relax, you can find something that will make your vacation memorable. If lounging on the beach is your thing, you're more than welcome to spend your time soaking up the sun. You can often find chairs and other beach furniture to rent from locals. You might find different prices at different times of the day, depending on how busy it is. If you really want to relax, you can even get a massage while you're on the beach.

But if you're looking for something a little more active to do, there are lots of other activities to consider. Of course, you can just spend time walking along the beach. Just make sure you're wearing shoes because the sand can get pretty hot.

Enjoy Time on the Water

If you prefer being in or on the water to being on the sand, there's a choice of things to do. You can rent several types of sports equipment that will allow you to make the most of the water. Get yourself a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) if you want a gentle but active way to get out on the water and explore. 

Snorkeling is another popular activity, and you can rent snorkeling equipment if you don't have your own. Of course, you can also just go swimming, so there's no need for a snorkel if you just want to float or splash about for a while. Catamaran cruises or fishing in the sea are also options you might like to consider if you're looking for something fun to do.

surfing playa-conchal costa rica

Take an Active Tour

For adventurers, you can discover some thrilling activities close to the beach. Consider taking a tour where you can try out fun things to do nearby. You can discover things like zip lining, horseback riding, or river tubing all not too far from Playa Conchal. There are some fantastic hikes nearby too, so if you want to explore on foot there's lots to see. Try the five waterfalls at Sensoria or other hikes around the Rincon de la Vieja volcano.

Visit a National Park

Playa Conchal is close to some beautiful national parks, which are awesome choices for day trips. Palo Verde National Park is a great choice for the jungle cruise you can take through the fascinating wetlands. Marino las Baulas National Park is well-known for its sea turtles, making it the perfect place to visit if you're looking for marine wildlife. There's also Santa Rosa National Park, which was Costa Rica's first national park.

Each of these locations offers opportunities to see birds, marine life, monkeys, and lots of other flora and fauna. These national parks are easily accessible from Playa Conchal, making amazing day trips or half-day trips that allow you to see more of the region.

Check Out Other Beaches

Playa Conchal is also close to a number of other beaches. You can walk from Playa Conchal to other beaches that border it, or you could consider a short drive to some other beaches in the area.

Playa Brasilito is between Playa Conchal and the town of Brasilito. It's a popular beach with locals who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city on weekends, but it's a great beach for visitors too. Playa Brasilito is a small fishing village that has a 2km beach, where you can swim, snorkel, and generally enjoy the sand. Past Playa Brasilito, you'll find Playa Flamingo. This beach is where you will find lots of luxury resorts, as well as plenty to do. On top of the usual swimming and snorkeling, you can go scuba diving, sailing, fishing, and more.

 

Go Golfing

If you're a golf fan, the region is excellent for playing a few rounds. The Reserva Conchal Golf Course is nearby, offering a full 18 holes to practice your swing across 7,000 yards. The beautiful course may be slightly unexpected for visitors to Costa Rica, but it's a fun way to take in the beauty of the local landscape.

reserva conchal golf course
 

Places to Eat and Drink Near Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal isn't close to any big towns, but there are still many independent restaurants and bars in the local area. . You can also find restaurants, bars, and other hospitality options within hotels, resorts, and other properties that are on the beach. You might choose to stay in an all-inclusive hotel or visit the on-site restaurant at Reserva Conchal. Brasilito isn't far away, and you can find more options for eating and drinking there too. Other nearby villages such as Flamingo and Tamarindo also offer options, with Tamarindo offering many of the best nightlife options.

Where to Stay Near Playa Conchal

So where should you stay if you want to visit Playa Conchal? Staying right on the beach is the best option if you want to have access every day. Reserva Conchal is a gated community that offers a number of accommodation options, including condo rentals at Jobo 9.

Jobo 9 offers easy access to the beach, as well as to six trails that are perfect for exploring local flora and fauna. The condominium complex features a private pool and access to the Beach Club, which has a restaurant, gym, and spa right on the beach. Kayaks and SUPs are available for you to take out on the water too.

During your stay, you get all of the home comforts you need in your condo. From smart TVs to ample space, the condo is designed to make your stay memorable. Inquire about a reservation today and start exploring everything Playa Conchal has to offer.