Costa Rica Real Estate – A Detailed Look at the Best Beaches in the Osa Peninsula Costa Rica By Laura Alvarado – April 16, 2017
The beaches at the Osa Península in the province of Puntarenas Costa Rica are not as popular among vacationists as the beaches in Guanacaste, part of this has to do with the distance, the Osa Península is a long drive from San José, and these region is usually promoted more as an ecotourism destination since the Corovado National Park is located here.
If you haven’t visited the Osa Penísula you are certainly missing out, it is one of the most beautiful and vibrant areas of Costa Rica, a representation of the country, small towns, incredible lush nature and beautiful beaches.
Playa Drake (Drake Beach)
One of the main attractions of the Osa Peninsula, this beach is the biggest in Drake Bay, it is located in the northern side of the peninsula it is one of the best spots to practice scuba diving, but it is also ideal for swimming, kayaking and practicing stand-up-paddle.
Distance from San José: 368km (229 miles) (approximately 7 Hour Drive) Only if you have a 4 x 4 car and the road conditions allow it, otherwise you can drive to Sierpe leave the car in a safe place and then take the water taxi to Drake.
Closest Town: Agujitas and El Progreso
Beach Status: Public
Type of Sand: Smooth –tan
Closest Airport: Drake Bay Landing Strip or Palmar Sur
Selling Points:
1. Beautiful clear water
2. Completely surrounded by nature
3. Amazing view of the Isla del Caño
4. Different lodging facilities that accommodate to your budget.
Disadvantages:
1. Access is complicated
2. The area receives a lot of rain
Recommendations:
Fly! Take a national flight if you don’t want to make the long drive, there are direct flights from San Jose and La Fortuna to Drake Bay, and there’s also a direct flight to Palmar Sur, which many choose to take because from Palmar Sur you can take a water taxi through the Sierpe river which is a adventure on its own.
Extra Notes:
Horseback riding, sportfishing, kayaking are great activities to practice in this area. If you can take a tour to Isla del Caño, this is great opportunity to practice snorkeling or scuba diving.
Playa Ganado:
Also located in Drake Bay, nearby Punta Sierpe, this is a remote location, actually to get to the beach you need to swim across a small estuary.
Distance from San José: 368km (229 miles) (approximately 7 Hour Drive) Only if you have a 4 x 4 car and the road conditions allow it, otherwise you can drive to Sierpe leave the car in a safe place and then take the water taxi to Drake.
Closest Town: Agujitas and El Progreso
Beach Status: Public
Type of Sand: Smooth-Tan
Selling Points:
1. 3km Isolated beach with impressive scenic views
2. Surrounded by untouched nature
3. Good swimming conditions, snorkeling and kayaking
Disadvantages:
1. Difficult access. In order to get to the beach you have to swim a short distance, avoid the estuary mouth during the low tide.
2. There are a few hotels close by but no infrastructure near the beach
Recommendations:
Make your way to the top of the hill to catch the best view of Drake Bay. The surrounding forest is home to a variety of wildlife.
Extra Notes:
There are a couple of small beaches close-by that are worth visiting Playa Amor, located between the towns of El Progreso and Agujitas that has optimal swimming conditions, great for kids.
Playa San Josecito
Situated to the west of Los Planes, 10km south of Drake Bay, close to San Pedrillo, one of the entry points to Corcovado National Park. It’s a horseshoe shaped bay.
Distance from San José: 379km (235 miles) (6-7 hour drive)
Closest town: Agujitas y El Progreso
Beach Status:Public
Type of Sand: Smooth-Tan
Selling Points
1. Natural breakwater makes it very safe
2. Impressive scenic views of the Corcovado National Park
3. Natural pools form during the low tide
4. Perfect for the practice of kayaking , swimming and snorkeling
Disadvantages:
1. Accessing this beach can be done by boat from Drake Bay or Sierpe, or hiking through a jungle trail from Drake Bay, although it is beautiful it is a long walk.
2. It’s the most common stop boats full of tourists heading towards Isla del Caño
Recommendations:
Snorkeling here is great due to the underwater coral formations. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water with you.
Extra Notes
If you are the adventurous type you will want to do the hike from Drake Bay to get here, this could take almost 3 hours, so be prepared for it, it is however totally worth it.
Playa Llorona
This beach is located within the Corcovado National Park, in the area known as La Sirena.
Distance from San José: 379km (235 miles) (6-7 hour drive)
Closest Town:Being within the national park La Sirena ranger station is the closest location
Beach Status: Public but access is restricted through the National Park
Type of Sand: Smooth-Grey
Selling Points
1. One of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica
2. The Llorona River forms a waterfall straight into the ocean that poses the most incredible scene.
Disadvantages:
1. To get here you have to walk from the San Pedrillo Station for approximately 3 hours, the trail is beautiful and many species are easily spotted in the trail.
Recommendations:
Take lots of water and snacks with you.
Extra Notes:
This beach forms a coastal line with Playa Corcovado and Playa Sirena, they each are separated by just the rivers.
Playa Madrigal
Located within the Corcovado National Park, accessible through Carate, to go in the park visitors mus be accompanied by a local tour guide.
Distance from San José: 417.3km (260 miles) (approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes’ drive)
Closes Town: Carate
Beach Status: Public, though protected by the National Park and only accessible through it
Type of Sand: Smooth-Dark Grey
Nearest Aiport: Puerto Jiménez
Selling Points
1. Like all the beaches within the park, it is surrounded by untouched jungle nature
2. Isolated, ideal for long walks and just relaxing
3. Big chances of seeing different mammals and colorful birds.
4. Restrooms and water available in La Leona Ranger Station
Disadvantages:
1. Not the best swimming conditions, there are strong currents
2. Stay away from the estuaries as crocodiles are sometimes found close by
Recommendations:
This beach is a beauty and worth visiting, but it doesn’t have the best conditions to swim or practice other sports.
Extra Notes:
There are two ranger stations nearby but it is wise to take as much water, snacks and other needed items with you since the walk gets tedious. Playa Carate and Playa Piro are on the way to Madrigal. Playa Carate is very visited and is a nesting site for sea turtles.
Playa Matapalo
South tip of the Osa Península, in the area known as Cabo Matapalo
Distance from San José: 390.3km (242.3 miles) (between 6-7 hour drive)
Closest Town: Puerto Jiménez
Beach Status: Public
Type of Sand: Smooth – Light tan
Nearest Aiport: Puerto Jiménez
Selling Points
1. Ideal spot to escape the crowds while enjoying a beautiful beach.
2. Great for surfers
3. Horseback riding and sportfishing are also great activities to enjoy in this beach
Disadvantages:
1. Rocky and hard to enter at low tide.
2. Not the best swimming conditions.
3. No infrastructure
Recommendations:
In this sector there are many small beaches of amazing natural beauty, “Backwash” and Pan Dulce are preferred among surfers, while Playa Carbonera is a good option for those looking to just enjoy a swim,
Extra Notes:
Flying to Puerto Jiménez is always a great option; from this town to Matapalo it’s about a 45 minute drive.
Playa Platanares:
Located 5km from Puerto Jiménez,
Distance from San José: 378km (235 miles)
Nearest Town: Puerto Jiménez
Beach Status: Public
Type of Sand: Smooth- Grey
Nearest Aiport: Puerto Jiménez
Selling Points
1. Excellent swimming conditions and great for kayaking
2. Beautiful area surrounded by nature, birdwatching is a recommended activity.
Disadvantages:
1. The offer of hotels is not huge, you will find either very upscale boutique hotels like Lapa Rios, or alternatives for backpackers.
Recommendations:
The best suggestion we can give you if you want to be comfortable but also save some money is looking for a vacation rental home.
Playa Blanca:
This is the “main” beach at Puerto Jiménez, within the Golfo Dulce
Distance from San José: 351km (218 miles) (approximately 5 hours by car)
Closest Town: La Palma – Puerto Jiménez
Beach Status: Public
Type of Sand: Smooth – Light Grey
Nearest Aiport: Puerto Jiménez
Selling Points
1. Beautiful beach surrounded by green mountains
2. Restrooms and infrastructure available close by
Disadvantages:
1. Gets crowded sometimes by locals
Recommendations:
Visit the charming town of La Palma, towards the southwest you will find the indigenous reserve of Guaymí de Coto Brus; visiting this community is a wonderful educational experience.
Playa Cacao:
Situated in Golfito, this beach can be easily reached by water taxi from the Golfito town or if you have a 4×4 car you may also access by road.
Distance from San José: 340km (211.3 miles) (over 5 hour drive)
Nearest Town: Golfito
Beach Status: Public
Type of Sand: Smooth dark brown
Nearest Aiport: Golfito
Selling Points
1. Pleasant and relaxing spot
2. Safe for swimming as it doesn’t have waves and it not too deep
3. Good conditions for kayaking and SUP
Disadvantages:
1. Not the most beautiful beach you can find in the area but it has its charm
Recommendations:
Restaurants near the beach serve very good fried fish.
Extra Notes:
On the way to the beach you will notice an old deteriorated boat, the story tells this belonged to Capitan Tom, an American who lost a leg during WWII and established in 1954 in Cacao Beach; his grave is just a few steps from the old boat.
Playa Zancudo
This beach is found in the Golfo Dulce, near the town of Golfito and very close to the Panama frontier. It extends for six miles in the small beach town of Zancudo
Distance from San José: 375km (233 miles) (close to 6 hours by car)
Closest Town: Golfito
Beach Status: Public
Type of Sand: Smooth-Grey
Nearest Aiport: Golfito
Selling Points
1. Beautiful paradise away from crowds, one of the best beaches in Costa Rica
2. Restaurants and small stores are found along the beach
3. Sunsets are incredible
4. Good conditions for swimming and even a little surfing although there are not huge waves here.
Disadvantages:
1. Don’t expect a very active party like atmosphere, these beach is ideal to just lay back and do nothing. There are no fancy hotels either
Recommendations
Hoseback riding and sportfishing are good alternatives. Stay away from the mangrove swamp as it is home to crocodiles
Extra Notes:
There are several cabins and lodging facilities in the area. If you need a little more action you can always visit the Golfito National Wildlife Refuge home to a large variety of flora and fauna.
Pavones
Last but not least, Pavones , known to be a surfer’s heaven. This beach is 15 kilometers south from Playa Zancudo.
Distance from San José: 400km (approximately 7-8 hour drive)
Closest Town: Pavones-Zancudo-Golfito
Beach Status: Public
Type of Sand: Grey – smooth in some areas and rocky in others
Nearest Aiport: Golfito
Selling Points
1. Ideal for the practice of surf
2. Small town but with several restaurants and small hotels many of which are owned by expats
Disadvantages:
1. Pavones can get crowded with surfers certain times a year.
2. Mostly recommended for experienced surfers
Recommendations
Besides surfing, sportfishing, horseback riding, bird watching or simply relaxing in the beach are some of the activities visitors enjoy.
Article by By The Costa Rican Times