A water sports and recreation gateway surrounded by palm-lined beaches and rocky bays, Playas del Coco is under an hour from Liberia, Costa Rica’s Daniel Oduber Quiros International Aiport (LIR). Relax on white sand beaches, or stroll the black sand beach beneath the cliffs at Playa Ocotal. Dive, snorkel, swim, surf, fish, bird-watch, kayak, sail, jet ski, hike, bike, golf, and horseback ride.

Playas del Coco has sunset cruises, rainforest canopy and zip-line tours, mud baths, hot springs, and day tours to sea turtle nesting areas and inland volcanoes. Take the whole family on a shopping trip to Liberia, with a break to picnic, sunbathe, and swim at Llanos de Cortez Waterfall. For some excitement, punctuate a leisurely Coribici River rafting trip with a few class II rapids. Tee off along the Pacific Ocean for 18 holes at Playa Conchal’s Garra de Leon golf course, enjoying the mountains, parakeets, and howler monkeys.

Boat tours are a good way to survey the mountainous coast line, with its many beaches and mangrove estuaries. Be on the lookout for humpback whales and dolphins as you sail. Swim, snorkel, relax in the sun, and explore the many beaches to the south of Playas del Coco. Explore the rocky coves around Playa Penca, Playa Preita, and Playa Pan de Azucar (Sugar Beach). Admire the long white sand beach and boats docked at Playa Flamingo. Enjoy a seafood meal and admire the fishing fleet in the crescent-shaped bay around Playa Potrero.

Experienced scuba divers will appreciate viewing the entire food chain from plankton to manta rays and reef sharks. The Bats Islands and Catalinas Islands, 15-20 miles offshore, are renowned for their giant manta rays, cownose rays, eagle rays, and bull sharks. Closer to shore, there are many snorkeling and diving spots where you can potentially see reef sharks, seahorses, octopuses, turtles, and a kaleidoscopic array of puffers, parrotfish, and other coral reef fish.