Activities & Attractions | Coco Garden Suites Vacation Rentals

Start making those dreams a reality, immerse in local culture, nature and adventure. costa rica offers an abundance of incredible activities and attractions to experience!

Local Activities in Playas del Coco

Sport Fishing

Playas del Coco is one of the top fishing hubs in Guanacaste. Guests can book half-day or full-day charters right from Coco Beach. Common catches include mahi-mahi, tuna, snapper, roosterfish, sailfish, and marlin. Great for adventure-seekers or families wanting a memorable day on the water.

Snorkeling & Boat Tours

Multiple tour operators along the beach offer snorkeling trips to nearby coves, sea caves, and islands. Expect colorful fish, turtles, rays, dolphins, and sometimes whales during migration season.

Sunset Catamaran Cruises

Luxury catamarans depart daily from Coco and neighboring beaches. Guests enjoy snorkeling, open bar, a chef-prepared meal, and a spectacular Pacific sunset.

Surf Lessons (Nearby Beaches)

While Coco itself is calm, surfing beaches like Tamarindo, Playa Grande, and Playa Avellanas are easy day trips. Local shops in Coco can arrange lessons and boards.

Turtle Nesting Tours (Seasonal)

From October to March, guided evening tours to Playa Grande or Ostional allow guests to witness turtles nesting — a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Dolphin & Turtle Watching

Year-round chances to see dolphins (spotted, bottlenose, spinner) and seasonal sea turtles. Most tours leave right from Coco Beach.

ATV & Dirt Biking Tours & Rentals

Book a guided adventure or rent your own ATV/dirt bike for independent exploring. Forest trails, mountain views, hidden beaches—and easy pick-up in Coco.

Horseback Riding on the Beach

Enjoy a guided ride along the sand or through tropical forest trails. A calm and scenic experience suitable for beginners or experienced riders.

Yoga & Wellness Classes

Beachfront hotels and studios offer walk-up yoga sessions — sunrise, sunset, or candlelit.

Shopping & Artisan Boutiques

Walk Coco’s colorful main street for souvenirs, handmade jewelry, artisanal crafts, clothing, pottery, and local art.

Pickleball

Serve, rally, repeat! Pickleball courts near by, perfect for a friendly match before hitting the beach.

Local Markets & Grocery Stores

Playas del Coco has several grocery stores within walking distance, making it easy for guests to stock up on essentials, snacks, beverages, and fresh ingredients for their suite kitchen. Auto Mercado and other local supermarkets offer everything from fresh produce and bakery items to wine, international foods, and beach supplies.

Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Stands

Along Coco’s main street and side roads, guests will find small fruit vendors selling local favorites such as pineapple, mango, papaya, watermelon, passionfruit, bananas, and avocados. It’s a great way to experience authentic Costa Rican flavors and support local families.

Weekly Artisan & Outdoor Markets (Seasonal)

Depending on the time of year, Coco hosts small outdoor pop-up markets where guests can browse handmade crafts, jewelry, natural body products, baked goods, spices, and eco-friendly treasures. A fun local walk-and-shop experience.

Nightlife & Live Music

Bars and restaurants along the beach and main street host live bands, Latin nights, karaoke, DJs, and beach bonfires. Great energy without needing a car.

Get a Massage (In-Town or In-Suite)

Playas del Coco offers several excellent massage therapists and spas within walking distance — from deep-tissue to relaxing aromatherapy. Many also provide in-suite massages, bringing the spa experience straight to your private suite, patio or by the pool.

Manicures & Pedicures

Guests can treat themselves to a fresh manicure or pedicure at nearby salons just minutes away on foot. Great for a vacation refresh, pre-dinner touch-up, or a relaxing rainy-day activity.

Hair Styling & Blowouts

Local salons offer haircuts, blowouts, beach-wave styling, and special-occasion looks. Perfect before a night out, photo session, or romantic dinner by the ocean.

Barber Services

Playas del Coco has several barbershops and grooming studios offering classic haircuts, clean shaves, beard shaping, and modern styling. Walkable from town, these shops provide a relaxing, polished experience — perfect before a night out, a special dinner, or freshening up mid-vacation.

Top Tourist Attractions Near Playas Del Coco

Playa Ocotal

~3–4 km • 5–7 min

A quiet cove with dark volcanic sand and exceptional snorkeling. Guests often spot tropical fish right from shore. Great for relaxing, swimming, and taking in coastal views without crowds.

Playa Hermosa

~8 km • 10 min

A serene, family-friendly beach with soft waves, calm swimming, beachfront restaurants, and some of the best sunset views in the region. Perfect for a peaceful day on the sand.

Diamante Eco Adventure Park

~25 km • 30 min

This world-class adventure park offers one of the longest ocean-view zip lines in Costa Rica, plus a wildlife sanctuary with jaguars, sloths, toucans, and monkeys. Add in botanical gardens, horseback riding, and ocean panoramas for a full day of excitement.

Llanos de Cortez Waterfall

~60 km • 1 hr

One of Costa Rica’s most stunning waterfalls: wide, powerful, and surrounded by lush jungle. The shallow pool below is perfect for swimming and cooling off. Ideal for families, couples, and photographers.

Palo Verde National Park

~75 km • 1 hr 20 min

A wildlife sanctuary famous for riverboat safaris along the Tempisque River. Spot crocodiles, white-faced monkeys, iguanas, herons, spoonbills, and dozens of tropical bird species. A relaxed and educational nature tour.

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

~70 km • 1 hr 15 min

A spectacular volcanic park filled with bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, lush forests, and scenic viewpoints. Guests can explore waterfalls, spot monkeys and exotic birds, or relax at nearby natural hot springs. Perfect for adventure-seekers and nature lovers.

Sensoria “Land of Senses” Rainforest

~100 km • 1 hr 45–2 hrs

A private rainforest reserve offering luxury hiking experiences, blue thermal pools, tree-top viewing platforms, and pristine jungle. A premium eco-tour for guests who want beauty, tranquility, and an elevated nature experience.

Monkey Head Rock

~ 10–20 min by boat

A uniquely shaped rock formation rising from the sea with incredible underwater life. Popular for snorkeling, diving, and wildlife viewing. Guests often encounter turtles, schools of fish, and sometimes rays.

Playa Conchal

~48 km • 1 hr

Famous for its shimmering shoreline made of crushed seashells and its unbelievably clear turquoise water. A postcard-perfect beach with great swimming and luxury beach clubs nearby.

Playa Flamingo

~45 km • 50–60 min

A gorgeous white-sand beach with a brand-new world-class marina, dining, catamaran tours, and upscale beachfront lounges. Ideal for a sophisticated day trip.

Liberia City

~35 km • 30–35 min

Convenient for shopping, groceries, pharmacies, museums, banks, and historic architecture. Helpful for guests needing supplies or wanting a taste of local Costa Rican culture.

Butterfly & Eco Gardens

~5–15 km • 10–20 min

Small, family-friendly sanctuaries offering up-close encounters with butterflies, frogs, sloths, and tropical plants. A gentle activity loved by kids and nature enthusiasts.

Santa Rosa National Park

~49 km • 50–60 min

One of Costa Rica’s oldest national parks. Known for its protected beaches, surfing spots, dry forest ecosystems, and La Casona — a historic site from Costa Rica’s 1856 battle for independence. Great for history buffs and nature explorers.

Guaitil Indigenous Pottery Village

~85 km • 1 hr 30 min

A cultural stop where guests can watch Chorotega artisans create traditional pottery using ancient techniques. Beautiful, authentic, and perfect for unique souvenirs.

Playa Avellanas (“Little Hawaii”)

~100 km • 1 hr 45 min

A relaxed surf beach with natural beauty, tide pools, and the iconic beachfront restaurant Lola’s. Excellent for day-trippers who want a boho, laid-back vibe away from crowds.

Marino Las Baulas National Park (Playa Grande)

~65 km • 1 hr 15 min

A protected nesting site for leatherback sea turtles. During nesting season (Oct–Mar), guests can sometimes join guided nighttime turtle tours.

Attractions A Bit Further From Playas del Coco

Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna

~150 km • 2 hr 45–3 hr

One of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations. Arenal rises dramatically from the jungle and creates a landscape filled with hot springs, waterfalls, hanging bridges, and wildlife. Guests can soak in natural thermal pools, hike lava trails, explore the famous La Fortuna Waterfall, or take guided rainforest tours. A perfect full-day or overnight adventure with breathtaking scenery and luxury spa experiences.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

~125 km • 2 hr 45–3 hr

A mystical mountaintop forest where clouds drift through the trees. Known for its hanging bridges, canopy tours, rare birds (including the Resplendent Quetzal), and lush biodiversity. Cooler temperatures make it a refreshing break from the coast. Ideal for guests seeking nature, adventure, and unforgettable photos.

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

~155 km • 3 hrs

One of Costa Rica’s most luxurious hot-spring experiences. Tabacón features a network of natural thermal rivers flowing through lush rainforest, surrounded by waterfalls, volcanic stone pathways, tropical gardens, and serene soaking pools. Guests can enjoy spa treatments, adults-only quiet zones, and beautifully landscaped thermal cascades. Perfect for honeymooners, couples, and anyone seeking a premium wellness escape near Arenal.

Rio Perdido Hot Springs & Canyon

~120 km • 2 hr

A hidden gem: a luxury eco-resort set on 600 acres of private forest with warm mineral rivers flowing through dramatic canyons. Guests can enjoy thermal pools, suspension bridges, mountain biking, hiking, ziplining, and serene jungle relaxation. A more peaceful, boutique-style alternative to Arenal’s larger resorts.

Celeste River Tubing (Bajos del Toro or Guatuso Area)

~140km • 2 hr 30 min

A thrilling tubing experience on bright turquoise waters surrounded by lush rainforest. Suitable for adventurous travelers who love water activities and incredible scenery.

Tenorio Volcano National Park (Beyond Rio Celeste)

~110–120 km • 2 hr

Beyond the famous waterfall, the region offers deep jungle hiking, wildlife, and beautiful viewpoints. Great for travelers who want the “untouched rainforest” experience.

Playa Samara

~115 km • 2 hr 15 min

A calm, crescent-shaped beach perfect for families, kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. The town is charming, walkable, and has a great relaxed energy.

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