Plan a CruisePlayas del Coco Cruise Port Guide
Playas del Coco, affectionately known as "El Coco" by locals or "Coco Beach" by international visitors, is a vibrant former fishing village in Costa Rica's Guanacaste province. While a new cruise dock is planned, ships currently likely use tender boats to bring passengers ashore, possibly to a beach with the village just a 5-minute walk away. This lively beach town offers a relaxing atmosphere for souvenir shopping, enjoying local cuisine, or simply admiring the scenery with a refreshing fruit cocktail. Water taxi services are available to connect to other popular tourist towns such as Tamarindo, Flamingo, Hermosa, and Papagayo.
Getting Around from the Port
Upon disembarkation via tender boat, you'll likely arrive at a beach close to the town center, making Playas del Coco easily walkable. For exploring beyond Coco Beach, water taxis provide convenient connections to nearby tourist hubs like Tamarindo, Flamingo, Hermosa, and Papagayo. No specific costs for water taxis are provided, so inquire locally. Public transport or dedicated taxi services within Playas del Coco itself are not detailed, suggesting the main area is compact enough to navigate on foot.
Attractions and Activities
Playas del Coco and its surroundings offer a variety of activities for your day in port:
- Corobici River Float Trip: Experience a serene float trip on the Corobici River, a popular choice for nature lovers.
- Rainforest Canopy Zip-lining: Soar through the rainforest canopy on an exhilarating zip-line adventure.
- Snorkeling at Playa Ocotal: Head to the nearby Playa Ocotal, known for its black sand, clear waters, and numerous coves, perfect for snorkeling. You can reach this spot by zodiac or local transport.
- Sea Kayaking: Rent a sea kayak to explore the rocky headlands north and south of the main beach, as well as discover secluded nearby beaches.
- Nearby Towns: Utilize water taxis to visit other charming coastal towns like Tamarindo, Flamingo, Hermosa, and Papagayo.
Numerous local tour companies in Playas del Coco can arrange these and many other activities. Important Safety Tip: If you plan to travel outside of the main towns, protection against mosquito bites is crucial. The CDC recommends wearing lightweight long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and using insect repellents with high concentrations of DEET.
Dining & Shopping
Playas del Coco boasts a selection of restaurants and cafes where you can relax, enjoy a meal, or sip on a delicious local drink or fruit cocktail while taking in the colorful scenery. For shopping, you'll find various opportunities for souvenir hunting around town. Most shops typically operate from Monday to Saturday, between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM, though hours can vary.
Safety
No specific general safety concerns beyond standard travel advice were noted for Playas del Coco. However, for those venturing outside the main town areas, it's important to be aware of mosquitoes. Follow the recommendations under the 'Excursions' section regarding appropriate clothing and insect repellent.
Currency and Language
The local currency in Costa Rica is the Colón (plural Colones). The exchange rate is approximately 575 Colones to 1 US Dollar. ATMs are widely available in most areas and typically dispense both US Dollars and Colones. While credit cards are generally accepted in tourist establishments, it's wise to carry some local currency for smaller purchases. Traveler's checks are rarely used. Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in areas frequented by international tourists. For emergencies, dial 911. Many cafes in tourist areas also offer free WiFi for customers.