The Beach Chocolate Factory
The Beach Chocolate Factory
The Beach Chocolate Factory
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
About
We offer artisan chocolate of high quality made from the best ingredients and Costa Rican cacao, harvested directly from our own farm - "tree-to-bar"! We also offer the popular interactive workshops during which you will learn everything you always wanted to know about the origin, history, nature and culture of cacao and chocolate! You will also participate in peeling fresh roasted cacao beans and turn them into your own personal chocolate treat!
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingWhat is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
62 within 3 miles
Attractions
16 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Kristen J5 contributionsChocolate - start to finishThe Chocolate Master , Henrika, hosted a private chocolate experience for my husband and I. He provides these at his home or off site now rather than the storefront . From the Weston we took an Uber to his location. The class was on his front porch and was fantastic . We learned about the cacao framing process and made our own chocolate pieces from the beans we grinded ! It was fun and informative.Visited October 2024Traveled with familyWritten October 21, 2024
- LoveTravel947344 contributionsWonderful Experience!This was the best chocolate experience we have had. The three kids in our group (4,6 and 11) loved how hands-on things were. Henrik was a wealth of information and his love for chocolate was evident. We loved having a chance to understand the process from tree to chocolate. Getting to grind the beans ourselves and make some delicious chocolate was a special experience that we thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommend this!Visited December 2024Traveled with familyWritten December 3, 2024
- cbwzr11 contributionsDo the workshop with Henrik!I definitely recommend that you schedule a workshop with Henrik, the chocolate master. It was one of our favorite activities on our vacation. This private, hands-on class was outside on Henrik's front porch. It was a fun, interactive way to learn about how chocolate is grown and processed. Plus we each left with the chocolate that we designed and made!Visited January 2025Traveled with familyWritten January 18, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
87 reviews
Excellent
80
Very good
5
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
JJMcG66
Saint Louis, MO37 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Wonderfully immersive hands on workshop led by owner and entrepreneur Henrik Bodholdt. Henrik shares his passion and many decade’s worth of knowledge and expertise in a friendly and engaging workshop. Everyone gets to make their own chocolate starting with the raw bean, and learn all about the process and variations along the way. We all now feel like we are true chocolate connoisseurs. Our group ranged from 60+ to 5 years of age and Henrik adjusted the presentation so that there was value and fun for everyone. Shoutout to Alvaro at Alvaro Best Beach Concierge for arranging the workshop - highly highly recommended experience.
Written July 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Corey J
Bozeman, MT7 contributions
Jun 2021
We stopped into the shop hoping for a tour, but no tours right now. However, he gave us a wonderful taste of what he does, including award winning chocolates that you could taste why they were winners. Super fun, fast, and well worth it.
Written June 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
glenrhoward
Newcastle, WA10 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
Wow! We had a great time learning about the cacao and how chocolate is made. Very hands on and tasty fun at the same time. I would highly recommend you do this tour if your in the Playa Conchal area on a Friday! Mucho Gracias Henrich!
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MelloInMN
Minneapolis, MN85 contributions
Jan 2020
WOW! I thought I knew how to make chocolate, but turns out, I only knew how to eat it! We had the extreme pleasure of meeting with Henrik and experiencing how to make chocolate. Now, I'll be honest, my homemade chocolate did not turn out as well as the bars at TBCF, so be sure to buy a few for your travels home. Awesome, awesome experience!
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nico Tomacelli
Woodinville, WA33 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
WOW! What an incredible and unique experience we had here. We had the privilege of meeting Henrik (owner) today and experienced first hand not only how to make chocolate from start to finish (which you get to eat) but also received a phenomenal history lesson on cacao and chocolate making. I could share more but I’d spoil the great experience you’d have visiting and experiencing for yourself. If you find yourself anywhere near Playa Conchal/Tamarindo/Brasilito, this is an absolute must do. This is chocolate in its most purest form. I look forward to bringing my daughter back one day to experience this! 😀
Written November 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Britishcats
Olathe, KS154 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
I have taken cooking classes and food tours in many locations but this chocolate making class at the Beach Chocolate Factory was one of the most enjoyable. If you are near Brasilito and can get reservations for the Friday only class, it’s well worth the time. Highly recommended.
Written January 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the accolades! Always a pleasure to share the wonders of cacao and chocolate with other people passionate and enthusiastic about good quality food!
Written January 30, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gina G
Twin Falls, ID32 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
I was so glad we booked this educational tour with Henrik, he educated us on how chocolate is grown and made. We were able to get the cocoa beans, shell them and make our own chocolate. Definitely worth the time and money.
Written February 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bibo26
Winnipeg68 contributions
Mar 2013 • Friends
The Beach Chocolate Factory is a great place to check out if you like chocolate. It was interesting learning all about the history of chocolate, the cacao tree, harvesting, and processing. Henrik gave us a hands on demonstration of how the cocoa beans are roasted, shelled, and ground. Then we made our own tasty chocolate treats to take home. We came with friends, but it would be a great experience, and a nice afternoon out of the sun, for people of all ages.
Written January 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim B
Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica2 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
Yum! Yum! A Very tasty time was had by the whole family at the Beach Chocolate Factory Chocolate workshop. From tree to fruit, to roasting the beans, grinding the chocolate and making chocolates to take home. This was an amazing hands-on workshop and educational experience. Henrick is a wealth of knowledge on chocolate making and its history in Costa Rica. Can't wait to go again!
Written September 1, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LoriF309253
Puyallup, WA18 contributions
Sep 2012 • Couples
The Beach Chocolate Factory is a perfect treat for couples wanting to experience something together..but it is also a perfect decant experience with friends and family. My husband and I enjoyed the experience in very different ways, he was very hands on while I took notes and lots of pictures. All the senses come alive from listening to the history of the Cacao Bean to all the different ways one must touch and prepare it for tasting. Getting it is readied for roasting and oh the aroma is divine and you just can't for the chocolate to be ready for you to delight in the tastes, that first wonderful taste. When the jubilant class came to a close, we couldn't stop talking about the delightful experience from begining to end and the discoveries and sheer fun we had in making this delightful treat. Everyone should experience Henrik and his AUMazing Beach Chocolate Factory every time they are in the area. It will be delight for all the senses for sure.
Written July 26, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I genuinely enjoy it when my guests feel the inspiration and react with sheer poetry. I agree it challenges all your senses, taste buds, brain, heart, and some guests have trouble defining their feelings when they get to taste their own creations made from the purest and freshly roasted cocoa - thank you for voicing your feelings.
Written July 28, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Is it possible to make chocolate with coconut-sugar instead of the ‘normal’ sugar?
Written August 11, 2018
hello. We do not normally use coconut sugar as it is extremely expensive here, about ten times the cost of the local raw cane sugar, but you are more than welcome to bring your own coconut sugar if you have a favorite sort or brand. Or, if you contact us with due notice we will be happy to buy some for you to use in the workshop.
Written August 12, 2018
How long are the classes and how much chocolate do you eat/take home?
Written June 27, 2018
It lasts about an hour. You will make your own chocolate from scratch. I think we made about 25g of chocolate each. There is also chocolate to purchase which is excellent. Not the mass produced stuff. It's real chocolate and tastes fantastic.
I hope this answers your question.
Nic
Written June 27, 2018
Are your products/workshop gluten free?
Written November 7, 2017
Yes, we are 100% gluten free, and at our workshop everyone gets to choose their own ingredients, i.e. you can go dairy free completely too.
Written November 9, 2017
Hi Henrik, Thank you for the response. Not sure where you are located. Staying at the Nany, how far are you from there and in which direction?
Written July 26, 2017
You are about 1 kilometer from us. If you click the map here on Tripadvisor you'll realize we are practically around the corner :)
Written July 26, 2017
Is it open on Wednesday and if so,what time? Can we just visit or are workshops given every day. We are staying at Nany hotel and I have a car. There are three of us.TUVM Barbara Olpinska
Written July 26, 2017
Hello Barbara
Our outlet shop is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. We offer regular workshops Fridays 9.30 a.m. and we do recommend making reservations for that one. As an alternative you can make a private reservation for your group only (minimum charge 4 people). Feel free to call 4701 0536 or 8876 4242. Kind regards, Henrik
Written July 26, 2017
I am staying at the Westin. How do I get there? Do I need reservations?
Written March 1, 2017
We are actually within walking distance, about 350 meters to your right when you exit the Westin/Reserva Conchal. However, it is both hot and humid at times so you may be more comfortable with the short car ride.
Written May 9, 2017
This experience seems like something my family would enjoy. How would we get to you from our hotel Arco Iris in Tamarindo?
Written January 6, 2017
hi Vucci
if you have a car at your disposal it is a 20 minute drive from Tamarindo. Alternatives are either a taxi or the bus that goes to either Brasilito/Flamingo/Potrero. Get off the bus at the entrance to CRIA
Written January 6, 2017
how much does the class cost?
Written December 14, 2016
Hello Claudia
the workshop has a cost of $30 at our venue. We host weekly "walk-in" workshops Fridays 9.30 am or you can make a reservation for a private workshop
warm regards
Henrik
Written December 14, 2016
Are you open on Sundays? Is your chocolate organic or vegan. We love chocolate and forgot to pack ours. We're staying in Playa Grande.
Written November 13, 2016
hi Heather
Sundays we are closed. Some of our chocolate is organic but none of it is certified as it is a difficult and costly process to go through for the small producers we get our cacao from. all our dark chocolate is vegan. No additives. Just great cacao and organic cane sugar :)
Written November 13, 2016
Showing results 1-10 of 13
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing