Playa Conchal
Playa Conchal
4.5
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Top ways to experience Playa Conchal
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
72 within 3 miles
Attractions
16 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Amy MSan Diego, California49 contributionsBeautiful and peaceful beachWe love to spend a day at Playa Conchal when visiting either Tamarindo or Playa Grande. The beach is beautiful and on a nice peaceful bay. Towards the end of the beach are some rocks that the kids have fun snorkeling around if it’s not windy . Many times there are locals who will rent easy ups and chairs for the day, which is really nice since it’s a bit of a walk from either end to have to carry chairs and umbrellas . There is always food and drinks being sold - really good blended drinks with fresh fruit (with or without alcohol). On our most recent visit we rented jet skis for a couple hours and it was a great place for the kids to ride around. We parked in Brasilitos in a pay lot and then walked over.Visited November 2022Traveled with familyWritten February 5, 2023
- Jan HCovington, Washington7 contributionsVisit to Playa ConchalThe best time to visit/walk the beach is sunrise. Beach is empty and beautiful at this time. Shells are on the northern end of beach and as you walk south turns to clean sand with a few shells. Rember take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but foot prints. We stayed near Playa Brasilito and walked to Paya Conchal. During the day there is a steady stream of visitors heading south to Playa Conchal.Visited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten March 7, 2023
- Cyrena LArvada, Colorado115 contributionsThe perfect beachThis beach is gorgeous! Perfect for young kids as the water is warm, not choppy, and gradually deepens. Snorkeling was good! We saw many fish and even a sting ray. We loved it so much we went back everyday we were in the region.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 12, 2023
- Trisha M15 contributionsSunday Funday Beach DayBeautiful, beautiful beach! Incredibly clear water and lots of gorgeous shells to look at. It was a bit crowded when we went, but it was also on a Sunday afternoon, so that may just be a day to try to avoid!Visited July 2023Traveled with friendsWritten July 23, 2023
- Tim A1 contributionBest Beach MassageThis is a big shout out to Kaylee, Jose, and Sara who provided the best beach massages we’ve ever had at a beach resort. They are friendly, non-persistent, and respectful of “no thank you”. That and the fact that they keep their beach area tidy is what attracted us to them in the first place. If you pop by, give them a pura vida from Tim (Tin) and Wendy. I will reserve my full review of the Westin Reserva Conchal for the end of my stay, however, let me say that for the past 12 days, they have exceeded our expectations.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 21, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,405 reviews
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113
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Terrible
16
fnct
Succasunna, NJ799 contributions
Jan 2020
I don't get it. The beach is not very long and it is busy with hawkers and tourists. You have to pay to use the bathroom. The shell beach is just broken sea shells that are ground into shards that are unpleasant to walk on.
The views are nice and you can see the sunset. That is true everywhere along the pacific coast of Costa Rica.
If your not staying at the Westin which backs up to this beach, you need to walk in about 15 minutes from a parking area in Brasalito. If I was a guest at the Westin Resort and this was my beach that I am paying $500 a night for, I would be less than pleased.
Your best off paying $4 to park in the soccer field in town. They will watch your car. It is right along a strip of shacks that represent the shopping district and restaurants. You walk toward the beach and then talk the beach walk for ten minutes or so. This is not Conchal. You will be approached by folks looking to sell you excursions etc. They are harmless.
When we were there a few weeks ago, are walk included swarms of yellow and black marked snakes that washed up on the beach. Many dozens of them as we walked along. Found out later that these snakes inhabit these waters and they had come out because the water turned cooler. They are poisonous, but I was told they avoid you in the water. When we walked back to the car, a team of men were gathering the snakes using tongs. They take the venom to make anti-venom for more dangerous snakes in the same genetic family.
As you near the Conchal beach you will see more vendors selling hand made crafts and you will walk up a dirt incline into a pass through trees that are lined on both sides by locals sitting on rocks staring at you wanting to sell you something or rent you a chair.
You come out to the Conchal beach. circa hippie 1963, huts selling junk, people hawking drinks and massages.
Who wants to go in the water, on the other side of the breaker, just saw snakes coming out of the water. Stayed 10 minutes and headed for ZZZZ hills.
The views are nice and you can see the sunset. That is true everywhere along the pacific coast of Costa Rica.
If your not staying at the Westin which backs up to this beach, you need to walk in about 15 minutes from a parking area in Brasalito. If I was a guest at the Westin Resort and this was my beach that I am paying $500 a night for, I would be less than pleased.
Your best off paying $4 to park in the soccer field in town. They will watch your car. It is right along a strip of shacks that represent the shopping district and restaurants. You walk toward the beach and then talk the beach walk for ten minutes or so. This is not Conchal. You will be approached by folks looking to sell you excursions etc. They are harmless.
When we were there a few weeks ago, are walk included swarms of yellow and black marked snakes that washed up on the beach. Many dozens of them as we walked along. Found out later that these snakes inhabit these waters and they had come out because the water turned cooler. They are poisonous, but I was told they avoid you in the water. When we walked back to the car, a team of men were gathering the snakes using tongs. They take the venom to make anti-venom for more dangerous snakes in the same genetic family.
As you near the Conchal beach you will see more vendors selling hand made crafts and you will walk up a dirt incline into a pass through trees that are lined on both sides by locals sitting on rocks staring at you wanting to sell you something or rent you a chair.
You come out to the Conchal beach. circa hippie 1963, huts selling junk, people hawking drinks and massages.
Who wants to go in the water, on the other side of the breaker, just saw snakes coming out of the water. Stayed 10 minutes and headed for ZZZZ hills.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ankismile
Sankt Augustin, Germany152 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
First time saw a beach made of broken sea shells. Beach is not too steep, so perfect for kids to enjoy in water. We went their on weekend, so was very busy. People tried to catch you to sell chairs and canopies. The full body massage for 10$ for 30 mins was an awesome deal. And cold coconut water helps you keep your cool in the heat..
Written January 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.
Ryan O
2 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
*Nina Massage* 5 stars, incredible!
My fiancé and I loved our massages from Nina y Nina (mother/daughter). Look for them between the beach/ocean and the Westin Hotel under the trees. They are situated around other massage tents, but trust me these two are worth a visit. Our first day we saw somebody else, then they found us the second day. After that we were hooked and went back to Nina Massage every day. We’ve had many professional massages in resorts, spas, etc. They were just as good if not better, we went with a “strong” massage, and it was very firm. They also do relaxed and medium if you like less. I’d recommend bringing your towels from the hotel, as that’s what we did. But they also had their own clean linens and alcohol spray.
At the time of the review, they charge $20 / per hour per person. Which was the going market rate with all the massage tents. I also encourage tipping on top of that if you like your massage!
Don’t think twice and get one, it’s a great experience. I recommend going in the morning when it’s not hot. They start around 07:30am.
My fiancé and I loved our massages from Nina y Nina (mother/daughter). Look for them between the beach/ocean and the Westin Hotel under the trees. They are situated around other massage tents, but trust me these two are worth a visit. Our first day we saw somebody else, then they found us the second day. After that we were hooked and went back to Nina Massage every day. We’ve had many professional massages in resorts, spas, etc. They were just as good if not better, we went with a “strong” massage, and it was very firm. They also do relaxed and medium if you like less. I’d recommend bringing your towels from the hotel, as that’s what we did. But they also had their own clean linens and alcohol spray.
At the time of the review, they charge $20 / per hour per person. Which was the going market rate with all the massage tents. I also encourage tipping on top of that if you like your massage!
Don’t think twice and get one, it’s a great experience. I recommend going in the morning when it’s not hot. They start around 07:30am.
Written July 17, 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.
Aida O
3 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
Mary and Mirijan highly recommended for beach massages 👍they are the best , the best quality of massages and the best price. Safe , clean and they are really focused on the part of the body need extra attention. Well done girls and thank you very much to make me feel amazing after your massages.
Written January 22, 2022
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.
Matthew A
Reading, PA109 contributions
Jan 2020
Playa Conchal is dreamy. We parked at adjoining Brasalito, for $8 for all day, and walked down to Brazilito Beach and over to Playa Conchal, as there is no direct road up to it. There are a couple of fancy resort type places nestled in back behind the dunes, but you don’t see them from the beach. The sand is white and made up of lots of tiny shells and crushed shells, hence the name. If you walk 2/3 of the length of the beach (maybe a half mile) you go beyond the area when vendors approach you selling Knick knacks and beyond the are of people trying to sell you massages or wave runner rentals. You find yourself away from most of the people on a white sand beach with turquoise water most often associated with the Caribbean rather that the Pacific. It’s stunning. If you get hungry you can walk back down to the vendors or back to Brasilito to a number of restaurants on the beach. We did see a few rays swim by, as well as a venomous yellow bellied sea snake. Anyway. If you walk toward the far end you can find howler monkeys in the trees, of course Iguana are everywhere. We hiked up through the jungle at the far end of the beach to a “mirador” or lookout which was pretty high up. No one else was around. There is a parking lot all the way at the far end of this bay that appears to be used exclusively by locals and is not accessed from Brasilito. At some point, although in the same bay, they stop calling it Playa Conchal and it’s got some different name.
Written January 26, 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.
Yeshko
34 contributions
Aug 2021
If you are in Tamarindo area and don’t visit the Conchal Beach, you are missing a day of serenity at the most beaitiful beach of that area. I wish I could add my own pictures in this review, because the picture you see is not really showcasing the beauty of it. We went again the next day. It is 20 min taxi-ride for $15 or so.
Written August 14, 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.
Greg S
Sammamish, WA5 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
The Westin and Guanacaste region was a perfect fit for our family of five. We reserved two adjoining rooms. The property was beautiful and lush and well maintained. Lots of monkeys during our early morning walks! Not a big fan of the all inclusive concept but this Westin does it right. The buffet was really good and much better than expected based on some of the posts I read before taking the trip. It is true you should make dinner reservations early in the week as the prime times do get booked. The serving sizes tend to be small so order accordingly. We used room service a couple times; once upon our late arrival to the resort and again in the morning before the excursions we took. It wasn’t that great but met our needs for those situations. Maid service was very good and we never felt uneasy about our safety or belongings. Room safes are provided. The pool was large but an inefficient design. No beach view at the pool. The beach is just a just short walk. Tamarindo is about 30 minutes away and good for a half day visit for shopping and or dining on the beach. We didn’t go at night but heard that is fun if you are more into the nightlife scene. Many of the excursions are a 1.5 to 2 hour drive into the mountains. We did two different excursions and both were well worth making the time. Great stay and highly recommend. Pura Vida!
Written January 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.
Caitlin
Grafton, MA1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Family
Ask for Kelly and Sarah on the beach! I had a massage with two different people but Kelly was the best. My family member had Sarah twice and loved her both times. You may feel pushed away because the massage ladies harass you, but I promise the massage is not something to skip out on! $20 for one hour is a great rate, and quite frankly one of the best massages I’ve ever had. Thank you Kelly and Sarah!
Written July 18, 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.
Paula D
142 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
We went to Playa Conchal, the sand is not smooth because of the shells, but it was good. You just have to be careful when you walk. Some people were snorkeling. Eric help us with setting a tent, the chairs and the food, which was very good. The piña colada is refreshing but it does not have so much liquor. I got a massage on the beach and it was great it cost $20. I will say that this is not wheelchair accesible, because you have to park and then walk a little less than a mile on the sand and up and down a small mountain. It’s not hard at all and if you have things to carry, there are locals that will bring them to you for a small fee. You need to bring cash. There is a bathroom but you have to pay to use it.
Written February 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.
hercules9
Sedona, AZ29 contributions
Nov 2021
Looking for a massage on the beach, well there are many offering their services. There were three of us who loved Kenya and she did a great thorough job. Kenya charges $30 for an hour massage and she'll work you according to your desires. Both of mine were deep tissue , but the second one was so intense (per my request), I almost had to tap out. She identifies tight muscles and works them out. Kenya is personable and professional. We strongly recommend her and she'll also offer a 1.5 hr. massage. She is just outside the exit from the Westin pool area. Thank you Kenya... Pura Vida! Gregorio
Written December 1, 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.
Maria Gutiérrez
Guácima, Costa Rica
¿Cómo está en esta época visitar playa Conchal? Leí que uno puede dejar el carro en la reserva Conchal? Sin embargo por que lado queda esa reserva?
Guiselle C
Province of Heredia, Costa Rica49 contributions
Reserva Conchal es el nombre de un hotel. A la playa puede llegarle por brasilito o por matapalo. Le recomiendo por matapalo. Ya sea que venga de Liberia o de Santa Cruz, en el cruce de Belén toma hacia Huacas, Luego hacia Matapalo y luego hacia la playa de conchal. Es una playa realmente muy bella y tiene otras muy cerca como Bahía los piratas que es bellísimo ver el atardecer desde ahí. Esta es la zona más bonita de conchal. En la pura playa hay espacio para parquear el carro debajo de almendros. La calle es lastreada pero pasable muy bien hasta por carro pequeño. Yo me quedé en unas villas muy cómodas y cerca de la playa que se las recomiendo, se llama Villas La Paz, pregunte por Andrés. Espero le sea útil esta información.
Zac Seidner
Los Angeles, CA39 contributions
Does anyone know if this beach has been affected by the Sargassum (Seaweed) this year?
lindafw2016
Southampton, Canada72 contributions
I just got back today, the beach is great!
what is the best way to get there from Liberia airport, what company? etc
ConchalFun_dot_com
Playa Conchal, Costa Rica762 contributions
Hello amigo. We can help you with pleasure. Please contact Conchalfun.
Best wishes
we will be staying there 2 weeks. Where can we buy food to cook ourselves. Are there any markets there? Where is the nearest market? Will the shuttle take you to town? Tanarindo?
lindafw2016
Southampton, Canada72 contributions
There are supermarkets in Brasalito (10 minutes), Tamarrindo (30 minutes) and right down the street from the Reserve Conchal, ask at the check in they are very helpful. I've never stayed in these Condos, but there is a shuttle service you could most likely use at the Westin, for Tamarrindo.
jjservino
Heredia, Costa Rica
Can you get there from Tamarindo by car? And can you park near the beach?
deecompagner
Wyoming, MI30 contributions
Yes. We went there after Tamarindo. We parked by Brasilitos and walked in.
Tyler K
1 contribution
I will be driving to Playa Conchal from Coco Beach, for a day trip. Is beach access and parking difficult to find. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Martin O
Los Altos, CA82 contributions
You’ll need to park at Playa Brasilito (one beach down from Conchal) - there’s parking restaurants and shops there- you’ll then need to traverse Playa Brasilito to get to Playa Conchal - 2 very different beaches. If you’re there in high season plan to get there early, it’s one of the more crowded beaches.
Voyager78345
Kelowna, Canada
Hi, me and 2 family are going to Reserva Conchal ,February 06/13, we are arriving in Liberia airport, we need to get to Reserva Conchal resort, what would be the cheapest way, as we have to go back to the airport.
cwob
Shaker Heights, OH14 contributions
I don't know if this is the very cheapest, but we have been using Rainer Lopez and Pininos Adventures for many years for transportation and to arrange tours and activities. Not only do they provide reliable and reasonable rates, but can provide a wealth of information and great recommendations.
Voyager78345
Kelowna, Canada
Hi, me and 2 family are going to Reserva Conchal ,February 06/13, we are arriving in Liberia airport, we need to get to Reserva Conchal resort, what would be the cheapest way, as we have to go back to the airport.
Knuselda
Hamburg, Germany8 contributions
How long does it took when The Red tide / marena Rona was in conchal und guanacaste in the last Three years?
And in which areas is this phaenomen and in which not at this Time?
..think about changing the route and come back later days.
Thanks for answeres.
Betito22
Heredia, Costa Rica26 contributions
Hoy en día, 24 de agosto de 2018, se puede ingresar en automóvil hasta playa Conchal?
carpiocr
San Jose, Costa Rica29 contributions
No, cerraron el paso frente al hotel Brasilito, muy cerca de la plaza de Brasilito.
Prácticamente hay 3 opciones:
1. Dejar el vehículo cerca de la plaza de Brasilito, asumiendo el riesgo (de dejar el carro solo) y caminando 600 metros hasta playa Conchal.
2. Usar el servicio de parqueo y microbús habilitado por Reserva Conchal. Ellos habilitaron un parqueo gratuito ubicado 100 metros norte de la entrada principal del hotel, y dan el servicio de transporte gratuito (del parqueo a la plaza de Brasilito, y viceversa). En el parqueo hay baños y duchas gratuitas y está habilitado de 6am a 6pm. Igual tiene que caminar los 600 metros desde la plaza hasta playa Conchal, pero por lo menos el carro está en un lugar más seguro. (Esta es la opción que yo mas recomiendo)
3. La última opción es entrar a la playa por el lado de Matapalo, pero desconozco si ese sector de la playa también está cerrado para el ingreso de vehículos.
Espero que la Info sea de ayuda para usted u otros viajeros.
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Claim your listingPlaya Conchal - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Playa Conchal
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Playa Conchal:
- Wildlife Tour at Palo Verde National Park (From $199.00)
- Costa Rica Adventure Package Beach and Rainforest 8 Days (From $4,656.49)
- Zip Line and ATV Adventure (From $149.00)
- Private Zip line, Hot Springs, Megacombo Tour (From $199.00)
- ATV Beach and Mountain Tour (From $89.00)
- Hotels near Playa Conchal:
- (0.17 mi) Reserva Conchal Beach Resort, Golf & Spa
- (0.48 mi) W Costa Rica - Reserva Conchal
- (0.41 mi) The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa
- (0.19 mi) Reserva Conchal Amazing Views Beach Club Amenities
- (0.22 mi) Jobo 16 Luxury Penthouse - Reserva Conchal
- Restaurants near Playa Conchal:
- (0.59 mi) Papaya Restaurant
- (0.60 mi) Masala Indian Restaurant Brasilito
- (0.92 mi) Ander's Restaurant
- (0.38 mi) El Oasis Bar & Restaurant
- (0.61 mi) Soda Brasilito
- Attractions near Playa Conchal:
- (0.01 mi) ConchalFun
- (0.03 mi) Conchal Adventures Costa Rica
- (0.09 mi) Tamarindo Dreamers Adventure
- (0.07 mi) Get Wet Pura Vida
- (0.04 mi) Surf & SUP Conchal
Playa Conchal Information
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