The big beach brochure
There is nothing (except for work, of course) that we spent more time doing in CR than going to different beaches. Our casita had a pool but despite that, how could we not go to the beach when it was a mere half an hour drive? Honestly, we did not plan to spend almost every day on this or that beach but that's how it was. Our gas expenses were a bit higher than expected however, we could also do some small shopping on our way home if we needed something.
If you haven't read our first post about CR, you can find it here. No longer am I going to keep you from the most important - the playas - enjoy!
1) Playa Samara
The first beach that we visited. It was on our second day in CR and we only went for a walk there because we planned to get something to eat. Our first impression (and in the hindsight also every other impression from Samara) was not good. As it was Sunday there were lots and lots of people on the beach. On the way to the beach, you pass a dozen stands selling souvenirs, beachwear, flip flops and every touristy item imaginable. So not really what we came there for. Ending up here is like eating a very bad pizza in Italy.
2) Playa Carillo
Getting better. At first, we went to this beach along with Playa Camaronal but during our month we had been back many times. This was one of our favourite beaches, despite it being a bit touristy, we never had the feeling it was crowded. There were some stands with pipa fria and aguas frescas so you would not starve. Moreover, the ocean is quite calm there so you do not have to fight for your life when you go in or out. You can swim, have fun and all the usual stuff you normally do at the beach that has no rip currents.
One day when we were going back from Carillo, we saw couple of people standing over a bridge - which was a sign that there was an animal somewhere nearby (it's always like that in CR, if you see a group of people, look where they're looking and you'll see an animal!). I saw HIM from the car at first, HE was at least 3 meters long and amazing! When Telchac got out of the car, he said he it was bigger than he expected (that’s what he said ;)) but I wouldn’t get out of the car for anything small :D. One of the people standing there (in his briefs might I add) was throwing a piece of meat tied on a thin rope around - wait for it - a crocodile. HE was just lazily laying (swimming? I don’t know how to describe his existence :D) and IF the meat was thrown somewhere near him, he opened his mouth with endless rows of teeth and tried to catch it. AMAZING AF! And if you just think - this was next to the beach, he could literally just go on and reach the beach in a couple of meters. Moreover, it was “just a jungle away” from the closest houses. Nothing more dramatic happened, nobody fell down and nobody ate anybody despite that this was the first wild crocodile I have ever seen and it was amazing!!!!!
3) Playa Camaronal
Deserted and with the sand as black as you can imagine. We were there only once and we had not been back there because we have found better and closer beaches (and time is of the essence when you work till 3 pm). There's also a small turtle refuge so if you want to combine those, you can do it here.
Useful tip: There is a small but very useful shop with everything you might need for dinner or breakfast, good choice of fresh vegetable, definitely recommended! It's somewhere between Camaronal and Carillo (closer to Carillo than Camaronal).
4) Playa Buenavista
Buenavista is right next to the Playa Samara but it seemed to be worlds away. I have never understood why all the people go to Samara when you have really amazing deserted beaches just a bit farther away. Yes, you indeed had to walk through small estuary which may or may not be small after the high tide - believe me, I know what I'm talking about. As we went to this beach often (close, deserted and amazing) it sure as hell did happen that we were leaving after the tide. We hadn't thought of it all, we just came back and saw "a river" all of a sudden. There were two fishermen in it, maybe waist-deep. I had already put on my shorts and had a phone in my backpack (not waterproof obviously). A strong emancipated woman didn't need any help crossing, I had thought. That was the reason why I found myself standing helplessly in the middle (much to the amusement of the fishermen). I suppose I looked desperate (because honestly, I WAS desperate :D) because the fishermen took pity on me and shouted advice on where the water was the most shallow. So I got out - but felt like an absolute idiot (and this was after maybe two weeks there, so I was starting to feel less like a tourist. Well, definitely not after this.)
Useful tip: Almost at the last turn in Samara there is a Licoreria Iguana Verde (officially a supermarket, unofficially known for the best Rum prices - you can take our word for that :D)
5) Playa Barrigona
Telchac's and Mel Gibson's favourite! Yop, this is the one where Mel Gibson chose to own a small, barely not there, piece of Costa Rica and built a small, barely not there, villa. Fun fact - poor Mel had to had the area above his lot declared a no-fly zone because of the fans who wanted to see his villa, him, or I don't know what, from above. I completely understand how he must have felt (I am only joking and being sarcastic - just in case you didn't know :)).
Anyway, I also completely understand why he chose this place - white sandy beach enclosed by the jungle - there's not much more you need in life, right? ;)
Yes, rip currents again, but despite that, it's amazing. The jungle provides shelter and makes for a perfect background for your sore eyes.
Useful tip: Beware that there's a small pond or whatever it is - a small body of water - that you need to cross (by car). It was quite shallow in January (dry season) but check before going.
6) Playa Corozalito
My favourite! Unfortunately, a bit far if you only have a couple of hours after work. That is why we were there only once - when we had a day off. It's right next to the Punta Islita where we had been the year before (more about that to be found here). Waves were fine, more or less. It was Wednesday when we were there meaning only one family was having a picnic. Later another family arrived. Except for them and us - a total of 8 people - there was not a soul at the beach. Again, this was my absolute favourite, take that into account when making any decision in this area :). One more reason to go - you get to enjoy an unbelievable view of Punta Islita on your way here. Stop, get out of the car and see for yourself.
7) Playa Garza
We only stopped here on our way from Nosara. People-wise it was the same as at the Carillo - about a dozen people there. It was windy so the waves were trying to spit us out of the ocean. Not worth fighting, we decided to go for a walk. The beach is around 2km long so there's plenty of space. Btw there was a bar/restaurant so you won't die of thirst and/or hunger.
8) Playa Hermosa
Not really. Not for us. You know we're not looking for a touristy/crowded place and this was exactly that. The only reason we came here was our trip - more details in next post - and there's no reason to go there unless you are planning something in the area. Even then, I'd rather go somewhere else. The beach is small, unkept and even at sunset, there were too many people. Really, when you have so many beautiful beaches everywhere around you, there's no reason to come here.
9) Playa Ocotal
Smaller but beautiful beach. There were lots of Ticos and tourists here, lots of small and larger boats in the distance but despite that, we had a good feeling about it. We spent a nice relaxing afternoon there, later on, hid under the trees to avoid any possible sunburns. Also, there were several families with kids (on the other side of the beach) so I guess this beach is fine for everyone.
I have probably already told you that Telchac is the more responsible (usually) one out of the two of us. Mainly when it comes to vaccinations, diseases etc. So during our trip, I was forbidden to touch, call on or basically acknowledge the presence of any dog, cat or wild animal anywhere. That was why it came as a big surprise that Telchac played with a stray dog here - he did not have much choice, really. We were just sitting on our towels talking when we saw a dog approaching. We immediately looked the other way (no eye contact allowed as it attracts the dogs :D) and Telchac started strongly expressing his unwillingness to welcome the dog in our midst (not in Spanish so no way the dog understood and since he was a stray, he most probably would not have understood either way). The dog was not interested in Telchac's protest, he decided to lie down on Telchac and show him his belly :D. I expected Telchac to run away, screaming and shouting at me to get away asap :D But he just started stroking the dog and said 'what the hell' laughing. The dog, and Telchac, were both so sweet (I don't usually say 'sweet') and I laugh about this all the time. All his warnings and rules went down the toilet at exactly that moment :D.
I hope you have enjoyed our photos and information and that if you're planning on going to CR, it comes in handy. Even now, in July, writing about this and looking at the photos takes me immediately back there. Hopefully, you can feel that from our posts. Next time, I will tell you about some trips we went on. C U then!
If you haven't read our first post about CR, you can find it here. No longer am I going to keep you from the most important - the playas - enjoy!
 |
| Playa Corozalito |
1) Playa Samara
The first beach that we visited. It was on our second day in CR and we only went for a walk there because we planned to get something to eat. Our first impression (and in the hindsight also every other impression from Samara) was not good. As it was Sunday there were lots and lots of people on the beach. On the way to the beach, you pass a dozen stands selling souvenirs, beachwear, flip flops and every touristy item imaginable. So not really what we came there for. Ending up here is like eating a very bad pizza in Italy.
 |
| Playa Samara |
2) Playa Carillo
Getting better. At first, we went to this beach along with Playa Camaronal but during our month we had been back many times. This was one of our favourite beaches, despite it being a bit touristy, we never had the feeling it was crowded. There were some stands with pipa fria and aguas frescas so you would not starve. Moreover, the ocean is quite calm there so you do not have to fight for your life when you go in or out. You can swim, have fun and all the usual stuff you normally do at the beach that has no rip currents.
One day when we were going back from Carillo, we saw couple of people standing over a bridge - which was a sign that there was an animal somewhere nearby (it's always like that in CR, if you see a group of people, look where they're looking and you'll see an animal!). I saw HIM from the car at first, HE was at least 3 meters long and amazing! When Telchac got out of the car, he said he it was bigger than he expected (that’s what he said ;)) but I wouldn’t get out of the car for anything small :D. One of the people standing there (in his briefs might I add) was throwing a piece of meat tied on a thin rope around - wait for it - a crocodile. HE was just lazily laying (swimming? I don’t know how to describe his existence :D) and IF the meat was thrown somewhere near him, he opened his mouth with endless rows of teeth and tried to catch it. AMAZING AF! And if you just think - this was next to the beach, he could literally just go on and reach the beach in a couple of meters. Moreover, it was “just a jungle away” from the closest houses. Nothing more dramatic happened, nobody fell down and nobody ate anybody despite that this was the first wild crocodile I have ever seen and it was amazing!!!!!
 |
| Playa Barrigona |
3) Playa Camaronal
Deserted and with the sand as black as you can imagine. We were there only once and we had not been back there because we have found better and closer beaches (and time is of the essence when you work till 3 pm). There's also a small turtle refuge so if you want to combine those, you can do it here.
Useful tip: There is a small but very useful shop with everything you might need for dinner or breakfast, good choice of fresh vegetable, definitely recommended! It's somewhere between Camaronal and Carillo (closer to Carillo than Camaronal).
 |
| Playa Camaronal |
4) Playa Buenavista
Buenavista is right next to the Playa Samara but it seemed to be worlds away. I have never understood why all the people go to Samara when you have really amazing deserted beaches just a bit farther away. Yes, you indeed had to walk through small estuary which may or may not be small after the high tide - believe me, I know what I'm talking about. As we went to this beach often (close, deserted and amazing) it sure as hell did happen that we were leaving after the tide. We hadn't thought of it all, we just came back and saw "a river" all of a sudden. There were two fishermen in it, maybe waist-deep. I had already put on my shorts and had a phone in my backpack (not waterproof obviously). A strong emancipated woman didn't need any help crossing, I had thought. That was the reason why I found myself standing helplessly in the middle (much to the amusement of the fishermen). I suppose I looked desperate (because honestly, I WAS desperate :D) because the fishermen took pity on me and shouted advice on where the water was the most shallow. So I got out - but felt like an absolute idiot (and this was after maybe two weeks there, so I was starting to feel less like a tourist. Well, definitely not after this.)
Useful tip: Almost at the last turn in Samara there is a Licoreria Iguana Verde (officially a supermarket, unofficially known for the best Rum prices - you can take our word for that :D)
 |
| Playa Buenavista |
5) Playa Barrigona
Telchac's and Mel Gibson's favourite! Yop, this is the one where Mel Gibson chose to own a small, barely not there, piece of Costa Rica and built a small, barely not there, villa. Fun fact - poor Mel had to had the area above his lot declared a no-fly zone because of the fans who wanted to see his villa, him, or I don't know what, from above. I completely understand how he must have felt (I am only joking and being sarcastic - just in case you didn't know :)).
Anyway, I also completely understand why he chose this place - white sandy beach enclosed by the jungle - there's not much more you need in life, right? ;)
Yes, rip currents again, but despite that, it's amazing. The jungle provides shelter and makes for a perfect background for your sore eyes.
Useful tip: Beware that there's a small pond or whatever it is - a small body of water - that you need to cross (by car). It was quite shallow in January (dry season) but check before going.
 |
| Playa Barrigona |
6) Playa Corozalito
My favourite! Unfortunately, a bit far if you only have a couple of hours after work. That is why we were there only once - when we had a day off. It's right next to the Punta Islita where we had been the year before (more about that to be found here). Waves were fine, more or less. It was Wednesday when we were there meaning only one family was having a picnic. Later another family arrived. Except for them and us - a total of 8 people - there was not a soul at the beach. Again, this was my absolute favourite, take that into account when making any decision in this area :). One more reason to go - you get to enjoy an unbelievable view of Punta Islita on your way here. Stop, get out of the car and see for yourself.
 |
| Playa Corozalito |
7) Playa Garza
We only stopped here on our way from Nosara. People-wise it was the same as at the Carillo - about a dozen people there. It was windy so the waves were trying to spit us out of the ocean. Not worth fighting, we decided to go for a walk. The beach is around 2km long so there's plenty of space. Btw there was a bar/restaurant so you won't die of thirst and/or hunger.
8) Playa Hermosa
Not really. Not for us. You know we're not looking for a touristy/crowded place and this was exactly that. The only reason we came here was our trip - more details in next post - and there's no reason to go there unless you are planning something in the area. Even then, I'd rather go somewhere else. The beach is small, unkept and even at sunset, there were too many people. Really, when you have so many beautiful beaches everywhere around you, there's no reason to come here.
9) Playa Ocotal
Smaller but beautiful beach. There were lots of Ticos and tourists here, lots of small and larger boats in the distance but despite that, we had a good feeling about it. We spent a nice relaxing afternoon there, later on, hid under the trees to avoid any possible sunburns. Also, there were several families with kids (on the other side of the beach) so I guess this beach is fine for everyone.
I have probably already told you that Telchac is the more responsible (usually) one out of the two of us. Mainly when it comes to vaccinations, diseases etc. So during our trip, I was forbidden to touch, call on or basically acknowledge the presence of any dog, cat or wild animal anywhere. That was why it came as a big surprise that Telchac played with a stray dog here - he did not have much choice, really. We were just sitting on our towels talking when we saw a dog approaching. We immediately looked the other way (no eye contact allowed as it attracts the dogs :D) and Telchac started strongly expressing his unwillingness to welcome the dog in our midst (not in Spanish so no way the dog understood and since he was a stray, he most probably would not have understood either way). The dog was not interested in Telchac's protest, he decided to lie down on Telchac and show him his belly :D. I expected Telchac to run away, screaming and shouting at me to get away asap :D But he just started stroking the dog and said 'what the hell' laughing. The dog, and Telchac, were both so sweet (I don't usually say 'sweet') and I laugh about this all the time. All his warnings and rules went down the toilet at exactly that moment :D.
 |
| Playa Ocotal |
I hope you have enjoyed our photos and information and that if you're planning on going to CR, it comes in handy. Even now, in July, writing about this and looking at the photos takes me immediately back there. Hopefully, you can feel that from our posts. Next time, I will tell you about some trips we went on. C U then!