The Westin Conchal is one of the best all inclusive resorts in Costa Rica, located on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Conchal beach in the Guanacaste province.
Westin Conchal is only about a 1 hour drive from Guanacaste Airport and offers plenty of things to do on the beach.
There are also many day trips from Westin Conchal to the rainforest, national parks, waterfalls, adventure parks and hiking trails.
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Best Day Trips from Westin Conchal
If you’re staying at the Westin Conchal and using it as your home base for your vacation, here is our list of best day trips from Westin Conchal.
These trips also work for those staying at W Costa Rica.
Guanacaste Rainforest and Sloth Tour (Full Day, 2.5 Hr Drive One Way)
The Guanacaste rainforest and sloth tour is one of the best day trips from the Westin Conchal and Conchal Beach to see tropical rainforest and sloths.
Since Conchal is located in dry tropical forest, you will not see sloths on Conchal beach or anywhere on the Guanacaste coast.
The closest area is Bijagua de Upala, the main tourism hub of Tenorio Volcano National Park – Rio Celeste.
Tour Highlights
- Stop at Llanos de Cortes waterfall for photos and quick swim
- Walk the 3 km hanging bridge trail in the Heliconicas private reserve to see nature and the rainforest
- Lunch at a local traditional restaurant
- Easy 1.5 km walk in a private reserve to spot sloths in the wild
The Guanacaste Rainforest and Sloth Tour offers the best opportunities to see sloths from Westin Conchal and Conchal beach.
This is a full day tour, leaving Westin Conchal around 7 AM and returning around 5-6 PM. The drive from the Westin Conchal to Bijagua is about 2.5 hours each way.
The hanging bridges, lunch and sloth all take place in Bijagua, just about a ten minute drive from one another.
Book the Guanacaste Rainforest and Sloth tour in the link. This is one of the most popular and best day trips from Westin Conchal that you can’t miss!
Diamante Eco Adventure Park (45 Min Drive)
Looking for an all day adventure full of fun, adventure and nature? Then head to Diamante Eco Adventure Park, just a 45 minute drive from Westin Conchal!
Diamante Eco Adventure Park Highlights
Excellent facilities for families including free parking, bathrooms and changing rooms, lockers, restaurant with lunch buffet, coffee, juice and water, free Wi-Fi, beautiful ocean view from operation center and English speaking staff.
Activities Offered
- Ziplining (longest ocean view cable in the country)
- Animal sanctuary
- Cultural experience (coffee, sugar cane and chocolate)
- Botanical garden and small farm
- Beach activities
- Jungle gym
- ATV tours
- Horseback riding tours
Choose the full day pass to enjoy all the activities at Diamante Eco Adventure Park or pick which passes you’d like to do. There is something for everyone in the family, no matter their age.
Get 10% off ANY activity at Diamante Eco Adventure Park in the link!
Guachipelin Adventure Combo Tour (Full Day, 2.5 Hr Drive One Way)
This is one of our favorite tours in Costa Rica, the Hacienda Guachipelin adventure tour.
Hacienda Guachipelin is an eco-lodge, farm and ranch up in Rincon de la Vieja, near the national park. They offer a plethora of nature and adventure activities on their property and non-hotel guests can purchase day passes to enjoy the sights and sounds.
The most popular day pass is the Guachipelin Adventure Combo Tour 1 day with ziplining through canyons, horseback riding, white water tubing, buffet lunch and hot springs.
But you can opt for other Guachipelin day passes such as their nature day pass, horseback riding, hot springs, lunch, waterfalls, canyon canopy and white water tubing.
Those options are for those who do not need transportation and only need to purchase day passes.
If you require transportation, you can book a Guachipelin one day adventure tour with roundtrip transportation included.
Pick up time from Westin Conchal is around 7 AM, return around 7 PM. It is a full day of fun, nature and relaxation.
Las Catalinas Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Tour (Half Day, 10 Min Drive)
If you’re an ocean lover, then you need to put scuba diving at Catalina Islands on your list of day trips from Westin Conchal.
The Catalina Islands are several volcanic islands, just a 30 minute boat ride from the Flamingo marina and home to much marine wildlife.
Catalina Islands Scuba Diving Highlights
- Scuba diving certification not required. You can book a Discovery dive, that includes 1 hour of pool instruction and 2 tank dives.
- Start time 7 AM, return time around 1230 PM.
- Only a 10 minute drive from the scuba dive center we work with in Flamingo.
- Marine wildlife you can see are white tip reef sharks, sea turtles, puffer fish, manta rays, spotted eagle rays, sea stars, eels, octupus and tropical fish like jacks and grunts.
Book your Catalina Islands scuba diving excursion here! Round trip transportation from Westin Conchal can be arranged for a small fee.
If you’re here during humpback whale season in Costa Rica (December to mid March and July through September), you may hear them singing underwater or see them on the boat ride to the islands.
Catalina Islands Snorkeling Tour
If scuba diving is not your thing, you can book a Catalina Islands snorkeling tour instead.
You’ll do 2 separate, 40 minute snorkel sessions at different spots around the islands to see fish, turtles, and other marine life from the surface.
Palo Verde National Park River Boat Tour (Half Day, 1hr 15 Min Drive One Way)
If you want to see wildlife, the a boat ride through Palo Verde National Park is one of the best day trips from Westin Conchal, especially if you have seniors or anyone with mobility issues.
Palo Verde National Park protects the Tempisque River and is home to migratory and non-migratory birds, monkeys, caimans, crocodiles, iguanas and much more.
Palo Verde Boat Ride Highlights
- Little over half day tour. Pick up around 7 AM, return around 1 PM.
- No strenuous activity required. Suitable for all ages.
- Covered river boat operated by a local boat captain.
- Traditional lunch included.
- Opportunities to see crocodiles, caimans, monkeys, iguanas, bats, Scarlet Macaws and river birds.
Book your Palo Verde Boat Tour here!
Hacienda El Viejo (1hr 15 min drive)
Hacienda El Viejo is a private family owned farm and ranch, that has their own private wildlife refuge.
They offer a variety of tours on their property which are perfect for anyone who wants to combine culture and nature in one day.
Hacienda El Viejo Activities Offered
- Boat Tour: A wildlife watching safari boat ride down the Tempisque River
- Cultural Experience (old traditional house, traditional kitchen , traditional dancing, singing and costumes, traditional sugar cane mill and local snacks)
- Rum Tour: Tour of the sugarcane farm and rum processing plant
- Brewery Tour: Presentation and tasting of their locally brewed artisanal beer
- Birdwatching: Birding in the wetlands
Book your Hacienda El Viejo tours with our discount in the link!
We personally love Hacienda El Viejo and have been several times. The birding is fantastic as they have a private wetland reserve and you can see beautiful river and shore birds.
Their cultural tour is also excellent, to learn more about the Guanacaste traditions and culture.
Flamingo Snorkeling and Sunset Sailing Tours (10 mins drive)
For a great day out in the ocean with friends and family, book a sunset sailing tour in Flamingo.
As one of most popular day trips from Westin Conchal and the Conchal area, the Flamingo sunset catamaran tour is really fun for families and friend groups who are looking to enjoy a leisurely cruise.
Sunset Sailing Tour Highlights
The shared sunset catamaran tours hold anywhere from 30-70 people depending on which company you book with.
You’ll share the boat with as many other people book, which can be really fun if you’re traveling in a group. Many catamaran tours include open bar, snacks and lunch.
- Sail for about 1.5 hours to a beach or bay
- Swim, snorkel and enjoy the beach for 2 hours
- Sail back under a beautiful sunset
For a bit of added fun, the Flamingo Planet Dolphin catamaran tour has a slide and a spot to jump from the boat.
Flamingo Private Snorkeling Tour
For an even more exclusive ocean experience, book a private snorkeling tour from Flamingo.
We love this private Flamingo snorkeling tour. They include a couple of fishing rods for light fishing, offer the option to add a towable tube, and it goes to a couple beautiful white sand beaches outside Flamingo Bay.
The meeting point is only a 10 minute drive from the Westin Conchal, perfect for families and groups who don’t want to travel far.
On a private tour, you’ll have the whole boat to your group, including the attention and care of the boat captain and crew.
You get to decide your itinerary for the day, as you can stay as long as you want at a beach or snorkel spot.
The private Flamingo snorkel tour is perfect for groups who want more privacy and have the whole boat for themselves. Book the private Flamingo snorkel tour here!
Tamarindo Surf Lessons (30 min drive)
Ever wanted to try surfing? Then a surf lesson at Tamarindo beach has to be on your itinerary.
Tamarindo beach has several breaks with waves suitable for first timers, beginners and intermediate surfers. But it is especially good for surf lessons for kids and first timers since it offers lessons all year round.
Make the most of your day in Tamarindo to go souvenir shopping, have happy hour on the beach, watch the sunset and have a fun beach day.
Surf lessons are 2 hours long and the time depends on the tide. We highly recommend booking a Tamarindo surf lesson beforehand especially in the high season because it is very busy.
La Leona Waterfall Hike (3/4 day, 1 hr 45 min drive one way)
If you love adventure and hiking, then the La Leona Waterfall hike is one of the best day trips from Westin Conchal that you can’t miss, perfect day trip for active families and adventurers.
La Leona Waterfall Hike Highlights
- Takes place in the tropical dry forests of Rincon de la Vieja volcano
- Trek through dry tropical forest, swim through blue colored pools, and swim into a cave to a waterfall
- Traditional lunch included
- 3/4 day – Pick up around 7 AM, return around 2 PM.
Book your La Leona waterfall tour with transportation in the link!
If you have your own transportation, you can contact the La Leona waterfall park to make reservations directly. For those who don’t have their own transportation, you’ll need to book a La Leona waterfall tour with round trip transportation.
Rincon Thermals Hot Springs (2 hr drive one way)
If you want to partake in more relaxing activities, head to Rincon Thermals and Adventures to enjoy volcanic hot springs and mud baths.
This park has over 20 volcanic thermal water pools, with mineral rich waters to soak and soothe your muscles.
If you want to add a bit of excitement to the day, they also offer a waterslide, horseback riding tour and ziplining tour. Super fun adventure and nature park for the whole family.
Book your Rincon Thermals and Adventure Passes with our discount in the link!
White Water Rafting
Looking for more outdoor adventure?
Go white water rafting at Rio Corobici or Rio Tenorio in the mountains of Guanacaste! Paddle through Class 3 rapids in the beautiful dry tropical forest landscapes.
Things to Do at Conchal Beach
ATV Tours
ATV tours are super popular in the Conchal area. A popular ATV tour with transportation from Conchal is this 3 hours ATV tour to secluded beaches, where you’ll ride through back roads and dirt trails in the area to visit different lesser known beaches.
Jet Ski
Jet skiing is now very popular in Conchal and you can book jet skis on the beach to go on your own, or book a jet ski tour that will take you around to a couple of points to swim and snorkel (gear not included).
For more adventure, book a combo ATV and jet ski tour to spend a day out in the ocean, beaches and forest.
Massage on the Beach
What is more relaxing than getting a massage on the beach? Soothe your sore muscles to the calming sounds of the waves as you can find several massage stands run by locals.
You can find many massage tables on Conchal beach, offering ~$40 USD for a 1 hour relaxing massage. People say the green and pink tables are great.
Beach Day: Snorkeling and Swimming
Snorkeling is not super great on the beach, but on the east side, there is a rocky area where you can see some tropical fish.
You can find snorkel sets for rent on the beach if you don’t have your own.
If you go to swim, be very careful towards the middle part of the beach. There is a big drop off and I have even seen rays there, so make sure you do a little shuffle in the sand as you go out.
Beach chairs/umbrellas/drinks: You will find some locals offering beach chairs and umbrellas for rent, as well as drinks.
When I visited in March (peak high season), they were charging me and my friend 10,000 CRC (~$20 USD) for umbrella, chairs, snorkel equipment and smoothie drink service for a few hours. Price may vary depending on season, number of people, time of day, etc.
Walk the Entire Beach to the Viewpoint, Estuary and Playa Puerto Viejo
Instead of sand, Conchal’s shore is made up of mostly sparkling pieces of white shells. The best place to see all these shells are at the east end of the beach.
Please remember that Costa Rica does not allow for removal of shells. They will confiscate them at the airport. Please do not remove any shells from the beach.
We also recommend to walk all the way down to the other side of Conchal beach as it is very different. There aren’t any shells down there but you’ll walk past an estuary and the color of the sand and water change.
It’s a good walk to get your steps in and then you can dip in the water to cool off. This part of the beach is called Puerto Viejo.
Then don’t miss out on the cool viewpoint between Conchal beach and Brasilito beach. You can walk up a very short hill for beautiful views of both beaches.
It’s better to walk up to the viewpoint in the dry season when the trees and bushes aren’t overgrown.
Jack Buntin says
Hi Sammi, We are staying in Westin and a party of 14 adults and 10 kids. What do you recommend. We will be going in June and staying for 7 nights. I think Guachipelin One Day Adventure looks good to start with. Thanks
Sammi says
Hi Jack, this post has a lot of recommendations for tours: https://mytanfeet.com/activities/fun-things-to-do-in-playa-conchal/
Yoriela Lemons says
Hello Sammi!
Me encanta tu block, me ayuda mucho. Muchas gracias.
We’re staying in Playa Costal for 7 days. I saw beautiful hot springs in the Spring Resort Spa in La Fortuna and I’m thinking to get the two days pass. How long and how we can get from Playa Costal to La Fortuna? would you recommend some other hot springs? maybe better than those?
Muchas gracias!
Sammi says
Hi Yoriela, do you mean Playa Conchal?
If you want to stay a couple nights in La Fortuna, you can get there by renting a car and driving, the public bus (but it’s a bit complicated by bus) or by shuttle. La Fortuna does have very nice hot springs.
Sylvia Capello Mraz says
Sammi! This site is very helpful! Loads of great info!! Thank you! My family and 2 friends are planning a Trip Jan3-11, 19 . We will be staying in Playa Hermosa!
Sammi says
Hi Sylvia, I’m glad the site is helpful. You can read about our favorite day trips from Coco/Hermosa here: day trips from Playas del Coco and our Hermosa guide: Playa Hermosa
Missy says
My family is staying 9 days early next April. We start in la Fortuna, then Rincon De La Veija followed by 3 nights at the Riu Palace new Playa Conchal. We have a car rental lined up and are really looking forward to our time there. My 14, 15 and 16 year old boys really want to ride ATVs on the beach. Any suggestions?
Sammi says
You can ride ATV’s at La Fortuna or at Conchal, both places offer tours. La Fortuna goes around the lake and rain forest, Conchal goes through beach and dry tropical forest so it depends on what kind of scenery they want. April is our hottest month for most of the country and in Guanacaste where the Riu is, it’s around 95-100 degrees so I recommend doing it in La Fortuna. The scenery will be nicer (more green and rain forest). In Conchal it will be extremely dry and dusty.
Fidel says
Do you guys have any idea about how the earthquakes and hurricane are affecting travel in Costa Rica? Have my trip booked to tour Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama coming up in less than two weeks. Any info would be appreciated. Thank you.
Sammi says
Hi, Hurricane Otto is gone. It’s now the transition time to dry season and days are getting noticeably sunnier and clearer. You’ll get great weather!
Thomas Paul says
The beach is beautiful. I did not know Costa Rica until read your blog. I plan to visit it in next year. Thanks for sharing.
Thomas
Sammi says
Hope you can visit, thanks Thomas!
HindIndia says
Nice explanation …. very nice …. Thanks for this article!! 🙂 🙂
Sammi says
Thanks for reading!