If you’re looking for an adult only all inclusive resort in Guanacaste, the Occidental Papagayo is an excellent choice for budget conscious travelers and it’s on a beautiful beach: Playa Buena.
Since the Occidental is on Buena beach, not many outside visitors go to the beach so it’s usually quiet and not too crowded. But since all beaches are public in Costa Rica, anyone can go to the beach and there is a public entrance. In our guide, you will find out how to visit Playa Buena.
Directions
From Liberia International Airport, it is about a 25 minute drive one way. You can set Occidental Papagayo as your destination. This route is completely paved so no 4×4 required.
A private shuttle from the airport to the hotel is $55 USD for 1-4 passengers one way.
Playa Buena Parking
If you’re not staying at the hotel, you can still visit the beach since all beaches are public in Costa Rica. There is a short path next to the main entrance that will take you to the beach.
It’s a super short walk, only about 2 minutes and you can park your car on the side of the road. There isn’t any security and the hotel isn’t responsible for damages or theft so make sure to lock your doors, roll up windows and do not leave valuables in the car.
Location
Playa Buena, Guanacaste map
Playa Buena is the beach the Occidental Papagayo is on, right between Playa Hermosa and Panama.
Playa Buena Beach
Playa Buena is a nice beach with dark sand and blue waters. It’s quite rocky so be careful when you’re swimming. I also almost stepped right on a sea urchin!
If you keep walking to the left side, it becomes much rockier so most people stay in front of the hotel beach entrance. To the right side, it’s great for snorkeling as one can easily find sea urchins, fish, and coral and with gentle tides, it is also great for swimming.
Since this beach is mostly visited by guests of the hotel, it is never super crowded.
It actually has quite a relaxed and rather peaceful atmosphere. The hotel puts out chairs and umbrellas for hotel guests, I’m not positive if they rent them to outside visitors but you can ask the front desk if it’s possible.
Things to do at the Occidental Papagayo
If you are a guest at the hotel, you are allowed access to the services they provide on the beach such as the kayaks, canoes and lounge chairs. There are quite a few massage therapists who have set up beds under the trees to give massages that are not employed by the hotel and anyone can pay for one.
The hotel is actually in a great location in the Gulf of Papagayo so it’s a good choice if you want to use it as your home base. From the hotel, you can do plenty of day trips such as Rincon de la Vieja adventure tours, beach hopping the Gulf of Papagayo and Arenal one day tours.
For nightlife, we recommend going to Playas del Coco which is the biggest beach town in the area. It’s about a 10 minute drive away and it’s also the best place to see more locals.
Fran says
You are from Costa Rica ? You think is fair that only because a beach is on a “hotel” , we need to pay to visit , that is some real bullshit , or there is a way to get to this beach without paying a fee ?
Sammi says
All beaches in Costa Rica are public and this beach has a public access that is free, so not sure what you’re referring to.
Nisha says
Hi! We’re headed down to Coco again! Do you think $20 is still a fair price for a massage at Playa Bonita? Gracias!
Sammi says
Hi Nisha, I’m not sure how much they are now, might have gone a bit since last time we were there but still pretty cheap
Shawn says
Hello…we will be traveling to Playa Hermosa in June and are interested in Playa Bonita as a side trip. Regarding the massage services mentioned in your article, do you recommend a fair price to pay for a massage on the beach? Thank you and I love this blog and we are finding it very useful.
Sammi says
On Conchal, they charge as low as $20 for an hour massage. I’d aim for there if they charge more, you can always bargain 🙂