Playa Prieta
A tranquil beach in the Guanacaste Province.
Family Time
Beach
Spring Break
Why Visit Playa Prieta?
Playa Prieta is one of the Guanacaste beaches that most tourists never hear about or visit. It's not so much that it's remote - it's close to both Las Catalinas and the community of Potrero between them. It's more that there are no hotels right here, and there are so many other beaches around for tourists. So Playa Prieta is for locals and ex-pats in the know. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't check it out.
Here's why we recommend Playa Prieta:
- Quiet: Okay, it can get busy (sort of) on weekends and holidays, but it's happening with local people rather than tourists. Few people on this beach often leave it all to yourself.
- Beautiful: Playa Prieta is a natural-looking feast for the eyes with its creamy-tan sands backed by shady trees. And there are no buildings here to ruin the view, either.
- Safe: Playa Prieta has smaller waves suited to boogie boarding and family fun.
Where to Stay
The closest hotels are in Potrero and Las Catalinas. Hotel Sugar Beach on the next beach. There are rental homes around and a resort in Flamingo.
Things to Do
Playa Prieta is a place for relaxing. It's a great boogie boarding beach too and also perfect for skimboarding. Bring your boards, as there's nowhere to rent them on the beach.
Relax and Recharge in Playa Prieta
If you're staying at Las Catalinas or Potrero/Flamingo in Guanacaste, Playa Prieta is perfect if you like beaches for sunbathing, picnicking, and enjoying the ocean. There's not much to do on Playa Prieta apart from these activities. You won't find any restaurants, beach bars, or jet ski rentals—just a beautiful beach.
Best Time to Travel to Playa Prieta
Playa Prieta is perfect year-round, like most Costa Rican beaches. The months of September and October can get pretty wet, but it's still okay for ocean activities, if not all-day sunbathing. If you're looking for fewer crowds, check out Playa Prieta on weekdays rather than weekends, and avoid holidays like Semana Santa (Easter Week) and Christmas week.
Weather in Playa Pieta
Guanacaste is the driest and warmest part of Costa Rica - the best weather for beach lovers. You can expect mid-to-late 80s F (early 30s C) temperatures for much of the year, with humidity lower than elsewhere.
The rainy season is from May to November, but even then, there's not a great deal compared to elsewhere in Costa Rica. Think hot and sunny most of the day with solid afternoon showers. The wettest months are September and October.
Is Playa Prieta Safe?
It's safe here, but we recommend not leaving anything in your car if you're driving to Playa Prieta for the day. Also, leave nothing on the beach if you're in the ocean. Just don't bring valuables with you at all is the best bet. Playa Prieta is quite a safe swimming beach - it's more about skimboarding and boogie boarding than big waves - and there are no significant issues with rip currents. Sometimes the ocean can be rough on Playa Prieta, and like most beaches in Costa Rica, there are no lifeguards. Be careful when in the ocean here.
How to Get to Playa Prieta
Outside of Liberia, Guanacaste Airport (Airport Code LIR) is the closest international airport to Playa Prieta.
Distance & Driving Time to Playa Prieta
From LIR Airport: 23 miles (36 kilometers), about 1 hour
All Costa Rican Vacations packages include an airport "meet and greet" service and private transfers with English-speaking drivers, which means you're all set when you arrive in-country - just sit back, relax. Our driver will get you to your destination.
If you're driving from Guanacaste Airport to Tamarindo, give yourself just over an hour's driving time - say 1 hour, 15 minutes to be on the safe side. Then, if you're renting a car at the airport, allow yourself an hour or so to sort that out.
Once you have your car, head out of the airport onto the main road, and turn left. Keep following this road until you see a gas station and take the right opposite. Then keep going towards Sardinal. If you pass the Lakeside International School, you're heading in the right direction. Head through the outskirts of Sardinal, past another gas station, and stay on that road until you hit the coast in Playa Potrero.
In the center of Potrero, take a left around the plaza, turning north. From here, you're very close to Playa Prieta. There will be signs, so just follow them, and you're there. Be aware that Costa Rican Vacations recommends a 4x4 to drive to this beach during the rainy season.