Playa Conchal's crushed seashell beach

Discover Playa Conchal

A hidden gem in Costa Rica

There is something magical about stepping onto Playa Conchal, where the usual white sandy shores give way to a sparkling carpet of crushed seashells. Each step is a soft crunch, a reminder of the unique beauty of Costa Rica’s coast.

A pristine paradise

Nestled in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province, Playa Conchal is more than a beach. It is a calm escape from the ordinary, known for its shimmering seashell-covered shores.

Luxurious accommodations

At Twilight Retreats you will find more than a place to stay. Our properties include Casa Artistica and Nube 16 inside Reserva Conchal, plus Dos Ríos 44 and Bonanza Cabinas nearby, with access to world-class amenities and personalized experiences.

Casa Artistica · Nube 16 · Dos Ríos 44 · Bonanza Cabinas

Walking the shore near Playa Conchal

A gateway to Costa Rican wonders

Playa Conchal is a starting point for snorkeling in clear water, meeting wildlife in nearby forests and national parks, and spending time in the surrounding towns.

The water

The clear water is well suited to snorkeling, with marine life just beneath the surface. Kayaking and jet skiing are other ways to see the coastline. Sailing and cruising tours can be arranged around your day, from an early snorkeling run to a late afternoon sail with a sunset drink.

Equestrian and ATV adventures

Horseback riding here has deep cultural significance and offers another way to see the beach. ATV tours cover the region’s terrain for guests who want to go farther inland or down the coast.

Golf course at Reserva Conchal

Golfing among the tropics

The Reserva Conchal Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, brings the landscape of Costa Rica into the round.

Getting here

Playa Conchal is about an hour’s drive from Liberia’s Daniel Oduber International Airport. That airport is also called Guanacaste Airport or Liberia Airport, airport code LIR.

If you want to see the countryside from the air, you can also fly on a 13-seat Cessna Grand Caravan via Air Sansa from San Jose (SJO) or Guanacaste Airport (LIR) and land at Tamarindo Airport in about 30 to 45 minutes.

When’s the best time to visit?

If you want to make the most of dry, sunny weather, aim for December through April. That season is also best for snorkeling, because rain does not wash down from the mountains into the ocean as often.

Picture clear skies and temperatures around 32°C (90°F). Even during the rainy season, afternoons are often around 27°C (80°F), and the clouds can create pink, purple, and orange sunsets.

Do not fear the rainy season (also called the green season). Guanacaste has the least rain and the most sunny days of all of Costa Rica. Green season is when trees and plants flourish.

In our experience the rains are usually heaviest in May and October. When a tropical storm is out in the Pacific, it can rain for a few days at a time. Otherwise it typically rains about half an hour to an hour a day in the late afternoons.

Ocean view sunset on Costa Rica's Gold Coast

A culinary journey around Playa Conchal

From cruising on yachts docked at Flamingo Marina to exploring the ocean on a jet ski, days here can be full. Guests also eat well, from gourmet menus at luxury resorts to local cooking in Brasilito.

On the beach at Playa Conchal, local cooks offer a fresh grilled lobster dinner and a Pina colada served in a fresh pineapple as you sit under a canopy cabana.

Brasilito: a food lover’s stop

Just a short stroll from Playa Conchal, Brasilito ranges from Argentinian steakhouses to Asian fusion.

Patagonia Del Mar

This Argentinian steak house is a must-visit for meat lovers, with grilled steaks in the Argentine tradition. Patagonia starts early with breakfast, and it is a beautiful place to spend the day at their cabanas and swimming pool overlooking the Pacific. The sunset is memorable from this vantage point. If you are coming for dinner after sunset, it is best to have a reservation.

New Shogun

New Shogun offers expertly made sushi and their own Filipino take on Asian fusion, with Chinese, Thai, Korean, and Filipino flavors. There is dine-in, carry out, and delivery. For groups of 6 or larger, call ahead for a reservation.

Masala

Masala serves traditional Indian dishes. If you have a large family for dinner, call ahead for a reservation.

Camaron Dorado and La Casita Del Pescado

These two ocean-front spots are the place for authentic Costa Rican food and seafood, with fresh, locally sourced dishes.

Local sodas

Scattered around Brasilito, these Costa Rican eateries offer local fare in a cozy, unpretentious setting.

Call, WhatsApp, or email Denisa to check dates and book a stay near Playa Conchal.