About Playa Prieta, Guanacaste
In Costa Rica, you’re spoilt for choices when it comes to beaches. If you’ve had your fill of sharing the waves with fellow tourists and partying at crowded beach bars, Playa Prieta can be your quick escape. Tucked away in Guanacaste, it’s the perfect place to kick back, relax, and experience pura vida without the frills or fancies.
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Playa Prieta or Prieta Beach is a black and white-sand beach formed around a small curved bay. The beach itself is mostly flat and only about 500m, so a nice stroll from end to end can take 10 minutes. Fine sand, shady trees, and calm waters are all you need for a relaxing day under the sun, and this playa has all that (with fewer crowds, too).
Compared to the more popular beaches in Costa Rica, it’s the locals who frequent Playa Prieta. But fewer tourists also mean fewer establishments, so you won’t find any restaurants or hotels here. We think that’s part of Playa Prieta’s appeal, though. What it lacks in activity, it more than makes up for in peace and quiet.
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How to Get to Playa Prieta, Guanacaste
Playa Prieta is located between Potrero and Las Catalinas, and the best way to get there is by car. From the main road, there are signs that will lead you to the beach. You’ll have to take a turn down an unpaved dirt road, and there’s a steep drop that can easily hit the front of a low car. We recommend that you rent a high car if you’re driving in the summer months, and a 4×4 if you’re going during the rainy season (May to November).
By Car
From Liberia International Airport, which is the nearest airport to Playa Prieta in Potrero, the 36km (22 mi) drive should take you about an hour.
From Potrero, it’s only 1.9km (1.18 mi) to the beach or a quick 6-minute drive.
From Las Catalinas, the 3.5km (2.17 mi) drive down to Prieta Beach takes 10 minutes.
On Foot
From Playa Penca, there’s an easy walking trail that connects to Playa Prieta. This is a good alternative if you don’t have a high car. Park at Playa Penca and follow the sign until you reach the smaller beach. The 1.5km (0.93) walk takes about 5-10 minutes.
Parking at Playa Prieta, Guanacaste
Free parking is available at a small lot about 30m from the beach. Visitors used to be able to park directly at the beach, but currently, it’s no longer allowed. As for security, there’s a yellow-vested watchman who sits by the parking lot and guards over the cars. Still, make sure your doors and windows are locked, and keep any valuables hidden away–or better yet, just take them with you.
Facilities at Playa Prieta, Guanacaste
At Playa Prieta, what you see is what you get–that’s sand, sea, and coastal vegetation. As it’s not a bustling tourist beach, there aren’t really any facilities available here. You won’t find any board rentals, restaurants, or hotels along the shore.
That said, a good rule of thumb is to bring everything. Don’t forget beach essentials like sunblock, tanning spray, towels, water and refreshments, and snacks. For activities, skimboards and boogie boards are perfect for riding the gentle waves at Prieta Beach.
Things to Do at Playa Prieta, Guanacaste
Go for a Swim
Unlike other beaches in Costa Rica famous for their surf, Prieta Beach has soft, gentle waves better suited for swimming. Locals often come with families and pets on weekends, as the relaxed atmosphere and beach conditions are perfect for a family day. However, there are no lifeguards here so make sure to be careful out in the ocean.
Try Boogie Boarding or Paddleboarding
Smaller waves don’t mean there’s no surf at all. Prieta Beach’s calm waves are great for boogie boarding, skimboarding, and even paddleboarding. Just make sure to bring your own board since there’s nowhere to get a rental.
Spot a Few Tropical Birds
The surrounding forested areas make Prieta Beach a common stop for a few species of tropical birds. Scarlet macaws and parakeets are often seen soaring through the sky. Maybe you’ll even spot them on tree branches while you lounge under the shade.
Go Snorkelling
With clear, turquoise waters, all you need is a pair of goggles to explore under the surface. The north side of the beach is best for some beginner-level snorkelling.
Camp by the Beach
If you want to see the stars and fall asleep to the sound of waves against the shore, Prieta Beach is a great spot to set up camp. It only gets particularly busy during holidays, so at night, it’ll feel like you have the beach all to yourself.
FAQs:
Can you Swim at Playa Prieta, Guanacaste?
Yes, Prieta Beach is a swimmable beach with gentle waves and fine tan-coloured sand. The crystal clear turquoise waters are great for swimming, wading, and even some beginner snorkelling.
Can you Fish at Playa Prieta, Guanacaste?
Though it’s not considered the main activity, you can always try fishing at Prieta Beach! Just remember that there are no rentals nearby, so come prepared with your own equipment.
Can you Surf at Playa Prieta, Guanacaste?
Don’t expect to find any rip currents or huge waves along these shores. Prieta Beach has smaller, gentler waves, but these are great for boogie boarding, skimboarding, or paddleboarding.
Is Playa Prieta, Guanacaste Safe for Families?
Yes, Prieta Beach is a great spot, and it’s safe for the whole family. Locals usually come here during weekends for a quick day trip with their kids and sometimes even pets. The quaint beach, clear blue ocean, and laid-back atmosphere are a treat for people of all ages.
Where to Stay near Playa Prieta, Guanacaste
While there are no hotels along Prieta Beach itself, it is a short drive from neighbouring beach towns like Potrero, Las Catalinas, and Flaming with a beach club, boutique hotels, and luxury villas. It’s a good idea to set up camp in these towns and then make the drive down to Playa Prieta.
La Quebrada Eco Lodge
La Quebrada Eco Lodge in Potrero is a sustainable boutique hotel less than 1km from Playa Potrero, and 5 minutes away by car from Prieta Beach. Guests can choose between tipis, lodges, and villas, furnished in tropical fashion with Nicaraguan palm roofs and Costa Rican wild cane.
Depending on the unit, the rooms have air-conditioning, a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a fully-equipped kitchen with a microwave, and a flat-screen TV. Guests also have access to an outdoor lounge, a lush garden, and an outdoor swimming pool.
Hotel Sugar Beach
Hotel Sugar Beach is a nearby 3-star resort that rests in a secluded cove on Playa Pan de Acuzar. Located along the beachfront, it has easy access to Prieta Beach, Potrero Beach, and other local attractions. They have beachfront suites with enough room for two to six guests, plus larger ocean-front villas. These are especially great for families with children, or groups of friends.
The spacious rooms come with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and coffee/tea-making facilities. There’s also a restaurant on-site, a bar and lounge area, and a private swimming pool.
Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas
If you’re willing to splurge, Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas is one of the best choices nearby and it’s only an 8-minute drive from Playa Prieta. Named one of the World’s Top 100 Hotels, the casa has 21 villas with their own saltwater plunge pool, mesmerizing ocean views, and impressive amenities. The rooms come with a king-sized bed, a private terrace, a fully-stocked minibar, organic and locally-produced toiletries, and a 24-hour concierge service. There are also 4 restaurants on-site, as well as an infinity pool, and a spa. Packages for zip lining, culinary experiences, and wellness activities are also available.
The best part is their strong commitment to their Sustainability and Eco Program. Aside from water conservation practices and monthly beach clean-ups, Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas is also Kind Traveler Certified. This means every stay helps support a local community in Guanacaste.
READ NEXT: Guide to Visiting Las Catalinas
Where to Eat: Best Restaurants near Playa Prieta, Guanacaste
Lorito (Previously Sol y Mar)
For delicious Costa Rican flavours, you can’t go wrong with Lorito. Previously known as Sol y Mar, the restaurant went through a rebrand but still maintains its great quality and service. Crowd favourites include fresh ceviche, chifrijo, and burgers. If you’re in the mood for drinks, try a piña colada, margarita, or the iconic chiliguaro.
La Jama
La Jama at Playa Potrero is one of the roadside sodas you’ll pass on the way to Prieta Beach. Run by friendly owners, they serve authentic and reasonably-priced Costa Rican dishes for the soul. We recommend their casados with homemade hot sauce (a must!), ceviche, and nachos.
Sentido Norte
For an impressive restaurant with breathtaking views, check out Sentido Norte, one of the restaurants at Casa Chameleon, Las Catalinas. If you can, book a reservation late in the afternoon to catch the spectacular sunset across the ocean. Sentido Norte offers a handcrafted and authentic dining experience, with dishes like Short Rib with Mushroom Risotto, Calamari Rings, and Veggie Spring Rolls.
The Bottom Line
Local beaches in Costa Rica have a unique vibe that you have to experience at least once. If you’re along the Guanacaste Coast, make your way to Playa Prieta for a slow, tourist-free beach day where the only thing on the itinerary is to relax. It’s easily accessible, close to other beaches and towns, yet secluded enough to give you a taste of paradise.
