Guide to Visiting Playa Bejuco, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Playa Bejuco, Costa Rica is located on the central Pacific coast in Puntarenas Province. It’s one of the many offbeat stops on the long highway that runs along the coast between Jaco and Manuel Antonio. 

The long shoreline of dark, compact sand is backed by picture-perfect palm trees and very few interruptions or signs of construction. It’s easily one of the quietest and more laid-back places to wander, swim, surf, and sunbake on the coast.

The small beachside town is a cluster of homes, hotels, new residential developments and vacation rentals, so you can easily spend more than a day here enjoying the serenity. It’s also in a convenient location in Puntarenas, with many attractions and national parks nearby, including Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio. 

Here’s what you need to know to plan a visit to Bejuco Beach.

How to Get to Playa Bejuco 

While it’s a tucked-away beach on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Bejuco Beach is still pretty easy to reach on the coastal road (Route 34) between Jaco and Quepos. 

By Car

Playa Bejuco is about 118 km or a 2-hour & 15-minutes drive south of Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. The most ideal option for reaching the beach is by driving and you can easily hire a car at the airport.

Our Recommended Car Rental Provider

Where’s the best place to rent a car in Costa Rica?

When it comes to car rental providers, our personal recommendation is Vamos Rent-a-Car, the best rental car company we’ve used in Costa Rica. They’re an independently-owned, Costa Rica-based company offering excellent service and no hidden fees policy for car rental in Costa Rica. They’re very highly rated, with 98% customer satisfaction scores and a genuine desire to make the process of car rental in Costa Rica a smooth one. 

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Book in advance, especially if you are on a budget and want to secure the cheapest car. Their inventory is limited and can sell out!

By Bus/Shuttle

Budget travellers and those who do not feel comfortable driving can also reach Playa Bejuco by local bus. First, take a bus from downtown San Jose to Jaco. The bus leaves roughly every two hours and costs between $5-10 for the two-hour trip. From Jaco, you can either take a taxi for the 45-minute drive down to Playa Bejuco or take a local bus. Any bus running from Jaco down to Quepos and Manuel Antonio will pass by Bejuco.

Parking at Playa Bejuco 

The dirt road leading to the beach offers plenty of room to park. Calle Bejuco meets the sand and then runs parallel to the beach, with some hotels and restaurants, but otherwise, there’s plenty of space to find somewhere to leave your car. Don’t leave your valuables in plain sight, and ensure you lock your car and windows when leaving for the beach. 

Facilities at Playa Bejuco 

Playa Bejuco is backed by a long, lush area of shady palm trees that reaches right up to the sand’s edge, offering plenty of shade. However, it still feels like a world away from other beaches in Costa Rica, with far fewer amenities and tourist-oriented facilities. Try to be as self-sufficient as possible with snacks, water and your own beach towels/picnic rugs.

There are several campgrounds along the beach hidden amongst the palm trees, and they have bathroom facilities that you can use for an extra cost. 

Things to Do at Playa Bejuco (Bejuco Beach)

There are plenty of things to do in and around the beach town of Playa Bejuco, depending on what activities you enjoy.

Walk Along the Beach

Playa Bejuco is one long expanse of hard-packed sand. It stretches for miles in each direction, all the way north to Playa Esterillos and further south to Palma Beach. This makes it a great place to go for a long walk at sunset or early in the morning. The beach is generally devoid of tourists, so you won’t have to worry about dodging people on the sand as you wander along.

Relax Under the Trees

With few distractions on the beach, it’s a nice spot to set up your towel for some sunbathing or sit under the trees and read a book for the afternoon. There are not a whole lot of facilities like bars or sun lounges, so this beach is much quieter than other spots. 

Try Surfing

While Playa Bejuco is not really on the tourist map for surfing, the beach does get some strong waves and rip currents. This makes it a little difficult to swim, but can attract some local surfers. Note that due to the level of currents, the surf is better suited for those with plenty of experience.

Otherwise, you can also bring a boogie board and try body surfing.

Watch the Sunset

Being on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Bejuco Beach offers beautiful sunsets. You can enjoy a walk or sit on the sand to soak up the changing colours as the sun sets against the palm trees and waves. If it’s a weekend, you’ll likely be joined by locals who gather on the beach for friendly soccer matches and family picnics.

Look Out for Wildlife

With an estuary down the southern end of the beach and plenty of lush forest in the surroundings, wildlife is abundant in the area. Bejuco is known for some exotic sea birds, howler monkeys and crabs, especially around dusk. 

FAQs: 

Can you Swim at Playa Bejuco?

It’s generally pretty safe to paddle in the shallow water on the sand. Strong waves tend to build up further out to sea, so it’s not considered an overly safe beach to swim in deep water. Keep your eye on any young children and unconfident swimmers. 

Can you Fish at Playa Bejuco?

You can certainly try to fish at Playa Bejuco from the sand. However, you’ll want to wait until high tide as the water recedes quite far otherwise. You might see some locals fishing on weekends and early in the morning.

Can you Surf at Playa Bejuco? 

It’s not known as a popular surfing location on the west coast of Costa Rica, but people certainly try to head in for a surf when the waves are big. However, due to strong rip currents, it’s better suited to more experienced surfers.

Is Playa Bejuco Safe for Families? 

Bejuco Beach has been awarded a Blue Flag Award in the past for its cleanliness and safety for families. This means it’s a nice spot to bring the kids on one of your day trips from San Jose. The local community has also recently funded a lifesaving outpost, but this generally only operates during high season and on weekends.

Where to Stay near Playa Bejuco 

There are a few relaxing small hotels on Playa Bejuco which offer a true beach getaway without the crowds.

Mid Range Hotel: Playa Bejuco Hotel

Set just back from the beach, Playa Bejuco Hotel is a wonderful hotel complex built around a large private pool. With large spacious rooms big enough for groups and families, it’s a comfortable place for spending time in the area with your kids.

Mid Range Hotel: Hotel Delfin Playa Bejuco

Located right on the beach in a more secluded location under the palm trees, Hotel Delfin Playa Bejuco offers an old villa-style accommodation. With an outdoor pool, restaurant and bar, and private access to the beach, it’s the perfect place to relax. It’s also a popular place for weddings and other special occasions amongst locals.

Luxury Hotel: Alma del Pacífico Beachfront Hotel

Situated further north on Esterillos Este Beach, Alma del Pacífico Beachfront Hotel

is a four-star resort complex offering private bungalows with beach access. It also has an outdoor swimming pool, a day spa and an open-air restaurant focusing on local cuisine and popular seafood dishes. It’s just a short walk to Playa Bejuco or a short drive from bigger towns nearby.

Best Restaurants near Playa Bejuco 

While a small community, there are still some great restaurants around Playa Bejuco.

El Chiringuito

Located in the town centre of Bejuco, this restaurant offers a Mediterranean experience in Costa Rica. With great Italian food, outdoor dining, and wine selections, it’s the best spot for an indulgent meal near the beach. 

Valhalla Danish Cafe & Bakery

If you’re heading to the beach early in the morning, stop in at this great place on the highway in the middle of town. The cafe and bakery offer delicious baked goods, including croissants, cinnamon rolls, and sourdough bread. You can either pick up something to go for a picnic or sit down for breakfast.

Don Toro Beach Restaurant

Located between Esterillos Este and Playa Bejuco, this beachfront restaurant is under the trees on the sand. While it appears a little rustic, the food is delicious, with large serving sizes of fresh seafood, including octopus, ceviche, and prawns. They also serve cocktails at sunset time.

The Bottom Line 

Playa Bejuca boasts a long stretch of sand backed by palm trees that offers an off-the-beaten-path experience. The town is small, with a tight-knit community, friendly locals, and just enough hotels and restaurants to make your stay enjoyable, 

It’s a lovely spot to get away from the popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica.

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