Playa San Juanillo is a unique destination on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, located on the Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste province. This beautiful beach remains relatively undeveloped, with few commercial establishments, preserving a rustic and untouched atmosphere.
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San Juanillo is characterized by its unique crescent-shared shoreline and not one but two beautiful sandy beaches that are rarely crowded and offer a different experience depending on the tide.
We consider San Juanillo to be a local gem, a beach where you rarely will see tourists but one that’s frequented by locals. It’s a destination we frequent when we want to spend the whole day at the beach, bobbing around in the waves and catching sun rays.
Our favourite experience is visiting Playa San Juanillo at high tide, when the water rises, creating a quick drop-off and allowing you to play in gentle waves just steps away from shore. At low tide, the water is shallow and perhaps more suitable for kids and families.
But no matter what time of the day you visit, this beach is for adventurous souls, those happy to hang out in nature with few amenities.
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How to Get to Playa San Juanillo
By Car
Playa San Juanillo is located south of Tamarindo, with Marbella to the north and Ostional, Nosara, and Garza to the south. There is no easy way to get to San Juanillo by public transport, so we recommend renting a car to make your way to this hidden gem.
- From San Jose Airport: It’s a 4.5-hour journey from San Jose Airport, covering approximately 263 kilometres (163 miles).
- From Liberia Airport: The trip from Liberia Airport takes approximately 2 hours (97.4km or 61 mi).
If you are going to rent a vehicle and plan on visiting San Juanillo and other lesser-known destinations in Costa Rica, we highly recommend renting a 4WD for your trip. There’s a lengthy section on Route 160 that’s not paved, and it’s hilly with some pretty big potholes. Having a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle will make the journey much smoother and safer.
By Bus/Shuttle
If you are travelling by bus, you can reach Playa San Juanillo from San José, take an Empresa Alfaro bus to Nosara (5-6 hrs), then use local transportation to the beach (30 mins). Alternatively, take a Tralapa bus to Santa Cruz, and transfer to Ostional with a stop in San Juanillo (8-9 hrs, weather-dependent). Purchase bus tickets in advance, and be mindful of weather conditions.
Best Time to Visit Playa San Juanillo
The best time to visit many destinations in Guanacaste is the dry season, with December through April being the best time to visit Costa Rica. There is less rain, and the warm temperatures stay fairly consistent throughout the season. Keep in mind that Guanacaste Province, especially the North Pacific, tends to have a longer dry season.
Dry Season
The streÂtch from December through April brings a pleÂasant and dry climate to San Juanillo, perfect for those who love the beach. The dry season can get rather intense in Guanacaste, with no rainfall for several months. Temperature ranges from about 78°F (25°C) in the mornings to 95°F (35°C) by midday and gets only a bit cooler in the evenings.
Rainy Season
From May through November, San Juanillo, just like the rest of Guanacaste, experiences a rainy season. While the temperature doesn’t change much, rainfall can vary from a few hours to a few days. But don’t be turned off by visiting the area during this time of the year. Most mornings tend to be clear or partly cloudy, so you can still sneak in a day trip to San Juanillo.
Things to Do at Playa San Juanillo
Enjoy the Beach
Playa San Juanillo boasts soft sandy beaches complemented by dark gray rocks and lush greenery. Unlike bustling beaches such as Tamarindo, San Juanillo remains largely unspoiled, which adds to its small-town charm.
The relaxing ambience is great for hanging out on a hammock or laying on a beach towel underneath the trees.
The beach is at its best at high tide, when the water comes up and makes it fun to play in the waves. At low tide, you’ll find a few tide pools that are particularly fun for little ones.
Take a Stroll
A leisurely stroll along the beach will lead you to interconnected bays, with two deep water coves separated by a charming sandbar peninsula. During the low tide, you can walk out onto the rocks and watch the waves crash.
The view from the top is really nice. Follow the short path labelled “Mirador Playa San Juanillo” on Google Maps, surrounded by a picturesque view. The 10-minute short walk from the parking lot, mostly along the beach, offers a nice stroll amid white sand and clear waters.
Don’t forget sunscreen and proper footwear; the sun is not forgiving, and the rocks can be quite sharp.
Try Paddle Boarding
Paddleboarding in Playa San Juanillo is a fun and easy way to explore the beautiful coast and the fascinating wildlife in the area. The waters can be quite calm and suitable for beginners. Bring your own SUP or join a tour with a local operator departing from San Juanillo or the nearby Playa Pelada, near Nosara.
Go Snorkeling
This small beach is calm, warm, and perfect for families with kids who are new to snorkelling. The rocky outcrops offer a great spot for a little snorkelling session to spot colourful fish, crabs, lobsters and more. Be sure to come prepared with snorkelling gear like masks, snorkels, and fins, as there are no rentals on the beach.
Try Fishing
Playa San Juanillo also offers fantastic fishing opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or trying fishing for the first time, the calm and warm waters of this coastal haven provide an ideal setting. Consider joining a guided tour to enhance your fishing experience. The mellow and friendly fishing town vibe makes it a must-try activity when you visit Playa San Juanillo.
FAQs:
Can you Swim at Playa San Juanillo?
Yes, Playa San Juanillo is a great spot for swimming and offers fun for the whole family. Time your visit to coincide with the high tide if you want to bob around the waves close to shore, or visit at low tide to hang out in rock pools or if you are visiting with kids.
What Facilities are there at Playa San Juanillo?
There are no big restaurants along the beach, just a handful of coconut vendors or locals selling ceviche out of the back of their cars.
Where to Stay in Playa San Juanillo
Treetops B&B Inn
Set on a 17-acre estate, Treetops B & B Inn is located in San Juanillo and provides a nice getaway with sea views and a sun terrace. Offering 19 rooms, including double/twin rooms with balconies and one-bedroom bungalows with kitchenettes, the inn features spacious beds, en-suite bathrooms, free WiFi, and air conditioning. Ideal for couples and nature enthusiasts, Treetops B&B offers beachfront access, a lovely breakfast, and even an on-site bar.
Buddha Hotel
Buddha Hotel y Restaurante, located 100 meters from San Juanillo Beach, offers a tranquil retreat with an outdoor pool, free parking, and a garden. The hotel features a restaurant and bar, and rooms include a patio, private bathroom, and garden view. Guests can enjoy amenities like a 24-hour front desk, free WiFi, and air conditioning.
ParaÃso Terrenal
Casa de Playa ParaÃso Terrenal in San Juanillo is a traditional local 2-bedroom holiday home with a fully equipped kitchen, terrace, and mountain views. The home has an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi, and complimentary parking.
Best Restaurants in Playa San Juanillo
There aren’t many beachfront restaurants in San Juanillo, but the good news is the town is just a short walk away. There, you’ll find several small eateries that offer simple and basic dining choices. Here are a few you can try.
Soda Brisas Del Mar
Soda Brisas Del Mar is a family-operated eatery just a short walk from the beach, offering simple dishes like garlic shrimp with rice, fish tacos, and great ceviche. Friendly service and generous portions, this soda will not disappoint!
Ancient People
Ancient People in San Juanillo offers a simple dining experience with a menu featuring International, South American, Central American, and Costa Rican cuisines. We recommend their fish tacos and falafel, though they have plenty of other vegetarian-friendly options as well.
Rancho Cocobolo
Rancho Cocobolo offers a diverse menu with American, South American, and Central American cuisines. Frequented by locals and foreigners alike, this spot serves up good food with friendly service and a scenic view of San Juanillo. Some standout dishes to try are patacones (fried green plantains), frijoles (refried beans), and guacamole.
The Bottom Line
If you are looking to get off the beaten path and enjoy a day at a lovely beach without the typical crowds, then San Juanillo is the spot for you. Avoid visiting on Sundays or public holidays. This spot may not be popular with tourists, but it is well-loved by locals, who enjoy escaping to the beach on their days off.
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