Playa Ventanas is one of those hidden gems on the South Pacific coast of Costa Rica that is worth adding to your itinerary. This beautiful beach is a small cove just south of Uvita in Puntarenas province, backed by thick jungle, swaying palm trees and rocky cliffs.
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The most unique part of Playa Ventanas beach is that you can discover a series of caves big enough to explore at low tide. In fact, the name of the beach describes the distinct time-worn holes in the coast, as ventanas means windows in Spanish.
It’s a popular spot amongst locals, but it still retains a secluded feel with minimal developments nearby.
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How to Get to Playa Ventanas
By Car
Playa Ventanas is best reached by car. It’s located between the towns of Uvita and Ojochal in Puntarenas, around 235 km or a 4-hour drive away from San Jose.
The beach can be accessed on a road off the Costanera Sur highway. The road is not fully paved but is usually 2WD accessible in the dry season. However, in the rainy season, a 4×4 is highly recommended as the small creeks flood with water and water crossing may be imminent.
By Bus/Shuttle
You can’t reach Playa Ventanas directly by local bus. However, there are public transport options for reaching nearby towns such as Uvita.
There are several buses every day from San Jose that pass through Uvita on Ruta 27/Costanera Sur. You can be dropped in Uvita, which should cost around 6,000 colones ($12). From Uvita, you’ll have to catch a taxi to actually reach the beach.
Parking at Playa Ventanas
If you visit Playa Ventanas with your own vehicle, you’ll find a decent-sized parking lot at the end of the dirt road. There is a booth set up charging a small fee of around 2000 colones ($4) to park all day. This covers local “guards” who will look after your car while you experience Playa Ventanas.
While the local “guards” offer peace of mind, we don’t recommend leaving valuables in sight inside the car. It’s best to hide them in the trunk or leave them in the safe in your hotel room.
Facilities at Playa Ventanas
There are limited developments on this stretch of coastline, but local vendors have set up food stalls and basic shops selling drinks, snacks, toys, and beach clothing on the sand. They also offer chairs and umbrellas, which you can rent for your time at the beach.
Some shops have basic bathroom facilities.
The beach does offer shade under the palm trees, where you can relax on the sand in your own space.
Things to Do at Playa Ventanas
If you plan on spending the day at Playa Ventanas, here’s what to do.
Explore the Caves
At the north end of Playa Ventanas, you’ll find some amazing sea caves that make this great beach completely unique. There are two main caves that have been carved out by years of erosion at the base of a jungle-covered hill.
You can actually walk inside the larger cave that is cut deep into the hillside and exits facing the ocean. At low tide, it’s possible to explore the entirety of the cave, but you must remain cautious of any waves coming through which can surprise you.
Be aware of the high tide times before arriving at the beach because getting caught in the caves when the tide is rising can be very dangerous.
Go Swimming
Playa Ventanas is also a nice place to cool off in the ocean. The gentle waves make it a nice place to wade into the water for a quick dip. At the southern end of the beach, you can find some tidal pools at low tide where kids can splash about safely in the rocks.
There is a casual lifeguard occasionally on duty during the holidays and busy weekends, but don’t rely on this service for young kids.
Relax on the Beach
Playa Ventanas is the perfect little cove to relax on the dark sand beach. You can either hire one of the beach chairs or find your own spot under the palms to chill with some friends or listen to the gentle waves come in as you read a book.
FAQs:
Can you Swim at Playa Ventanas?
You can swim at Playa Ventanas beach; however, be careful of riptides, which happen at certain times of the year. Many beaches in this area experience riptides, including Playa Uvita and Dominical, so it’s not an unusual occurrence or one that’s unique to Playa Ventanas.
Can you Fish at Playa Ventanas?
While most people come for cave exploring, you could try fishing at Playa Ventanas. Uvita and Dominical are popular destinations for fishing charters, so you might have some luck catching something offshore.
Can you Surf at Playa Ventanas?
The small waves at Playa Ventanas are not known to be great for surfing. While you could certainly use a boogie board on the whitewater, it’s not a recognized surf beach like other nearby places like Uvita Beach.
Is Playa Ventanas Safe for Families?
Yes, Playa Ventanas is safe to explore with your family. In fact, the beach is very crowded on weekends when local families come to picnic and cool off in the ocean. With the caves, small tidal pools, and beautiful nature, it’s an excellent spot to bring young kids.
Where to Stay near Playa Ventanas
Mid Range/Budget Hotel: El Paraiso Azul
El Paraiso Azul is an understated boutique hotel that offers good value for money. This property offers basic rooms with sea views. Set in Ojochal amidst lush rainforest, the outdoor pool faces the coast and offers stunning views and complete seclusion. If you’re self-driving, they have free parking, plus self-catering facilities in some rooms.
Luxury Hotel: Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa
For a bit of luxury near Playa Ventanas, this 4-star hotel is located just up the highway in Costa Ballena. The property is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and offers a spa, an outdoor pool and Mediterranean-style suites with ocean views. They also have beach shuttles for getting around the area.
Where to Eat: Best Restaurants near Playa Ventanas
Beach Vendors
There are several local vendors and small rustic restaurants on the beach. They mostly serve fast and cheap local food, such as empanadas, ceviches, and rice dishes. This is the most convenient option if you don’t want to leave the beach for a meal.
Pancito Cafe
Located just a kilometre down the main road, this popular French-inspired cafe is best known for breakfast, with delicious pastries, sandwiches, and crepes. They’re open from early in the morning until 6pm.
Restaurante Piñuelas
Found just a few kilometres north of Playa Ventanas and accessed off the highway, this small restaurant is tucked away amidst the jungle overlooking the coast. A very friendly place, they serve up local fare, including fresh seafood. The ceviche is most people’s highlight.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for somewhere different to spend a day in Puntarenas province, Playa Ventanas is a beautiful dark sand beach with sea caves and lush surrounding nature.
If you visit mid-week, it’s a unique day trip without the crowds.
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