El Ocotal

Travel Guide
El Ocotal showing general coastal views
Experience local life in this coastal Guanacaste village, known for its peaceful ambiance, scenic sandy beach and ideal diving conditions.

Learn about the local culture, spot wildlife and go snorkeling in the quiet coastal village of El Ocotal. This relaxed and spacious village is perfect for travelers looking to escape the crowds and bright lights of other oceanfront towns nearby. Mossy cliffs and the Catalina Islands enclose the small beach, which has clear ocean water and exceptional views.

As you arrive in El Ocotal, note the rustic churches and juice stands by the road. Spot chickens and horses roaming the streets. This is not a tourist bubble, but a real town where locals live and work. Go for lunch at a small restaurant and chat with the staff about their recommendations for your visit.

The village’s main attraction is its beach, which stretches over 0.5 miles (804 meters) of the Gulf of Papagayo. Snap photos of the scenic green hills, swaying palm trees and glimmering ocean. Sit in the shade of a tree and watch pelicans diving for fish.

El Ocotal’s pristine water is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. Look for tropical fish, such as puffer fish, red snappers and stingrays. Explore the scenic coastline and rent diving equipment, canoes and kayaks from the beach’s eastern entrance.

In the evening, make your way to the bright lights of downtown Coco Beach, just 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) east of El Ocotal. Dine at one of the many restaurants to try local rice and bean dishes, as well as tropical fruit juices. Make the most of the eclectic nightlife by enjoying a drink at the bars and clubs. Retire to one of the resorts back in the El Ocotal region.

El Ocotal is just a half-hour drive west from Liberia. Taxis and buses connect El Ocotal to Liberia International Airport, 15 miles (24 kilometers) away.

Get around El Ocotal by bike or taxis. When you need a break, unwind under a palm tree by the sea and make the most of this serene setting.

Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive
Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive
3.5 out of 5
Sardinal de Carrillo, Playa Matapalo, Sardinal, Guanacaste
The price is $322 per night from Apr 9 to Apr 10
$322
$322 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 9 - Apr 10
Stay at this 3.5-star beach property in Sardinal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,154 reviews)
"I like it a lot"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive
Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive
Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive
4 out of 5
Playa Matapalo- Sardinal, Carrillo, Sardinal, Guanacaste
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Sardinal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"So close to the airport! Amazing for a family vacation !"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive
Bahia Pez Vela Resort
Bahia Pez Vela Resort
3.5 out of 5
Playa del Coco, Sardinal, Guanacaste
The price is $250 per night from Apr 12 to Apr 13
$250
$382 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 12 - Apr 13
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Sardinal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (71 reviews)
"A very beautiful and secluded resort just off of the Ocotal Beach area. A short drive from Playa Coco that includes beautiful black sand beaches. The villa was spacious and had lovely views of the ocean. If you have a car, it is an ideal stop as you can access other restaurants nearby, like father ..."

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2024

Bahia Pez Vela Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bahia Pez Vela Resort
Bahia Pez Vela Resort
3.5 out of 5
Playa del Coco, Sardinal, Guanacaste
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Sardinal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (71 reviews)
"A very beautiful and secluded resort just off of the Ocotal Beach area. A short drive from Playa Coco that includes beautiful black sand beaches. The villa was spacious and had lovely views of the ocean. If you have a car, it is an ideal stop as you can access other restaurants nearby, like father ..."

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2024

Bahia Pez Vela Resort
Spectacular Ocean View, beachfront with 3 swimming pools, snorkel gear included
Spectacular Ocean View, beachfront with 3 swimming pools, snorkel gear included
Playa Ocotal
Stay at this beach condo in Sardinal. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Coco Beach and Ocotal Beach are located nearby. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (101 reviews)
Perfection!
"Perfect place for a getaway. Host goes above an beyond to make sure your vacation has EVERYTHING you need. Bikes, kayaks, snorkeling gear OH MY! You will also get an detailed itinerary of EVERYTHING you could possibly want to do in the area. Even if you want to do nothing, the secluded black sands ..."

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2024

Spectacular Ocean View, beachfront with 3 swimming pools, snorkel gear included
Stunning Direct Beachfront Villa in Beautiful Playa Ocotal at Bahia Pez Vela
Stunning Direct Beachfront Villa in Beautiful Playa Ocotal at Bahia Pez Vela
Playa Ocotal
Stay at this beach villa in Sardinal. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions Coco Beach ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (74 reviews)
Wonderful stay at the beach
"Beautiful house in an amazing location, right on the beach. We were staying as a family with young children ages 2 and 5, and everything was extremely convenient. The beach, pool, restaurant are all a few feet away. Thanks for a memorable vacation!"

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024

Stunning Direct Beachfront Villa in Beautiful Playa Ocotal at Bahia Pez Vela
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of El Ocotal

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
101
" "5 - Excellent 43.722943722943725%
4 - Good
88
" "4 - Good 38.095238095238095%
3 - Okay
26
" "3 - Okay 11.255411255411255%
2 - Disappointing
10
" "2 - Disappointing 4.329004329004329%
1 - Terrible
6
" "1 - Terrible 2.5974025974025974%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 14, 2020

The house keeping staff kept forgetting to replace out wash clothes which was a little upsetting but not the end of the world. Within the suite/ room itself I felt although the linens and decor could be updated.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 10, 2020

Safe area, beautiful views and the locals are very kind, humble and honest

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Mar 5, 2020

They need better customer service and staff

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Feb 22, 2020

Largest zip line in Central America was real close to the resort. This resort is @ 30 minutes from the airport.

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler
Feb 12, 2020

Improve communication and courtesy rules in staff members and manager Adrian has no leadership.

5/5 - Excellent

Rebecca
Jan 28, 2020

There is no dinner served at the hotel but there is a great restraint in the beach within walking distance. You also need to bring your own towels if you want to swim as there are no beach towels offered.

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