El Ocotal

Travel Guide

El Ocotal featuring a pebble beach and a beach
El Ocotal showing general coastal views
El Ocotal which includes signage
El Ocotal featuring rugged coastline and landscape views
El Ocotal showing rocky coastline

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.

Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive

Hotel 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! (1,190 reviews)
"The staff was amazing! From the reception desk to the waiters and not to mention the bartenders. Everyone was so friendly and with a great attitude some even knew me by name. We had one problem with one of our rooms but we got the issue resolved and they moved us rooms. The shows were great and the ..."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive
Hotel Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive

Hotel Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive

3.5 out of 5
Sardinal de Carrillo, Playa Matapalo, Sardinal, Guanacaste
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! (1,370 reviews)
"Great vacation- would go again! Need to switch up food menus a bit but otherwise great time!"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Hotel Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive
Hotel Ocotal B&B

Hotel Ocotal B&B

3 out of 5
Entrada Urbanización Ocotal 250 SE, Sardinal, Provincia de Guanacaste
$81 nightly
The price is $92 total per night from Aug 12 to Aug 13
$92 total
Aug 12 - Aug 13
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Sardinal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Coco Beach and Playa Hermosa are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (16 reviews)
"Quiet and friendly staff.. Walking distance to Ocotal Beach which is a good place for snorkeling"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Hotel Ocotal B&B
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. Popular attractions Coco Beach and Playa Hermosa are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (84 reviews)
"Loved the semi private beach. The staff at the restaurant was always kind and helpful. Everything was clean and well kept. Pools were beautiful. Villas was super clean and very comfortable to stay in. Thanks for a great experience."

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

Bahia Pez Vela Resort
Tranquil 3 Bed 3 Bath Beach House Steps from the Quaint Playa Ocotal Beach

Tranquil 3 Bed 3 Bath Beach House Steps from the Quaint Playa Ocotal Beach

Sardinal
Stay at this villa in Sardinal. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Coco Beach and Playa Hermosa are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Booking was exactly as advertised.
"Everything was clean and everything worked. The kitchen had everything we needed.needed. The showees were nice and warm with decent"

Reviewed on Feb 11, 2025

Tranquil 3 Bed 3 Bath Beach House Steps from the Quaint Playa Ocotal Beach
Los Almendros de Ocotal
Beachfront property! Gorgeous ocean views & sunsets

Los Almendros de Ocotal Beachfront property! Gorgeous ocean views & sunsets

Playa Ocotal
Book a stay at this beach condo in Sardinal. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Coco Beach and Playa Hermosa are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"Great location, close to beach and near other beaches, restaurants and grocerie stores. Apt was clean, comfortable and well equiped. Guest was great, communication was fluent and went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable."

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

Los Almendros de Ocotal Beachfront property! Gorgeous ocean views & sunsets
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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