Playa San Miguel, Guanacaste

For those travelers who want to experience Costa Rica, there is no finer and remote beach to see than Playa San Miguel. Travelers from around the world have come here for years to experience a place that’s unlike any other on the map.

Skeptics may think that any beach is like any other beach, but anyone who has seen Playa San Miguel understands that this is simply not the case. It stretches for approximately six miles along the Pacific Ocean, and its diversity offers something for every type of traveler looking for almost any sort of adventure.

The Beach

The beach at Playa San Miguel has a lot to offer and it is safe to swim at low tide for most ages and ability levels. If surfing is your thing, all you’ll need to do is take a walk down the beach at high or towards high tide and you’ll find good uncrowded waves.

Additionally, those who make the trek to this wondrous place usually get to enjoy the beach area in relative solitude, as many travelers have remarked about just how deserted the area is and how it seems as though they’re on their own private plot of seaside land. It’s easy to lose yourself here.

Places to Stay

Despite its small size, Playa San Miguel offers visitors options for lodging nearby as well, and you’ll be able to enjoy high-level accommodations while listening to the call of the parrots as they pass by your window on a daily basis. Don’t be surprised if you also see and hear howler monkeys making their way through their days as well, as this is their natural habitat.

Map of the Area

Click to enlarge map - Map of the Area

Activities

If you want to do more than lose yourself on the beach, you won’t be disappointed. Local companies offer hiking tours, biking tours, tours on horseback and kayaking, all within a few minutes of town. You will also never forget what it’s like to mingle with and learn from the locals, known as “Ticos” in local parlance. Ticos are known to be as friendly, helpful and curious as any locals in the world.

Sea Turtle Hatchlings

If you make your way to Playa San Miguel between July and December, you’ll also get to witness one of the true wonders of nature – the release of the local sea turtle hatchlings. Volunteer conservationists and Ticos take part in this annual ritual, which allows these new creatures the best chance at a long life.

As you see, Playa San Miguel may be small and remote, but don’t judge it by its size. If you visit here, you’ll be in for grand adventures from the moment you arrive to the time when it’s sadly time to return home.