Level: Free shore access This spot have a free shore access: you can go snorkeling there freely and without having to book a tour or pay an entrance fee. Resort nearby
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Last updated on May 26, 2022
Playa Conchal is one of the nicest places in Guacanaste. This beautiful beach, where you’ll find tiny pieces of shells instead of sand, is the gateway to a gorgeous snorkeling spot located in its eastern end. Unlike many other places along the coastline, water is generally clear here since waves are stopped by rocks cutting the shore from the open sea. Underwater, everyone can admire dozens of fish species including moray eels, bright butterflyfish and friendly blowfish.
Playa Conchal is located at the tip of Brasilito village, at the heart of the Pacific “gold coast”, Costa Rica’s main sun & beach destination. Reaching it by car is easy from Playa Flamingo (10min/3km), Tamarindo (35min/20km) but also Liberia, Guacanaste Province’s capital city (45 minutes to 1 hour).
From Liberia airport, head towards the coast (road 21) and follow Playa Tamarindo direction until Huacas. Follow Brasilito directions from there, and park close to the earthen road fringing the beach.
You will have to walk westwards along the beach (on your left when facing the sea) for about 20 minutes before reaching Playa Conchal. The beach is located behind the rocky point marking Playa Brasilito’s western end.
The snorkeling area starts at the very beginning of the beach when arriving from Brasilito. This shaded part of the beach is particularly liked by visitors. You will also be able to rent snorkeling gear here, if you didn’t bring your own. Enter the water facing the emerging rocks.
You will explore the area surrounding the rocks emerging from the water, close to the rocky point separating Playa Conchal from Playa Brasilito (see map above). As often, aquatic life gathers around rocks whereas the surrounding sandy seabed is of less interest.
Rocks also shelter the area from waves and create perfect conditions for snorkeling. If waves still sometimes overcome the rocks up to the inner side, you will be able to explore even the open sea side of the rocks when the sea is calm.
Dozens of species that are typical from the region inhabit the rocky seabed. Schools of sergeant majors usually dwell in shallow areas, above the rocks, just like Cortez rainbow wrasse with its three odd blue, yellow and purple stripes. Peer into rocky cracks and look for small moray eels hiding. Guineafowl puffers, white-spotted puffers and blacknosed butterflyfish are some of the photogenic species easy to spot here.
Hiding in the greenery behind the beach, the luxurious Westin Golf Resort & Spa Playa Conchal is the only accommodation next to the spot. In Brasilito village, just a 20 minutes’ walk from the spot, you will find more accommodation options.
These spots are accessible to anyone with basic snorkeling skills, and feeling comfortable in the water and with his snorkeling gear. You will enter the water from the shore (beach, pontoon, ladder, rocks) or from a boat. The water height in the sea entrance area is reasonable, but you will not necessarily be within your depth. Moderate currents can occur in the area, even when the sea conditions are good. The distance to swim to reach the most interesting snorkeling areas of the spot does not exceed 200 meters. This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.
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Snorkeling spots are part of a wild environment and their aspect can be significantly altered by weather, seasons, sea conditions, human impact and climate events (storms, hurricanes, seawater-warming episodes…). The consequences can be an alteration of the seabed (coral bleaching, coral destruction, and invasive seagrass), a poor underwater visibility, or a decrease of the sea life present in the area. Snorkeling Report makes every effort to ensure that all the information displayed on this website is accurate and up-to-date, but no guarantee is given that the underwater visibility and seabed aspect will be exactly as described on this page the day you will snorkel the spot. If you recently snorkeled this area and noticed some changes compared to the information contained on this page, please contact us.
The data contained in this website is for general information purposes only, and is not legal advice. It is intended to provide snorkelers with the information that will enable them to engage in safe and enjoyable snorkeling, and it is not meant as a substitute for swim level, physical condition, experience, or local knowledge. Remember that all marine activities, including snorkeling, are potentially dangerous, and that you enter the water at your own risk. You must take an individual weather, sea conditions and hazards assessment before entering the water. If snorkeling conditions are degraded, postpone your snorkeling or select an alternate site. Know and obey local laws and regulations, including regulated areas, protected species, wildlife interaction and dive flag laws.
