El Ocotal Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

El Ocotal which includes a sandy beach and a pebble beach
El Ocotal which includes general coastal views
El Ocotal which includes signage
El Ocotal showing landscape views and rugged coastline
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 travellers 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 metres) 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 kilometres) 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 kilometres) 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
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Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Sardinal. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,174 reviews)
"Our stay was fill with fun and laughter. We had a great time. Staff is warm and welcoming. Food was tasty, include 5 different resturant to eat from. Aswsome bar service. We will definitely return to this hotel in the near future."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

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

Hotel Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive

3.5 out of 5
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Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Sardinal. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,416 reviews)
"Dining options were not the best, and the process to reserve a dining time was a horrible experience. If you don't mind eating at the buffet every night, you will be ok."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 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
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Sardinal. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Coco Beach and Ocotal Beach are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (14 reviews)
"My sister and I just stayed 5 nights here with our 2 young kids and had a great time. The location was close to the beach and nearby town with stores and restaurants . The property grounds were clean and tastefully decorated. The staff were also amazing- the receptionist Gildie (sorry if that’s spelt ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 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.
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Bahia Pez Vela Resort

3.5 out of 5
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Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Sardinal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Coco Beach and Playa Hermosa are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (83 reviews)
"Beautiful beach with black sand. Perfect for swimming. Our villa was right on the beach gorgeous view of the sunsets every evening. Loved the wildlife around the hotel. The villa was spotless and very comfortable for our family of 6. The kitchen was fully stocked, had everything we needed. Would ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Bahia Pez Vela Resort
Las Catalinas Doorway

Las Catalinas Doorway

4 out of 5
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Stay at this 4-star beach holiday home in Tempate. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free valet parking and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Playa Potrero and Flamingo Beach ...
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Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Las Catalinas Doorway
Hermosa Paradise

Hermosa Paradise

2 out of 5
Highway 159 behind Super Luperon, Sardinal, Guanacaste Province
Stay at this aparthotel in Sardinal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 14 beach bars. Popular attractions Coco Beach and Playa Hermosa are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (82 reviews)
"Very good"

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2025

Hermosa Paradise
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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