Background

Playa Blanca: A Pristine Pacific Paradise

Discover Playa Blanca: A hidden gem with white sands and turquoise waters, offering a tranquil escape on Costa Rica's Pacific coast.

4.4

Playa Blanca, aptly named 'White Beach,' is a stunning, secluded beach on Costa Rica's central Pacific coast, near Jacó. Known for its powdery white sand, clear turquoise waters, and tranquil atmosphere, it offers a serene escape from the more crowded tourist spots. It's a semi-private beach with public access, boasting natural beauty and opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.

A brief summary to Playa Blanca

  • CR

Local tips

  • Bring your own food and drinks, as facilities are limited.
  • Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to hike over the rocks from Playa Mantas, especially during high tide.
  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, as the parking lot at Playa Mantas fills up quickly.
  • Check tide charts before you go, as access to Playa Blanca can be limited during high tide.
  • Bring snorkeling gear to explore the coral reefs and marine life in the calm waters.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    From Jacó, drive north on Highway 34 (La Costanera) for about 15 minutes. Look for the turnoff to Playa Mantas, located just north of the Punta Leona Hotel entrance. Turn onto the dirt road and follow it for approximately 5 kilometers. You'll pass a small grocery store and an ice cream shop before reaching the entrance to Playa Mantas. Park in the Playa Mantas parking lot; rates are around 4,000 colones ($6.6 USD). From the parking lot, walk south along Playa Mantas for about 10 minutes. At low tide, you can climb over the rocks to access Playa Blanca.

  • Walking

    If you're already at Playa Mantas, simply walk south along the beach for about 10 minutes. At low tide, you can climb over the rocks to Playa Blanca. Be cautious, especially if the tide is rising. There may be a rope to assist with the climb. Note that this route is not wheelchair accessible.

Unlock the Best of Playa Blanca

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca, translating to 'White Beach,' is a gem on Costa Rica's Pacific coastline, situated in the province of Puntarenas near Jacó. This idyllic beach distinguishes itself with its pristine white sand, a relative rarity in Costa Rica, and invitingly clear, turquoise waters. The beach's calm waters and offshore coral reefs make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling, offering glimpses of colorful fish and marine life. Playa Blanca is part of the Punta Leona area, known for its rich biodiversity and lush tropical surroundings. Historically inhabited by indigenous people, the area has evolved into a haven for nature lovers. Playa Blanca maintains a relatively low profile compared to Costa Rica's more famous beaches, contributing to its tranquil and secluded atmosphere. While Playa Blanca is part of a private resort, all beaches in Costa Rica are required to have public access. This means that even if you're not staying at the resort, you can still enjoy the beauty of Playa Blanca. The beach is accessible via a scenic walk from the adjacent Playa Mantas, often involving a climb over rocks, especially during high tide. The surrounding area is teeming with wildlife, including monkeys, iguanas, and various tropical birds, adding to the allure of this natural paradise.

Popular Experiences near Playa Blanca

Popular Hotels near Playa Blanca

Select Currency