Carrillo Beach (Playa Carrillo) - Costa Rica

The white sand bay is shaded by coconut palms. This is a great place for snorkeling and swimming. The bay is protected by a reef, the west end is especially calm. Those looking for more action can use Carrillo Beach as their base camp and organize their travels from here. In this bay you can get behind the break with a kayak without much difficulty. It is possible to paddle out to the Isla Chora.

With the kayak to Isla Chora...

At night Olive Ridley Turtles and Leatherback Turtles come on shore to lay their eggs in the warm sand of this beach. Humpback Whales and Gray Whales come out of colder, northern waters for mating to this region. The Whales weigh up to 45 tons and arrive between November and December near the coast of Costa Rica, they stay until March or April. Some of the Whales that were spotted in the breeding grounds of Costa Rica were later spotted again by scientists in California and northern parts of Alaska.

In contrast to other beaches in the area, like Samara, there are no businesses like restaurants or hotels near the beach in Carrillo Beach. All commercial operations are located on the hillsides. That adds to the natural beauty of this beach.

The waves that roll into the bay are low and powerless making this is no beach for surfers. Far out there is a reef where waves are breaking, but it is a very long way to paddle.

Carrillo Beach on the map

Carrillo Beach on the map

Facts about Carrillo Beach, Costa Rica

  • Carrillo Beach is located in the province of Guanacaste.

Driving times and distances

  • Distance from San Jose to Carrillo Beach: 243.5 kilometers respectively 151.4 miles.
  • Travel time from San Jose to Carrillo Beach: 4.52 hours.
  • Distance from Liberia to Carrillo Beach: 116.8 kilometers respectively 72.6 miles.
  • Travel time from Liberia to Carrillo Beach: 2.26 hours.