Duane runs a nice small tour through the Chassahowitzka river. The road to Playa Hermosa is not in good condition so a car with high clearance will be necessary. You will arrive at an enormous hardware store called Do-It-Center and turn right, pass a medical center and then turn left. For example, dont leave your valuables in plain sight. Surf lessons cost around $60 USD per person for a group lesson. The downside was that we visited in September, during the peak of rainy season. Santa Teresa is a top yogi destination in Costa Rica and you can find yoga classes throughout town. Hermosa, which means beautiful in Spanish, is a truly lovely crescent-shaped beach bordered by trees that spring up wildly at the edge of a wide stretch of grayish sand. A number of national parks lie within a short traveling distance from Hermosa Beach: Rincon de la Vieja National Park (Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja), Palo Verde National Park (Parque Nacional Palo Verde), and Santa Rosa National Park (Parque Nacional Santa Rosa). Take a picnic lunch and head to Playa Hermosa. As theyre typically made from volcano materials, its no surprise that there are plenty of black sand beaches in Costa Rica. Also check out Coco Water Taxi if you just want the boat transportation instead of a tour. Monteverde region blew us away with the Twilight Walk, Children's Eternal Rainforest and the cabins and greenhouse at Los Pinos, including the cabins designed to profit from natural light in the washrooms. While the above activities may be trickier if you travel with young children, dont worry. They were sympathetic to my conditions, and fears. Captain D, although mastering the 2nd boat, also watched out for me. Any tour that youll find online that leaves from Playas del Coco will often include a pickup location in Playa Hermosa as well! The state park belonged to Davy Levy Yulee who served as a member of the Territorial Legislative Council. What can be more fun than snorkeling in the Homosassa River with manatees and other water animals? There are several ways to get to Playa Hermosa, Santa Teresa. Overwhelmed on Where to go in Costa Rica? Besides adding thePlaya Hermosaregion to your itinerary, check out Bookaways otherroutes in Costa Rica. Very personable relaxed guide with great knowledge of the area. You can choose from a number of safaris with the most popular ones being the Spectacular Scenic Safari, St. Martins Grand Dolphin SMO, Dolphin Ride and Quest, and The Safari Sunset Airboat Tour. It was a windy day but Captain Duane knows where to go to get out of the wind and still catch fish. Captain Paul led a fun adventure weaving in and out of the mangroves and then into the Gulf of Mexico! He, also, has delicious Cuban sandwiches, yellow rice, black beans and soups and salads. Captain Jake was fantastic! Playa Hermosa isnt the only beautiful beach around. You and your family will also want to visit the areas national parks. The first time we visited this beach, we drove a sedan all the way to the bottom and had to have our friends push it out (visited in October) because the pot holes were so big. The mill was a prominent source of sugar products during the civil war to the Southern troops. Don and Elisa were so understanding and encouraging. Bars and discos surround Cocos central plaza. How to Get to Playa Penca Playa Penca is a bit tricky to get to but you can get there by boat or car. Everything on our itinerary went according to plan. They watched me closely the entire time while i was in the water and directed toward the Manatees. Free Cancellation. If you have a few days in Playa Hermosa, you should explore some neighboring beaches. They listened attentively to my questions and concerns and helped me gain confidence in getting in and out of the water, as well as patiently teaching me how to use the snorkeling gear. Temperatures are fairly steady year round, hovering between the upper 80s and lower 90s during the day, and dropping to the upper 70s at night. with Waterfall Hike and Corobici River Safari Float. The lessons are designed in a way that helps in the maximum adaptation of techniques by babies and toddlers. You can visit Alpaca Magic and spend some time playing with these cute animals. You can espy the backwaters and estuaries, mangrove-covered islands, and Indian shell mounds. The memorial is flanked by two statues of soldiers and the American flag. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant stay at Airbnb vacation rentals or riverfront resorts such as Homosassa Riverside Resort, Seagrass Waterfront Resort, and MacRaes of Homosassa. 2023 Thank you for visiting Pacific Trade Winds, Enter Costa Rica. If you fly into Guanacaste (Liberia) International Airport, you can drive or book a shared or private shuttle. Playa Hermosa Guanacaste weather is actually one of the hottest and driest areas in Costa Rica which is something to consider when planning your trip. Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste is filled with quite a few fun things to do, especially because its right on the beach. Large hotel complexes on the northern end head most construction in the area, while the south retains a more relaxed atmosphere. Places to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences. The other two roads run perpendicular to the beach, so no matter which one you take, youll find yourself on the sandy beachfront. Unsure of what to do? A private shuttle from LIR Airport to Playa Hermosa (Santa Teresa) is around $260 USD per way up to 8 passengers. Address:1821 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34448, Opening hours: Tue Sun: 11am 6pm (closed on Mon). Below are a few items that you should consider bringing. Walking down the path to Playa Penca makes you feel like youre in the middle of the true unspoiled Costa Rican jungle. Do not miss out on the best Cuban food in Homosassa at Museum Cafe. Stay around for sunset, and youll find beach bars playing live music. It is quite a small memorial so make sure you dont drive past and miss it! Sightseeing Tours, 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours, Papagayo Gulf Sport Fishing - North Pacific Tours. Saltwater on your skin. Some are even nesting beaches for several sea turtle species. This was my 2nd airboat tour and the experience is like unother! One of the best maintained beaches in the country, Playa Hermosa, offers visitors crystal clear blue waters and gorgeous scenery, making it a very popular beach strip on the west coast. Rejuvenate with a dip in volcanic hot springs and enjoy stellar evening views of the volcano and emerging stars. Enjoy the delicious local seafood with friends and family at Riverside Crab House. A private shuttle from SJO Airport to Playa Hermosa is around $290 USD per way up to 8 passengers. However, sparse budget rooms are also available. This will take you about 30 minutesby car. For Hermosa, Esterillos or Bejuco Beach: Catch a local bus from Jaco to Quepos or Manuel Antonio that run every two hours and cost about $1. Nonetheless it was a great adventure that undoubtedly my grandson will remember forever! Jaco to Playa Hermosa: $10-$15 Jaco to Esterillos: $30 Jaco to Herradura/Los Suenos $15 Jaco to Carara National Park: $25 Jaco to Bejuco: $35 Jaco to San Jose: $90-$100. 2023 Let's Travel Costa Rica - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, 7 Unforgettable Black Sand Beaches in Costa Rica. The water here is usually very clear and calm, which is why it's a perfect beach for families. I recommend to stay in Playa Hermosa if you want to be away from all the hustle and bustle of Santa Teresa. 3. Quick Facts: 168 miles northwest of San Jose ; Sea level ; Warm and humid year-round ; 82-90F. The Suri alpacas in Alpaca Magic has an unusual kind of fiber, which makes them stand out from other camelid families such as guanaco, llamas, Huacaya, vicuna, and camels. Beautiful Home with Large Private Pool (25mins from Liberia Airport). White sand beaches in Costa Rica or combined with Carribean 6:52 am. There are 5 ways to get from San Jose Airport (SJO) to Playa Hermosa by bus, taxi, car or towncar Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. A small town with a long expansive beach and calm waters, Playa Hermosa is a fantastic alternative to Coco for travelers who want to be near all the action but want a bit more of a slower pace. Alternatively, if you are arriving at the main international airport in San Jose, the journey is 231 kilometers (143 miles). It is the perfect spot to get everything you want. Good for. Whats the weather like in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste. Get Exclusive Costa Rica Travel Tips and our Free Travel Guide Straight to You! Montezuma is about a 45 minute drive away. I did not need to snorkel. Abundant water activities include sport fishing, sailing, scuba diving or snorkeling and leisurely sunset catamaran tours. Unfortunately, there is not much of a town, so pack water and snacks. options and the friendliness of the owners. At night, the beach literally sparkles under your footsteps thanks to the presence of phosphorous, and maybe a pinch of fairy dust, in the sand. Youre a bit closer to the town center and the road isnt as bad as Playa Hermosa. The eatery also has a variety of lip-smacking appetizers and drinks. There are occasionally small waves, but the conditions are calm most of the year. Sol y Mar 1C - Bottom floor Directly Beachfront!!! The shallows are pretty rocky so bring water shoes. Travelers can indulge in a plethora of outdoor activities when in Homosassa and visit several State Parks such as Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and Yulee Sugar Mill State Park. We used Bill Beard's to plan our trip itinerary in Guanacaste and Arenal/La Fortuna and everything was excellent. I am writing to thank you for all of your help and expertise in assisting us, once again, in putting together a beautifu Harold was an amazing trip advisor. Jim Anderson is a delight. Tell the guard that youre going to the beach and hell let you through. She is a self-confessed chocoholic, stargazer and dreamer who loves to pen down poems. If youre looking for somewhere to rest and unwind, let us tell you about Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. My name is Todd & I am the Founder of GoVistCostRica.com and I will inform you of everything you need to know about Costa Rica. Here's a look at some fun things to do in Homosassa, Florida. It is known to be a value-oriented shopping center with amazing services. Explore Vacation Options Visiting Playa Hermosa Near Jaco Considered as having one of the best surf breaks, the Playa Hermosa on the Central Pacific is a great destination for the avid surfer! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. I couldn't imagine a better way to spend our short time in Homosassa. Cross the bridge and follow the road signs to Liberia. The Hotel Mangaby is a good budget priced hotel that is located within walking distance to the beach. And you will be able to ride the superman zip-line featuring incredible ocean views. Source: Photo by user qwesy qwesy used under CC BY 3.0. The name Playa Hermosa, says it all. The joy of swimming with manatees and dolphins is priceless. Here is our guide to visiting this beautiful white sand beach. 3. Its one of the best swimming beaches in the area. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. One of the buildings inside the park, La Casona, was the site of the Battle of Santa Rosa. Playa Hermosa is a long beach thats usually not too crowded, but keep in mind there is not a lot of shade. You can get close to these majestic creatures that are present in the park. There is even a movie theater. We booked a 20 pontoon boat for the day on our annual girls trip to Homosassa. The paved sidewalks of Pastor Diaz parallel the beach with its array of shops, boutiques, galleries, cafes, restaurants and bars close to the shore. Banana Boats document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Most of the time its perfect for swimming with little to no waves. If youre in Homosassa do take a day off and go to Ideal Health Enrichment Center to relax and spend some quality time treating yourself. However, vacation rentals are plentiful, including many beach-front and ocean-view properties. 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours. It is a coastal river known for its natural springs and amazing wildlife. This amazing place cannot slip out of your bucket list. If you would rather not rent a car and want to be walking distance to everything, then you should stay closer to Playa Carmen and in the town center. Hotel El Velero. Canopy ziplining or horseback riding tours can be arranged here, as well as visits toRincon de la Vieja, a must-see volcano located nearby. You can also canoes around the river and watch the playful manatees. You can stop by this peaceful place to pay tribute to the brave hearts in this somber spot. This beach is relaxed, rarely crowded and laid back most of the year, making it a great retreat for those who wish to just lie back leisurely and enjoy the sun. We like to put up a hammock, bring some cold drinks and lay down towels for a relaxing beach day at Penca. Playa Carmen and Playa Santa Teresa are obviously a must but we also love Playa Los Suecos (Playa Cuevas) in Mal Pais and Playa Mar Azul. Public restrooms/route Quepos to San Jose airport 11:46 pm. Luckily, if youre in Playas del Coco, you have a few options for visiting these jungle Majesties. The beach stretches three kilometers (1.8 miles) and is an excellent place to swim and sunbake. With the exception of a few weeks in October, expect sunny mornings with the occasional shower later in the afternoon or evening. Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. If you are in Homosassa, do not leave without catching a few redfish! We will definitely go back! It's an excellent place for families with no riptides or undercurrents. The faster way would be to take a domestic flight from SJO Airport to Tambor with Green Airways and then pick up your rental car or grab a taxi. Try a combination of popular local tours a full day of horseback riding, swimming and lunch at the Volcan Miravalles National Park or an adventurous Canopy Tour to experience Costa Ricas ecosystems. The center has a group of well-trained therapists who cater to the needs of the customer and recommend whats best for them. Mytanfeet is full of local tips, detailed guides, photos, videos and maps to help you plan the perfect trip to Costa Rica. This eatery overlooks the river and is known for its scrumptious seafood. Apart from that, they have special arrangements for kids which include a play area, a small-size pool, three-sided racquetball, and handball courts. Encountering the sweet, and peaceful Manatees was quite literally, spiritual and life-changing. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data. Its unlikely to get much rain here during the dry season, which runs from November to August. So, whats the weather forecast during the other months of the year? The Hotel Playa Hermosa Bosque del Mar is a true beach front option that borders between boutique mid-range and lower end luxury. Meaning 'beautiful beach' in Spanish, Playa Hermosa is aptly named. Kayak: It only takes about 20 to 30 minutes kayaking from Playas del Coco. There are 7 ways to get from San Jose Airport (SJO) to Playa Hermosa (Station) by bus, taxi, car, towncar or shuttle Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. 2. We at Lets Travel Costa Rica are doing the prep work for you testing, Read More Create Your Own Ocean Adventure with RockdiversContinue. I am not a strong swimmer and am a little intimidated by water so I've never been snorkelling. Other than that, we loved our stay at Playa Hermosa and we will probably go back again. This is the third trip we have taken with Blue Heaven charters for scalloping and Captain Ron has been our guide each time. Address: 2211 S Whitehurst Ave, Homosassa, FL 34448, Opening hours: Mon Fri: 7:30am 7:30pm (closed Sat & Sun). With some of the best scuba diving in the country, you can also have great fun renting out kayaks, sailboards, windsurfing equipment, canoes, jet skis and water bikes from the many shops that line the beach. Although Hermosa has been somewhat built up to meet the needs of its residents and a steady stream of visitors, you will find only a handful of hotels here, a small movie theater, a few shops and several options for fine dining. Its always better to negotiate a fare beforehand for any long distance trips. From San Jose International Airport, you can take the public bus, book a shared or private shuttle, rent a car and drive or take a domestic flight to Tambor and then taxi/drive to Playa Hermosa. Heres an aerial video we took of Playa Penca. Anupama Passary has written for several online publications and loves all things tech and travel related. Want to relish some good dishes, enjoy a drink, listen to live music, and do some shopping all at once? For this reason, we do recommend to rent a car if youre staying in Playa Hermosa. It is known for its vast fauna and flora and has varied species of birds, fishes, plants, and animals. Mytanfeet is full of local tips, detailed guides, photos, videos and maps to help you plan the perfect trip to Costa Rica. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. With unobstructed horizon views, watching the sunset on the beach is something you wont want to miss! Beautiful Studio in Playa Hermosa El Oasis #301, Casa Antonelli Private Home with Stunning Terrace, 50 foot infinity pool, Beach House Hermosa - Great for Retreats! The bus leaves from the San Jos Tracopa Terminal in the center of town and goes directly to Playa Hermosa and costs around $10 or less. There are several ways to get to Playa Hermosa, Santa Teresa. The guides care about the manatees (my biggest priority when researching companies), and about your experience. One simply cant come to Homosassa and not see the intriguing Crystal River. There is also a casino with poker, roulette, and blackjack tables. . If you have a sedan, I recommend to park at that one and then walk down to the left. Bird island is a much larger island further out- with- get this- BIRDS! Another fun activity which people come here for is fishing as the river is home to redfish. We enjoyed a wonderful Cuban sandwich as well as the company of the owner, Jim Anderson. Many hotels also offer surf lessons and board rentals. The State Park is home to sea cows or manatees which are endangered mammals. You can also go surfing in the well-known surf breaksofWitchs RockandOlliesPoint. Take a left at the main intersection there, turning towards Santa Cruz and driving south past the Liberia airport. With its gray sands and clear blue waters, the name "beautiful beach" fits perfectly. Next up is Santa Rosa National Park, an hour from Playa Hermosa. Driving: From Coco, drive out of town onto the main road towards the intersection where it splits to Hermosa. Southwest of Playa Hermosa is Playas del Coco, a well-known beach town due to its superb fishing spots and scuba diving opportunities. Where to Stay in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, Where to Eat in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Home / Destinations / Costa Rica / The Ultimate Guide to Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, Looking for the ideal laid-back holiday? Best Hotels in Playa Hermosa Price Reboot Resort $ Check Price Terraza Del Pacifico Hotel $$ Check Price The Backyard Hotel $$ Check Price We didnt want to drive all the way into town so we ordered food which took 1.5 hours. Luckily, if youre in Coco, youre in a great location to experience the best, Read More The Best Beaches Near Playas del CocoContinue, Boat day trips in Playas del Coco are one of the most popular activities for visitors to Coco Beach and theres no shortage of options when it comes to boat tours in Cocounless, that is, you want to go on a sailboat and actually sail. An increasingly upscale village, Playa Hermosa overlooks the Gulf of Papagayo and enjoys a pleasant, tropical climate and family-friendly beaches. Its actually quite close to Playas del Coco and its a beach in Costa Rica that not a lot of people know about. Driving time from San Jose is around four hours. Like Palo Verde, it is also a tropical dry forest. Snuggled between the Gulf of Papagayo to the north and the lively Playa del Coco to the south. Let us make you a free custom trip plan! He also told us about the animal preserve that was right down the street and we were able to see a manatee there as well as see some other great animals. If youre visiting Homosassa in November try to attend the annual Homosassa Arts, Crafts and Seafood Festival which attracts plenty of tourists. That way, you wont be surprised by any unpredictable weather conditions. He knew the area very well and gave us a great ride. There are plenty of activities available from Playa Hermosa. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! By Bus: The cheapest way to get to Playa Hermosa is by bus. Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste is located just 15 minutes from the popular beach town of Playas del Coco and less than 30 minutes from the Liberia International Airport.