Located on the Nicoya Peninsula, Playa Ocotal is a small, grey-sand beach with tidal pools at both ends. It is 4km south-west of Playa del Coco by paved road. It isn't actually a town although it's close enough to Coco that you can either stroll along the road or drive there. There are a number of privately owned villas which are rented out and it's a fairly quiet beach, although it can get crowded on weekends when Ticos flock there to escape Coco.

Around and closeby
South of Playa Ocotal, there are a number of beaches next to each other, including Playas Azucar, Potrero, Flamingo, Brasilito and Conchal, but they really have nothing in common except their location. The beaches vary in colour from white to grey to crushed seashells, while development ranges from a little to a lot!

Getting there
You can catch a bus from San José, Liberia or Santa Cruz to most of the beaches. If you're into sea kayaking, you can have some great day trips paddling between the beaches.

Getting around
You might be tempted to take the road from Sardinal to Potrero but be warned! The first 10km of dirt road leading to the small village of Arola may be reasonable, but the second half is a bone jarring shocker and should only be tackled with a 4x4. Talk to the locals before even contemplating this route.