Noticeably whiter, thicker sand than the volcanic gray common along this coast.
Turtle nesting
Playa Blanca sits on the far side of a rocky point from Playa Mantas, about 20 minutes north of Jacó, and is distinguished by noticeably thicker, whiter sand than the volcanic gray sand typical of the central Pacific coast. Direct vehicle access is restricted to guests of Hotel Punta Leona, but the beach is public and reachable on foot from Playa Mantas at low tide, or by paying an entrance fee through the Punta Leona beach club. Rock formations bookend both ends of the beach and the water runs a bit choppier here than at Mantas.
Walk south over the rocky point from Playa Mantas at low tide, or pay the entrance fee through the Punta Leona beach club for paved vehicle access.
Species: Olive ridley
Nesting season: July to December
The main nesting beach for Punta Leona's olive ridley conservation program, which patrols the sand and relocates nests to a protected hatchery.
Featured
Herradura
Sailing Los Sueños offers fully private catamaran and yacht charters from Los Sueños Marina, serving Jacó, Villa Caletas, and Playa Hermosa. Trips include half day coastal sails, full day tours to Tortuga Island, and sunset cruises with snorkeling, paddle boarding, meals, and drinks. Every charter is exclusive to a single group.
Herradura
A yoga operator offering sunset classes at the Los Sueños Beach Club in Herradura, open to all levels with mats provided. A relaxed, drop-in option for visitors staying around the marina.
Herradura
Blue Marlin Sportfishing books a range of charter boats out of Los Sueños Marina, from mid-size sportfishers to offshore vessels over 40 feet. Charters target blue marlin, sailfish, dorado, and roosterfish on both offshore and inshore trips. Boats come with bilingual crews and tournament-grade tackle.