Playa Cocles

The area's main surf beach, with a lifeguard tower at the main entrance during peak season.

Blue Flag beach

Playa Cocles is a long stretch of golden-brown sand about 2 kilometers southeast of Puerto Viejo town, backed by the coastal road and a run of small hotels and surf schools. It is the area's main beach break, drawing surfers of varied skill levels, but strong currents and rip tides form close to the main entrance and it is not a reliable swimming beach. The Bandera Azul Ecológica program awarded it 3 stars in 2025.

SwimmingRip currents, dangerous to swim
SurfIntermediate surf

Good for

Facilities

Getting there

From Puerto Viejo town, follow the coastal road southeast about 2 kilometers; several signed entrances and roadside parking spots line the beach.

On the map

Tide times · All beaches in Puerto Viejo

Nearby in Puerto Viejo

Sportfishing $$

Caribe Fishing Tours

Puerto Viejo

Caribe Fishing Tours is run by Captain Alan, a Puerto Viejo local who leads offshore and inshore fishing charters departing from Punta Uva beach. The operation also runs river fishing trips up the Sixaola River and can combine a fishing day with snorkeling or dolphin watching on request.

Tour Agency $$

Caribe Sur Tours

Puerto Viejo

Caribe Sur Tours is a Puerto Viejo based agency running a wide slate of South Caribbean tours, including a night wildlife walk led by a biologist specialized in frogs and snakes on a private conservation farm near Playa Cocles, plus Gandoca-Manzanillo dolphin and mangrove boat tours, clear kayak trips in Punta Uva, and Bribri cultural canoe experiences in Yorkin. The company is based at Playa Negra and operates via online booking with phone and email contact.

More things to do in Puerto Viejo