A Hidden Corner of the Nicoya Peninsula
There are beaches in Costa Rica that everyone talks about — the busy surf breaks, the trendy cafes, and the constant motion of Santa Teresa’s main road. And then, there’s Playa Los Vivos — quiet, natural, and tucked away just enough to feel like a secret.
Located a short boat ride from the main Santa Teresa–Cobano area, Playa Los Vivos offers a peaceful, eco-friendly experience where time slows down. It’s not a surf spot or a crowded resort beach; it’s a place to disconnect and return to nature.
- Getting There: A Mini Adventure
Part of what makes Playa Los Vivos so special is the journey itself. Visitors begin by driving to Camping Don Trino, a locally known landmark just outside Santa Teresa. This is where the adventure starts.
You park your car safely at Don Trino’s lot and meet a local boat operator waiting. Within minutes, you’re boarding a small boat for a three-minute ride across calm water. As the boat glides through the mangroves, you leave behind the noise of town and enter another world — one where jungle meets sea.
When you step off the boat onto the soft sand of Los Vivos, it feels like arriving at a hidden island, though it’s only a short distance from civilization. This unique arrival adds a sense of discovery that most beaches have lost. - What Makes It Different: Secluded Simplicity
The magic of Playa Los Vivos lies in what it doesn’t have. No cars, no concrete, no traffi c — only the sounds of waves, birds, and the wind moving through coastal trees.
While many Nicoya beaches focus on nightlife and surf, Los Vivos focuses on tranquility and authenticity. It’s a secluded beach, not private or gated, but naturally peaceful because it’s accessible only by boat.
Visitors often describe it as “Costa Rica twenty years ago” — before big tourism arrived. The sand is clean, the water clear, and the vibe genuinely local. You’ll likely have families enjoying picnics under the shade.
For those seeking a true connection with nature, this beach provides exactly that. It’s where you can take your shoes off, breathe deeply, and simply be present. - Food & Relaxation: Beach Dining Done Right
After the boat ride and a morning of sun, most visitors settle in at the beachfront restaurant at Playa Los Vivos. The menu is simple yet delicious — featuring fresh seafood, tropical salads, poke bowls, and refreshing natural drinks.
Each dish highlights the flavors of the coast. The fish is often caught the same day, the fruits are locally grown, and the ingredients are prepared with a “farm-to-beach” mindset.
Imagine sitting under a palm-roofed terrace, barefoot in the sand, enjoying ceviche and a fresh juice as the waves roll in just meters away. The open-air dining design allows the ocean breeze to keep things cool, blending comfort with nature’s rhythm.
Meals at Los Vivos aren’t rushed. They’re meant to be slow and social, the way Costa Ricans like it — “Pura Vida” style. - A Secluded Beach for All Ages
Even though Playa Los Vivos feels remote, it’s surprisingly family-friendly. The calm waters and gentle shore make it a safe and relaxing place for children to play or for adults to fl oat peacefully.
There’s natural shade throughout the day, and the wide sandy area gives families space to spread out without feeling crowded. Because access is by boat, you won’t see lines of parked cars or vendors — which keeps the atmosphere clean and serene.
Parents appreciate that the “adventure” of taking a boat adds excitement for kids. For many families, it’s the highlight of their trip — a mini-expedition that ends with a swim and an ice-cold smoothie under the sun. - Eco-Friendly by Nature
Playa Los Vivos isn’t just beautiful — it’s part of a growing movement in Costa Rica toward sustainable tourism. The operators who manage the beach experience have made conscious choices to reduce waste, protect local wildlife, and preserve the land’s natural balance.
Electricity use is minimal, many materials are locally sourced, and recycling practices are encouraged. Instead of large concrete structures, everything blends naturally into the landscape.
Visitors are asked to respect the environment — to pack out what they bring in, avoid single-use plastics, and treat the area as a living ecosystem. This shared respect is what keeps Playa Los Vivos pristine year after year. - When to Visit
The best time to visit Playa Los Vivos is during Costa Rica’s dry season, roughly December through April. These months bring sunny skies, calm seas, and golden sunsets that reflect perfectly across the bay.
Early mornings are peaceful and ideal for walks, photography, or meditation. Afternoons invite long swims and lazy lunches. As the sun sets, the beach glows with warm colors, and the evening air fills with the scent of salt and driftwood.
During the rainy season (May to November), Playa Los Vivos remains open but quieter. Occasional tropical showers bring vibrant green vegetation and cooler temperatures - The Spirit of Los Vivos: Community and Calm
What separates Los Vivos from other beaches isn’t just its beauty — it’s the feeling of belonging. There’s no rush here. Locals, staff, and visitors share a quiet respect for the environment and for each other. People smile easily, conversations flow naturally, and time seems to stretch.
The lack of cars and loud music creates a space for genuine human connection. It’s common to see travelers reading in hammocks, couples sipping cold drinks, or groups of friends laughing as the tide rises.
Sunsets are a ritual. As the sky turns orange and purple, everyone stops what they’re doing — phones down, eyes up. For a few minutes, it feels like the entire beach is breathing together. - Tips for Visitors
- Pack Light Bring only what you need: swimwear, towel, sunscreen, wallet for food or drinks, and a waterproof bag..
- Time Your Arrival Boats operate throughout the day, but mornings and late afternoons are most scenic.
- Respect Nature Avoid bringing plastic, don’t feed wildlife, and leave no trace. Playa Los Vivos is clean because everyone contributes to keeping it that way.
- Stay Hydrated The sun can be strong during high season. Order fresh juices or coconut water from the bar — it’s refreshing and supports local farmers.
- Plan Your Return Coordinate your return boat trip before it gets dark. The short 3-minute ride is beautiful both ways, especially at sunset when the light hits the sea.
- Beyond the Beach: Local Experiences
Playa Los Vivos is also one of the best launch points for eco-adventures in the region. Day trips to Isla Tortuga depart nearby, offering snorkeling and dolphin watching. Evening tours to bioluminescent bays let you witness glowing plankton light up the sea — an unforgettable natural wonder.
Because Los Vivos sits between the jungle and the coast, you can also explore waterfalls, hiking trails, and small fi shing villages within a short drive from Camping Don Trino. It’s a location that perfectly combines relaxation and exploration. - Why Playa Los Vivos Stands Out
Every year, thousands of visitors come to Santa Teresa for waves, nightlife, or digital-nomad vibes. But Playa Los Vivos attracts a different kind of traveler — someone who values simplicity, nature, and authenticity over crowds and noise.
It’s not the place to show off; it’s the place to slow down. Here, the biggest luxury isn’t a resort room or infinity pool — it’s peace of mind.
Whether you spend a few hours or an entire day, Playa Los Vivos leaves you with that rare feeling of having truly discovered something. A place that still feels wild, warm, and wonderfully alive — just like Costa Rica itself.
If your idea of paradise is simplicity, sunshine, and connection with nature, then Playa Los Vivos is waiting for you. From the short boat ride to the soft sand and the smell of salt in the air, everything about this hidden beach feels personal and real.
So when you plan your next Costa Rican adventure, skip the obvious stops. Take the road less traveled, park and let the boat carry you across.. In just three minutes, you’ll arrive somewhere unforgettable — a place where time slows down, hearts open up, and the spirit of Pura Vida truly comes alive.
