When High Season Arrives, the Coast Comes Alive
From December through April, Costa Rica enters its “summer.” Days grow bright and breezy, rain takes a break, and the Pacific coast comes alive with travelers chasing sunsets and salt air. Amid the busy energy of Santa Teresa and Montezuma, there’s one place that feels like the region’s quiet heart — Playa Los Vivos.
Hidden behind mangroves and reachable by a three-minute boat ride from Camping Don Trino, this secluded beach offers everything that makes Costa Rica special without the crowds. It’s a rare blend of accessibility and isolation, where the day slows down and nature takes the lead.
Here are the five reasons why Playa Los Vivos should be on your must-visit list this high season.
- Perfect Weather for Pure Relaxation
High season means sunshine almost every day on the Nicoya Peninsula. From December to April, the skies are clear, the water is calm, and temperatures hover around 85 °F (29 °C). The humidity drops, making it comfortable for long days by the sea.
At Playa Los Vivos, this translates into perfect beach conditions. The gentle waves and soft breeze keep the heat manageable, while the lush green hills create just enough shade. Morning light is golden for photography; afternoons invite lazy swims and cold drinks under the palms.
Unlike crowded beaches in town, Los Vivos feels peaceful even during peak months. You can stretch out a towel, read a book, and hear only the sound of the tide and the occasional parrot overhead. For many visitors, this weather and serenity are reason enough to come. - The Journey Is an Adventure in Itself
Getting to Playa Los Vivos isn’t just transport — it’s part of the experience. You start at Camping Don Trino, a small eco-stop north of Santa Teresa. There, you park your car and hop into a small boat operated by friendly locals.
In less than three minutes, you cross a quiet estuary surrounded by mangroves and birds. It’s calm, scenic, and a bit thrilling — especially for fi rst-time visitors. When you step off onto the sand, you realize you’ve arrived somewhere special. No roads, no cars, no street noise — just beach.
That short boat ride creates a psychological shift: you’ve crossed from the modern world into a more natural one. It’s a mini adventure that begins your day with a sense of discovery and ends with a sunset ride back across the water. - Fresh Local Flavors Right on the Beach
High season is also harvest season for the coast — fishermen bring in abundant fresh catch, and local farms supply ripe tropical produce. The restaurant at Playa Los Vivos takes full advantage of this.
Here you’ll find simple, fresh, and authentic dishes served beachside. The menu features items like ceviche, poke bowls with tuna or mahi-mahi, colorful salads, and crispy fish tacos. Everything is made to order, and the ingredients come from nearby markets or directly from the sea.
Pair your meal with a tropical juice or a cold beer, sit under the palm-thatched roof, and watch the waves roll in. It’s the kind of dining experience that defines Costa Rican coastal life — relaxed, unpretentious, and connected to the environment.
For many guests, eating beach side is a highlight of their visit — a place to linger, chat with locals, and enjoy the flavor of the Peninsula without leaving the beach. - A Base for Unforgettable Adventures
Another reason to visit Playa Los Vivos is its prime location for eco-tours and marine experiences. Because it sits right on the edge of the Gulf of Nicoya, it’s one of the best launch points for excursions to Costa Rica’s natural treasures.
Isla Tortuga Day Trip
A short boat ride away lies Isla Tortuga, famous for its turquoise water and white sand. Visitors can snorkel over reefs, see tropical fish, and enjoy a barbecue lunch on the island. Leaving from Los Vivos saves you time and lets you skip the crowded ports elsewhere.
Bioluminescence Tours
At night, when the moon is low, the waters around the Gulf glow with bioluminescent plankton. Local guides run evening boat tours where you can see the sea sparkle with every movement. It’s a natural phenomenon that feels magical and is best experienced from quiet spots like Los Vivos.
Waterfalls and Jungle Hikes
If you’re craving fresh water instead of salt, day trips to nearby waterfalls or the country’s first National Park — such as Montezuma or Cabuya — are easily organized from the area. On the way, you might spot howler monkeys and colorful birds.
In short, Playa Los Vivos puts you right in the center of Costa Rica’s coastal playground while still feeling peacefully removed from tourist crowds. - Nature, Peace & Pura Vida
The final reason to visit Playa Los Vivos this high season can be summed up in two words: Pura Vida. This phrase, meaning “pure life,” is more than a saying in Costa Rica — it’s a way of living. And Los Vivos embodies it completely.
Seclusion with Soul
The beach is never crowded, thanks to its boat-only access. You’ll see locals chatting under palms, travelers resting in hammocks, and families enjoying the tide without distraction. There’s an unspoken understanding among visitors — to keep voices low, pick up after themselves, and respect the rhythm of the place.
Eco Respect
Sustainability is a core value here. Buildings blend into the environment, energy use is minimal, and plastic is discouraged. This low-impact approach helps preserve the natural habitat that makes Los Vivos so special.
Mental Reset
Visitors often describe the effect of a day here as a reset — a chance to clear their minds and slow down. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, solo, or with friends, Los Vivos reminds you that the best luxury is simplicity.
Practical Tips for High-Season Visitors
- Book your stay early. Between December- April space can fill up quickly.
- Credit cards are accepted. You can conveniently pay for food, drinks, and extras without needing cash.
- Wear sun protection. The dry-season sun is strong. A hat and reef-safe sunscreen go a long way.
- Stay hydrated. Fresh coconut water and fruit juices are available at the bar — a delicious way to cool off.
- Respect boat times. The short ride to and from Camping Don Trino runs on schedule, so plan your return before dark.
- Pack light. A towel, swimsuit, and camera are all you need for a day here.
When to Go Within the Season
● December–January: The festive period when the area is lively but still comfortable. Ideal for fi rst-timers.
● February–March: Driest months with the clearest water for snorkeling and boat tours.
● April: Warm and quiet, great for photographers and those wanting extra tranquility.
Even at its busiest, Playa Los Vivos never loses its sense of space and ease.
A Typical Day at Playa Los Vivos
Morning: Take the boat over around 9 a.m. The sun is gentle, the sand cool, and the light perfect for photos. Enjoy a coffee or fresh juice while watching the tide.
Midday: Swim, relax, and let the hours pass without worrying about time. Lunch is served fresh and unhurried.
Afternoon: Find a spot under the palms or join a short walk along the coastline. If you’re lucky, you may see pelicans diving or crabs racing in the sand.
Evening: As the sun sets, board the boat back to Don Trino. The sky glows orange, the water turns to glass, and you’ll carry the day’s peace with you long after you return.
Five Reasons, One Feeling
Whether you come for the sun, the fresh food, the eco-adventures, or the peaceful escape, Playa Los Vivos offers something rare — authentic connection. High season is the perfect moment to experience it: the weather is ideal, the vibe is pure, and the community welcomes you with open arms.
Step off the boat, feel the sand beneath your feet, and listen to the quiet rhythm of the Pacific. You’ll understand why those who find Playa Los Vivos call it the hidden soul of Santa Teresa.
