A Family Paradise, Naturally
Some places entertain families.
Playa Los Vivos Beach Experience brings families back together.
Set along a peaceful stretch of coastline just across the estuary from Santa Teresa, Playa Los Vivos is reached only by a short three-minute boat ride from Camping Don Trino — and that’s part of the magic. From the moment you step onto the sand, screens are forgotten, time slows, and the only schedule that matters is the tide.
Here, families rediscover the simple joy of being outdoors — swimming, exploring, laughing, and eating well — all surrounded by Costa Rica’s stunning natural beauty.
1. A Safe, Calm, and Secluded Setting
Unlike Santa Teresa’s busy surf beaches, Los Vivos offers gentle waters and soft sand perfect for families with kids. The beach is protected by the gulf, so waves stay calm and easy to enjoy.
There are no cars, no crowds, and no street noise — only ocean breeze and birdsong. Parents can relax while children run freely, building sandcastles, collecting shells, or snorkeling along the shoreline.
Because main access is by boat, the beach feels private and secure. Families can enjoy the peace of nature without worrying about traffic or distractions.
2. Family-Friendly Comfort That Feels Like Home
The accommodations at Playa Los Vivos combine the beauty of nature with the comfort families need. Rooms and bungalows are spacious, breezy, and designed for connection, with open-air layouts that bring the sounds of the ocean inside.
Children fall asleep to the rhythm of waves and wake up to sunlight filtering through palm trees. Parents enjoy quiet mornings with coffee on the terrace and long evenings under a star-filled sky.
Everything about the stay is built around simplicity — less fuss, more time together.
3. A Legacy of Warm Hospitality
Playa Los Vivos was founded by Honey and the late Heart Akerson, two beloved local figures whose vision blended hospitality, community, and respect for nature.
Today, the property is lovingly led by their son, who continues his parents’ legacy with the same care and authenticity that made Los Vivos what it is today — a place where guests instantly feel at home.
The warmth that began with Honey and Heart still defines every detail — from the friendly welcome at the dock to the personalized attention that makes every family feel like part of the story.
4. Nourishing Meals from Honey’s Organic Gardens
Families don’t just eat well at Playa Los Vivos — they eat fresh from the source.
Most of the fruits, vegetables, and herbs come directly from Honey Akerson’s organic gardens, where she continues to grow and harvest produce with care and love.
Meals are prepared daily by the Los Vivos team using these ingredients — colorful tropical fruits, crisp greens, sweet plantains, and local seafood caught the same day.
Kids love the vibrant fruit plates and smoothies, while adults enjoy fresh, healthy meals that taste as good as they look. Meals are shared outdoors with ocean views, where no one rushes and every bite feels like part of the experience.
5. Adventures the Whole Family Can Enjoy
Every day at Los Vivos brings a new adventure, and they’re all close by:
- Boat Tours to Isla Tortuga: Snorkel in clear waters and spot colorful fish.
- Bioluminescence Excursions: Watch the ocean glow at night — an unforgettable sight for kids and adults alike.
- Wildlife Watching: Monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds often visit the trees around the property.
- Waterfall Trips: Families can explore Montezuma’s famous cascades for a refreshing swim.
And right at Playa Los Vivos, you’ll find kayaks and stand-up paddleboards available for guests — perfect for exploring the calm waters, paddling along the coastline, or simply enjoying quiet time together on the ocean.
After adventure-filled mornings, beach loungers await in the shade for well-earned rest.
6. Time to Unplug and Reconnect
Playa Los Vivos gives families what modern life rarely does — time without distraction.
There’s Wi-Fi if you need it, but most guests forget about their phones after a day or two. Children play in nature, parents relax without hurry, and conversations last longer than usual.
Evenings are for stories under the stars, beach walks by moonlight, and shared laughter that echoes across the sand. These are the kinds of moments that stay long after the trip ends.
7. Easy Arrival for Families
Getting here is part of the adventure.
Families can drive from San José or Liberia, take a domestic flight to Cobano Airport, and let the Los Vivos team handle everything — taxi transfers, ferry coordination, and the final boat ride across the estuary.
That last three-minute ride is often a favorite memory for kids — a tiny adventure that marks the start of something special.
8. A Playground Made by Nature
You won’t find water slides or arcades here. Instead, nature itself becomes the playground.
Children explore tide pools, discover hermit crabs, and learn the rhythm of the ocean. Parents join in or relax with a book nearby. Together, families rediscover how much joy can come from simplicity — sunshine, sea air, and time spent together.
When families stay here, the kids don’t need entertainment — the beach teaches them everything they need to know about being happy.
9. Memories That Last Beyond the Trip
Families who visit Playa Los Vivos leave with more than photos — they leave with stories, laughter, and new traditions.
Many return year after year, drawn by the balance of peace and play, the kindness of the Akerson family, and the feeling that they’ve found a home by the sea.
At Playa Los Vivos Beach Experience, family time isn’t planned. It simply happens — naturally, beautifully, and exactly the way it should.
