Positioned close to the extra well-known Playa Conchal, Playa Minas is a secluded seaside tucked away from the busy cities of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province.
In case you are confused in regards to the distinction between Playa Zapotillal and Playa Minas, allow us to make clear. Playa Minas and Playa Zapotillal are literally the identical seaside, identified by two completely different names amongst locals and guests.
The attractive seaside is a little bit of an off-road journey to achieve in comparison with close by seashores, however you’ll possible have the place all to your self, so it’s undoubtedly definitely worth the journey.
With tender sand, clear water, and loads of bushes, you may lay your towel below the shade and spend the day out and in of the water. It’s additionally a preferred nesting web site for sea turtles, so that you would possibly spot a sea turtle or two within the water and child turtles on the sand.
Find out how to Get to Playa Minas
It’s a little bit of an journey to achieve Mina Seaside, nevertheless it’s completely value it.
By Automotive
Playa Minas is situated half an hour from Playa Flamingo or 40 minutes from Tamarindo.
When you flip off from the principle highway in Matapalo, the highway is unpaved and could be riddled with potholes and deep puddles. Even in dry season, the highway wouldn’t be acceptable for a low-clearance automobile.
We advocate having a 4×4 or high-clearance automobile to get to this seaside, particularly within the wet season.
By Bus/Shuttle
In the event you’re travelling by public transport, you received’t have the ability to attain the seaside instantly by bus. The closest level on the bus community in Guanacaste is both Playa Conchal or Matapalo.
You’ll be able to take a shuttle bus from Liberia Worldwide Airport to Playa Conchal for $90. Nevertheless, you’ll want to rent a 4×4 from there or be part of one of many ATV excursions that go to Playa Mina, resembling this 3-hour ATV tour to secluded seashores.
Parking at Playa Minas
There isn’t a correct parking zone on the seaside, however you may park wherever on the finish of the filth highway close to some deserted buildings.
There are many bushes close by, so you may park your automobile away from the solar. The seaside is then only a brief stroll in entrance. Playa Minas is without doubt one of the few untouched seashores within the space, so there is no such thing as a safety or infrastructure on web site. As such, petty theft could be a problem, so be cautious and maintain your valuables within the automotive out of web site to keep away from break-in makes an attempt.
Services at Playa Minas (<50 phrases)
Playa Minas has a distant paradise really feel, away from the crowded seashores alongside the coast. This implies you received’t discover any providers or facilities on the seaside. The closest fundamental facilities and meals could be present in Matapalo, a 20-minute drive away.
So you should definitely come ready with ample water, snacks, and sunscreen. And bear in mind, to depart no hint – you should definitely carry your trash out whenever you go away.
Playa Minas, Guanacaste
Issues to Do at Playa Minas
In the event you’re searching for a phenomenal seaside to spend a day in Guanacaste, right here’s what to do at Playa Minas.
Chill out on the Sand
The empty stretch of white sand alongside Playa Minas is ideal for stress-free within the solar. With a extra secluded location in comparison with different seashores, it will possibly typically be utterly devoid of vacationers, making it a quiet place to flee to on the weekends.
Swimming and Snorkeling in Playa Minas
The glowing turquoise waters of the bay look very interesting for a swim. It’s often a really calm bay, making it splendid for a fast dip when the sand will get too scorching or perhaps a snorkel should you carry your personal gear.
There’s some coral round with tropical fish, plus the prospect of seeing sea turtles or stingrays should you’re fortunate.
Be cautious to not swim out too far, and all the time maintain a watch out for indicators of rip currents. Even and not using a rip present, the ocean could be sturdy additional out, so stick near shore except you’re a very assured swimmer.
Look out for Turtles
Playa Mina just isn’t Guanacaste’s hottest turtle seaside (for that, you’ll wish to head to Playa Ostional or Playa Grande) however turtles do generally nest at Playa Mina round December to March. In case you are fortunate, you would possibly spot them at sundown or dawn, significantly round full moon and at excessive tide.
In any other case, all through the day, you would possibly come throughout turtle eggs or tracks within the sand when exploring the seaside. Make certain you permit them alone and solely observe from afar to keep away from destroying their nests.
Watch the Wildlife
Other than turtles, you may also discover different wildlife across the seaside. The bushes behind the sand are sometimes stuffed with howler monkeys, whereas it’s not unusual to see iguanas, crabs and different creatures sunbathing on the sand.
Go for a Hike
If staying on the seaside appears boring, contemplate a lesser-known exercise at Playa Minas and discover the world on foot. There are unmarked trails resulting in the purpose on the south finish of the seaside, the place you may soak up completely breathtaking views of the bay.
You probably have time, you may even proceed over to the subsequent seaside, Playa Nombre De Jesus, which can also be identified for nesting turtles.
FAQs
Are you able to Swim at Playa Minas?
Sure, you may swim at Playa Minas. The ocean is mostly calm within the protected cove, however it will possibly turn out to be uneven with waves when the wind picks up. Robust currents could make it somewhat precarious for inexperienced swimmers or younger children, so all the time concentrate on the circumstances and your talents.
Are you able to Fish at Playa Minas?
Locals generally head to Playa Minas to attempt fishing from the sand, nevertheless it’s not essentially often known as fishing spot. You’ll be able to attempt to throw a line in, nevertheless it’s possible too shallow to catch any massive fish.
Are you able to Surf at Playa Minas?
The cove is simply too protected for waves to get massive, so browsing just isn’t actually attainable at Playa Mina. You’ll have extra luck discovering waves additional south in areas like Tamarindo, Playa Avellanas, or Playa Negra.
Is Playa Minas Protected for Households?
Playa Minas is a superb spot for households, because it gives loads of shade for a picnic and exquisite sand to play and stroll. The shallow water is okay for youngsters to splash round, however the currents could be sturdy additional out.
Playa Conchal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
The place to Keep close to Playa Minas
Mid Vary/Finances Resort: Villas la Paz
The closest lodging to Playa Minas, Villas La Paz, is situated 2 km from the seaside amongst the gorgeous forest. This mid-range choice is ideal for escaping the crowds at Playa Conchal. The resort has a pool and absolutely self-contained villas that may sleep even in massive teams.
Luxurious Resort: W Costa Rica Resort, Playa Conchal
In the event you choose a bit extra luxurious, W Costa Rica Resort on Playa Conchal is only a 4.5 km drive from Playa Minas. It’s a surprising resort situated on a phenomenal seaside that swells with day guests from throughout Guanacaste. The 4-star resort has a spread of rooms, some with sea views and balconies overlooking the out of doors pool space.
The place to Eat: Finest Eating places close to Playa Minas
There are very restricted eating places close to Playa Minas, however loads of choices nearer to Playa Conchal.
Zona Azul
Positioned contained in the W Resort, this poolside cafe overlooks the seaside at Playa Conchal. You’ll be able to get pleasure from sundown cocktails and a spread of Mexican-inspired meals, together with shrimp tacos, burritos, and ceviche. They provide vegan and vegetarian alternate options for a lot of dishes as properly.
Faisanela
This upscale Italian restaurant is situated amidst the resorts of Playa Conchal. They serve all kinds of seafood and meat dishes, with grilled mahi mahi, octopus and ribs being standouts. You’ll be able to pop in for breakfast right here, which is equally as scrumptious.
Bohemia Bar & Grill
An atmospheric restaurant in Huacas, Bohemia, serves up beneficiant parts in a extra relaxed surroundings. They’re well-known for his or her seafood dishes, together with Thai curry shrimp, grilled fish filet, and ceviche. Open for lunch and dinner solely from 12pm till 9pm.
The Backside Line
An underrated seaside on the opposite aspect of Playa Conchal, Playa Minas is a superb vacation spot for a day journey in Guanacaste. You’ll possible discover the seaside utterly abandoned, with loads of shade, clear water for swimming, and the prospect of recognizing a sea turtle.