Situated close to the extra well-known Playa Conchal, Playa Minas is a secluded seashore tucked away from the busy cities of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province.
If you’re confused concerning the distinction between Playa Zapotillal and Playa Minas, allow us to make clear. Playa Minas and Playa Zapotillal are literally the identical seashore, identified by two totally different names amongst locals and guests.
The beautiful seashore 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 positively well worth the journey.
With comfortable sand, clear water, and loads of bushes, you possibly can lay your towel below the shade and spend the day out and in of the water. It’s additionally a well-liked nesting web site for sea turtles, so that you may spot a sea turtle or two within the water and child turtles on the sand.
How you can Get to Playa Minas
It’s a little bit of an journey to achieve Mina Seashore, but it surely’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 may be riddled with potholes and deep puddles. Even in dry season, the highway wouldn’t be acceptable for a low-clearance automobile.
We suggest having a 4×4 or high-clearance automobile to get to this seashore, particularly within the wet season.
By Bus/Shuttle
In the event you’re travelling by public transport, you gained’t be capable to attain the seashore 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 a part of one of many ATV excursions that go to Playa Mina, similar to this 3-hour ATV tour to secluded seashores.
Parking at Playa Minas
There isn’t a correct car parking zone on the seashore, however you possibly can park wherever on the finish of the filth highway close to some deserted buildings.
There are many bushes close by, so you possibly can park your automobile away from the solar. The seashore is then only a quick stroll in entrance. Playa Minas is without doubt one of the few untouched seashores within the space, so there isn’t a safety or infrastructure on web site. As such, petty theft may be a problem, so be cautious and preserve your valuables within the automobile 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 gained’t discover any companies or facilities on the seashore. The closest primary facilities and meals may be present in Matapalo, a 20-minute drive away.
So you should definitely come ready with enough water, snacks, and sunscreen. And bear in mind, to go away no hint – you should definitely carry your trash out if you depart.
Playa Minas, Guanacaste
Issues to Do at Playa Minas
In the event you’re in search of an attractive seashore 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 could possibly typically be fully 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 normally a really calm bay, making it very best for a fast dip when the sand will get too sizzling or perhaps a snorkel when you deliver your personal gear.
There’s some coral round with tropical fish, plus the possibility of seeing sea turtles or stingrays when you’re fortunate.
Be cautious to not swim out too far, and all the time preserve an eye fixed out for indicators of rip currents. Even and not using a rip present, the ocean may be sturdy additional out, so stick near shore except you’re a very assured swimmer.
Look out for Turtles
Playa Mina isn’t Guanacaste’s hottest turtle seashore (for that, you’ll need to head to Playa Ostional or Playa Grande) however turtles do typically nest at Playa Mina round December to March. If you’re fortunate, you may spot them at sundown or dawn, notably round full moon and at excessive tide.
In any other case, all through the day, you may come throughout turtle eggs or tracks within the sand when exploring the seashore. Make certain you allow them alone and solely observe from afar to keep away from destroying their nests.
Watch the Wildlife
Except for turtles, you may also discover different wildlife across the seashore. The bushes behind the sand are sometimes crammed 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 seashore appears boring, think about 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 seashore, the place you possibly can soak up completely breathtaking views of the bay.
When you’ve got time, you possibly can even proceed over to the following seashore, Playa Nombre De Jesus, which can also be identified for nesting turtles.
FAQs
Are you able to Swim at Playa Minas?
Sure, you possibly can swim at Playa Minas. The ocean is mostly calm within the protected cove, however it could possibly grow to be uneven with waves when the wind picks up. Sturdy currents could make it slightly precarious for inexperienced swimmers or younger children, so all the time pay attention to the situations and your talents.
Are you able to Fish at Playa Minas?
Locals typically head to Playa Minas to strive fishing from the sand, but it surely’s not essentially generally known as fishing spot. You’ll be able to attempt to throw a line in, but it surely’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 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 Secure for Households?
Playa Minas is a superb spot for households, because it provides loads of shade for a picnic and exquisite sand to play and stroll. The shallow water is ok for kids to splash round, however the currents may be sturdy additional out.
Playa Conchal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
The place to Keep close to Playa Minas
Mid Vary/Funds Lodge: Villas la Paz
The closest lodging to Playa Minas, Villas La Paz, is situated 2 km from the seashore amongst the attractive forest. This mid-range possibility is ideal for escaping the crowds at Playa Conchal. The resort has a pool and totally self-contained villas that may sleep even in giant teams.
Luxurious Lodge: 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 shocking resort situated on an attractive seashore 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
Situated contained in the W Lodge, this poolside cafe overlooks the seashore at Playa Conchal. You’ll be able to take pleasure in sundown cocktails and a spread of Mexican-inspired meals, together with shrimp tacos, burritos, and ceviche. They provide vegan and vegetarian options for a lot of dishes as nicely.
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 setting. 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 seashore on the opposite facet of Playa Conchal, Playa Minas is an excellent vacation spot for a day journey in Guanacaste. You’ll possible discover the seashore fully abandoned, with loads of shade, clear water for swimming, and the possibility of recognizing a sea turtle.