Pirates Bay, known locally as Playa Piratas, is off the beaten path but well worth the trip. Legend has it that pirates once frequented its shores and the nearby small islands. Today, you won't find pirates but you will find treasure-a golden sand beach bordering a sheltered bay where the calm waters are ideal for swimming and spearfishing. What Playa Piratas lacks in infrastructure it more than makes up for with solitude and relaxation. This serene and pristine location on the Gold Coast is beloved by guests for its tranquility.
Where is Playa Piratas Guanacaste?
Piratas Beach is located on the Pacific Ocean coastline of Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province. Its northern neighbor is the mega-beach Playa Conchal known for its premier resorts and golf course. Following the coast to the south from Pirates Bay (Bahia de los piratas) leads to Playa Grande. It's just as famous as Playa Conchal but for an entirely different reason. Playa Grande is home to Las Baulas National Park, an important nesting site for endangered leatherback turtles. Playa Piratas embodies a distinctly serene ambiance that contrasts with the bustling atmosphere of Tamarindo, the most developed coastal village in the region.
How to Get There from the Airport
The Guanacaste Airport, formerly known as the Liberia Airport (LIR), is the closest international airport to Pirates Bay. (San Jose International Airport is another option, but it is a 5-hour drive away). From Guanacaste Airport, there are several options to travel to Playa Piratas.
- Car Rental: Many visitors prefer this option for its freedom and flexibility. The drive to Playa Piratas takes about 80 minutes along Highways 21 and 155. Along the route, you'll appreciate Costa Rica's scenic natural landscapes.
- Shuttle Service: Many private transportation companies offer shuttles directly from the airport to any destination, including Playa Piratas.
- Taxi: Taxis are the most expensive option, but they are fast and readily available.
- Public Bus: Public transportation is only available part way to Playa Piratas, so it's not a practical alternative.
Places to Stay in Playa Piratas
Piratas Beach is less developed than surrounding beach communities. Nevertheless, it still offers one good lodging option to suit your needs.
- Hotel Bahia de Los Piratas features a great pool, a fabulous beach, and breathtaking views. The rooms are basic but clean, and you'll appreciate the refreshing air conditioning. Or, if you're travelling as a family or group, you can opt for a two-bedroom two-bathroom villa with kitchen. The staff is friendly and accommodating. The location is remote but secure.
Vacation Rentals
In this region, a diverse selection of vacation rentals, ranging from condos and cabins to luxurious villas, offers a captivating blend of seclusion, comfort, and natural beauty. Properties with ocean views are particularly sought after, allowing guests to wake up to the soothing sounds of the waves and enjoy stunning sunsets over the Pacific. These accommodations typically feature modern amenities and are conveniently close to the beach. Additionally, nearby private homes for rent showcase unique attributes such as lush tropical gardens, expansive outdoor spaces, and, in some cases, private pools. Catering to various preferences, these vacation rentals provide the perfect setting for families, groups, or couples seeking an authentic and tranquil retreat in Costa Rica.
- Villas La Paz are located about 3 km inland from Pirates Bay, and they are conveniently situated at a crossroads to Playa Conchal and Playa Zapotillal (also known as Playa Mina). Guests describe them as "a tranquil little piece of paradise." The villas feature private kitchens as well as large covered decks where you can enjoy the sound of howler monkeys and tropical birds. The hosts are warm and wonderful and can provide helpful recommendations about the beaches and restaurants in the area. There is a pool onsite, and you can even have an authentic Costa Rican meal prepared and served in your villa.
Popular Residential Communities near Playa Piratas
- Punta Playa Heights is a gated community with paved roads and onsite security. This exciting new eco-friendly community features luxury ocean-view condominiums, homes, and estate lots. Upon completion, residents will enjoy amenities such as a fitness center, two pools, a yoga studio, and a clubhouse. Currently, the pool and yoga studio are already finished. Situated within walking distance of the serene Bahia de Piratas, a secluded cove with two islands off a stunning white sand beach, Punta Playa Vistas is perfect for those seeking peace and nature near some of Costa Rica's best beaches. The location offers both privacy and tranquility, with convenient access to nearby amenities.
- Reserva Conchal is a prestigious 2,600-acre community alongside the pristine white sands of Playa Conchal. It's conveniently located a short drive from Playa Piratas and just 10 minutes from the new Flamingo Marina and 15 minutes from charming Tamarindo. Reserva Conchal features the world-renowned 18-hole Reserva Conchal golf course and a spectacular beachfront owners club with a fitness center, pool, bar, restaurant, and spa. Within the complex, you'll find the stunning five-star Westin Golf Resort with its amazing lagoon-style pool and the W Costa Rica hotel. Reserva Conchal boasts lush tropical gardens and protected green spaces, where you can often see exotic birds, howler monkeys, and iguanas while golfing or strolling through the gardens.
- Las Ventanas de Playa Grande is a 153-hectare private gated community located south of Pirates Bay. The ocean view properties offer stunning southern vistas of Las Baulas National Marine Park, overlooking Playa Grande and the Tamarindo Estuary. The community is surrounded by natural landscapes, environmentally protected lands, and wildlife conservation areas. Las Ventanas has its own water concessions, ensuring that costs are shared and included in the neighborhood's HOA. Amenities include nature and bike trails, 24/7 security, and organic community gardens with over 150 types of fruit trees, herbs, and medicinal plants. The community's outdoor recreational park, The Playground, features a skatepark. Las Ventanas is organized into four subdivisions: La Sabana, El Roble, Caracara, and San Pedro. The latter hosts the community's new clubhouse, a west-facing ocean view complex with an infinity pool and family recreational areas.
Best Restaurants in Playa Piratas
- Restaurante Bahia de Los Piratas, located at the hotel with the same name, offers freshly prepared pizzas, desserts, and drinks. It is conveniently located right at the beach, so you can continue to enjoy the gorgeous view and laid-back atmosphere while you savor your meal.
- Sweet Delicious Ice Creams, also located on the beach, offers the perfect cool and refreshing seaside snack. Patrons rave about the coconut and other flavors and say they are even better than the gelatos they have tried.
- El Encanto Bar and Restaurant is a beachfront eatery located in Puerto Viejo, a short drive from Pirates Bay. Diners can enjoy locally caught fish and cold beer while they look out over Playa Conchal and the Pacific Ocean. Locals and visitors alike enjoy its empanadas and smoothies.
Where to Buy Groceries in Playa Piratas
While there are no grocery stores in the immediate Pirates Bay area, you can find what you need a little farther inland in the small community of Matapalo. Super La Familia and Super Matapalo are located there and have similar selections with a combination of locally sourced foods and imported items. You will find a variety of fresh fruit, soft drinks, snacks, breads, cereal, liquor, mixers, toiletries, over the counter medications, sauces, and canned goods. In addition, some dishware, beach toys, hardware and tools are available.
A wider selection of food and beverages can be found about 15 minutes away in Huacas or less than 30 minutes away in Tamarindo.
What It's Like in Playa Piratas
Playa Piratas is one of the most beautiful and virgin beaches in Costa Rica. The unpaved road is long and can be rough, especially in the rainy season. However, your efforts to get there will be rewarded with the unforgettable experience of a natural beach and solitude. You'll be blessed with pristine sand, tranquil water, and gentle waves. Lava rock borders each side of the small bay, so you'll have areas nearby to explore and look for sea creatures. Bahia de Los Piratas is a superb location for a sunset, and if you stay until then, you'll witness a beautiful and rare natural event. As the sun goes down, local birds fly over your head and land on the little island offshore. Within a few minutes, the island is teeming with birds.
Things to Do in Playa Piratas
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities that highlight the area's natural beauty and adventurous spirit. Year-round, a stroll along the pristine beach offers stunning sunset views. Local tours and eco-adventures, such as horseback riding and canopy tours, provide exciting ways to explore the lush tropical surroundings. Additionally, visitors can experience mountain biking and ATV tours or take a day trip to a nearby national park or waterfall. During the leatherback sea turtle nesting season, many visit nearby beaches for a unique and educational experience. From October to March, witnessing these majestic creatures laying their eggs is truly awe-inspiring. While Playa Piratas may not be as suitable for surfing as some of its neighboring beaches, there are plenty of other activities to keep you as busy as you choose. Playa Piratas is the ideal setting for both adventure and relaxation. With its blend of outdoor fun and tranquility, Playa Piratas ensures a memorable and enriching experience for everyone.
Explore Other Popular Beach Communities in the Area
In addition to visiting Playa Piratas, try exploring one of the many beautiful beaches along the Guanacaste coastline. Here is a list of other amazing beaches (listed from north to south).
- Playa Danta: Natural and peaceful, a great place to get away.
- Playa Penca: Framed by headlands at both ends, this scenic beach is a great place to play or relax. Explore the small tide pools at low tide.
- Playa Potrero: The gentle surf invites you to swim, fish, or explore the cove by boat.
- Playa Flamingo: Known for its marina, restaurants, and casino, Flamingo is a hotspot of the Gold Coast.
- Playa Conchal: Unique shell beach caressed by crystalline waters.
- Playa Grande: A quieter escape known for its natural beaches, exciting surf break, and nesting sea turtles.
- Playa Tamarindo: Known for its surfing spots, vibrant nightlife, and lively atmosphere.
- Playa Langosta: Rocky and wild, this is the ideal spot to enjoy the sunset.
- Playa Avellanas: Revered for its consistent surf conditions, offering waves that can range from small and fun to large and challenging.
- Playa Junquillal: Stretching 2 kilometers, it's low-key, eco-friendly, and part of a nationally designated wildlife refuge.
Venturing into Playa Piratas and the surrounding area offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich natural beauty that has made Costa Rica famous. This area serves as a true refuge, promising experiences that will forge enduring memories.