Playa Conchal is yet another beautiful and mesmerizing beach in Guanacaste! It’s just south of a little village called Brasilito, and although the two beaches are only separated by some rocks, the difference between them is astonishing! Conchal is 4 kms South of Playa Flamingo, a real little oasis considered to be a true piece of paradise, with soft white sand and clear turquoise sea, one of the very few in Costa Rica, and it is perfect for snorkeling. Conchal is the Spanish word for Shell, as the whole beach is made of zillions of crushed seashells, this is what gives it this shiny and brilliant white coloring and also why the sea is so clear, with no sand floating in the waves!
Some years back a resort was built, the Paradisus Conchal Resort, part of the Melia chain, but fortunately, this is where development stopped in Conchal. You may use the pools and the restaurant of the hotel if you wish; all you need to do is to buy a daily pass. The resort also has a “Garra de Leon” 18-hole golf course. The professionals say that this is one of the best in Central America, with its panoramic views of the magnificent turquoise Pacific, if indeed playing golf in this heat is feasible, when one could be swimming!
There are some decent cabinas in Brasilito, and a good choice of places to eat, but if you are staying at any nearby beach, Flamingo, Tamarindo, etc., it is only a short drive away and it is truly wonderful to spend a day on this beautiful little beach.
Conchal is certainly one of the most exotic beaches of the country. If you have brought your snorkeling gear, you may see some stingrays, parrot fish and a whole array of tropical fish, large and small. If you have a hammock, bring it along too; the small bushes are perfect for hanging it. Conchal is the sort of beach where one gets lazy. The swimming is more than enough exercise! There are places to visit nearby, a few national parks, tree tops canopy tours, white water rafting, deep sea fishing, but for most, the sand and the quiet sea are more appealing!
Surrounding the beach are cattle ranches, and some people have camped there. There are however no facilities, but the ranch owners provide all the facilities and are very friendly; for a small fee, you can have some shade and security.
If you are driving the 4 and half hours to Conchal, you need to go to Liberia first, and from there follow the indications to Santa Cruz, then turn right at Belen, and then just follow the signs to Brasilito and Conchal. If however you are in a hurry, it is possible to fly to Tamarindo, and from there you can take a taxi, it’s only 15 minutes away.