Hotel in Playa Ocotal, near Playa del Coco, Guanacaste, Guanacaste
El Ocotal Beach Resort
A popular dive resort on the beautiful Playa Ocotal, just south of Playa del Coco. Features stunning bay views, multiple pools, an excellent restaurant, and on-site dive shop. Snorkeling directly from the beach is excellent.
El Ocotal Beach Resort occupies a prime hillside position above Playa Ocotal, one of the most sheltered and picturesque coves on the Pacific coast of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Located approximately two kilometers south of the bustling beach town of Playa del Coco, the resort is accessed via a winding road that descends to a rocky headland, offering sweeping panoramas of the Gulf of Papagayo. The surrounding area is quiet and upscale compared to Playa del Coco itself, making El Ocotal a popular choice for travelers seeking both convenience and tranquility.
The property was developed specifically to serve the growing dive tourism market in the Papagayo Gulf, and its on-site PADI-certified dive shop remains one of its defining features. The shop organizes daily dive trips to sites such as the Bat Islands (Isla Murciélago) and Dirty Rock, which draw experienced divers eager to encounter manta rays, bull sharks, and schools of large pelagics. Snorkeling directly from the beach is excellent, as the rocky headlands shelter an array of marine life in shallow, clear water.
Accommodation at El Ocotal ranges from standard ocean-view rooms to larger bungalows, most with private balconies or terraces. Hillside rooms offer the most dramatic vistas across the cove, while lower units sit closer to the beach and pool areas. The resort features multiple swimming pools, a hot tub, and a volleyball court positioned to capture bay views throughout the day.
Dining centers on the open-air restaurant, which serves an international menu with strong emphasis on fresh local seafood. The bar adjoining the restaurant is a convivial spot for sundowner cocktails, particularly as the sun descends over the Pacific horizon. A poolside snack bar supplements the main restaurant during peak daylight hours.
Service at El Ocotal is attentive and sport-oriented, with staff well-versed in recommending dive and snorkeling excursions, sport-fishing charters, and sunset boat trips available from the resort dock. The property is popular with couples seeking a romantic beach setting with active water-sports options, and with dive enthusiasts who want the dive shop steps from their room. Package rates combining accommodation and unlimited diving offer considerable value during the dry season, making El Ocotal one of the most efficient bases for serious divers visiting Guanacaste.
Amenities
- Beach access
- Pools
- Dive shop
- Restaurant
- Snorkeling
- WiFi
- Parking
Location
Playa Ocotal, near Playa del Coco, Guanacaste
10.5563, -85.7044 — View on map
Highlights
- On-site PADI dive shop with daily trips to Bull Shark and Manta Ray sites at Isla Murciélago
- Multiple swimming pools and hot tub with panoramic Gulf of Papagayo views
- Excellent beachfront snorkeling directly from the sheltered Playa Ocotal cove
- Open-air restaurant specializing in fresh local seafood with Pacific sunset views
- Hillside rooms with private balconies overlooking the turquoise horseshoe bay
Tips
- Book dive packages in advance during December–April peak season — demand far exceeds availability
- Request a hillside room for the best bay views; lower garden rooms trade views for beach proximity
- The Bat Islands shark dive departs early — confirm the schedule at check-in for the planned trip
- Stock up on reef-safe sunscreen in Playa del Coco before arrival; the resort stocks limited supplies
- Sport-fishing charters can be arranged through the front desk and are best booked at least 48 hours ahead
FAQ
Is El Ocotal Beach Resort good for non-divers?
Non-divers will still enjoy excellent snorkeling from the beach, multiple pools, fishing charters, and sunset cruises. The resort is a peaceful alternative to the busier Playa del Coco strip, though the primary draw is water sports.
How far is El Ocotal Beach Resort from the nearest town?
Playa del Coco is roughly 2 km north and reachable in about 10 minutes by taxi or a 25-minute walk along the road. Basic supplies, restaurants, and ATMs are available there.
What is the best time to visit El Ocotal Beach Resort?
The dry season (December to April) brings calm seas ideal for diving and snorkeling. The green season (May to November) offers lower rates and lush scenery, though occasional rain and choppier water can limit dive site access.
Are dive packages available at El Ocotal?
Yes, the resort offers packages combining accommodation and multiple daily dives at preferential rates. These packages are the most economical way for serious divers to stay at El Ocotal and are particularly popular during the dry season.
Accessibility
The resort terrain is hilly, with paths and steps between buildings and the beach. Guests with limited mobility should request a lower-level room closer to the pools and beach, and should contact the resort directly to confirm accessibility provisions before arrival.