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.
