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Playa Chiquita

Пляж Чикита
Costa Rica · Beach · Puerto Viejo
high
Best month: January

Best for

Ideal for couples and snorkelling enthusiasts seeking a secluded spot. Suitable for swimming in natural pools. Not suitable for lovers of developed infrastructure or party lovers.

Best month

January

Water
+28.0°C
Length
2 000 m
Playa Chiquita is a hidden gem 6 km south of Puerto Viejo, consisting of a series of small coves with coral reefs. Crystal-clear water and natural pools make it ideal for snorkelling and calm swimming away from busy beaches.
Surface
sand
Waves
moderate
Entry
moderate
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
Playa Chiquita is a hidden gem 6 km south of Puerto Viejo, consisting of a series of small coves with coral reefs. Crystal-clear water and natural pools make it ideal for snorkelling and calm swimming away from busy beaches.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Picturesque beach with calm water and coral pools
  • Excellent snorkelling conditions
  • Less crowded than neighbouring beaches
  • Quiet and relaxing atmosphere
  • Scenic rocks and natural pools
  • Surrounded by tropical vegetation
  • Free access

Cons

  • Rocky shore and coral reefs, special footwear required
  • No lifeguards on the beach
  • Limited infrastructure — no cafes or toilets
  • Can be crowded in high season
  • Limited natural shade
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for couples and snorkelling enthusiasts seeking a secluded spot. Suitable for swimming in natural pools. Not suitable for lovers of developed infrastructure or party lovers.
Features
What makes this beach unique
A series of small coves and rocky points with natural coral pools. The beach is surrounded by tropical forest where sloths, monkeys and hummingbirds can be seen.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Sand Texture
Grain size
fine
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
moderate
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
mixed
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
required
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
2 000 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
turquoise
Water Clarity
high
Average Water Temp
+28.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+30.0 °C
Wave Type
moderate
Wave Height
0.8 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
December January
Season end
March April
Best month
January
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
moderate
Water Quality
Water purity rating
good
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
low
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
10.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats. A quiet and uncrowded beach.
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
No
Umbrellas
No
Showers
No
Toilets
No
Changing Rooms
No
Lifeguards
No
First Aid
No
Parking
No
Wi-Fi
No
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
No
Restaurants Nearby
3 pcs
Best restaurants

Pura Gula Restaurante

International

Travelers- Choice award-winning restaurant with unique dishes like mango ceviche tuna.

Café Chiquita

Cafe

Cosy cafe with coffee and snacks.

Nearby cuisines

International

International dishes with local ingredients

Must try: Mango ceviche tuna, prime rib with blue cheese sauce

Cafe

Coffee and light snacks

Must try: Coffee, pastries, sandwiches
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
calm
Crowd Level
uncrowded
Silence Level
quiet
Sunset Quality
beautiful
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
Yes
Natural Shade
much
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
Yes
Diving
No
Surfing
No
Kayaking / SUP
No
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Swimsuit Water shoes Cash First aid kit Snorkel mask
Best Time to Swim
In the morning before 11:00 the water is calmer and there are fewer people. For snorkelling, the best time is in the morning.
Local Rules
Littering and damaging corals are prohibited. Swimming in water shoes is recommended.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Cahuita National Park

National park with tropical forests and rich fauna

Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge

Nature reserve with mangroves and turtles

Puerto Viejo

Picturesque town with restaurants and shops 6 km away

Punta Uva Beach

Neighbouring picturesque beach with calm water

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Playa Chiquita: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity high, average temperature +28.0°C, warms up to +30.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Playa Chiquita: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — moderate. Average wave height — 0.8 m.
Playa Chiquita: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — moderate. Bottom — mixed. Special water shoes (aqua shoes) are required — the bottom has rocks, corals or sea urchins.
Playa Chiquita: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — fine. Beach length — 2 000 metres.
Playa Chiquita: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in December, January. It ends in March, April. The best month for a holiday is January. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Playa Chiquita: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as good. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Shark risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Playa Chiquita: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Playa Chiquita: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Pura Gula Restaurante, Café Chiquita. Cuisines available: International, Cafe. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Playa Chiquita: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Water shoes, Cash, First aid kit, Snorkel mask.
Playa Chiquita: when is the best time to swim?
In the morning before 11:00 the water is calmer and there are fewer people. For snorkelling, the best time is in the morning.
Playa Chiquita: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Littering and damaging corals are prohibited. Swimming in water shoes is recommended.
Playa Chiquita: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Playa Chiquita: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for couples and snorkelling enthusiasts seeking a secluded spot. Suitable for swimming in natural pools. Not suitable for lovers of developed infrastructure or party lovers.
Playa Chiquita: what makes this beach unique?
A series of small coves and rocky points with natural coral pools. The beach is surrounded by tropical forest where sloths, monkeys and hummingbirds can be seen.
Playa Chiquita: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Picturesque beach with calm water and coral pools, Excellent snorkelling conditions, Less crowded than neighbouring beaches, Quiet and relaxing atmosphere, Scenic rocks and natural pools, Surrounded by tropical vegetation, Free access. Cons: Rocky shore and coral reefs, special footwear required, No lifeguards on the beach, Limited infrastructure — no cafes or toilets, Can be crowded in high season, Limited natural shade.
Playa Chiquita: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Cahuita National Park, Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge, Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva Beach. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Playa Chiquita: how do I get to the city of Puerto Viejo?
The beach is located near the city of Puerto Viejo. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Puerto Viejo.

City

Puerto Viejo

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.

Best month

January

Useful information

Country: Costa Rica
Type: Beach
Coordinates: 9.641700, -82.725000

Other beaches in Puerto Viejo