Playa Coco (Coconut Beach)

Bring comfortable shoes, take your time, and leave room in your plans to linger before dinner.

What to Expect

Playa Coco has a mostly rocky shoreline, with pockets of sand that change as waves move material along the coast. It isn’t a broad sandy beach for spreading out a towel and running barefoot into the water.

Its appeal is the scenery: palms along the shore, coastal views, and multiple swings hanging over the beach. The swings are a favorite for photographs, but their presence and condition can change.

Being within walking distance of accommodations in Esperanza makes this an easy outing without committing to a full beach day. You can come for a short visit or spend longer exploring the shoreline.

Swimming & Visiting with Children

Playa Coco is better planned as a walking and sightseeing stop than a family swimming destination. Rocky entries and waves can make getting into—and back out of—the water difficult.

Children may enjoy exploring with an adult, but secure footwear helps on the uneven shore. Watch for slippery rocks and keep little ones away from breaking waves.

Check any swing carefully before using it. Ropes, seats, and branches are exposed to weather and salt, and there’s no guarantee they’re maintained.

Snorkeling at Playa Coco

Local guides identify snorkeling opportunities here when conditions are calm. The rocky entry, however, makes this a less straightforward choice for beginners.

Check the water before entering, identify a manageable exit, and avoid going in when waves are breaking against the rocks. Water shoes can help with footing but don’t make a rough entry safe.

Snorkel with a companion, avoid standing on coral or marine life, and choose another location if conditions make getting in or out difficult.

Shade & Facilities

Palms and vegetation provide patches of natural shade, although availability changes with the sun’s position. Choose your resting spot carefully and avoid sitting beneath hanging coconuts.

There are no dependable public bathrooms, showers, food vendors, or equipment rentals on the beach. Nearby accommodations are private properties, so don’t assume their facilities are available to beach visitors.

Bring drinking water, even for a short walk.

Cell Service

Save your map pin and directions before setting out. Reception depends on your carrier and island conditions, so don’t rely on being able to look up the entrance when you arrive.

If you’re meeting friends, agree on the access point beforehand. Different accommodations may use different paths to the shoreline.

Getting to Playa Coco

Playa Coco is on the western side of Esperanza, along the coast in front of Encantada.

You can drive close to the beach using an unmarked dirt access road off Calle Flamboyan near the property. The turn is easy to miss, so Google Maps is useful here. Save the beach access pin rather than navigating to a private villa entrance.

The final approach is informal. Check the road before continuing, particularly after rain, and don’t drive onto the beach.

If you’re staying nearby in Esperanza, walking may be the simplest option. Ask your host for the best public route from your accommodation.

Parking & Beach Access

Parking near the shore is informal and limited. Leave room for vehicles to turn around, keep the access road clear, and respect neighboring properties.

Use the established public access rather than crossing private grounds or opening gates. Being close to a beachfront accommodation doesn’t make its driveway or facilities public.

Leave unnecessary valuables at your accommodation and keep your beach bag manageable for the rocky footing.

The Beach Swings

The swings are one of Playa Coco’s best-known features, adding a playful touch to this rugged stretch of coast. They’re particularly appealing for photographs in the softer afternoon light.

Their number, location, and condition can change, especially after storms. Enjoy any you find in sound condition, take turns with other visitors, and avoid putting weight on damaged ropes or seats.

Even without a swing photograph, the shoreline makes a worthwhile stop.

What to Bring

Pack lightly for a coastal walk:

• Drinking water
• Secure walking sandals or shoes with traction
• A hat and sun protection
• A phone or camera
• Insect repellent
• A small towel if you plan to sit
• A bag for your trash

For an evening visit, bring a small flashlight so you can see the uneven ground on your way back.

When to Visit

Late afternoon is a lovely time to visit, with softer light for photographs and a chance to enjoy the coast before dinner in Esperanza.

The sun’s position changes throughout the year, so the exact sunset view varies. Come for the evening atmosphere rather than expecting the sun to drop into the water directly in front of you.

Arrive with enough daylight to find the entrance, assess the footing, and get familiar with your return route.

Trash & Caring for the Beach

Bring everything back out with you. Don’t rely on finding an available rubbish bin.

Check your resting spot for bottle caps, wrappers, and anything that could blow into the ocean. If you can comfortably carry out a few extra pieces of litter, it helps keep the shoreline welcoming.

Leave shells, rocks, and marine life where you find them, and avoid damaging trees or adding ropes to branches.

Visiting Responsibly

Respect the homes and accommodations bordering the beach. Keep music considerate, use public access routes, and leave driveways and gates clear.

Watch approaching waves while exploring the rocks. Don’t climb unstable coastal slopes or continue around a rocky point if waves are cutting off the route.

Playa Coco is an easy place to enjoy slowly. There’s no need to cover the entire shoreline to have a worthwhile visit.