Explore: Playa de Coco
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General Info
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Description:
Bahia Coco is a small horseshoe-shaped bay on the southern edge of the Gulf of Papagayo. It is open to the NW, but in settled weather offers easy access to the popular tourist town Playas del Coco (El Coco/ Coco Beach). There are no marinas, but nearby Culebra Bay is 7NM away and has Marina Papagayo. It is possible to clear in at Marina Papagayo, however, a clearing agent must be used if doing so with associated costs (approx. $500).
Cruiser Highlights:
Port of Entry (Customs & Immigration); airport; provisioning; bars and restaurants; tourism options; basic medical service.
Entry Notes or Cautions:
A reef is located in the middle of the anchorage (where there are no moorings) and in some conditions the surf can make parts of the anchorage very rolly.
Position:
10° 33’24″N, 85° 41’58″W (anchorage)
Clearance
See Costa Rica Formalities for full details on clearing into and out of Costa Rica.
General Process:
The check-in procedure is Port Captain, Immigration, Port Captain, Customs.
Customs are now at the Liberia airport only – about 45 mins by bus or take a rental car to the airport (approx. US$50).
Clearing in here is reported to be very easy and should take about 3 hours. Three copies of all papers, including passports, will be required.
The international check-out procedure is Port Captain (to get the bank info as well as latest rules), Customs at the airport, bank (to pay por fee), Immigration, Port Captain (who will give you the exit zarpe).
Notes:
- While clearance is possible at nearby Marina Papagayo, it is mandatory that a clearance agent is used at the marina with associated costs in the region of $500. Arrangements for clearance at the marina must be made in advance and the decision to stay and use an agent cannot be done once you have arrived at the marina.
Last updated: April 2020
Related Businesses
Panamares S A
Address: Costa Rica,
Services since 1992 include clearance (customs and immigration), National park permits (especially Cocos Island), ships spares in transit, TIP, nationalization of ships to carry the Costa... Read More
Docking
Anchoring:
This anchorage has a reef right in the middle. The left side facing shore is very rolly. The right side is calmer and you can anchor out almost to the island in 30 ft of water. The middle part where there are no mooring buoys is where the reef is located, so do not go there.
Dinghy Landing:
Getting ashore with your dinghy can be difficult if the surf is heavy, although the beach shallows slowly. Land where the locals are picking up and dropping off. The dinghy can be secured at the top of the beach if you have a long (2 or 3m) cable.
If you prefer not to attempt landing in the surf you can call on VHF Ch. 16 for a water taxi or try to wave down one of the local pangas bringing locals and guest to the different boats on the moorings.
Other anchoring options include: The bays in Culebra Bay. From Playa del Panama it is possible to get a taxi or water taxi to take you to Playa de Coco for clearance. Or you can get a rental car from Marina Papagayo.
Marinas:
Marina Papagayo is in Culebra Bay, 7NM away.
Last updated: May 2019
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