DISCOVER POTRERO THE GEM OF GUANACASTE
Your local guide to Playa Potrero: where to eat, where to stay and what to do between dives, from the team that calls it home.
Having explored dive spots across Central America, we can say it plainly: for divers, Playa Potrero isn't just a good choice, it's the best launchpad for scuba diving in Guanacaste. While Playa Flamingo gets the headlines, Potrero sits right in the bay, with quick, direct access to the region's top dive sites. A short boat ride takes you to the Catalina Islands, where volcanic rock formations draw Giant Pacific Manta Rays, White-tip Reef Sharks and huge schools of tropical fish. Further north, the protected Bat Islands (Islas Murciélagos) offer seasonal Bull Shark encounters for divers who want a challenge.
YOUR LOCAL GUIDE
The Pura Vida doesn't stop when you surface. Potrero has kept the laid-back, authentic charm its busier neighbors sometimes lose. After a two-tank dive you'll find beachfront sodas serving local fare, sunset dining and charming hotels, all within easy reach of beaches like Conchal, volcano tours and waterfall hikes.
It's a small town, and the whole community looks after its visitors, from the sodas and hotels to our friends at Fish Potrero. Whether you're under the sea with us, out on a sunset fishing trip or relaxing on the beach, our goal is the same: the best possible Costa Rican experience. Start below with what to do, where to eat and where to stay.
WHAT TO DO IN PLAYA POTRERO
Obviously, you want to scuba dive while in Guanacaste, but Playa Potrero has so much else to help round off your vacation. Here at Under The Sea Diving, we love putting people underwater, but we also believe in making your entire trip unforgettable. That’s why we partner with the best local operators to recommend a full range of adventures you can trust. Once you’re dry, your next Pura Vida moment is waiting: blast through the jungle on an ATV tour, get hooked on the action with a world-class Fishing Charter, fly high on a thrilling Zipline Experience, relax during a spectacular Catamaran Sunset Cruise, or spend a day exploring stunning waterfalls and more. Don’t settle for just the ocean; let us help you experience the full excitement of Costa Rica’s Gold Coast, both on land and at sea. Explore our diving tours, and check out our trusted partners for the rest of your itinerary today.
WHERE TO EAT IN PLAYA POTRERO
It’s true—you can’t leave Guanacaste without diving the Catalinas, but when you're ready to peel yourself out of the water, the food scene in Playa Potrero is exactly what you need. Forget the over-the-top, tourist-trap restaurants. Potrero has a surprisingly diverse and totally relaxed set of eateries that feel more like local hangouts than anything else.
Start your day at one of the cozy coffee spots for a perfect gallo pinto and a robust cup of Costa Rican brew. For an authentic and inexpensive lunch, keep an eye out for a local 'soda'—these are the real gems, serving up huge, fresh plates like casados or grilled fish right out of a home kitchen. When the sun starts to dip, the beachfront bars come to life. You can grab a cerveza at a rustic spot like Las Brisas or check out one of the fusion kitchens for fantastic seafood, often with a "you hook it, we cook it" option if you landed something that day. Plus, for a town this size, the area has great variety, from wood-fired pizza and Italian pasta to a proper craft brewery with a lively courtyard of food stalls. It’s all casual, it’s all delicious, and it perfectly captures that easygoing Pura Vida lifestyle.
WHERE TO STAY IN PLAYA POTRERO
So, you're sold on the dive trip and the land adventures—but where do you hang your fins at the end of a long Pura Vida day? Playa Potrero has nailed the art of low-key luxury. Skip the crowded mega-resorts and embrace the local, relaxed vibe of the Surfside neighborhood. You'll find a fantastic mix of intimate boutique hotels and charming, fully-equipped vacation rentals. For a beachfront dream, check out a place like Bahía del Sol, where you can watch the famous Potrero sunsets right from the property's lush gardens.
And for that authentic, home-away-from-home feel, a vacation rental in the heart of Surfside puts you within easy walking distance of local sodas, the brewery, and, most importantly, the beach where your daily diving adventure kicks off. No matter your style, staying local means you're not just a tourist—you're part of the neighborhood.
Ready for the Best Scuba Diving in Costa Rica?
From thrilling dive tours to professional PADI certification, our team is ready to help you plan the perfect adventure in Guanacaste — whether it's your first dive or your five-hundredth.