At a glance
- From Santa Teresa
- About 15–20 minutes south, past Malpaís village and the fishing port
- From the airports
- San José airport (SJO): 5½–6 hours via the Puntarenas–Paquera ferry. Liberia airport (LIR): 4½–5½ hours. Cóbano airport (ACO): about 30–35 minutes
- Swimming
- A small, rocky cove: fine on calm days close to shore, and best for snorkeling. No lifeguards
- Best for
- Couples and snorkelers; families with confident swimmers, at low tide for the rock pools
- Facilities
- None. Bring water, snacks and your own snorkel gear
- Getting there
- Through Malpaís fishing port, then a narrow track to a small parking area and a 2-minute walk. A high-clearance car is best
- Surf
- Not a lesson beach; for waves, see the surfing guide
Where is Playa Los Suecos?
Head south through Malpaís toward the fishing port, where the road runs out. Just before the boats, a narrow track on the left leads to a small parking area, and from there it's a two-minute walk to the sand. Google Maps marks it as Playa Cuevas. The forest behind is the edge of the Cabo Blanco reserve, which has no public entrance on this side.
A high-clearance car or 4x4 makes the last stretch easier, and camping isn't allowed.
Can you snorkel and swim here?
On clear, calm days, this is some of the best snorkeling on the Santa Teresa side: people see tropical fish, eels, hermit crabs, rays and sea stars around the rocks. Bring your own mask and fins, because there's nowhere to rent them on the beach.
It's a small cove with rocks in the water, and like most Costa Rican beaches it has no lifeguards. Swim close to shore when the sea is flat, wear water shoes on the rocks, and skip it when the swell is up.
What is the bat cave?
The big rock at Punta Murciélago ("bat point") holds a sea cave that's home to hundreds of bats. At low tide you can walk around to the entrance and look in. The rocks are slippery, so go carefully, keep kids close and turn back as soon as the tide starts to rise. Low tide also opens up rock pools along the shore.
Insider tip: Check a tide chart and plan Los Suecos and the Malpaís tide pools for the same low-tide morning. They're five minutes apart, and you'll be back in Santa Teresa for lunch.
Who is it for?
Couples who want a quiet hour on the sand, snorkelers, and families with kids who swim well. There are no facilities, so pack water, snacks and shade. For restaurants and a place to stay, Malpaís village is a few minutes back up the road; see where to stay in Santa Teresa.
Nearby beaches
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Playa Los Suecos?
Drive south through Malpaís to the fishing port. Just before the boats, take the narrow track on the left to a small parking area, then walk about two minutes to the beach. It's 15 to 20 minutes from Santa Teresa; a high-clearance car helps.
Is Playa Los Suecos good for snorkeling?
Yes, on calm, clear days it's one of the best snorkeling spots near Santa Teresa, with fish, eels and rays around the rocks. Bring your own gear, and stay close to shore.
When can you see the bat cave?
At low tide, when you can walk around the rocks at Punta Murciélago to the cave mouth. Check the tide before you go and head back as soon as the water starts rising.
Can you get into Cabo Blanco from Playa Los Suecos?
No. The beach borders the reserve, but the only public entrance is the ranger station south of Cabuya, about an hour's drive round via Cóbano and Montezuma. See Cabo Blanco and the peninsula's parks.
Is Playa Los Suecos good for kids?
For kids who swim well and are happy on rocks, yes, especially at low tide for the rock pools. There are no facilities or lifeguards, so bring water shoes and snacks, and keep little ones close. The shallow Malpaís tide pools are easier for younger children.