At a glance
- From Santa Teresa
- About 45–60 minutes by car to Pochote, then a boat ride of under 5 minutes
- From the airports
- San José airport (SJO): about 5 hours via the Puntarenas–Paquera ferry. Liberia airport (LIR): about 3–4 hours by road. Scheduled flights land at Cóbano airport (ACO)
- Swimming
- Usually calm and good for snorkeling, though some days it's choppy and less clear. No lifeguards
- Best for
- Adventurous couples and families happy with no facilities
- Facilities
- None on Playa Muertos: no food, water, shade structures or trash cans. Paid parking in Pochote
- Getting there
- Drive to Pochote, east of Tambor, and take a small boat from Camping Don Trino across the river mouth. No set times
- Surf
- None to speak of
How do you get to Playa Muertos?
Drive to Pochote, just east of Tambor, and park at Camping Don Trino (there's a small fee). From there, small speedboats cross the river mouth to Playa Muertos in under five minutes for a small fare. There's no schedule and no need to book: turn up and ask.
At high tide you can also paddle across by kayak in about 30 minutes. At low tide some people walk it in about 30 minutes, but it isn't recommended.
What is the beach like?
Light sand and water that's usually calm enough to snorkel. Conditions vary: on some days the water is choppy and cloudy, so treat the snorkeling as a bonus. There's no lifeguard, so keep kids within reach.
There are no facilities at all: no food, drinks or bathrooms, and no trash cans. Bring water, lunch, shade and a bag to carry your trash home.
Insider tip: Go on a weekday. At weekends and on holidays local families come over and the boats get busy; weekday mornings are the quietest.
Who is it for?
Couples and families who like a little adventure and don't need services. Pair it with lunch and a swim at Playa Tambor or a morning at Curú. See Tambor, Curú and the Gulf side for the full day.
Nearby beaches
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Playa Muertos?
By boat from Pochote, east of Tambor. Boats leave from Camping Don Trino, cross the river mouth in under five minutes and run whenever there are passengers, with no schedule or booking.
Is Playa Muertos good for snorkeling?
Often, yes: the water is usually calm. Visibility varies, and some days it's choppy and cloudy. Bring your own gear.
Are there facilities at Playa Muertos?
No. There's no food, water, bathroom or trash can, so bring everything you need and take your trash home.
How far is Pochote from Santa Teresa?
About 45 minutes to an hour by car, via Cóbano and the paved road toward Tambor and Paquera.