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Having explored the best dive spots across Central America, I can confidently tell you that for a diver, Playa Potrero isn't just a great choice—it's the strategic launchpad that makes it the best scuba destination in Guanacaste. While the beautiful white sands of Playa Flamingo get the headlines, Potrero's location, nestled right in the bay, gives us quick, direct access to the region's most important underwater sites. We're talking about the famous Catalinas Islands, where the volcanic rock formations draw in the huge Giant Pacific Manta Rays, White-tip Reef Sharks, and vast schools of tropical fish. For those who love a challenge, we also have the incredible, protected marine life of the Bat Islands (Islas Murciélagos) further north, known for seasonal Bull Shark encounters.
But the beauty of basing your adventure in Potrero is that the Pura Vida doesn't stop when you surface; the town itself has maintained a laid-back, authentic charm that its busier neighbors sometimes lose. After your two-tank dive, you'll find a wealth of amazing restaurants, from beachfront sodas serving local fare to sunset dining experiences, and charming hotels that make the perfect base for exploring nearby beaches like Conchal, or heading inland for volcano tours and waterfall hikes. It truly offers the full Costa Rican experience—amazing diving and a perfect seaside town to recover in.
Potrero is a small town where the spirit of "Pura Vida" is a collective effort. We proudly partner with other local businesses, from the charming sodas and hotels to our friends at Fish Potrero, to highlight the entire community. Our goal is to ensure every person who visits leaves with the best possible Costa Rican experience, whether they are under the sea with us, enjoying a sunset fishing trip, or simply relaxing by the beach. This collaborative approach means you are supported by an entire community that genuinely wants you to have an unforgettable adventure.
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.
Other Activities 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.
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.
Dive confidently knowing that you have the world's leading dive safety organization on your side.
