
Playa Carbón Las Baulas
Discover Costa Rica's striking black sand beach, a remote gem offering unique tidepool exploration and serene beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Max beach, tidepools revealed

Playa Carbón Las Baulas
Best Time
Max beach, tidepools revealed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Costa Rica's striking black sand beach, a remote gem offering unique tidepool exploration and serene beauty.
"This hidden beach is a gem! Gorgeous black sand and a few sandy areas to relax."

🚗 Drive to the End
Follow Google Maps past Playa Grande and the park; park at the very end of the road for beach access. :car:
🥾 Explore the Rocks
Take a walk along the rocks for stunning views and to discover hidden coves and marine life. :hiking_boot:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Striking Black Sand
Experience the dramatic contrast of the darkest sand in Costa Rica, a truly unique and memorable sight.

Tidepool Exploration
Along the rocky edges
Discover fascinating marine life and collect unique shells in the cool tidepools revealed at low tide.

Remote Seclusion
Enjoy a peaceful escape on this beautiful, well-kept secret beach, often with few other visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Black Sand
Embrace the Remote Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive to the End
Follow Google Maps past Playa Grande and the park; park at the very end of the road for beach access. :car:
🥾 Explore the Rocks
Take a walk along the rocks for stunning views and to discover hidden coves and marine life. :hiking_boot:
🐒 Spot Wildlife
Keep an eye out for monkeys in the coconut trees and look for crocodiles in the nearby estuary. :monkey_face:
🖤 Collect Black Sand
Bring a small container to take home some of the unique black sand as a souvenir. :sparkles:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive to the End
Follow Google Maps past Playa Grande and the park; park at the very end of the road for beach access. :car:
🥾 Explore the Rocks
Take a walk along the rocks for stunning views and to discover hidden coves and marine life. :hiking_boot:
🐒 Spot Wildlife
Keep an eye out for monkeys in the coconut trees and look for crocodiles in the nearby estuary. :monkey_face:
🖤 Collect Black Sand
Bring a small container to take home some of the unique black sand as a souvenir. :sparkles:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Playa Carbón Las Baulas' stunning black sand and secluded, gem-like atmosphere. It's praised as a beautiful, well-kept secret worth the walk, offering unique tidepool exploration and a peaceful escape. Some note that the beach can be very small at high tide, emphasizing the importance of timing your visit.
"Play a Carbone the blackest beach in Costa Rica. Make sure when you go there that it is after high tide as there is almost no beach at high tide. Take the road that Google sends you on follow it all the way past Playa Grande all the way down past the park and park at the end. If you want to be able to explore play a Carbone arrive there when the tide is receding or get there at low tide. Plenty of beach to explore at low tide lots of rocks and shells to collect we even brought back some black sand. Just prior to arriving at the beach check out the coconut trees on the left we finally saw Katie Mondays up in the trees collecting coconuts. We looked for crocodiles in the Estuary but did not see any. This was a wonderful day trip from Tamarindo we have explored about eight beaches so far and this by far was the most remote and interesting Beach"
Richard Donati
"This hidden beach is a gem! Gorgeous black sand and a few sandy areas to relax.
Nice walk along the rocks if you are up for exploring."
MJLB
"This beach is a beautiful well kept secret! Beautiful black sand, cool tidepools, secluded, and a beautiful area to swim! Definitely worth the walk!"
Mandie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Playa Carbón Las Baulas, take the road past Playa Grande and continue all the way down past the park. Park at the very end of the road. Google Maps is generally reliable for navigation to this remote spot.
Parking is available at the end of the road leading to the beach. It's a remote location, so parking is usually not an issue.
Yes, you can drive to Playa Carbón Las Baulas, but the road can be unpaved in parts. It's recommended to have a vehicle suitable for varied terrain, though many visitors manage with standard cars.
The road is generally unpaved and can be rough in sections, especially after the park entrance. It's part of the adventure to reach this secluded beach.
Public transport is limited for reaching such a remote beach. Renting a car is the most practical way to access Playa Carbón Las Baulas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no explicit entrance fee mentioned for Playa Carbón Las Baulas itself, as it's a natural beach. However, you might pass through areas that are part of a national park, so check for any potential park fees.
As a natural beach, Playa Carbón Las Baulas does not have set opening hours. It's accessible during daylight hours.
No, tickets are not required for Playa Carbón Las Baulas as it's a natural beach. You can visit spontaneously.
The main consideration is the tide. Visiting during high tide will leave you with very little beach. It's best to visit during low tide or as the tide is receding.
Playa Carbón Las Baulas is located near or within the Las Baulas National Marine Park, which protects nesting sea turtles. Respecting the natural environment is crucial.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Its most striking feature is its incredibly dark, black sand, making it one of the most unique beaches in Costa Rica. It's also known for its remote and secluded atmosphere.
You can explore the black sand, discover tidepools, collect shells, walk along the rocks, and enjoy the peaceful, remote environment.
Swimming is possible, but conditions can vary. It's advisable to check the water conditions and be aware of any currents. The beauty of the beach is often the primary draw.
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and a bag for any trash. A small container is great for collecting unique shells or black sand.
This is a natural, undeveloped beach, so there are no facilities like restrooms, showers, or vendors. Come prepared to be self-sufficient.
📸 📸 Photography
The best time for photography is during the golden hours – sunrise or sunset – when the black sand can create dramatic contrasts. Low tide also offers more beach to capture.
Capture the unique black sand, the interesting rock formations, tidepools, and the vast, often empty coastline. The contrast of dark sand against the ocean is stunning.
The entire beach is a photo opportunity! Focus on the textures of the black sand, the patterns in the tidepools, and the expansive ocean views.
To properly expose the black sand, you might need to slightly overexpose your shots or use manual settings to avoid the camera darkening the scene too much.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and park regulations before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the walk to the beach might be a bit of an adventure, the reward is a less crowded experience, allowing families to enjoy their time without the hustle of more popular beaches. The remote setting can be a great way to disconnect and immerse yourselves in nature. Just ensure everyone wears appropriate footwear for walking on sand and potentially rocky areas.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Adventurers
This beach is ideal for those who appreciate off-the-beaten-path destinations and are comfortable with a lack of amenities. The drive itself can be an adventure, and the reward is a truly memorable and less commercialized beach experience. It’s a place to connect with nature and enjoy the Pura Vida lifestyle at its most serene.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Black Sand Beaches
This unique sand composition also influences the beach's microclimate and the types of shells and marine life found in its tidepools. When the tide recedes, it reveals intricate patterns and a treasure trove of natural wonders. The remote nature of Playa Carbón Las Baulas means that these geological features are often enjoyed in a more pristine and undisturbed setting, adding to its charm and appeal for those seeking natural beauty.
Navigating to a Hidden Gem
The journey itself offers glimpses of the natural beauty of the Guanacaste region. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife; some visitors have spotted monkeys in the coconut trees and even looked for crocodiles in the nearby estuary. This sense of discovery and the relatively undeveloped access contribute to the feeling of finding a truly special, off-the-beaten-path location.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit