A long sweep of golden sand a few kilometres south of Puerto Viejo, Playa Cocles is the most accessible beach on the South Caribbean coast and the one most travellers find first. Reggae bars and a few surf schools sit back from the sand under the palms; locals fill in on weekends with picnic lunches.
The surf here is more forgiving than the Salsa Brava break in town — gentler beach-break waves that suit beginners and intermediates. Lifeguards usually watch the central section in the high season. Rip currents do form, so listen to local advice and don't try to swim straight back to where you came in.