Experience a secluded beachfront getaway at Sand Dollar Cove, where you can unwind on the private beach or explore nearby activities like surfing and horseback riding. With a caretaker living on-site, feel secure as you immerse yourself in nature's serenity.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor Space
Breakfast available
Add dates for prices
About this property
Beach Front Paradise!
sanddollarcove.com
Off the beaten path, staying here is like staying on a private beach. You can surf, go horseback riding, tour the butterfly farm and more. A magical experience!
45min - 1 hour's drove: Zipline, Sport Fishing, Ocean Safaris for viewing dolphins and whales, Ocean Kayaking, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving and more.
Our caretaker lives at the back of the property.
Keywords: beachfront, beach, house, guanacaste, playa san miguel
Property amenities
Beach
On the beach
Beach loungers
Beach towels
Internet
Available in the house: WiFi
Parking and transportation
Car required
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Ice maker
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Toaster
Dining
Breakfast available for a fee
Bedrooms
4 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
3 bathrooms
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Living room
Entertainment
Books
Games
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
Near the ocean
On the waterfront
Things to do
Water sports equipment
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 10
Long-term renters welcome
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
We should mention
A car is required for transportation to and from this property
About the neighborhood
Located in Bejuco, this vacation home is on the beach. Jungle Butterfly Farm is a local attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Samara Beach and Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Camaronal. Kayaking and motor boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and ecotours nearby. Visit our Bejuco travel guide
Nestled on the beach, this Bejuco vacation home is 1.3 mi (2.2 km) from San Miguel Beach and 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Jungle Butterfly Farm. Playa Bejuco and Mike's Jungle Butterfly Farm are also within 6 mi (10 km).
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Beach Front Paradise! Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
We never tired of this location. The sounds of the waves, the views of the ocean, the jungle wildlife ... its such a treat. Cheyo the caretaker is a total gem and the house is well-stocked with family beach gear.
We love the location right on the beach. It was like having our own beach. Air conditioning was awesome at night. The grounds were immaculate. We would love to stay there again!
Highly recommend you go there and experience paradise for yourself!
I never wanted to leave! With the beautiful yard, the beach, the tide pools and Cheyo and his wonderful dogs, Sand Dollar Cove was heavenly! We wanted to stay somewhere away from the crowds where we could relax and enjoy the outdoors, and we did! The birds and howler monkeys were plentiful. Elizabeth and Jim were excellent hosts and quick to answer my questions. I’m already scheming to go back. Thank you so much, Elizabeth and Jim, for sharing your magical place.
Beautiful private location with a swimmable beach about 50 meters away. Charming rustic cottage. Rooms are not connected, and only the small downstairs bedroom has AC. We loved the peaceful simplicity.
I CANT explain how magical this place is. My family of 5 were very excited to stay here. It is truly paradise. Horses came to the house and we rode them on the beach. Cheyo made us the biggest bonfire we have ever seen. He and his wife are so kind and amazing. We will be back.
Paradise. I love it here! If you are looking for an isolated experience that feels like home with breathtaking ocean views and non-stop bird watching...this is it. Leave your white noise machine at home, climb into one of the hammocks and let the waves sing you to sleep. The beds are comfortable, I loved lounging on the porch and being steps away from the ocean all made me very happy. Sand Dollar Cove feels like home away from home. I can't wait to visit again.
The stay here was great, lots of beach walks with the house also very well stocked, wished we had a pack and play for our grandson but made it work. The AC in each room gave you great sleeping temps. All the beach toys, chairs, umbrellas and boogie boards were a great option. Spent most of our time on the beach at the tidal pools, in the water or on the nice shaded deck overlooking the water. Easy to walk to a nice to a place to grab a snack and beverage, Loco Cocos and the Pizza Tree was a fun experience as well. If you are looking for quiet and solitude this is the place.
We spent 5 days at Sand Dollar Cove with three generations of family and had an absolutely perfect trip. The beach is truly spectacular - beautiful, clean, with warm gentle water, and almost no one else in sight. Inside the house is clean and comfortable, and the air conditioning in the bedrooms was a nice reprieve from the hot weather, but the breeze off the ocean made even outdoors pleasant even in high temperatures. The caretaker, Cheyo, was very friendly and responsive the few times we needed help with something. We really couldn't have asked for a better trip. It's off the beaten path but 100% worth it.
This vacation home is perfect for the one who wants a Costa Rican experience, not a canned resort experience. Cheyo, the caretaker is a delight to talk to and maintains the home and grounds as if it were his own. Elizabeth the host is easy to work with. The home is beautiful and you couldn't ask for a more perfect private beach. The waves were perfect for boogie boarding. The only thing that concerned us was the drive to the property, however after making it there we realized it wasn't as long as it seemed, however, very very rough dirt roads. So just be aware, but don't let that stop you. The bedrooms are spacious and everything is very comfortable. Thank you Elizabeth, Jim and Cheyo!
This is our second time here and we are looking to book next year. The house and location are perfect if you want to experience Costa Rica without a bunch of tourists. Cheyo and Soleil are lovely and Elizabeth responds quickly to any issues. This location is so special. The beach is beautiful the house is beautiful. There are several restraints if you want to eat out that you can walk the beach to or a short drive. We like to cook and Cheyo can get you fresh fish right out of the ocean to make cerviche or grill. There are stores 15 min drive away for anything you need. Just heaven! Thanks you Elizabeth for another lovely stay!!!
This is our third time coming to Sand Dollar Cove. It may be my favorite place on earth. Playa San Miguel is a beautiful beach that goes on forever. The people are friendly the seafood is amazing and the house is perfect! I almost hate to review so it gets popular. The house is airconditioned in the bedrooms and right on your own private part of the beach in a cove with an estuary. The back patio is perfect to sit see and hear the ocean and be cooled by ocean breezes. The wifi is really good. the beds are comfy and the kitchen has everything you need to cook. Cheyo the caretaker can get you fresh fish. We watched the Super Bowl at Hotel Laguna Mar with a bunch of Americans, the seafood soup and ribs there were great! We went to the jungle butterfly farm, I recommend going there early in your trip because Mike's bug spray is the best! Elizabeth thank you for sharing your little piece of heaven with us! It is truly a remarkable place.
It was all we hoped it was going to be and more! Great private house on a secluded beach with mostly crabs for company. Optionally, you can also enjoy the caretaker's two dogs and a kitten - if you pay them attention (we did), they will return it in droves! Expect mostly outdoor living, so bring bug spray, books and not much else. House is well equipped with all you need, including beach towels, chairs, toys, etc.
Rent a high clearance 4X4 car as the roads are not paved, have giant craters, and they forgot to put bridges over several rivers.
Bring food - the nearest "store" is 15 mins away and you will not want to drive there if it's dark and/or raining.
Go to Restaurant San Miguel at least once - it's some of the best food we ever had, and we're foodies from London & NYC. Plus, they will change your tire if (when!) you get a flat.
OMG, this place was fabulous! Always wanted to stay in a beachfront villa on the ocean and it didn't disappoint. The villa description is accurate. You can fall asleep to the ocean waves, walk on the beach for miles with only a few people and the seabirds to keep you company. The gardens are taken care of by Cheyo who also makes the most incredible ceviche. There are avocado, orange, lime, and mango trees on the property. The bedrooms are large with air conditioning and the bathrooms have several soft towels as well as beach towels for you to use. The kitchen is fully stocked with any items you may need for cooking, but there are several incredible restaurants within close driving distance. Highly recommend making reservations at San Miguel Restaurante, probably one of the best places I have ever eaten. Elizabeth was very responsive and a wonderful host. Her directions to the villa were spot on but as she recommended a 4x4 is necessary. Costa Rica secondary roads are an experience not to be missed but addressed with a sense of humor as you bump along on the gravel roads.You will never experience a beach front delight like this anywhere. The Pacific ocean with an almost deserted beach makes this a treasure. Thank you Elizabeth for sharing your home with us.
The descripition "Beach Front Paradise" is accurate. Very private and beautiful but it is sure "off the beaten path". It was a mistake on our part in driving there from the airport in the dark. The first part of the drive on Rt 150 was a decent roadway but the trip from Samara along Rt 160 was a nightmare. This road is so rough I felt like milkshake. There are so many twists and turns that I just kept praying. When talking to the locals, they all said they do not travel that road at night.
Waking up the next morning made the trip all worth while.
The house and the beach are wonderfull and we met Rufino, the caretakers "brother" who was a great guide to the area. We went fishing with the Samara Deep Sea charter and had a GREAT day on the water. We caught so much grouper and mahi that we had enough for lunch and dinner all week. We had dinner one night (for my Birthday) at Restaurant San Miguel and were extremely pleased with everything.
We had the most amazing stay here. This really is a piece of paradise. The beach was glorious with the jungle as a backdrop. You can walk along the beach for miles. The waves are perfect for body boarding,- there are some at the property which is great, surfing (you can hire some locally) or just swimming. We hardly saw anybody. We had 2 full days of very heavy rain but the porch is a great place to sit and relax. There is over an hour of dirt road to get to the property but that only increases it’s charm. We did have to drive through 3 rivulets so I would definitely recommend a 4x4. We went on a boat trip further up the coast and saw whales, dolphins and turtles- absolutely incredible! Cheyo and his wife are lovely, very friendly and very willing to impart knowledge and show you things. They don’t speak English but Google translate works well. Views from the main 2 bedrooms are magnificent! The air conditioning in the rooms works very well and really helps. The outside shower is great after swimming in the sea. I would definitely recommend filling up with petrol and doing a grocery shop before arriving. We have 3 children- 18, 15 and 11 and they all loved it here. If you like peace and tranquility and a bit of paradise with a pristine beach virtually to yourself this is the place for you!
When I review a location it’s the whole experience. So let’s begin:
The drive in is an adventure, to say the least. There were three river crossings along with uphills, downhills twists and turns. Personally I loved it, made it more fun.
Upon arrival the property struck me as dated, requiring some TLC. It was as described, but older than I thought to be honest. That was my impression after a 5 hour drive.
Then you realize where you are and you forget all the imperfections, your front yard is the ocean, your backyard the jungle. The beach is beautiful with miles and miles of sand and surf. Huge jungle hills surrounding you with all the beauty and nature Costa Rica has to offer. Monkeys, parrots, macaws we saw them all. Sunsets (daily) that you only see in movies or on TV. It’s quiet, it’s secluded and it feels like it’s all for you.
I describe it like this - if you ever wanted to live in a postcard, this is that place.
We ran into a couple issues, Elizabeth resolved them immediately, without question, and we appreciated that. Cheyo the caretaker and his wife cooked us meals daily, and they were awesome. Delivered to our door with fresh juices, catch of the day red snapper grilled to perfection, a real taste of local foods, we loved the service and recommend it when you stay. There are restaurants within 10 mins that were every bit as good if you wanted to get out.
We loved it and would go back anytime.
Magical home , The house has some of the nicest veiws I have ever seen , The caretakers are so sweet , it was nice to meet them, Elizabeth is your lifeline if you need anything at all , We had a few dinners at San Mingual, absolutely worth every penny, But most dinners we had at the little Soda that Dominic is the chef , We miss them already , delicious healthy food every night .The beds are great the AC is wonderful, We can’t wait to return next February,Peter and Michelle
This location is amazing! This was the perfect accommodation for the relaxing beach vacation we were intent on having. The layout of the house was so thoughtful enabling us to enjoy being outside most of the days even during torrential downpour. We’re hoping to return to this house next year.
Karen H.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jamie H.
21 January 2018
Love this place!
Our favorite place on the beach. Beautiful, private, everything you need to relax and enjoy. Highly recommended!
Second time stay at SDC and even better than the first. Love this location especially with Elizabeth and Cheyo to make sure you’re taken care of. Miss it already.
Beach was incredible. Remote but Google worked great. Loved it
Michael R.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Elisebeth B.
6 January 2019
We had a wonderful time at Sand Dollar Cove and will be coming back again!
The property was exactly as the pictures portrayed and the beach was very private! Cheo and Pat were both available for any questions we had and were always offering extra services to us. When we arrived we were greeted by a driftwood Christmas tree that Pat had built for us! It was the most peaceful and relaxing atmosphere we could ever have hoped for! Thank you for such special memories~~
If you are looking for a more private/less touristy experience in Costa Rica, this is the property for you. The beach could not be closer. When I sent a picture of our view from the porch to a friend, she told me it couldn't be real because it was too amazing! Do not hesitate to stay at this property. It was the highlight of our trip.
Verified traveler
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kema W.
19 December 2018
This was an amazing stay!
We absolutely loved the sand dollar cove. Waking each day to waves and roosters was just the get away from cars and sirens that our clients needed. Everything we needed for beach fun was included and that was a big surprise! Pat was just a phone call or text message away and extremely responsive and helpful. Cheo cut cocos for us two evenings in a row, super delicious! This location and community was a dream, thank you for allowing us to use your home!