Playa Zancudo

Canadians and Americans have built substantial beachfront homes and most hotels and restaurants are within sight of the beach. Life here is laid-back and casual, centering on walking the beach, fishing, kayaking, swimming, and hanging out at the local bars and restaurants. Zancudo has a good surf break at the south end of the beach, but it's nothing compared with Playa Pavones a little to the south. Swimming is good two hours before or after high tide, especially at the calmer north end of the beach. If you get tired of playing in the surf and sand, you can arrange a boat trip to the nearby mangrove estuary to see birds and crocodiles. Zancudo is also home to one of the area's best sportfishing operations, headquartered at the Zancudo Lodge. Oceano Bar and Restaurant has free Wi-Fi at the bar, as does Cabinas Sol y Mar.