Playa Ventanas

Playa Ventanas takes its name from the windows: two sea caves cut clean through the rock headland at the southern end of the beach, large enough to walk through at low tide, with the sea rushing in and out and a boom when a set comes. The beach itself is a short crescent of dark sand between headlands with forest running down to it and macaws sometimes in the trees. Timing matters completely: at high tide the caves fill and are dangerous, at low tide they are walkable, and the difference is a few hours. Kayaking through them is done at the right stage. Facilities are a car park with a charge and a couple of stalls.

What you actually see

• The sea caves - the tunnels through the headland at the beach end.
• The crescent beach - the dark sand between the rock points.
• The tidal timing - the difference between walkable and dangerous.
• Forest and macaws - the trees behind the sand.

When to go

December to April in the dry season, and specifically at low tide, without which the caves are inaccessible; check a tide table before going. Mornings are quieter. The wet season brings surf that closes the caves.

Honest expectations

The caves are only accessible around low tide and people have been caught in them by rising water. Rip currents on the beach are strong and there are no lifeguards. The beach is small and crowds at low tide. Parking is charged.

Nearby

Ojochal lies inland; Uvita and Marino Ballena are north.