Los Vivos Beachfront Experience

Everything looked like paradise, and it was a lovely day out for a quieter place by the ocean. The waves were small, the cabanas roomy and comfortable, and the food was delicious. But we ran into two frustrating issues. There was a little rack of clothes for sale, including a white dress with big yellow underarm stains. The prices weren’t low, and used clothes should be labeled and priced accordingly. We also booked a bioluminescent tour for 6:30 pm after arriving in the afternoon. By then it was dark and cold, and everyone else had left. We had a long drive back to the Airbnb and knew the restaurant would be closed after the tour, so we ordered dinner around 6. Almost finished eating, we were told by the employee who booked the tour that we weren’t supposed to eat during the hour before it, and that for safety we’d need to delay it until 7:30. The kids had already been waiting in the dark and cooler weather, in wet clothes, with nothing to do. We canceled, but the employee seemed to feel we’d inconvenienced the guide and that it was our fault. If they’d explained the no-eating rule, we obviously wouldn’t have eaten and this could have been avoided. I grew up around a lake and had never followed the rule about not eating before swimming or boating, and nothing had ever happened, so I had no way to know. It would have been nice to hear the rules beforehand. We never got to take the tour, sadly. Still, it’s an amazing place.

The staff were incredibly kind and there are plenty of things to do, but this was completely wrong for my family. We wanted quiet reflection and air conditioning, and during Christmas or New Year’s I wouldn’t come expecting either. Boats constantly use the place to pick up and drop off tour groups, so it feels like a public beach and a bus station for boats, nothing like what we thought it would be or what we were told. The accommodations are basically screened porches and enclosures, so bring family only if they’re prepared for something close to camping. It was hot and noisy, with boats and bass from the beach keeping us from getting real rest. WiFi wasn’t reliable, though cell service was good, so we had to use our phone plans. I don’t like giving it this rating because we tried to make the best of things, and I can see it suiting some people. For us, the nights were super hot and loud. If you’re after a luxury hotel or need guaranteed AC, this may not work for you.

We came by sailboat and found a great, flat anchorage, plus a 10/10 beach at Los Vivos, with a restaurant and bar. The resort is on Playa Muertos in Bahia Ballena. We used the beach facilities, had lunch, and appreciated the good washrooms and showers for rinsing off after a swim. The food was great, though a bit pricey, as it is throughout Costa Rica. The staff were very friendly and spoke English. It was super quiet when we visited on April 7, 2025, so the resort could use some support. They’d be glad to welcome visitors for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If you aren’t arriving by sailboat, you can take a water taxi or walk along the beach from nearby Pochote.

We had delicious food made with fresh ingredients and local flavors, and the beach access and lounge spaces were really nice. The staff were attentive and friendly throughout our visit. Los Vivos sits right in nature, with gorgeous views and a calm atmosphere that helped me recharge. There’s plenty to do if you want activities, or you can just relax. Such a memorable visit, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a getaway.