We were specifically looking for a snorkeling spot—this was perfect! Good snorkeling off the beach (read below for more info). Listening to the gentle waves while falling asleep was unforgettable. Apartment is vintage, but incredibly clean on arrival. Parking easy for an SUV, lot is short walk from the condo.
PROS: beach right outside the back door, hose outside for rinsing off sand, large walk-in shower with plenty of hot water and good water pressure— great for stashing wet snorkeling gear and suits, working A/C, beach didn’t feel crowded or touristy, large closet with safe inside, kind and helpful hosts, great restaurant w/in stumbling distance, other restaurants/grocery a short drive to town, charcoal grill outside,
CONS: kitchenette needs some updating to be enjoyable for cooking (updated pans that lay flat on burner, sharp knives, etc)., hosts are directly upstairs so you don’t feel 100% in privacy (through no fault of theirs, just the nature of sharing space with open windows, etc)
Snorkeling report: water was COLD. Could only swim 45 minutes or so at a time and avoided deep areas. Had a hard time finding water temp info before we went, so weren’t prepared with wetsuits. Renting a suit in town was nearly impossible, as they save those for people paying for full dives. Finally found some Farmer John’s, but only a couple available, so getting perfect size was impossible.
Denese told us the red tide was in before we arrived, so our timing was lucky, as it came in as we were leaving too. Water was choppy due to high winds, but visibility wasn’t too bad. Saw lots of species of fish, starfish, rays, etc.
Playa Penca (the one to the north, NOT south of the same name) gave us an even more amazing snorkeling experience. Definitely a must-go. About a 20 minute drive north toward Playa Hermosa, off of Hwy 159. An unmarked road to the left takes you to Playa Penca and Playa Calzon de Pobre, easy to see on a map. There is a booth with a guard that takes your plate number. Road is rough but doable with SUV, regular car if you are adventurous. The color and diversity of sea life here was astounding, there is some living coral too. Gives you a taste of what snorkeling was probably like 50 years ago. Went back the next day with suits for the cold water, but the ride tide was in. Unfortunately, it was our last day. Must go back! We hit the left-hand side of Penca only, but other areas, and Playa Calzon, looked promising too. Enjoy!