Costa Rica is tucked between the Caribbean and pacific ocean shorelines. The place is famous for its stunning sandy beaches, tropical rain forests, and volcanoes.
If you are looking for the perfect beach setting to relax on your vacation, look no further than Costa Rica.
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What I loved about the beaches in Costa Rica was the fact that they were so varied.
I was able to find a beach to suit my every need – from quiet and relaxing beaches to action-packed beaches with plenty of activities.
I also loved the fact that the beaches were so beautiful and serene. They were the perfect place to unwind and relax after a busy day of exploring. If you’re visiting Costa Rica, maybe take a detour and see some of the best beaches in Guatemala and the best beaches in El Salvador!
Best Beaches in Costa Rica
There are many beaches, and it might be hard to settle for one. Not to worry, because this article will discuss some of the best beaches in Costa Rica.
1. Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is a popular beach bordering the Manuel Antonio national park. If you love exploring rainforests, the park is connected with some hiking trails leading to other beaches.
It takes just 30 minutes hike from the park to the Manuel Antonio beach. You will encounter wildlife ranging from butterflies, monkeys, and sloths, a reason it is always flowing with tourists and locals alike.
2. Tamarindo
Are you a lover of surfing? This beach is one of the best to perfect your surfing skills. Don’t worry if you haven’t perfected the skill; you can always start small. If you are not a surfer, you can enjoy the soft-golden sand beach or even swim in the waves.
After a lively day at the beach, you can explore Tamarindo town to check out the restaurants and shops.
3. Playa Montezuma
Montezuma is situated on the Nicoya Peninsula. It has an expansive coastline popular with surfers, divers, and backpackers. This is the perfect beach if you love walking and soaking in the sun or watching the sunset. You can also explore the jungle through Cabo Blanco and Curu wildlife preserves or explore the waterfalls that form a freshwater pool where you can swim.
4. Playa Hermosa
The Playa Hermosa near Jaco is a good surfing spot. It is backed with beautiful palm trees and has decent places to stay. There are massive waves, and the waters are less crowded. If you are into photography, you will get to take impressive pictures.
This beach is also good for sunbathing with your family. Swimming is not a good idea on this beach, but you can get into other water activities.
5. Playa Flamingo
The Playa Flamingo Beach is located in the Guanacaste province and is known for its small white sand cover. The sand and waters offer you enough time for peace and fun.
Playa Flamingo is also known for its soft waves, so you can swim with your loved ones without worry. The refreshing waves will give a great time on the beach, and the palm trees provide relaxing shades.
6. Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa nears Montezuma on the Nicoya Peninsula. It is a wide surfing destination and ideal for walking and soaking in the sun. The waves on this beach are consistent, so you can surf any time.
You can enjoy the town’s cuisines from the fine restaurants, burger joints, and vegetarian cafes. If you love yoga, you can visit the Pranamar villa to relax. There are experienced yoga practitioners who offer yoga classes.
7. Playa Samara
Playa Samara beach boasts long sandy stretches, beautiful sunsets, and vast parking spaces. It is not crowded and attracts visitors, thanks to the light tan sand and palm trees.
You can enjoy several water activities like kayaking, and sports fishing. The exclusive properties have a range of amenities and several room options.
8. Playa Conchal
The Playa Conchal is often ranked as one of the best beaches in Costa Rica. It is located 1 km south of Brasilito and is named after the many shells that wash on the shore. It has shallow waters with a vibrant turquoise that turns deep foam green.
9. Playa Manzanillo
Playa Manzanillo is secluded with a tranquil atmosphere to enjoy with your family. It is also child friendly due to the calm waves. The large waves rarely reach the shore thanks to the large rock jetty.
If you love diving, you can explore the vibrant coral reef and the marine fauna. Away from the waters, you can explore the small town to understand the Costa Rican way of life and even try out some of their favorite drinks and foods.
10. Punta Uva
Punta Uva is a small seaside fishing area on a dirt road south of Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast. To get to it, you will pass through a thick jungle that will offer you an opportunity to view the monkeys and birds.
You will also pass eco-lodges and restaurants, exploring the foods and drinks. It also has quiet waters that are good for kids. You can scuba-dive or enjoy snorkeling, and you get to enjoy the view of marine wildlife. There is also luxurious accommodation around.
Visitor guide
Costa Rica is a Central American country that is well-known for its beautiful beaches. The coastline of Costa Rica stretches for over 1,000 miles, and there are many different beach areas to explore. Whether you are looking for a quiet and relaxing spot to soak up the sun or an action-packed beach with plenty of activities, you will be sure to find it in Costa Rica.
One of the most popular beach areas in Costa Rica is Manuel Antonio National Park. This park is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys and sloths, as well as some of the best beaches in the country. The white sand beaches and clear blue waters are simply breathtaking. If you are looking for a little bit of adventure, you can go zip-lining or hiking in the park.
Another great beach area in Costa Rica is Tamarindo. This beach is located on the Pacific Coast and is famous for its surfing. If you are not a fan of surfing, don’t worry – there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy. Tamarindo is also a great place to enjoy some fresh seafood.
If you are looking for a quieter beach experience, Playa Hermosa may be the perfect spot for you. This black sand beach is located on the central Pacific coast and is less crowded than other beaches in Costa Rica. Playa Hermosa is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Costa Rica is an amazing country with something for everyone. Be sure to add it to your list of places to visit. And don’t forget to pack your sunscreen!
My trip there
I was really excited to visit Costa Rica. I had heard so many great things about the beaches there, and I couldn’t wait to experience them for myself.
I flew into San Jose, and from there I took a bus to Manuel Antonio National Park. The park is located on the central Pacific coast and is known for its beautiful beaches. I was not disappointed – the beaches were absolutely stunning.
I spent a few days exploring the park, and I enjoyed hiking and zip-lining in the jungle. I also got to see some of the wildlife up close, including monkeys and sloths.
After exploring Manuel Antonio National Park, I took a bus to Tamarindo. This beach is located on the Pacific Coast and is famous for its surfing. I am not a surfer, but I still had a lot of fun at Tamarindo. There are plenty of other activities to keep you busy, including kayaking, zip-lining, and horseback riding.
I also sampled some of the local cuisine, which was delicious. Costa Rican food is based on fresh seafood and fruits and vegetables. My favorite food was the ceviche, which is a dish made with fresh fish, lime juice, and onions.
After spending a few days in Tamarindo, I took a bus to Playa Hermosa. This beach is located on the central Pacific coast and is less crowded than other beaches in Costa Rica. It was the perfect place to relax and unwind after my busy few days in Tamarindo.
Overall, I had an amazing time in Costa Rica. The beaches are definitely worth exploring, and the locals are very friendly and welcoming. I would definitely recommend adding Costa Rica to your list of places to visit!
Final words
You can now take full advantage of what Costa Rica has to offer. Santa Teresa, Playa Manzanillo, and Samara are great options if you want a relaxing beach. Tamarindo is a great surfing spot, while Playa Conchal and Punta Uva are the best snorkeling spots.
Hi, I’m Ryan Nelson! I live in the Hamptons, out on Long Island, near Ponquogue Beach. The beach is a place where I can find peace and serenity. It’s a place where I can sit and clear my head. The waves crashing on the shore somehow helps me to relax, while also reminding me that I am far from the stressors of daily life.
