Costa Rica’s Top 10 Best Beaches To Visit
Costa Rica’s Top 10 Best Beaches To Visit
Costa Rica is a country of outstanding coastal beaches where you are sure to find more than one favorite. Volcanic black sand beaches to the shimmering white sand beaches surround the biodiverse landscapes of Costa Rica.
We have put together a list of some of the 10 best beaches in Costa Rica to help guide you in putting together one of the most memorable beach days while visiting Costa Rica’s paradise.
1. Tamarindo Beach
Some of the best beaches in Costa Rica lie within the breathtaking Guanacaste Province. It is renowned for its beach life with surfing and some of the most spectacular sunsets. The popular and well visited Tamarindo beach is found right here.
Tamarindo beach is a great destination because of all that it offers. The beach paradise has 2.5 km of sandy shores to stroll and plenty of activity if you want to learn to surf.
As well Tamarindo beach has all the amenities for a lively night out with restaurants and beach bars so your day at the beach doesn’t have to end.
Flamingo Beach
Flamingo Beach is nearby with its crystal-clear waters and beautiful white sands considered by some as one of the most beautiful beaches.
With nearby secluded beaches, you can find a bit of peace from your busy days in Tamarindo.
2. Playa Grande
http://www.sinac.go.cr/ES/ac/act/Paginas/Parque-Nacional-Marino-Las-Baulas.aspx
Surfing, baby sea turtles and soft sands welcome you to Playa Grande in the Nicoya Peninsula right on the coast of the Pacific Ocean.
It is a small beach community just north of Tamarindo where you can find tranquility and the beauty of Costa Rica on its white sand shores.
Found right inside Las Baulas National Park, Playa Grande is a place to spend your relaxing beach days while getting the rare opportunity of seeing leatherback turtles. These giant creatures come right up on shore to lay their eggs in the evenings and you can book a tour to witness this phenomenon.
Your beach days at Playa Grande can be filled with much more than a nap at the beach if you are searching for a bit more. The wide-open beach space is ideal for long walks on the beach.
Learning to surf in Playa Grande is by far one of the top activities, it is great for all levels whether you are looking to learn or already have a passion for the waves.
Conchal Beach
Playa Grande is the ideal hub for a Costa Rica beach destination. There are several nearby beaches if you want to take acquaint yourself with other beaches in the area with Conchal Beach and its sparkling white sand beach filled with shells. It is how Playa Conchal got its unique name.
Playa Flamingo
Or about an hour from Liberia’s international airport is Playa Flamingo where if the conditions are just right the sand has an effervescent pink glow. With a beach fit for swimming, snorkeling, and a scuba divers dream it is a popular spot to get away surrounded by luxury villas.
3. Jaco Beach
The black sand beaches of Jaco is one destination that is made for everyone, young or older, or anywhere in between. All can appreciate the long stretch of flat sandy shores that Jaco beach gifts its sunbathers.
The closest beach from the Juan Santamaria International Airport, it is an easy drive if staying in the country’s capital of San Jose. You can find Jaco on the Central pacific coast and is one of the most visited beach towns.
At either end of the beach, there are rocky areas where one can sit out and watch the waves crash in between with Scarlett macaws flying in the trees above.
Jaco beach is a sprawling beach where one can find their little sandy paradise without having others disturb them during their vacation days.
There are even chair rentals to keep you off of the hot black sand from the sun’s rays. The waves are perfect for those wanting to learn how to surf and safe enough for a swim in its stunning sparkling waters.
One of the special elements of Jaco beach is that you can always find excitement if that is what you seek and when you are in search of a charming beachfront restaurant or cerveza it’s just around the corner.
4. Playa Hermosa
Just outside of Jaco is where you can find a bit of a retreat from the crowd. Playa Hermosa is a small beach town so don’t go by it too fast or you might miss it.
Hermosa Beach does not have gentle waves. It is not a beach for swimming but if you are more experienced at surfing or want to spend your days under the beautiful palm trees watching those that are the experts it is ideal. It is laid back, relaxed, friendly, and memorable.
The beachfront restaurants, with savory and delicious foods, dancing at sunset to the sounds of a DJ, or sitting back and listening from afar as the colors of the sky become the most spectacular shades of pinks and reds.
Playa Hermosa is the ultimate place for a day to just get away and chill.
5. Manuel Antonio Beach in Manuel Antonio National Park
https://manuelantoniopark.com/
Inside Manuel Antonio National Park is some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. It is what you imagine beaches in Costa Rica’s to be with the paradise shores of sand and tropical trees. The heat, the sunshine, and the most beautiful turquoise sparkling waters against the white sand beach make up Manuel Antonio beach.
Playa Espadilla, Playa Manuel Antonio, Playa Gemelas, Puerto Escondido and Playa Biesanz
There are several beaches to choose from within Manuel Antonio National Park all with different environments and atmospheres with some more suitable than others for swimming.
Hiking trails take you throughout the park and to the beaches where sloths, coatis, and monkeys live freely. Keep an eye out for the white-faced capuchin monkeys who spend their time along the shores of the beach looking for an unattended snack!
6. Playa Tambor
On the Nicoya Peninsula is a small hidden beach village with all that you need for a tranquil ideal beach escape. The beach is perfect for swimming for any age with its sandy shores and calm bay.
It is a safe and peaceful community whether you are traveling alone or with others. It is a friendly and welcoming beach community with a few restaurants and a local store in the town center for all your beach refreshments.
The dark sand shore of the beach is lined with palm trees to protect you from the Costa Rican tropical heat sitting out on the green grasses. The views of the mountains and hills in the backdrop take you into your postcard.
During the week you may even find you have the entire beach to yourself making it more magical when you are horseback riding across the open bay.
7. Playa Montezuma
This is one destination that is worth the effort to discover in the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. When there is a low tide the tidepools scatter amongst the sea where you can escape to your pool within the rocks of the refreshing waters. Walking the light sand shores of Montezuma beach as the jungle surrounds you is the ultimate way to relax.
It is peaceful and remote and extends for miles with endless places to seek refuge and restore. The sunsets are spectacular with Montezuma beach coming alive with all coming out to appreciate some of the most beautiful sunsets in the country.
Playa Montezuma is bohemian, chill, laid back beach. It is a wonderful beach town full of delicious cuisines with yoga on the beach, waterfalls, and the sounds of the howler monkeys it is an epic day at the waters.
Montezuma Beach is a hidden gem and a beautiful beach within Costa Rica’s spectacular landscapes.
Santa Teresa Beach
Nearby Santa Teresa beach and its bustling beautiful beach of Playa Carmen offers more activity and a lively restaurant scene if you seeking a bit of a crowd and action from your laid-back and quiet days in Montezuma. The low tide also brings some amazing spots to hide amongst the tide pools in Santa Teresa beach and is one of the most popular beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula rivaling that of Playa Samara.
8. Tortuga Island
https://www.zumatours.net/isla-tortuga-tour/
Tortuga Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations with its gorgeous shades of turquoise waters and soft sand. Set against the stunning white sand beaches it is a paradisiacal island.
Snorkeling is amazing or simply unwinding on the beach loungers are some of the ways to pass by the days. Tours by boat take out to this famous beach making it a truly special day out at one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful spots.
9. Puerto Viejo and the Caribbean Coast
https://jameskaiser.com/costa-rica-guide/costa-rica-best-beaches/caribbean-coast/
The Caribbean side of Costa Rica offers a whole different vibe and beach experience with its reggae-infused atmosphere. It is chill and laid back, rich in culture and history and home to Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.
Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo area has an array of secluded beaches running along the shores with the black sands of Playa Negra or heading to the surfing waters of Playa Cocles.
Playa Punta Uva
Playa Punta Uva is the opposite with its light-colored sand and its bright blue waters filled with coral reef only 5 miles away can bring the isolation and relaxation you seek.
Playa Chiquita
Another beach along the Caribbean Coast that is noteworthy is Playa Chiquita which is only a few miles away. It offers a chance to have respite from the crowds of the beach for a quieter in the sun.
10. Playa Uvita, Marino Ballena National Park
http://www.sinac.go.cr/EN-US/ac/acosa/pnmb/Pages/default.aspx
The Costa Ballena is further down and a bit of a drive from San Jose on the south pacific but once you reach the coastal town you will be happy you made the effort.
The beach is inside Marino Ballena National Park on the southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica and takes you to a place where humpback whales migrate. Be sure to find time to enjoy a whale watching tour when visiting Uvita Beach.
A beach day here at Playa Uvita is a bit of magic walking out upon the Whale’s Tail, a sand bar that formed in the shape of a whale’s tail that appears when the tide is low.
Conclusion
Whether it be the Caribbean Coast to Costa Rica’s pacific shores, there is no wrong destination when deciding where to spend your sunny days. The beaches in Costa Rica are known for their tropical paradises with white sand beaches lined with idyllic palm trees.
Exploring the protected beaches, surfing, walking the sandy shores, or just laying in the shade of the trees the country is plentiful in some of the best beaches. They all have something a little different and special in each one.
These are some of the 10 best beaches in Costa Rica to make those extra special moments during your stay in Costa Rica.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Are Costa Rica’s Best Beaches Dangerous?
The most common crime at Costa Rica’s beaches is that of petty theft. Don’t leave valuables in sight within your vehicle and be cautious of your items left unattended on shores as they can be quickly taken especially in high tourist areas.
2. Can You Use the Bus System to Get to Some of the Best Beaches in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has an extensive route of buses taking you throughout the country.
If you are traveling to the most popular tourist destinations such as Jaco and Quepos to Manuel Antonio National Park there are direct routes providing easy accessibility.
3. Is it Free to Visit Costa Rica’s beaches?
Unless the beach is within a protected site such as a National Park or a private reserve then they are free and open to the public. Most of the country’s best beaches are free! One of the many great things about Costa Rica.
4. Are the Beaches in Costa Rica Safe at Night?
It is not recommended to go to the beaches at night. You may be wanting to sit out under the stars but you should avoid being in secluded places especially alone.
5. Is it Safe to Swim in the Beaches in Costa Rica?
Generally speaking, yes, the beaches are safe to swim in, however, there are an endless number of beaches throughout the country and not all are the same. There is typically signage advising you of dangerous currents and riptides on Costa Rica’s pacific coast.
Always be aware water conditions can change quickly and exercise caution, especially in the waves as they can be much stronger than they appear.
