When you envision Costa Rica, images of majestic volcanoes piercing through vibrant jungles, enigmatic cloud forests draped in mist, and pristine shorelines fringed with swaying palm trees likely dance in your mind. You’re certainly not alone. The Best Costa Rica Beaches are renowned throughout Latin America for their breathtaking beauty, offering an array of experiences from serene sun-soaked relaxation to thrilling adventures on world-class waves.
With balmy waters gracing its coasts year-round, a well-developed tourism infrastructure boasting exceptional beach hotels, and a wealth of attractions spanning both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, Costa Rica proudly lays claim to some of the most stunning beaches on Earth. These coastal paradises are remarkably accessible, but with nearly two-thirds of the country’s borders defined by gorgeous coastlines, the sheer abundance of options can be overwhelming. To help you navigate this coastal wonderland, we’ve compiled a guide to some of The Best Costa Rica Beaches, regardless of which coast beckons you.
Nicoya Peninsula: A Coastal Tapestry
While not a single beach, the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica’s largest peninsula, is a treasure trove of coastal gems. It deserves its own dedicated list of top beaches. Beyond the lively beach towns and renowned backpacker havens like Montezuma, Tamarindo, and Mal País, the Nicoya Peninsula is dotted with secluded and tranquil Pacific beaches, offering an escape from the crowds. Consider exploring Playa Hermosa, Playa Sámara, Playa Flamingo, Playa Conchal, and Playa Grande, each boasting its unique charm and allure. The Nicoya Peninsula is a great place to start your journey to finding The Best Costa Rica Beaches.
Manuel Antonio: A National Park Paradise
Manuel Antonio is not only one of the most visually stunning beaches in Costa Rica but is also nestled within the boundaries of one of the country’s most captivating national parks, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio. Picture idyllic horseshoe bays adorned with powdery white sands, shimmering turquoise waters, and verdant hills blanketed in lush jungle vegetation, punctuated by cascading waterfalls. Whether you’re drawn to diving, snorkeling, surfing (or learning to surf), kayaking, hiking, or zip-lining, Manuel Antonio offers a diverse range of activities. Be sure to simply relax and soak in the panoramic vistas. Keep in mind that there’s an entrance fee to access the park and its beach, but just a short five-minute jaunt north, you’ll discover Espadilla Beach, which offers free access to its sandy shores.
Playa Dominical: Surfer’s Sanctuary
Located approximately 30 miles south of Manuel Antonio National Park, Playa Dominical has earned its reputation as one of the premier surfing beaches in Costa Rica. A thriving surf culture has taken root here, with numerous surf camps and surf shops catering to wave enthusiasts. Even if you’re not a surfer, Playa Dominical’s vibrant green landscapes, lively nightlife, and relatively uncrowded sands are sure to captivate you. For those seeking greater seclusion, a short 15-minute drive north will lead you to Matapalo Beach, a serene stretch of sand known for its private horseback riding opportunities.
Playa Montezuma: Bohemian Rhapsody
Nestled on the inner base of the Nicoya Peninsula, Montezuma serves as a gathering place for Costa Rica’s most eclectic locals and international travelers. This picturesque little beach is a haven for dreadlocked Rastafarians, tattooed bohemians, sun-kissed surfers, and other unique individuals. The area is adorned with tide pools, forested waterfalls, and an array of wildlife, offering the chance to spot Capuchin monkeys or even a Costa Rican crocodile.
Playa Tamarindo: A Coastal Hub
Playa Tamarindo, considered one of the best beaches in Central America, offers world-class shopping, dining, and a variety of coastal amusements. While budget travelers might find it a bit on the pricier side, the natural splendor of Playa Tamarindo makes the splurge worthwhile. The beaches adjacent to Tamarindo are nesting grounds for giant leatherback sea turtles, among other species, which come ashore each year to lay their eggs.
Corcovado: The Jewel of the Osa Peninsula
Corcovado is often referred to as the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Its beaches are windswept and breathtaking, with dark sands shaded by towering palm trees. The mountainous inland jungles of Corcovado National Park teem with some of the country’s most remarkable wildlife. A trip to Corcovado is incomplete without a boat excursion to the nearby Isla del Caño, offering exceptional diving opportunities and the chance to explore the island’s ancient stone spheres.
Jacó Beach: A Surfing Mecca
Situated in the heart of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, Jacó Beach is a surfer’s paradise with a plethora of attractions for all types of travelers. It’s easily accessible, just a two-hour drive from the capital city of San José, and boasts a vibrant nightlife and international dining scene, complete with casinos. Thanks to the budget-conscious backpacker surf crowd, accommodations and amenities cater to a wide range of budgets. Also worth exploring is Playa Hermosa, a beautiful beach and resort town located just 10 minutes away, ideal for families or those interested in swimming, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, or scuba diving.
Mal País: Surfing and Serenity
While Mal País’s beaches are perfect for relaxing in a hammock and soaking up the sun, surfing is the dominant philosophy here, as well as in the neighboring coastal town of Santa Teresa. If you’re not a surfer, there’s still plenty to experience. Consider booking a boat tour to observe dolphins, manta rays, and other marine creatures thriving in the area’s protected waters. Alternatively, hike to the Montezuma waterfalls and take a refreshing dip, or embark on an adventurous four-hour trek through Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve to reach its pristine, white-sand beach.
Tambor Beach: A Whale of a Time
Northeast of Montezuma, Tambor’s crescent-shaped bay, known as Bahia Ballena (Whale Bay), was once a favorite haunt of whales. While travelers now frequent the area, the bay’s gentle waters make it one of Costa Rica’s best beaches for swimming and snorkeling. Tambor’s inland areas are ideal for exploring on horseback, while its pinkish-gray beaches invite barefoot strolls. Boats also depart from Tambor Beach to Tortuga Island, home to immaculate beaches and unparalleled scuba diving opportunities.
Playa Carrillo: Off the Beaten Path
For a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, Playa Carrillo in Southern Guanacaste is an excellent choice. Located along the Nicoya Peninsula, about 10 minutes south of the popular and lively Playa Sámara, you’ll find unspoiled sands, stunning blue waters, a grove of palm trees, and gentle waves perfect for swimming and wading. Local vendors offer shaved ice, coconut water, and other treats from carts, while locals celebrate weekends and holidays with barbecues and campouts by the beach.
Esterillos Oeste: A Hidden Gem
Just south of Jacó Beach (a 25-minute drive) and Playa Hermosa (a 15-minute drive) lies Esterillos Oeste, a charming and tranquil black sand beach that many travelers overlook despite its convenient location, just a 90-minute drive from San José in Puntarenas. Wade in the waves, but be mindful of riptides. This beach is an excellent spot for picnics and exploring the many tide pools along its northern end at low tide, revealing tiny crabs and fish.
Playa Biesanz: A Secluded Cove
Playa Biesanz, a great spot for swimming due to its location near a small cove by Quepos Point, is known for its snorkeling and its secluded nature, frequented primarily by locals. As it’s not sandy, wearing water shoes is recommended. The waters at this crescent-shaped beach are shallow and calm, perfect for a refreshing dip after a long day.
Uvita Beach (Whale Tale Beach): Instagrammable Beauty
Instagram enthusiasts, rejoice! This beautiful stretch of sand, closely resembling a whale’s tail from above, is located within Southern Costa Rica’s Marino Ballena National Park. The best view is at low tide, when both ends of the tail are visible. The calm waters make it a great beach for swimming, particularly popular with families with young children.
Playa Conchal: Seashell Shores
If you seek a peaceful beach for lounging, swimming, or snorkeling along the reef, Playa Conchal, an idyllic spot in a calm bay about a 40-minute drive from Playa Tamarindo on the Nicoya Peninsula, is an excellent choice. The beach is made up of millions of tiny crushed seashells, giving the sand a pinkish hue. Sandals are recommended as the shells can be hard on your feet.
Tortuguero: Eco-Tourist’s Dream
Located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean side, Tortuguero is an eco-tourist’s paradise. Experience outdoor attractions, including tours down jungle canals in dugout canoes, scenic hiking trails, and guided safaris. Sixteen of Costa Rica’s endangered animal species, such as tapirs, ocelots, manatees, and green sea turtles, reside nearby in Tortuguero National Park, named for the area. Tortuguero’s beaches are also perfect for sunbathing.
Beaches South of Limón: Caribbean Charm
South of the port city of Limón, heading toward the Panama border on the Caribbean side, a string of stunning beaches embodies the laid-back Caribbean lifestyle. Cahuita National Park is an excellent place to camp, while dramatic sunrises await at Puerto Viejo. Manzanillo, a protected area with tropical rainforests, palm swamps, coral reefs, and idyllic Caribbean beaches, is also worth exploring.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: Black Sands and Surf Breaks
In the southeastern part of the country along the Caribbean coast, you’ll find a scattering of beautiful beaches centered around Cahuita Parque Nacional. Playa Negra, with its black sand beaches made of ancient volcanic rock, offers gentle waters suitable for beginner surfers and swimmers. Surfing enthusiasts will love Playa Salsa Brava, known for its legendary break. The town of Puerto Viejo is a great base for exploring both, with a funky international dining and nightlife scene and a laid-back Caribbean vibe.
Playa Punta Uva: Peaceful Paradise
About a 15-minute drive south of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Playa Punta Uva is a peaceful place to relax, with the Caribbean on one side and palm trees and jungle on the other. Spot sloths in the trees, or set up a hammock and watch local fishermen return with their catch. With basic accommodations and a handful of restaurants, this off-the-beaten-path beach town is popular among surfers, who come to hit the waves at nearby Playa Arrecife.
Playa Manzanillo: Wildlife and Reefs
Just a short drive from Playa Punta Uva and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Playa Manzanillo features beautiful white sands, blue waters, and idyllic palm trees. Kayak among the mangroves, or explore the vast coral reef system offshore with snorkeling or diving equipment. Keep an eye out for dolphins and manatees; this beach is part of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. The Best Costa Rica Beaches await!
