Costa Rica is thought not just for its lush jungle rainforest but in addition for its gorgeous shoreline. The nation is flanked by each the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, which opens it as much as a various vary of lovely seashores.
From tropical white sand seashores to black sand beauties, there are Costa Rica’s Pacific coast has seashores to swimsuit each style.
Greatest Seashores in Costa Rica
Apart from breathtaking magnificence, a number of the greatest seashores in Costa Rica are best for out of doors adventures. Whether or not you might be into swimming, browsing, snorkelling, or spending the day along with your little ones by the coast – there are stunning seashores that may fit your fancy.
These are the perfect seashores in Costa Rica primarily based in your liking. So, seize your maps of Costa Rica’s greatest seashores and head out to discover!
Greatest Swimming Seashores in Costa Rica
Playa Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas
This stunning white sand seashore is situated inside Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park. You’ll should hike half-hour into the park to succeed in Playa Manuel Antonio, however you may be glad you probably did. The path to the seashore is flat and simple to navigate, and there’s a good probability that you simply’ll spot some monkeys, sloths, or toucans alongside the best way.
Manuel Antonio Seaside is named one of many nicest seashores on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.. It’s backed by the plush inexperienced jungle and is thought for its white sand and turquoise Costa Rica ocean. The seashore types a bay and the waters are calm, making it a terrific place to spend the day swimming in addition to snorkelling.
There are no meals services at this seashore (which is a part of the attraction of a number of the prettiest seashores in Costa Rica), so you’ll have to pack a picnic. To guard the animals who reside there, the park is hard on what meals guests can usher in, so ensure you learn their record of prohibited food and drinks earlier than trying to enter.
Manuel Antonio Seaside, Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio Seaside, Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park
Playa Carrillo, Guanacaste
Playa Carrillo is situated in a bay simply south of Samara, the most effective seashore cities in Costa Rica. It’s famend for being one of many cleanest seashores in Costa Rica and is thought for its palm-fringed shore, mountain ranges within the distance in addition to clear waters. It’s additionally one of many calmest seashores in Costa Rica.
It’s an idyllic place to spend the afternoon sunbathing and swimming. We think about it the most effective seashores in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Nevertheless, a part of its attraction comes from its whole lack of infrastructure on the seashore. So if you happen to’re going to be spending the day, make sure you carry drinks, snacks, and a seashore towel or hammock with you to one of many high seashores in Costa Rica – Playa Carillo.
Playa Carillo, Sámara, Guanacaste
Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste
Flamingo seashore is without doubt one of the most stunning seashores in Costa Rica. It is without doubt one of the hottest seashores in Costa Rica with expats, due to a number of condo leases and apartment developments in shut proximity. It’s situated simply 25 km from Tamarindo, heading north and is thought for its vigorous ambiance, white sand, and clear waters.
Flamingo Seaside types a sheltered bay, so the waves are usually calm right here, making it a terrific place to go for a dip. There are additionally loads of eating places, bars, and tour operators proper on the seashore the place you’ll be able to seize a drink, chew to eat, or join an exercise.
If you’re in search of locations to remain in Costa Rica on the seashore, Playa Flamingo could provide some good choices. The realm is residence to quite a few resorts situated inside a brief strolling distance from the seashore.
Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica
Playa Uvita, Puntarenas
Lined with dense forest and palm timber, Playa Uvita is without doubt one of the wilder Costa Rica Pacific seashores. It’s situated inside Marino Ballena Nationwide Park and may solely be reached on foot. It takes about 20 minutes to get to Playa Uvita from the park entrance. Nevertheless, the seclusion isn’t the one factor that makes this stunning black sand seashore in Costa Rica particular.
Uvita Seaside is named the residence of the “whale’s tail”, a sand break that appears like a whale’s tail from the air. It is just seen at low tide, so if you wish to see it up shut, go to then. The whale tail is a really becoming park icon since Marino Ballena Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the high Costa Rica locations recognized for whale watching. They migrate previous the shores of this greatest seashore in Costa Rica each July to November and December to April.
Playa Uvita can be a terrific place to swim and go for a snorkel. The seashore is large and spacious, and when the water is low, the tide swimming pools across the whale’s tail are good for the entire household. So pack a picnic, a towel, and spend the day within the waters of the most effective Costa Rica seashores. You’ll want to plan your go to to coincide with the tides so that you simply don’t get caught out within the ocean when the tide is available in!
Playa Uvita, Costa Rica
Playa Uvita
Playa Punta Uva, Limon
On the Caribbean coast between Punta Cocles and Manzanillo, Punta Uva is tranquil and joyful to reside life at a gradual tempo. Playa Punta Uva is off the crushed path, but it surely’s changing into well-known due to its magnificence. It has blue water, golden sand, and inexperienced jungles. It’s a really picturesque space with heat water and a coral reef that makes swimming and snorkelling a real journey.
Punta Uva can be near the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, a nesting website for varied kinds of sea turtles and works to protect the coral reef, amongst different issues.
Punta Uva, Limon
Playa Manzanillo, Puntarenas
Playa Manzanillo is a quiet, secluded seashore tucked out of the best way on the Nicoya Peninsula. The seashore hasn’t seen a lot in the best way of main improvement, so it’s quiet and nice for stress-free. It’s a terrific seashore for households desirous to go swimming or snorkelling, as the massive rock jetty protruding from the shore implies that waves can’t get too huge.
Swimming is greatest at excessive tide, although, because the water is a bit rocky, which makes the waters round Playa Manzanillo good for coral and marine life. The rocks are most simply prevented throughout excessive tide.
Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste
Sitting about half an hour from Liberia, the capital of the Guanacaste province, Playa Hermosa is one in all Costa Rica’s greatest seashores. It’s even gained the Blue Flag, a prize for top environmental and security requirements. With clear blue water, tropical forests, and volcanic rock, Playa Hermosa’s identify matches it nicely, that means ‘stunning seashore’ in Spanish.
Its waters are heat all year long, making it good for swimming, scuba diving, and fishing, and it’s nice for simply sitting again and stress-free by your self or with household. Nevertheless, Hermosa Seaside is a stylish, mainstream seashore, so don’t count on a lot privateness.
Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
Greatest Seashores in Costa Rica for Snorkeling
Playa Conchal, Guanacaste
This pristine stretch of Costa Rica coast is thought for being the one shell seashore within the nation, making it a singular seashore to go to throughout your journey. Playa Conchal is a good vacation spot for swimming and is named one of many greatest locations to snorkel in Costa Rica. Nevertheless, there can generally be some reasonable waves, so guarantee you’re a first rate swimmer earlier than leaping within the waters.
Anticipate finding an array of vibrant fish and marine life simply offshore at Playa Conchal. The waters are famously clear within the Costa Rica oceans right here, however you should have the perfect luck recognizing tropical fish on the rock formations on the far aspect of the seashore.
Playa Conchal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
There is just one draw back to Conchal Seaside – it’s not simple to get to. To protect the seashore and scale back the variety of guests, the federal government has lately prohibited parking at Playa Conchal. So guests now should park on the close by Playa Brasilito and stroll some 500m to Conchal Seaside. The choice is to remain on the Westin Reserva Playa Conchal, an upscale all-inclusive resort situated simply steps away from the seashore.
Playa Conchal is the most effective seashores close to Liberia, Costa Rica, for these trying to attain the seashore quickly after arriving within the nation.
Westin Reserva Conchal Lodge is the closest lodge to Playa Conchal
Playa Cahuita, Limon
This unique stretch of lovely seashore is without doubt one of the high Costa Rica seashore locations on the Caribbean Coast of the nation. It’s a good spot for swimming and snorkelling and may be accessed from on the town or by way of Cahuita Nationwide Park.
The nationwide park’s safety extends into the water. So you’ll be able to count on to see coral reefs alive with fish and different marine life. Over 35 kinds of coral and over 120 various kinds of fish have been noticed within the waters right here, making it the most effective Costa Rica Caribbean seashores for marine life recognizing.
The realm round Cahuita and Cahuita itself has remained pretty underdeveloped, so count on an empty, wide-open seashore.
Punta Cahuita, Limon, Costa Rica
Greatest Seashores in Costa Rica for Households
Playa San Juanillo, Guanacaste
Playa San Juanillo, situated on the Nicoya Peninsula, is one in all our private favourites and is certainly the most effective seashores to go to in Costa Rica. However to actually respect this spot, you should go to at excessive tide when it’s at its greatest. At excessive tide, the seashore types a headland with rocky outcrops on both sides.
Playa San Juanillo is backed by jungle, and on the south finish of the seashore, you will see a cove the place fishermen prefer to retailer their boats away from the open water. The little ones will like to see iguanas scuttering alongside the shore, and the seashore is appropriate for swimming.
There’s not a lot in the best way of services, however there are just a few close by eating places. It’s one of many lesser-known seashores that undoubtedly deserve a spot in your greatest seashores in Costa Rica map. Additionally, you will discover one in all Costa Rica’s greatest seashores to see sea turtles a couple of minutes drive away in Playa Ostional.
San Juanillo seashore, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
San Juanillo seashore, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Playa Montezuma, Puntarenas
Situated on the Nicoya Peninsula close to the bohemian city of Montezuma is its namesake seashore, Playa Montezuma. It is without doubt one of the bigger Costa Rica Pacific Coast seashores with plenty of issues to do.
It’s simple to spend a day on Montezuma Seaside sunbathing and swimming (though watch out the seashore drops off rapidly) but it surely’s extra enjoyable to enterprise just a little additional up the seashore to find the rock formation, Piedra Colorado and its adjoining pure reserve. There are some close by eating places, so you’ll be able to seize a chew and a few refreshments at any time when the temper strikes.
Playa Montezuma
Playa Cocles, Limon
This 4 km seashore is thought for its laid-back vibe, an enormous array of issues to do, and as the most effective household seashores of Costa Rica. Situated on the Caribbean Coast, it’s the most well-developed seashore within the space and the closest seashore to Puerto Viejo.
Playa Cocles is a well-liked spot for browsing. Nevertheless, it’s also a haven for sunseekers and seashore lovers. You’ll be able to count on to see households and pals taking part in seashore video games and lounging on the shore.
It’s not the perfect seashore for swimming since currents may be sturdy. Nevertheless, households will prefer it as a result of it’s the solely seashore within the space with lifeguards patrolling and since there are close by eating places, tour operators, and services.
Playa Cocles, Puerto Viejo. Photograph by
Michiel Van Balen by way of Flickr CC
Greatest Browsing Seashores in Costa Rica
Playa Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Playa Tamarindo Costa Rica, is probably the most well-liked seashore in Costa Rica and the most effective Costa Rica surf cities. Tamarindo Seaside, Costa Rica has come a great distance from its roots as a sleepy fishing village on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. At present, the city presents a vigorous keep, recognized for its nice browsing and nightlife.
Right here you’ll discover vacationers of all walks of life making their manner right down to the seashore to sunbathe, surf, or just watch the sundown at the perfect seashore space in Costa Rica. You’ll be able to swim, however be cautious of the advisories.
Tamarindo Seaside is a protracted and golden sand seashore well-known as a surf mecca. However don’t be discouraged if you’re simply beginning out. There are some nice surf colleges on the town that may introduce you to extra mellow areas of the seashore break. To sum up, the surf right here is especially good for inexperienced persons.
Playa Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Playa Avellanas, Guanacaste
Situated in Guanacaste, simply 30min south of Tamarindo, Playa Avellanas is one other nice surf spot. Nevertheless, it’s a way more stress-free seashore in distinction to Tamarindo. La Purruja, El Palo, and El Estero and Little Hawaii are a number of the breaks that make Avellanas the most effective seashores in Costa Rica for surfers of all ranges. There are good waves for inexperienced persons and a few tougher ones for knowledgeable surfers too.
When you’re completed within the water and have labored up an urge for food, we advocate you head to Lola’s. This superior restaurant on the seashore is known for its pet pigs – the late Lola herself and the present set of piglets, Ave and Anna.
Lined with palm timber, The seashore is well-liked with households and {couples}. In case you ask any locals, they’ll let you know that Playa Avellanas is without doubt one of the most well-known seashores in Costa Rica. Come right here throughout Christmas or Easter Week, and also you’ll see tons of locals from close to and much having fun with this stunning stretch of soppy sand.
Playa Avellanas, Costa Rica
Playa Guiones, Guanacaste
Situated in Nosara, the most effective Costa Rica seashore cities, Playa Guiones is without doubt one of the high Costa Rica surf spots and the most effective seashores in Costa Rica. This 7 km golden sand seashore has waves for each ability stage, from newbie to superior. However greater than that it’s only a great spot to sunbathe, calm down, and watch the sundown.
A number of hundred metres of the seashore has been awarded a Blue Flag Ecology Award for its water high quality and the upkeep of the seashore. Plus, it’s situated near Nosara city centre so that you may be inside strolling distance to nice eating places and different facilities you may want in your Costa Rica seashore trip.
Watching the surf at Playa Guiones, Nosara
Playa Santa Teresa, Puntarenas
Santa Teresa seashore and the close by Malpais presents one other nice browsing spot on the Southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Playa Santa Teresa presents a protracted stretch of sand with loads of good sand breaks, whereas additional alongside the coast, Malpais is extra recognized for its level breaks.
The city of Santa Teresa has a terrific laid-back feeling with plenty of retailers, eating places and bars lining the bumpy foremost city street. There are lodging choices to swimsuit each price range and some very nice Costa Rica seashore resorts.
Surf lesson on the seashore in Santa Teresa. Costa Rica
Playa Samara, Guanacaste
If a enjoyable however small seashore village lined in palm timber sounds interesting, then Playa Samara on the Nicoya Peninsula shall be good for you. It’s greatest for newbie and intermediate surfers, and at excessive tide, the waves are usually between waist and chest excessive. In case you’ve by no means tried browsing earlier than, then Samara Seaside can current the right alternative to present it a attempt. It’s thought-about one of many most secure seashores within the nation.
Samara is laid again and welcoming, whereas board leases can be found at a number of retailers.
Playa Negra, Guanacaste
Playa Negra is thought for 2 issues: world-class waves and its distinctive black sand. It’s a surfer’s dream and a sight to behold. Nevertheless, it’s not only a fairly seashore with some nice waves. Playa Negra has a little bit of one thing for everybody, with its resorts, lodges, cafes, and boutiques. It even has tide swimming pools alongside its borders, although it’s not a terrific seashore for swimming.
Playa Negra is a tremendous seashore for knowledgeable surfers. The waves hit quick and are constant year-round, so it attracts a number of execs. Nevertheless, inexperienced persons also can attempt to check their expertise at Playa Negra on a slower day. Nevertheless, this seashore is greatest prevented throughout low tide. It has a shallow, rocky backside that isn’t a lot good for browsing till excessive tide rolls in.
Playa Negra, Costa Rica
Regularly Requested Questions on Costa Rica Seashores
What are the perfect seashores close to Liberia, Costa Rica?
Because the capital of the Guanacaste province and the house of the worldwide airport, most individuals typically surprise that are the perfect Liberia, Costa Rica seashores. Nevertheless, what they don’t understand is that Liberia is a landlocked metropolis. The closest seashores to the state capital are the seashores in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, notably these close to the Papagayo Peninsula.
These embody Playa Hermosa, as beforehand talked about, and Playa del Coco.
Playa del Coco, or Coco Seaside, Costa Rica is one other seashore near Liberia airport. It’s situated solely half-hour from Liberia Airport which makes it a preferred seashore vacation spot in Guanacaste. The city has plenty of eating places and bars, and whereas the seashore itself isn’t the prettiest, the city presents loads of lodging choices and facilities due to a big expat inhabitants.
Playa del Coco, Costa Rica
What are the perfect San Jose, Costa Rica seashores?
You undoubtedly wouldn’t name San Jose the most effective seashore cities in Costa Rica. Like Liberia, this bustling metropolis is landlocked so brief reply is – there aren’t any seashores in San Jose, Costa Rica to go to (regardless of what they made you consider in Jurassic Park).
You’ll should journey to the coast to expertise the seashores Costa Rica is known for.
Playa Jaco, or Jaco Seaside, Costa Rica is situated about an hour and a half by automotive from San Jose and is named the most effective seashores close to San Jose, Costa Rica. It’s probably the most well-liked vacationer locations within the nation for its nightlife and array of actions.
Playa Jaco, Costa Rica
The place to Keep in Costa Rica on the Seaside?
You’ll discover plenty of resorts throughout the nation situated on the seashore, or as shut as just a few hundred meters away. As a rule of thumb, many all-inclusive resorts and Costa Rica resorts provide personal seashore entry. If you wish to keep away from huge resorts, there are just a few smaller boutique resorts that may present related beachfront entry.
Personal seashore at Latitude 10 Resort in Santa Teresa
The place are Costa Rica Pink Sand Seashores?
Whereas there aren’t any vivid pink seashores in Costa Rica, there are just a few seashores throughout the nation that boast a lightweight pinkish hue. These embody:
- Playa Penca close to Potrero in Guanacaste is a small seashore that runs alongside a secluded cove simply north of Playa Potrero.
- Playa Rosada, simply north of Pelada Seaside in Nosara, is one other “pink” seashore in Guanacaste the place tiny pink rocks give the sand a pinkish hue.