9 Best Beaches in Costa Rica

With 763 miles of oceanfront actual estate on both equally the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the Central American country of Costa Rica is a desire environment for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. It is also worthy of noting that all beach locations are community, so travelers genuinely have an limitless array of selections. Of course, it is a bit extra difficult to entry the sandy crescents that are backed by inns and fronted by the ocean, but with so many extraordinary spots to spread out a towel and get a dip, that doesn’t matter a great deal. (Speaking of lodging, if you’re searching for a position to keep which is measures from the sand, verify out our checklist of the best Costa Rica beach resorts.)

Whether or not the goal is browsing, snorkeling, exploring tidal pools, or simply just soaking up the sunshine, there is a Costa Rica beach front — perfectly, likely lots of — that’s certain to are living up to your idealized variation of a palm-fringed paradise. Conserve these solar-drenched stretches so that once the plane touches down, you can just toss on your swimsuit and take full gain of just about every past pura vida-crammed 2nd. Here are nine of the most effective seashores in Costa Rica.

Playa Santa Teresa 

The crown jewel of the little, laid-back town of Santa Teresa on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, Playa Santa Teresa is an off-the-beaten-path gem which is favored by surfers and vacationers alike. In the course of the day, it presents good waves, and in the early evening, locals and people gather on the sand to view the sunset around the water. It is also edged by a handful of chill beach front resorts and dining establishments.

Playa Conchal

“Situated on the Gold Coastline in the north of Guanacaste, Playa Conchal is just one of the most flexible and photogenic beach locations in Costa Rica,” states Carly Patane Moss, journey skilled at Black Tomato. “The golden sand mixes with very small shells that seem to glisten together with the turquoise tides.” Great for individuals who aren’t thoroughly surf-obsessed, it is a terrific spot for swimming, snorkeling with tropical fish and stingrays, and seaside picnics.

Playa Hermosa

A standout amongst a sea of stunning coastal spots in the Gulf of Papagayo, portion of the Guanacaste province, Playa Hermosa (which interprets to “wonderful seashore” in Spanish) displays off dark sand and clear, blue drinking water. A Blue Flag-awarded desired destination, it is specifically well-suited for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. In addition, the early morning sunrises and sunsets genuinely wow. 

Playa Garza

Seeking a genuine sense of pura vida? Head to Playa Garza, a crescent-shaped stretch of gentle sand south of the well-known yoga and surf town of Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula. “Whether it is paying the working day admiring the neighborhood environment, splashing in the crystalline waters, or seeing community fisherman in the bay, you seriously cannot go incorrect,” says Patane Moss.

Playa Ostional

Some shorelines shine for browsing and swimming, though other individuals are extraordinary habitats loaded with all-natural wonder. Playa Ostional on the Nicoya Peninsula falls into the latter class. A paradise for wildlife fans, it is a renowned nesting floor for the olive ridley sea turtle. Witnessing countless numbers of environmentally friendly hatchlings make their way to the water is a very incredible sight. The swells also attract surfers from close to and considerably.

Playa Manuel Antonio

An effortless stroll from the Manuel Antonio National Park entrance gives way to the splendor of Playa Manuel Antonio. Patane Moss advises tourists to maintain their eyes peeled for wildlife — specifically, lovable sloths and curious monkeys. “When coming up to the Pacific Ocean, you will be greeted by unparalleled sights of ivory sand, palm trees, and infinite organic natural beauty,” she says..  

Playa Biesanz

Tucked absent at the conclude of a path that commences in the vicinity of Parador Resort & Spa and sales opportunities by way of the jungle, Playa Biesanz in Manuel Antonio is not automatically quick to achieve. The effort and positive-footedness necessary to navigate the dense vegetation, hill, and pebbly terrain does make the payoff — in this case, arriving at a tranquil “secret” seashore with solar in the morning and shade for afternoon naps — that considerably sweeter.

Playa Tortuguero

The identify probably now gave away the fact that Playa Tortuguero is a turtle-looking at haven. In amongst seeing the majestic creatures lay eggs and scurry about — an knowledge that Patane Moss likens to stumbling into a David Attenborough documentary — travelers traveling to this minimal patch of paradise can glimpse forward to flopping on the golden sand and cooling off in the crystal waters.

Playa Guiones

Playa Guiones, a four-mile slice of coastal utopia in the Nosara spot, supplies key breaks on extensive stretches of sugar-high-quality sand. Another selling level? It is hardly at any time crowded. That genuinely lets the organic glory consider heart stage with no droves of travelers packing the shore. The individuals you may see? Surfers, runners, and yogis training downward dog by the ocean.