Costa Rica is a country with an abundance of amazing beaches along both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. With a variety of landscapes and activities, from surfing and snorkeling to sunbathing and wildlife spotting, there’s something for everyone in Costa Rica.
Discover the Best Beaches in Costa Rica
From picturesque white-sand beaches to rugged rocky shores, Costa Rica has something for every beachgoer. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the 20 most popular beaches in the country and highlight what makes each one so special.
Costa Rica’s beaches offer something for everyone, from those seeking a relaxing day in the sun to adventure-seekers looking to catch the perfect wave. Whether you’re looking for a lively party atmosphere or a secluded escape, Costa Rica’s beaches have it all.
So pack your sunscreen, grab your surfboard, and head to Costa Rica for an unforgettable experience.
The top 20 beaches to visit in Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio Beach
Manuel Antonio Beach is a breathtaking white-sand beach that sits within the Manuel Antonio National Park.
This is one of the most popular national parks in Costa Rica. This beach is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and abundant wildlife, with monkeys, sloths, and iguanas often spotted in the surrounding trees.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the nearby hiking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Playa Tamarindo Beach
Playa Tamarindo is a long, wide beach that attracts surfers from around the world thanks to its consistent waves and ideal surfing conditions. The beach has a lively atmosphere with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops lining the main street that runs parallel to the sand.
Visitors can also enjoy activities such as horseback riding, snorkeling, and sunset cruises.
Santa Teresa Beach
Santa Teresa Beach is a secluded and pristine beach located on the Nicoya Peninsula, known for its consistent surf breaks that are perfect for experienced surfers. This beach is also a great spot for yoga and wellness retreats, with a variety of yoga studios.
The beach has a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, with few crowds and stunning sunsets.
Playa Conchal
Playa Conchal is a unique beach named for its sand, made up of millions of tiny crushed seashells. The clear waters and coral reefs make it a popular spot for snorkeling, with a variety of colorful fish and other marine life to discover.
Visitors can also enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the nearby mangroves and dry forests.
Jaco Beach
Jaco Beach is a popular destination just a short drive from San Jose, known for its lively nightlife scene and range of water sports activities. The beach has a long stretch of sand lined with hotels, restaurants, and bars, making it a great spot for those looking for a lively atmosphere.
Visitors can enjoy surfing, kayaking, jet skiing, and other water sports, or simply relax and soak up the sun on the beach.
Playa Dominical
Playa Dominical is a picturesque beach located in the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica.
This beach is famous for its powerful waves and is a popular destination for experienced surfers. Visitors can also enjoy exploring the nearby Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge, which offers hiking trails and guided tours to see a variety of wildlife.
Montezuma Beach
Montezuma Beach is a beautiful and secluded beach located on the Nicoya Peninsula, known for its relaxed atmosphere and hippie vibe. This beach is perfect for those looking for a laid-back vacation, with plenty of beachfront bars and restaurants to enjoy.
Visitors can also take a short hike to the nearby Montezuma Waterfall, a stunning cascade that’s great for swimming and picnicking.
Samara Beach
Samara Beach is a family-friendly beach with a long stretch of white sand and calm waters, making it ideal for swimming and beginner surfing. The town of Samara has a lively atmosphere with plenty of restaurants, shops, and nightlife options.
Visitors can also explore the nearby nature reserves and take part in activities such as horseback riding, kayaking, and birdwatching.
Playa Flamingo
Playa Flamingo is a secluded beach located on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, known for its clear turquoise waters and stunning sunsets. This beach is a great spot for romantic getaways, with luxury resorts and private villas lining the shoreline.
Visitors can also enjoy activities such as snorkeling, fishing, and sunset cruises.
Punta Uva Beach
Punta Uva Beach is a beautiful and serene beach located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, with calm waters and white sand. This beach is also home to a nearby coral reef that’s perfect for snorkeling, with a variety of colorful fish and other marine life to discover.
Visitors can also explore the nearby Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, which offers hiking trails and guided tours to see a variety of wildlife.
Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa is a beautiful and uncrowded beach located on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. With consistent waves and an uncrowded atmosphere, this beach is a great spot for experienced surfers looking to catch some waves in a serene setting.
Visitors can also explore nearby nature reserves and enjoy activities such as horseback riding and ziplining.
Playa Grande
Playa Grande is a popular beach destination located on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, known for its huge waves and popularity among surfers. This beach is often the site of surfing competitions, drawing surfers from around the world to test their skills on its powerful waves.
Visitors can also explore the nearby Las Baulas National Marine Park, which is home to a variety of sea turtles.
Playa Negra
Playa Negra is a unique black-sand beach located on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Known for its strong waves, this beach is a popular spot for surfing and fishing. Visitors can also explore nearby tide pools and enjoy the unique landscape.
Playa Avellanas
Playa Avellanas is a beautiful and unique beach located on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. With a mix of sand and rocky tide pools, this beach is a great spot for both surfing and exploring the unique landscape.
Visitors can also enjoy nearby restaurants and bars, as well as hiking trails and nature reserves.
Cocles Beach
Cocles Beach is a popular beach located near the town of Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. This beach has clear waters and white sand, making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Visitors can also enjoy nearby restaurants and bars, as well as explore the unique culture and cuisine of the Afro-Caribbean region.
Nosara Beach
Nosara Beach is a laid-back beach destination located on the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. This beach is known for its consistent surf breaks and wellness retreats, making it a great spot for both surfing and relaxation.
Visitors can also explore the nearby nature reserves and enjoy activities such as yoga and hiking.
Playa Naranjo
Playa Naranjo is a secluded beach located in the Santa Rosa National Park, accessible only by boat. This beach is known for its clear waters and white sand, making it a beautiful and serene spot to spend the day.
Visitors can also explore the nearby nature reserves and enjoy activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing.
Playa Potrero
Playa Potrero is a family-friendly beach located on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. With calm waters and nearby beachfront restaurants and bars, this beach is a great spot for families and those looking for a more relaxed beach experience.
Visitors can also enjoy nearby nature reserves and activities such as kayaking and snorkeling.
Playa Junquillal
Playa Junquillal is a beautiful and quiet beach located on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. With crystal-clear waters and a serene atmosphere, this beach is a great spot for relaxation and reflection.
Visitors can also explore nearby nature reserves and enjoy activities such as horseback riding and hiking.
Puerto Viejo Beach
Puerto Viejo Beach is a lively and vibrant beach town located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. This town is known for its reggae music, beachfront bars, and surfing opportunities, making it a popular spot for young travelers and surfers.
Visitors can also explore the nearby nature reserves and enjoy activities such as snorkeling and wildlife viewing.
