10 BEST Beaches in Costa Rica (& Where to Stay)
Costa Rica is defined by its location: tucked between the shorelines of the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean. With such an expansive shoreline, the beaches of Costa Rica are diverse, with unique and varying personalities. Every beach-goer will find something fascinating – a beautiful white sand paradise lined with palm trees, volcanic black sand, or naturally rugged beach coves surrounded by tropical rainforests.
From mega beach resorts to untouched shorelines, there’s an ideal beach setting for everyone. But with so many choices, how will you possibly choose? Our Experts can help you decide.
Most Popular Beaches in Costa Rica:
Manuel Antonio, Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio Beach is one of the most popular beach destinations in the country. This coastal gem borders Manuel Antonio National Park, a coastal rainforest teeming with wildlife. It takes about 30 minutes to hike from the park’s entrance to Manuel Antonio Beach. If you’re up for some rainforest exploration, the park is interconnected by hiking trails leading to other beaches within the park. Regardless, you’re practically guaranteed to see wildlife – namely monkeys. Don’t forget to wear your swimsuit and grab some snorkeling gear. The coral seascape is worth exploring.
Where to Stay: Manuel Antonio Hotels
Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste
Interested in surfing? Visit Tamarindo Beach, off the wildly popular surf town of Tamarindo, where the perfect right breaks strike right off the coast. Tamarindo Beach is great for beginning surfers – so don’t be intimidated by its surf town reputation. There are a variety of accommodation options to choose from near Tamarindo Beach. Most hotels can either set you up or direct you to a nearby water sports rental. After a lively beach day, grab dinner in the happening town of Tamarindo. The neighboring white sand beach of Langosta is also worth a visit if you’re looking to swim and escape the crowds of Tamarindo.
Where to Stay: Tamarindo Hotels
Best White-Sand Beaches:
Conchal Beach, Guanacaste
White sand and tiny seashells sprinkle the shoreline of Conchal Beach, a less frequented Guanacaste beach. A variety of coral and underwater discoveries can be made here – so bring your snorkeling gear! The beach backs up to the all-inclusive Westin Playa Conchal Resort and a variety of other rental properties.
Where to Stay: Westin Playa Conchal Resort; The W at Reserva Conchal
Flamingo Beach, Guanacaste
To the north of Conchal Beach sits Flamingo Beach in the Guanacaste region. Flamingo Beach gets its name from its pretty white sand and pink undertones. The hotels overlooking Flamingo Beach sit high up on a cliffside overlooking the bays and inlets of the Pacific. The sunsets overlooking the Pacific Ocean from Flamingo Beach are exceptionally beautiful.
Where to Stay: Guanacaste Hotels
Best Remote Beaches:
Costa Ballena (Whale Coast), South Pacific
The coastal treasures of Playa Uvita Beach and Playa Hermosa border the beloved “Whale’s Tail” on Punta Uvita in Marino Ballena National Park on the South Pacific coast. An aerial flyover of the coastal park will reveal a whale tail-shaped sandbar. This is also coincidentally the location where humpback whales return to breach every year from August through October and December through April. Sea turtles also come to the park to nest from May to November. Book a whale-watching tour and rent some snorkel gear to explore the expansive coral reef for the full experience. Kayak and stand-up paddleboarding rentals are also available.
Where to Stay: South Pacific Hotel
Nacascolo Beach, Papagayo Peninsula
Nacascolo Beach is a hidden gem on the exclusive Papagayo Peninsula. This golden stretch of sand sits between the Four Seasons Resort and the Andaz Papagayo Resort. If you’re staying at either hotel, grab a kayak and have your hotel pack a picnic for you. There is no place to grab food or drinks at the beach so you’ll want to plan ahead! It takes less than an hour to kayak over to Nacascolo from the Andaz, and the odds are good that you’ll be the only one on the beach. The water here is calm and protected, great for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling.
Where to Stay: Papagayo Hotels
The beaches of Santa Teresa & Mal Pais
Just south of Guanacaste, the Nicoya Peninsula is a popular beach destination for surfers and yoga enthusiasts. Playa Carmen Beach, Santa Teresa, and Playa Hermosa are the string of beaches that back up the little beach towns of Mal Pais and Santa Teresa. These wild beaches are standouts that still remain relatively off the beaten path. The soft sand of Santa Teresa Beach is great for those looking for a secluded beach escape with great surf. On the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, Mal Pais Beach is a well-known surf spot with stretches of white sand and rocky tidal pools.
Where to Stay in Santa Teresa/Mal Pais: FlorBlanca Resort; Nantipa, Casa Chameleon Mal Pais
Playa Guiones, Nosara
Another hot surf and wellness destination on the Nicoya Peninsula is the coastal town of Nosara. Three beaches merge together here to form the Nosara Beach region: Garza Beach, Guiones Beach, and Pelada Beach. Guiones Beach is a popular surf beach with consistent surf throughout the year, and much less populated than Tamarindo Beach. Further north, Pelada Beach is a small, rocky swimming beach with little surf.
Where to Stay at Nosara: The Gilded Iguana; Tierra Magnifica Boutique Hotel; Lagarta Lodge
Where to Stay near Playa Guiones: Harmony Hotel, Tierra Magnifica, Sendero
Best South Caribbean Beaches:
Punta Uva Beach, Southern Caribbean Coast
Punta Uva is a quiet and calm white sand beach on the Southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. The beach is located within Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and is backed by a dense jungle where animals like monkeys, sloths, and many bird species can be seen. The coral reef located just offshore makes Punta Uva a fantastic snorkel beach. The calm waters are also great for families with kids.
Where to Stay: Caribbean Hotels
Manzanillo Beach, Southern Caribbean Coast
The turquoise waters and off-the-beaten-path white sand beaches are the main draws of the Southern Caribbean beaches. Visit the small, laid-back beach town of Manzanillo on Manzanillo Beach for the coral reefs and seaside tropical rainforest, especially during the less touristy months of September and October. Dive, snorkel, or explore by kayak.
Don’t miss the Manzanillo Gandoca Mirador. It is located at the very end of Manzanillo Beach and is completely free of charge. It can get pretty crowded. So, go early!
Where to Stay: Caribbean Hotel
Beach Safety
In general, Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is known for its riptides. Never swim alone or leave children unattended. If you have been caught by the current, do not attempt to swim back to the beach you were on. Do not panic and go towards the beach at a 45-degree angle. The most dangerous time for treacherous riptides occurs 2 hours before and 2 hours after low tide.
Related Article:
Costa Rica Beach Vacation FAQs:
What are the most relaxing beaches?
The Nicoya Peninsula is home to several of the most relaxing beaches in Costa Rica. Check out Playa Guiones if you want a relaxed, local feel with the option of surfing or boogie boarding.
What are the best surfing beaches?
Costa Rica is home to many great beaches for surfing, whether you’re just beginning or you’re a seasoned veteran looking for your next challenge:
- Playa Tamarindo is great for adventurous beginners and expert surfers, plus the lively town of Tamarindo has plenty of dining and nightlife to keep you entertained when the sun goes down.
- Santa Teresa Beach on the Nicoya Peninsula – a secluded beach with great surf.
What are the best beaches for snorkeling?
Costa Rica’s best snorkeling is usually accessed by boat, but you can also enjoy a DIY snorkeling adventure on any of these beaches:
- Conchal Beach in Guanacaste – the coral off of this beach makes it a fun snorkeling location.
- Nacascolo Beach on the Papagayo Peninsula – the waters here are calm and protected by a bay, creating a great opportunity for swimming and snorkeling.
- Punta Uva Beach off the Southern Caribbean Coast – located within Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, there is plenty of wildlife to see in and out of the water! This is one of the few beaches in Costa Rica where you can swim to a coral reef!
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