Best Beaches in Costa Rica
Best Beaches in Costa Rica
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Best Beaches in Costa Rica : Surf, Chill, Repeat
Costa Rica is that postcard-perfect country: jungles teaming with life meeting the sea, golden sands, wildlife at every turn, and waves calling your name. It may be small, but with both a Pacific and a Caribbean coast, it offers two very different beach vibes.
And if you’re on the hunt for the best beaches in Costa Rica, get ready—this guide (brought to you by authority in Costa Rica nature travel via Costa Rican Nature is your ticket to paradise.
Manuel Antonio Beach – Beach + Jungle + Wildlife
Located inside Manuel Antonio National Park, Manuel Antonio Beach is a living postcard: white sand, turquoise waters and thick jungle populated with monkeys, iguanas and sloths. “Manuel Antonio Beach is often considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
Must-dos at Manuel Antonio:
Spot capuchin monkeys and tropical birds
Kayak and snorkel in calm waters
Stay in luxury resorts or eco-lodges
Go early morning to avoid crowds
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca – Caribbean Coast with Its Own Flavor
On the southern Caribbean side, Puerto Viejo combines Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae beats, untouched beaches and pure authenticity. “Puerto Viejo is a colorful town where reggae rhythms, Afro-Caribbean culture, and pristine beaches merge…
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Why Puerto Viejo stands out:
Playa Cocles: a surfer favourite
Near Parque Nacional Cahuita with coral reefs for snorkelling
Creole cuisine & artisan markets
Great for romantic getaways or eco-adventure
Cahuita – Nature & Tranquility
Just 30 minutes north of Puerto Viejo, Cahuita offers calmer waters and a more relaxed pace. “Just 30 minutes north of Puerto Viejo, Cahuita offers a quieter and more nature-focused experience.”
What to do in Cahuita:
Snorkel with turtles and tropical fish
Follow trails through jungle spotting monkeys and toucans
Ideal for nature photographers and backpackers
Use as a slower-paced escape
Playa Flamingo – Crystal Waters & White Sand
Flamingo Beach stands out for something rare on the Pacific: white-sand beaches and turquoise water. “Playa Flamingo stands out for its white sand — a rarity on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.”
Why pick Flamingo:
Sunset catamaran cruises
Safe for swimming (calmer waters)
Luxury villas and hotels with panoramic views
Close to Tamarindo and Playa Conchal
Montezuma – Bohemian Vibes & Waterfalls
At the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula lies Montezuma: nature in full swing and a free-spirit lifestyle. “Hidden on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, Montezuma attracts free spirits, artists, and yoga enthusiasts.”
Montezuma charm:
Virgin beaches, Amazon-style jungle and waterfalls
Eco & artist communities
Great for yoga retreats and meditation escapes
Off-the-grid feel
Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste) – Total Peace
(And yes: not to be confused with the Playa Hermosa near JacĂł.) This bay is tranquil, perfect for swimming, kayaking or just unwinding. Its proximity to Liberia airport in Guanacaste adds to its appeal.
Highlights:
Calm, clean waters
Catamaran and snorkel tours
Fresh seafood restaurants by the beach
Family-friendly atmosphere
Playa del Coco – Local Culture & Marine Adventure
One of Guanacaste’s oldest towns, Playa del Coco offers a more local vibe plus access to fishing, diving and dolphin-watching tours.
What to do:
Visit nearby beaches: Ocotal, Hermosa and Panamá
Affordable hotels and local eats
Nightlife and friendly community feel
Great base for adventure tours
Playa Conchal – Shell Sand & Snorkel
Conchal has a quirky feature: its sand is made of crushed shells. And the water? Hypnotisingly blue. You can snorkel right from the shore and see tropical fish.
Tips for Conchal:
Access from Brasilito beach (10-minute walk)
Shore snorkelling: no boat needed
Luxury resorts (e.g., Westin Playa Conchal)
Best for combining comfort with nature
Jacó – Surf, City & Convenience
Jacó is the gateway for many because it’s near San José. It offers a more urban beach feel, good for surfers and travellers looking for both beach and amenities.
Why choose JacĂł:
Surf schools and youthful vibe
Nightlife and shopping nearby
Access to other beaches like Herradura and Esterillos
Great stepping-stone for your Costa Rica beach tour
Dominical – Jungle, Waves & Adventure
Farther south than Jacó, Dominical is a surf mecca and eco-tourism hotspot. With jungle, waterfalls and national parks, it’s a destination for nature lovers and surfers alike.
Must-see in Dominical:
Surf all year round
Cataratas Nauyaca and Parque Marino Ballena for eco-tours
Whale-watching, sustainable lodges
Immersive nature escape
Compare the Best beaches in Costa Rica
| Beach | Coast | Vibe / Atmosphere | Surf Level | Access | Best For | Nearby Attractions / Tours | Recommended by Costa Rican Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamarindo | Pacific (Guanacaste) | Lively, surf-town, international | Beginner – Advanced | Easy (1 hr from Liberia Airport) | Surfing, nightlife, digital nomads | Las Baulas Marine Park, Playa Langosta | ✔️ Surf Tours, Honeymoon Packages |
| Manuel Antonio | Pacific (Central Pacific) | Tropical + Wildlife + Romantic | Calm to Moderate | 3 hrs from San José | Couples, families, nature lovers | Manuel Antonio National Park, Kayak & Snorkel | ✔️ Luxury Eco Lodges, Wildlife Tours |
| Puerto Viejo | Caribbean (South) | Afro-Caribbean culture, Reggae, Colorful | Intermediate – Advanced | 5 hrs from San José | Culture, surfing, eco-travel | Cahuita National Park, Bri Bri Communities | ✔️ Cultural & Adventure Trips |
| Cahuita | Caribbean (South) | Peaceful, eco-friendly, quiet | Calm | 30 min from Puerto Viejo | Snorkelling, relaxation | Cahuita National Park Trails, Coral Reefs | ✔️ Snorkel Tours & Wildlife Walks |
| Flamingo | Pacific (North) | Upscale & Romantic | Calm | 1 hr from Liberia | Luxury getaways, honeymoons | Catamaran Sunsets, Playa Conchal | ✔️ Private Beach Resorts |
| Montezuma | Pacific (Nicoya Peninsula) | Bohemian, eco & artistic | Moderate | Ferry + Drive from San José | Yoga retreats, nature escapes | Montezuma Waterfalls, Cabo Blanco Reserve | ✔️ Eco Lodge Stays & Retreats |
| Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste) | Pacific (North) | Family-friendly & calm | Low | 25 min from Liberia | Families, relaxation | Kayak Tours, Snorkel Trips | ✔️ Family Vacation Packages |
| Playas del Coco | Pacific (North) | Local vibe & fun atmosphere | Moderate | 30 min from Liberia | Local culture, diving, fishing | Ocotal & Panamá Beaches, Dolphin Tours | ✔️ Scuba & Boat Excursions |
| Conchal | Pacific (North) | Luxury & romantic | Calm | Walk from Brasilito | Snorkelling, relaxation | Westin Playa Conchal, ATV Tours | ✔️ Luxury Beach Stays |
| Jacó | Pacific (Central) | Urban, energetic & surfer city | Beginner – Intermediate | 1.5 hrs from San José | Surf schools, nightlife | Herradura Beach, Rainforest Adventures | ✔️ Surf Classes & Day Tours |
| Dominical | Pacific (South) | Jungle, eco & surf town | Intermediate – Pro | 4 hrs from San José | Surf, eco-tourism, adventure | Nauyaca Falls, Marino Ballena Park | ✔️ Whale Watching & Eco Lodges |
🏝️ Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Beaches in Costa Rica
Tamarindo and Jaco are among the best beaches for surfing in Costa Rica. Tamarindo offers consistent waves and surf schools for beginners, while Jaco and nearby Hermosa Beach attract intermediate and pro surfers. You can even join Costa Rican Nature’s surfing experiences to combine adventure and nature.
Manuel Antonio Beach is often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world thanks to its white sand, turquoise water, and lush rainforest setting inside Manuel Antonio National Park. It’s ideal for romantic getaways or nature tours with Costa Rican Nature.
Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste) and Flamingo Beach are perfect for families due to calm waters, nearby restaurants, and easy access from Liberia International Airport. Both are great starting points for snorkeling and catamaran tours.
Playa Conchal and Cahuita National Park stand out for snorkeling. Conchal’s crushed-shell sand offers clear water with tropical fish visible right from the shore, while Cahuita’s reef system lets visitors see turtles, corals, and colorful marine life.Â
Flamingo Beach, Conchal, and Manuel Antonio are top choices for honeymooners. They feature luxury resorts, scenic sunsets, and romantic catamaran cruises. Costa Rican Nature offers custom honeymoon packages combining beach relaxation and jungle adventure.
Playa Hermosa and Flamingo Beach are known for calm, clean waters—ideal for swimming, kayaking, and families. Always check local tide information before entering the ocean, as some Pacific beaches have strong currents.
Head to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and Cahuita. These southern Caribbean beaches blend reggae culture, Afro-Caribbean cuisine, and laid-back energy—offering a completely different experience than the Pacific coast.
For a balanced trip, plan 7 to 10 days to explore both Pacific and Caribbean highlights. You can easily combine destinations like Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, and Puerto Viejo in one itinerary. Costa Rican Nature can help you design the perfect multi-beach tour.
The dry season, from December to April, offers sunny days and calm seas. However, the “green season” (May–November) has fewer crowds and lush scenery—ideal for photographers and adventure lovers.
100% beaches in Costa Rica are public and free. Some, like Manuel Antonio National Park, charge an entrance fee because they are inside protected areas. Always respect local wildlife and leave no trace.
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