Where Are the Nicest Beaches in Costa Rica?
With over 300 beaches in Costa Rica, it's difficult to say which are the best - everyone has their own own idea of what makes a great beach. Keep reading to learn more about some of the finest beaches in Costa Rica. The following list covers the coast of the North Pacific to the South Pacific, as well as some of the Caribbean.
Conchal: This gorgeous beach is made of crushed sea shells that are tiny enough to feel like sand. The water here is safe for both swimming and snorkeling. There is direct access to the beach for guests staying at the Paradisus Playa Conchal, or to the public from the nearby Playa Brasilito.
Tamarindo (Playa Langosta, Playa Avellanas, and Playa Grande): Three beautiful white-sand beaches that offer a bit of everything, including relaxation, surfing, and stunning sunsets. Visitors will appreciate the variety of restaurants and nightlife in Tamarindo.
Samara & Carillo: Samara is a laid-back beach town that borders a massive crescent-shaped beach. The ocean here harbors a reef that helps keep the waves calm and the water ideal for swimming. Bachgoers can enjoy incredible sunsets from the southern end of the beach. Carillo, which is located one beach south of Samara, is an attractive white-sand beach.
Mal Pais & Santa Teresa: Hip surfers, international cuisine, stunning sunsets, and good-looking beaches have made a name for these hot spots on the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. The surf here gets pretty rough, so these can be dangerous beaches for inexperienced surfers.
Montezuma: A combination of long, white-sand beaches, rocky inlets, and a laid-back village with lots of restaurants has attracted savvy travelers for decades.
Manuel Antonio: The famous Manuel Antonio National Park ($12 entrance fee) has pristine beaches and amazing views of both verdant hillsides and the Pacific Ocean. Visitors will find beaches outside the national park that are larger and a bit more crowded, but still ideal for watching a sunset.
Dominical & Dominicalito: While Domincal is perfect for surfers, Dominicalito is great for simply reading a book under the shade of a tree. Dominical is where you will find restaurants and hotels, while Dominicalito is the quiet neighbor with calmer waters. Both have outstanding sunsets.
Carate: Carate is isolated and vast, located in the Southern tip of the Osa Peninsula. Carate marks the beginning of the southern stretch of the Corocovado National Park, where the beaches and rainforest blend seamlessly together.
Cahuita: A small Carribbean village surrounds this beautiful beach. This is a great spot to snorkel, swim, or hike around the nearby Cahuita National Park. Entrance is free to the beach, which is part of the national park, but donations are encouraged.
Punta Uva: Located about 6 miles (10 km) south of the bustling village of Puerto Viejo, the crystal clear Caribbean waters and peaceful beach of Punta Uva awaits.
To view photos and information on more than 45 beaches, visit our Costa Rican Beaches page.
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Costa Rica Beaches
You know Costa Rica is an adventurer's paradise, but did you know that it's also a great country for a beach getaway? The nation boasts nearly 300 beaches, each with a unique draw and distinct setting. Whether you find yourself on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast exploring Puerto Viejo or Costa Rica's Pacific coast exploring Esterillos Oeste, you'll find something to discover and enjoy. Even on nearby beaches, the sand can vary from white, to black, or brown coloration, but it can get even more unique than that. Playa Conchal's sand is actually made of millions of crushed seashells! Some beaches even have sand so soft and fine it can only be described as 'fluffy.' The best part about Costa Rica's beaches is how diverse they are; from swimming and surf adventures to basic rest and relaxation, there's bound to be a beach for you. Even better? There are plenty of Costa Rica beach resorts which will allow you to relax and indulge due to the variety of services and activities they'll have on-site. Meanwhile, beachfront hotels in Costa Rica will ensure that you're never more than steps from your next snorkeling expedition. In the morning you can sip your coffee whilst listening to the waves roll in — instead of listening to talk radio or your a.m. commuter mix. So, choose your own adventure and discover which of Costa Rica's beaches is right for you.
Cahuita
Cahuita is a laid back and vibrant little village in the setting of Costa Rica’s unique Creole culture, brought about by its Afro-Caribbean heritage. Only 27 miles (43 km) south of Puerto Limón, Cahuita is an easy drive down Highway 36 along the Caribbean coast, despite a few potholes here and there. It is assuredly a must-see destination for visitors already in the Limón Province. This village is a hit amongst the young and free-spirited, or those simply seeking the easy life for a few days.
Carate
Carate is situated along Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast in the wonderfully isolated Osa Peninsula. Lying about 31 miles (50 km) south of Drake Bay, right next to the lush Corcovado National Park, Carate is off the grid for most tourists, and as such is one of the country's most pristine natural areas.
Dominical
About 27 mi (44 km) south of Quepos is the quaint and growing beach town of Dominical. Along the coast, before arriving in this popular surf town, the cascading cliffs converge with the deep-blue ocean, producing a scenic landscape full of small coves for truly precious views. The laid back beach town is surrounded by plantations, estuaries, mangroves and marshes. Birder beware, you may not want to leave!
Mal Pais- Santa Teresa
Some things just come in pairs — socks and shoes, milk and cookies, Santa Teresa and Mal País, Costa Rica… These twin beach towns are near each other, but offer you a very different vacation experience, balancing your need for excitement, activity, and infrastructure against your desire to enjoy a quiet, calm, uncrowded getaway. Discover why surfing in the dynamic Santa Teresa plus fishing in the charming Mal Paí equal a Costa Rica beach vacation that’s the total experience.
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is home to a namesake national park full of unspoilt beaches and world-class views. Enjoy adventures as diverse as snorkeling and jungle hikes. A great destination for families, there’s something for everyone whether you have young children or college-bound teens. See a variety of Costa Rica’s animals when you peek into tide pools and hike through forests; experience the subtle thrill of birding when you cross a variety of species off of your ‘seen’ list. The best part? This is just the beginning of all of the beauty, excitement, and adventure awaiting you in Manuel Antonio.
Montezuma
A favorite for young travelers and surfers, the bohemian town of Montezuma is a laidback beach town. While you're here, you can explore some of the mangroves and estuaries, as well as surfing beaches like Playa Grande.
Playa Conchal
At Playa Conchal, the sand is composed of millions of tiny crushed shells that rustle beneath your feet. The mesmerizing beach is surrounded by turquoise waters, and it sits in a bay next to Playa Brasilito. The clear waters of Playa Conchal make it a wonderful place for swimming or snorkeling with an array of tropical fish.
Samara
The beautiful coastal hamlet of Samara is a paradise on the Nicoya Peninsula's western shore. Known as one of the prettiest and safest beaches in all of Costa Rica, Playa Samara radiates wonderful white sand in contrast to the aquamarine water. Tropical plant life and living coral encompass Samara's 3-mile (5 km) coastline, and the beach is a favorite among locals, foreigners, and wealthier Ticos- forming a quintessential beach community.
Tamarindo
Once a quiet surf beach and fishing hamlet, Tamarindo is now a beach town with the infrastructure Western travelers have come to expect. Located on the Central West Coast of Guanacaste, Tamarindo still boasts unspoilt beaches and incredible biodiversity — despite the town’s recent and ongoing development. Come for fun in the sun and stay for the laid back vibe that is so characteristic of the region.
Uvita
For a less crowded beach vacation, Uvita may be the ideal location. Sitting 11 miles (17 km) south of Dominical along Coastal Highway 34 (Costanera Sur), this tropical hamlet possesses great charm in an unspoiled, serene atmosphere. With palm trees swaying in the wind, providing shady relief from the intense Pacific sun, it may seem surreal that this environment is as uncorrupted as it is. It won't stay like this forever though, conditions will one day change and the secret of the Bahia Ballena will be out.
