With over 1100 miles of coastline and over 65% of its borders made up of that coastline – it is not hard to see why Costa Rica has become THE place to go for a beach vacation. Costa Rica actually means “rich coast “ in Spanish and that is evident no matter what beach area you decide to visit on your vacation to this paradise! Whether you are looking for idyllic, white sandy beaches for relaxing, fishing or lazy sunbathing, or if you are looking for adventure on a beach where giant sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs- Costa Rica has it all! With a beach never more than 75 miles away and an infinite number to choose from- this paradise has everything to offer its visitors looking for excitement at the beach!
The warm waters that surround Costa Rica and the country’s well developed tourism infrastructure are just some of the reasons that the beaches here are rated among the best in the world. A plethora of water sports and beach activities exists for every visitor- whether it is world class surfing, sport fishing or just relaxing on the sand- Costa Rica has it all. Some beaches also have forest preserves with populations of exotic animals and plant life to explore and observe, while others offer vast expansions of sand in almost every color available. Different types of resorts and lodging options, including luxurious private house rentals and more rustic seaside cabanas to name a few, dot the landscape all over Costa Rica’s coastline and provide for a perfect place from which to base your tropical adventure. Costa Rica is quickly becoming the premier destination for beach vacations. With the vast options that are available to visitors, its diverse coastlines and a friendly economy and population- Costa Rica has become a location to seriously consider when deciding your next vacation destination.
Costa Rica’s Top Beaches
#1) Manuel Antonio
The beaches at Manuel Antonio are among the most beautiful in Costa Rica, if not the world. A collection of four major beaches; Manuel Antonio, Espadilla Sur, Escondido and Playita; this area is world famous not only for its perfect setting, but also for its amazing natural attributes. Known for its idyllic soft white sand beaches and spectacular hilltop views, the beaches at Manuel Antonio are definitely a must-see for all Costa Rican visitors. The splendid horseshoe bays that bring the rain-forest right down to the sandy expanse of beach are picture perfect and a plethora of other activities are available to those that visit this paradise. The sparkling blue green waters of the ocean are a perfect backdrop for your romantic horseback riding excursion on the beach or your adrenaline filled zip line trip across the rain forest canopy or a wide variety of other amazing activities. With its world class surfing, breathtaking waterfalls, the myriad of hiking trails and adventure tours; a trip to Manuel Antonio is definitely requirement to anyone visiting Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio Beach area is surrounded by the amazing Manuel Antonio National Park which consists of over 1700 acres of land and over 136,000 acres of ocean reserve. Created in 1972 to preserve the pristine beaches and lush rain forest environments, the National Park is a refuge for many endangered plant and animal species, including the delightful spider monkey. The government of Costa Rica has begun to limit the number of visitors allowed into the National Park area on any given day, in order to preserve the natural beauty of this amazing area. The beach at Manuel Antonio is a mere 120 miles from the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose which makes travel easy to this beautiful location. Another must-see at Manuel Antonio is the amazing Cathedral Point that lies between the beaches at Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur- formed by centuries of sand deposits; it rises almost 250 feet and provides a truly memorable view of all of the surrounding area. This natural land bridge is just one of the amazing things to see here- there are also the remains of pre- Columbian turtle traps carved into the stone at the beaches here. No vacation to Costa Rica would be complete without a visit to this world class beach area- make sure that you don’t miss out on this amazing adventure!
#2) Montezuma
Long known as the beaches to go to if you just want to get away from everything- Playa Montezuma is the gathering place for Costa Rica’s most individual and eccentric visitors. For years this has been the beach for celebrities and famous musicians to visit out of the glare of the spot-light and has become a haven for the bohemian traveler. The center of the small town that is nearest the beach is a people watcher’s paradise with the creative and the unusual in abundance. Whether it is the dreadlocked Rastafarians, the surf bums, the tattooed and pierced bohemians or just the local artists and musicians- this is definitely a place with a sense of funky individuality. So beloved is this beach area among locals that the founders of the Costa Rican National Park system lived and were buried here.
Located at the base of the Nicoya peninsula, Montezuma is a beach area that stretches on for miles with plenty of little nooks for private sunning and surfing. The main beach is relatively small, but has charming tide pools and amazing waterfalls nearby that are worth viewing, as well as much wildlife to be observed. The wildlife reserves at Cabo Blanco and Curu are nearby and are definitely worth a visit also. Known as an extremely cost effective beach location, Montezuma has something for everyone. The liberal influence that permeates the area of Montezuma has lent itself to a varied and delicious cuisine among the local restaurants and there is an exciting and vibrant nightlife at a collection of nightclubs and bars. There is also a wide variety of crafts and art available in a myriad of little shops, but almost anywhere you go on the street. There are many activities for visitors to this area- kayaking, snorkeling at near-by Tortuga Island, awesome zip lines trips thru the rain forest or just renting a bicycle and exploring on your own.
#3) Mal Pais
Mal Pais literally means “Bad Land”, but nothing could be further from the truth! A beautiful sandy cove protected by a rocky reef, the beach at Mal Pais is everything that a visitor to Costa Rica is looking for: excellent snorkeling and surfing, secluded, private expanses of amazing pale grey sand, and a plethora of fish and wildlife to enjoy and ad-mire. Bizarre volcanic formations make the scenery visually interesting. A magical place to explore by boat or on foot, Mal Pais offers some of the best surfing in the world and few tourists crowd this beautiful area, leaving it undiscovered and private. The Mal Pais area that everyone talks about is really the area that makes up the two towns of Mal Pais and Santa Theresa and consists of the three beaches: Playa Mal Pais, Playa Carmen and Playa Santa Theresa. Bordered on the south by the spectacular Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, and the town of Santa Theresa on the north, this area is a must see for all those serious about learning to surf or perfecting their craft.
An influx in foreign visitors has helped create a varied, international dining experience in town and a myriad of little shops have sprung up with varied arts and crafts available, but as a whole the area of Mal Pais/Santa Theresa remains relatively untouched. Deep sea fishing is a popular acti-vity for those that don’t surf and there are many amazing trails to explore and hikes to make in the area. A haven for many migratory and coastal birds, the area around Mal Pais is a bird watchers paradise. A zip line canopy tour and horseback riding along the beach are also some of the activities that are available. Transportation is key in this area; most locals get around on mountain bikes or ATV’s – many hotels will have bikes that you can borrow or rent. There is a car rental place in town that will make your exploration of the area even more comfortable. Great weather year round makes Mal Pais a favorite spot for those looking for a secluded paradise. The popularity of the area as a renowned surf destination has made for a fun nightlife in town also, with a variety of small bars and clubs for after hours enjoyment. The area of Mal Pais is not as visited as other beach areas in Costa Rica; the strong tides and rocky shores can be a little daunting to those that want to just swim and snorkel; but if a secluded beach area with excellent surfing is what you are looking for- than you have found it!
#4) Playa Tamarindo
Located just over 45 miles from Liberia, Playa Tamarindo has become one of the most visited beaches in Costa Rica. Not only is it very accessible, but it also boasts a nearly two mile expanse of white sandy beach bordered by crystal blue, sparkling ocean. With National Parks on both its northern and southern borders and spectacular mountains to the east, Tamarindo has become an increasingly popular spot for honeymoons and weddings, as well as, for those looking for relaxation or amazing surfing. Playa Tamarindo also can claim nearly perfect weather, with sunny, warm year round conditions- even during the green season you need expect only a brief late afternoon shower. The town of Tamarindo is full of over forty world class restaurants, exciting nightlife and all the amenities any visitor may want. This colorful town also has a thriving community of artists and a lovely outdoor market where one can shop for a variety of items.
So many activities exist for visitors to Tamarindo! Not only is there world class surfing and sport fishing, but a well developed network of adventure activities exist so that you can also enjoy horseback riding on the beach, kayaking, snorkeling, or playing golf to name a few, while here on your vacation. One of the finest golf courses in Central America exists at Hacienda Pinilla and record tuna, sailfish and marlin have been recorded from this area. The nearly perfect conditions for surfers and wind-surfers make this a popular beach for that reason also. There is also the fun and adventure of exploring in the local National Parks and even the opportunity to watch amazing leatherback turtles come ashore to lay their eggs at a neighboring protected area. Tamarindo has lots of things for everyone to enjoy- it is a MUST on your Costa Rican vacation!
#5) Tortuguero
On Costa Rica’s fascinating Caribbean coast, Tortuguero Beach literally means “place of turtles”. A haven for any eco-tourist, this beautiful area is a key nesting area for some of the worlds most endan-gered sea turtles. Located just over fifty miles north of Limon, the village of Tortuguero can only be reached by boat or plane which adds to its sense of privacy and seclusion. The beaches are perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the beauty that surrounds you everywhere. There is also much that you can do when not laying on the beach; tours down jungle waterways by canoe, hiking thru some of the most impressive rain forest found anywhere to name a few- the canopy tour is world class! Sixteen of Costa Rica’s endangered animal species are found in this area; including ocelots, manatees and tapirs. Wildlife and exotic plant life are every-where you look in this coastal paradise.
The nearby Tortuguero National Park offers vast, protected beaches from which you can enjoy endless ocean vistas, as well as one of the world’s best opportunities to see giant nesting sea turtles and their babies. The perfect blend of ecotourism and luxury, Tortuguero offers many spots that combine the best of both worlds. The biodiversity of the National Park is amazing even for Costa Rica. Visitors have a great opportunity to see a plethora of interesting and exotic animals- over 300 different species are protected within the park. Tortuguero is also well know for its intricate canal system, which allows for people to get around on small boats and see things they might not often be able to witness. A variety of restaurant and lodging options are available in the area and transportation can be easily arranged by motorized canoe or other local method. Seeing sea turtles nest and make their treacherous way back to sea is something that you should not be miss and Tortuguero Beach is the place to go for that experience!
#6) Playa Dominical
Playa Dominical in Costa Rica is a three mile long rocky brown beach located in the Central Pacific Region of Costa Rica. It is regarded by nearly everyone as a surfer’s paradise! Because the area boasts some of the most consistent waves in Costa Rica, Playa Dominical has earned the reputation as THE place for surfing. Many of the local businesses are run by surfers that came here, fell in love with the area and never left. Some of these businesses include surf camps, bed and breakfast inns and small, local restaurants. The two and a half mile long beach is at the base of beautiful cascading cliffs, which highlight the deep blue water of the ocean. A strong riptide exists just off shore making the waters not parti-cularly good for swimming, but excellent for the surfing set. The casual, laid back village of Domincal is surrounded by plantations, marshes and estuaries and lacks a large tourism infrastructure. Many of those that come to surf find themselves camping on the magnificent beach so they will not miss one moment of the spectacular surf. This is a place that is a little off the beaten track and happier because of it.
Lots of activities are nearby for those days when surfing is not on your agenda. A horseback ride to the amazing Nauyaca Waterfall which is 213 ft. is a must, if only for the spectacular scenery on the journey. Also a must see is the unforgettable Ballena (Whale) Marine National Park which was created in 1990 to protect over eight miles of shoreline and the marine life that calls the area home. A day trip to Cano Island is also highly recommended. The area of Dominical receives about the same amount of rain as the rest of coastal Costa Rica, and because of its loca-tion, a cool, soothing breeze will help you sleep as you listen to the crash-ing surf on the beautiful beach
The lush forest that borders this beach area makes this also a bird watcher’s sanctuary. Many interesting species of bird and animal can be seen in the area surrounding the beach. This is also an excellent place to find tasty fresh seafood. Nearly every restau-rant offers delicious inexpensive, freshly caught seafood delicacies from which to choose. Make your way to this delightful beach is you are looking for world class surfing and the lifestyle that comes with it!
#7) Playa Samara
Located on the western coast of the Nicoya Penninsula, Playa Samara is one of the prettiest and safest beaches in all of Costa Rica.
This long; over three miles!; pure white beach offers a wonderful place to sunbathe, snorkel, take leisurely walks in the sand or do the millions of other things one does on a relaxing beach vacation. The swimming is great at Playa Samara primarily because of the living coral reefs frames the beautiful expanse of sand. Playa Samara has an outstanding coral reef for snorkeling and its own little wooded island in the bay, Isla Chora; perfect for exploration and bird watching. This is the perfect, family friendly beach community; nearly bath warm ocean waters, beautiful sandy beaches and lots of nature to observe and enjoy. There are many activities to do in this idyllic location; horseback riding on the beach, deep sea fishing, amazing boat tours, and scooter and bike tours to name a few. Besides being a beach resort, the area around Playa Samara is a thriving farming and fishing community, so there are lots of opportunities to observe Costa Rican life. Costa Rican cowboys and cattle drives, as well as exotic fruit plantations and fishing boats going in and out of the harbor with their daily catch, are just some of the authentic activities that can be observed in this area.
Transportation to Samara used to be a bit if a chore, but has drastically improved with the construction of the well paved and maintained Road 150 with runs from Nicoya. There is also a small airstrip in town that makes air travel possible also. There are also daily busses from San Jose and Liberia. Playa Samara is about a four hour drive from San Jose.
Once there visitors will find a plethora of activities to enjoy. This family friendly, peaceful locale is perfect for those looking for a secluded, re-laxing beach vacation!
#8) Drake Bay
Drake Bay is probably one of the most remote and secluded beaches in Costa Rica. An adventure lover’s paradise, the adventure be-gins just trying to get there. Accessible only by air or water, it is para-dise for visitors looking for an isolated spot to relax and escape from it all. River taxis are the most common form of transportation once you arrive in the area and are reasonably prices and readily available. Loca-ted on the northern side of the Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay is named after Sir Francis Drake, who, it is said, landed here in the late 16th century on his voyage to circumnavigate the globe. Though isolated, the area of Drake Bay offers much to do. Just exploring the miles of deserted, pic-turesque coastline is a full time job, but there is also, swimming, scuba diving, horseback riding, sport fishing and world class bird watching, to list a few other activities with which to fill your time. The abundance of wildlife, spectacular scenery and warm, friendly people, make Drake Bay and unforgettable place to visit.
Near Drake Bay is the spectacular Corcovado National Park, which is considered the jewel in the Costa Rican National Park system. Home to the tallest primary rainforest on the planet, it is a must see while visiting this area. Encompassing over a 100,000 acres and nearly a third of the Osa Peninsula, the Corcovado National Park is home to over 10% of all animals found in the Americas. Many endangered species can be found here and there is also the largest population of macaws to be found any-where in Central America. Another amazing day trip is to the uninhabited Cano Island which is among the most popular snorkeling areas anywhere in Costa Rica. The island is home to the Cano Island Biological Reserve and has pre-Columbian stone spheres from an ancient civilization that can be viewed and marveled at. The 740 acre Reserve is covered with trails that let you explore this fascinating place. The beaches of the island are visited by Ridley sea turtles, who come ashore frequently to lay their eggs in the sand. For those looking for an ecologically themed beach vacation, the area of Drake Bay should definitely make the short list.
#9) Playa Puerto Viejo
Playa Puerto Viejo is located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica in the Limon Province. Well known for what has been called the most awesome surf wave in Costa Rica, “the Salsa Brava”, this beautiful beach area is renowned for its world class surfing and laid back life style. A thick Hawaiian style wave, the Salsa Brava builds up in the deep water and then breaks in the shallow reef, offering up to triple overhead surf in the best conditions. The surfing here can be very competitive and is definitely for experts only most of the time, but the beach offers many other activities. Swimming here is difficult because of the strong riptide, but the surfing is nothing less than spectacular. Just over three hours away from San Jose, Playa Puerto Viejo offers surfers from around the world an alternative to other more costly and commercialized surfing locations. Many other activities exist for visitors, including romantic horseback rides on the beach, mountain biking, snorkeling and boogie boarding, to name a few.
The nightlife that surrounds Playa Puerto Viejo is fun and full of crowded discos and bars. There are a number of cafes and restaurants that offer varied cuisine and a funky artist’s scene that makes things interesting. With its relaxed atmosphere and interesting mix of cultures; Latino, Afro-Caribbean and indigenous Bribri; the vibe at Playa Puerto Viejo is distinct and lively. The area of Playa Puerto Viejo is a perfect spot for a laid back, relaxing vacation with excellent surfing as an added bonus. The crystal clear blue waters of this area and the fun, bohemian vibe of the town, offer a different sort of vacation, but one that is defi-nitely an option worth considering for your Costa Rican adventure!
#10) Playa Tambor
Playa Tambor is a beautiful dark sand beach located at the southern end of the Nicoya Peninsula in Ballena Bay. This arch shaped beach opens up to a snorkeling and scuba diving Mecca surrounded by high bluffs of volcanic origin. Copious amounts of marine life exist in this area make both pursuits highly enjoyable. The beach is renowned for its pristine ness and the water of the bay is an amazing aquamarine color. This beach is in a quiet small town that attracts those looking for a peaceful, relaxed getaway. At about one mile long, Playa Tambor offers excellent opportunities for fishing, swimming or just sunbathing.
Many activities can be found nearby if you need a day off from enjoying the peaceful sands of Playa Tambor. Day trips to either the Cabo Blanco Reserve or the Guyabo and Negritos Islands allow visitors to Playa Tambor an opportunity to experience some of Nicoya’s remarkable wild-life. There have also been several good golf courses recently added in the area and hiking and beachcombing, as well as, deep sea fishing are also popular activities. If a quiet, secluded beach with excellent swimming and snorkeling in a small quiet setting is what you are looking for, than Playa Tambor is your destination!
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