The best beaches in Costa Rica

1. Manuel Antonio Beach

• Location: Manuel Antonio National Park, Pacific Coast
• Highlights: Known for its stunning beauty, white sand, and turquoise waters. The beach is surrounded by lush rainforest, offering great opportunities for wildlife spotting, including monkeys and sloths.

2. Playa Conchal

• Location: Guanacaste Province, Pacific Coast
• Highlights: Famous for its unique pinkish-white sand made of crushed shells. The clear, calm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

3. Playa Hermosa

• Location: Guanacaste Province, Pacific Coast
• Highlights: A quieter beach with calm waters, making it ideal for families. It’s great for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

4. Santa Teresa Beach

• Location: Nicoya Peninsula, Pacific Coast
• Highlights: A laid-back beach with a bohemian vibe, popular with surfers and yoga enthusiasts. The sunsets here are spectacular, and the beach is lined with cozy cafes and boutique hotels.

5. Playa Flamingo

• Location: Guanacaste Province, Pacific Coast
• Highlights: Known for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s a great spot for swimming, deep-sea fishing, and sailing.

6. Playa Grande

• Location: Guanacaste Province, Pacific Coast
• Highlights: Part of Las Baulas National Marine Park, this beach is famous for its excellent surf breaks and as a nesting site for leatherback turtles.

7. Playa Hermosa

• Location: Puntarenas Province, Osa Peninsula
• Highlights: A secluded and pristine beach, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. It’s located near Corcovado National Park, offering rich biodiversity and excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting.

8. Montezuma Beach

• Location: Nicoya Peninsula, Pacific Coast
• Highlights: A charming beach town known for its artistic community and beautiful waterfalls. The beach offers great opportunities for swimming and exploring tide pools.

9. Playa Dominical

• Location: South Pacific Coast
• Highlights: A surfer’s paradise with consistent waves and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s also a gateway to exploring the nearby Marino Ballena National Park.

10. Playa Uvita

• Location: Marino Ballena National Park, South Pacific Coast
• Highlights: Known for its unique whale-tail formation visible at low tide. It’s a great spot for whale watching, snorkeling, and kayaking.

11. Puerto Viejo Beach

• Location: Caribbean Coast
• Highlights: A vibrant beach town with a Caribbean flair, known for its reggae music, laid-back vibe, and beautiful beaches. The nearby Playa Cocles offers excellent surfing conditions.

12. Playa Cahuita

• Location: Cahuita National Park, Caribbean Coast
• Highlights: Known for its coral reefs, making it a top spot for snorkeling. The beach is surrounded by lush rainforest, offering a tranquil and picturesque setting.

13. Playa Nosara

• Location: Nicoya Peninsula, Pacific Coast
• Highlights: Known for its surf schools, yoga retreats, and wellness centers. The beach is relatively undeveloped, offering a more natural and serene experience.

14. Playa Samara

• Location: Nicoya Peninsula, Pacific Coast
• Highlights: A family-friendly beach with calm, shallow waters, ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. The town offers a range of accommodations and dining options.

15. Playa Carrillo

• Location: Near Playa Samara, Nicoya Peninsula, Pacific Coast
• Highlights: A quiet and picturesque beach with palm-lined shores and calm waters. It’s a great spot for a relaxing day at the beach.

Book your trip to visit these beautiful beaches!