Costa Rica Beaches

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.

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The best places to visit in Costa Rica Beaches

Manuel Antonio

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.

Tamarindo

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.

Puerto Viejo de Limon

Puerto Viejo de Limon

Known for its laidback attitude and famous for it's surfing, Puerto Viejo de Limon beckons visitors to come experience Costa Rica’s eccentric side.  The village’s cultural influences are interesting to be sure: a mix of Afro-Caribbean, Bribri Indian, tico and hippyesque counterculture, this small port town is an anthropological study in itself.  A mere 11 miles (18 km) from Cahuita, Puerto Viejo is accessible via Highway 36 or by simply walking south, along the beach.

Drake Bay

Drake Bay

Resting on the northern side of the Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay (Bahía Drake) is an adventure-seeker's paradise. It is named after Sir Francis Drake, who is believed to have ventured here in the late 16th century. Travelers here take on some of his adventurous spirit on treks through the primary rainforest.

Mal Pais- Santa Teresa

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.

Uvita

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.

Nosara Costa Rica

Nosara Costa Rica

Nosara's beach town of Guiones is a tucked-away delight with lucrative real estate, vibrant flora, and a world-class white sand beach. The town, which has a sizeable population of ex-pats, presents no shortage of accommodations. Many of these accommodations are private, luxurious, and immersed in natural beauty.

Samara

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.

Playa Herradura

Playa Herradura

Playa Herradura is a small beach located on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, about 3.5 miles (6km) north of the town Jaco. It's Spanish name means "horseshoe", which refers to the shape of the bay of this particular beach. Playa Herradura has different types of hotels, cabins, camping sites and restaurants.

Jaco

Jaco

Playa Jaco is the closest beach to San Jose, the Central Valley and is one of the most visited coastal destinations in Costa Rica. The beach is a 2.5 mile (4 km) strip which offers world renowned surfing and more.

Trips to Inspire

Costa Rica Beaches itineraries from local insiders

Explore hand-picked Costa Rica Beaches itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.

9 days | $$$

Pura Vida Adventure Together

We both love nature and hiking so Costa Rica is ideal for both of those. We went during what’s considered the rainy season so you need to be aware of that going in. It rained at some point almost every day we were there but we still had a very enjoyable time. We visited La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio. We enjoyed La Fortuna more. La Fortuna was more jungle whereas Manuel Antonio was more coastal and felt more touristy.

Pura Vida Adventure Together

Costa Rica

8 days | $$$

Adventure Through Costa Rica's Wild Heart

Costa Rica was just magnificent. The people, food, jungles, beaches were all fantastic. Can’t wait until my next trip back.

Adventure Through Costa Rica's Wild Heart

Costa Rica

9 days | $$$

Big Multi Family Group Adventure

Embark on a vibrant Costa Rican adventure that juxtaposes bustling urban energy with lush, untouched rainforests, delivering a dynamic escape from everyday routine. From San José’s lively streets you’ll head to Monteverde’s cloud‑forest canopy for sky tram rides and hikes, then dive into Rio Celeste’s turquoise waters and trek El Silencio’s volcanic paths. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides will immerse you in coffee farms, rainforest sounds, and volcanic vistas, leaving you with lasting memories of Costa Rica’s spirited hospitality and natural wonder.

Big Multi Family Group Adventure

Costa Rica

8 days | $$

Sisters Adventure Together

Incredible tours, hotels, and communities.

Sisters Adventure Together

Costa Rica

11 days | $$$

60th birthday jungle adventure

If you like the outside at all, Costa Rica is for you! It truly is a rich coast. The diversity of wildlife is mind blowing. It is spectacular.

60th birthday jungle adventure

Costa Rica

10 days | $$$

Winter Romantic Adventure

The people are so friendly!

Winter Romantic Adventure

Costa Rica

9 days | $$

Costa Rica Two Family Journey

Lovely, relaxing country. Lots of activities, everything from lounging to adventure and more. Friendly people, tasty food, family-friendly.

Costa Rica Two Family Journey

Costa Rica

12 days | $$$

Matt and Fran’s Costa Rica holiday

Costa Rica has a diverse landscape and every area is unique and different. We easily rented a 4 wheel drive vehicle and drove from the Caribbean to the Pacific!

Matt and Fran’s Costa Rica holiday

Costa Rica

11 days | $$$

Family Time in Costa Rica

Michelle and her family embarked on a multi‑generational adventure in Costa Rica, where mist‑cloaked cloud forests meet surf‑kissed Pacific beaches, offering a vibrant contrast of cool heights and warm tides. Your journey weaves through Monteverde’s canopy zip lines and canyoning thrills, the turquoise Tenorio River’s Class III/IV rapids, and La Leona waterfall’s lush river tubing. Guided by local experts and supported by a comfortable van, your family will soak up Pura Vida hospitality, returning home with shared stories of soaring forests and surf‑side sunsets.

Family Time in Costa Rica

Costa Rica

8 days | $$$

Family Adventure Through Costa Rica

Rachel and her family of four spent a week moving across Costa Rica, from Arenal to the Pacific coast, with every transfer and tour arranged door to door. In Arenal they rode the Sky Adventures aerial tram and ziplines, took on the Balsa River's Class II–III rapids, and walked the EcoGarden trails to find sloths in their actual habitat, not a roadside stop, then the falls at La Fortuna. On the coast at Manuel Antonio they hiked the national park with a local guide, snorkeled the reef, and chased the Mulguri waterfall. As Rachel said, these weren't tours with twenty other tourists trailing the buses. They were the real thing, reachable only through local connections, with the family's days handled start to finish.

Family Adventure Through Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Anywhere Costa Rica

More Costa Rica Beaches

There's always more to discover in Costa Rica. From off-the-beaten-path gems to well-loved classics, these costa rica beaches are worth adding to your itinerary.

Playa Danta (Las Catalinas)

Playa Danta is a black-sand beach on the Guanacaste coast, located about 45 minutes north of Tamarindo and 15 minutes north of Playa Flamingo. It’s on the Catalinas Bay, which has calm water that makes it an excellent spot for swimming and Stand-Up Paddleboarding.

Playa Danta (Las Catalinas)

Destination

Quepos

Quepos allows tourists to experience a once in a lifetime nature experience in Manuel Antonio National Park without leaving any of the familiar amenities behind.  The close proximity of the park, located just 4.3 miles (7 km) to the south, and a wide array of services makes Quepos the perfect place to stay for those who wish to explore this enchanting area.  The amenities available include everything from banks, restaurants, hotels, gift shops, bakeries, bars, a hospital, supermarket and even a post office.

Quepos

Destination

Puerto Jimenez

Puerto Jiménez might be the best town from which to access Corcovado National Park. Located on the eastern coast of the Osa Peninsula, on the Dulce Gulf, this small town has plenty of hotels and activities to offer as well as being favorably located. From Puerto Jiménez, you can explore just about everything there is to offer, even take a ferry across the gulf to the colorful city of Golfito. Exploring the history of this small unhurried city may give you the impression of the Wild Wild West.

Puerto Jimenez

Destination

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!

Dominical

Destination

Ojochal, Playas Tortuga & Ventana

The town of Ojochal and its surrounding beaches provide solitude and the ideal setting for some rest and relaxation. Lush tropical forests melt into the sandy shores of the Pacific for tropical postcard scenery. Due to their location, these beaches are far less developed and visited than the more popular destinations.

Ojochal, Playas Tortuga & Ventana

Destination

Playa Grande

Separated from Tamarindo by the Matapalo River is Grande Beach (Playa Grande) located within Marino Las Baulas National Park, Grande Beach is the site of the arribadas of the leatherback turtle. In the past thousands of turtles barraged the coast to bury their eggs but the Leatherback population has drastically declined and in 2008 only 32 turtles arrived during the nesting season.

Playa Grande

Destination

Playa Hermosa Guanacaste

Hermosa, which means "beautiful" in Spanish, is an aptly named gray-sand beach that perches between two mountains. In fact there are two Playas Hermosa, the other being in the Central Pacific Coast near Jaco while Guanacaste's Playa Hermosa is situated between Playa del Coco and Playa Panama, Hermosa is seldom as crowded as its neighbors. It is a fabulous getaway for those seeking quality relaxation.

Playa Hermosa Guanacaste

Destination

Playa Avellana

Referred to by locals as "little Hawaii," Playa Avellana packs extraordinary offshore waves that can reach up to eighteen feet, making it an ideal destination for experienced surfers from around the world. Additionally, this secluded white sand beach invites tranquility and peace. It is a great spot to sit by the beachfront bar and take in the sights and sounds of the ocean. A very special feature of the beach is "Lola", the 400 kg pig that will be there to welcome you at the beach bar or in the shallow parts of the surf.

Playa Avellana

Destination

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.

Cahuita

Destination

Manzanillo

The mellow village of Manzanillo is set along the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. It’s located within the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife and Marine Refuge and is known for its pristine white sand beaches.

Manzanillo

Destination

Cabo Matapalo

Situated on the tip of the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica, the small town of Cabo Matapalo provides visitors with backdoor access into some of the country's most beautiful and least visited places: Corcovado National Park, Golfo Dulce, and Isla del Cano

Cabo Matapalo

Destination

Playa Hermosa

Playa Hermosa on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is situated about 3 miles (5km) south of Jaco and is one of the best surf destinations in the country. There are two Playas Hermosa the other is in Guanacaste and is not a surfing beach.

Playa Hermosa

Destination

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.

Montezuma

Destination

Playa Potrero

Playa Potrero is a wonderfully tranquil place for passing the day, lying on warm sand, bathing in the sun and reading in the shade of palm trees. On the beach's north end, the small fishing village of Potrero looks to Playa Potrero and its bay. Toward the southern end, sits the chic beach community of Playa Flamingo.

Playa Potrero

Destination

Playa Flamingo

This mile-long, crescent-shaped beach, also known as Playa Blanca (White Beach), is as beautiful as any of the famed beaches in Costa Rica. Among the first of Costa Rica's beaches to receive international attention, Flamingo Beach has evolved into one of the country's most lavish areas.

Playa Flamingo

Destination

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.

Carate

Destination

Playa Ocotal

Playa Ocotal is a wonderfully peaceful place to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in the sun. Scenic hills and cliffs hem in the beach, and the Catalina Islands sit just offshore. The quaint village of Playa Ocotal is located a few minutes south of the popular beach town of Playas del Coco, where visitors can find numerous restaurants and nightlife options.

Playa Ocotal

Destination

Papagayo Gulf

The northern Guanacaste shoreline looks out over the expansive Gulf of Papagayo (Golfo de Papagayo), the setting for Costa Rica's premier luxury resorts and most sought after beaches. Immersed in stunning natural beauty, it is no wonder that the gulf is experiencing an unprecedented boom in the construction of all inclusive resort complexes.

Papagayo Gulf

Destination

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.

Playa Conchal

Destination

Punta Leona

Set along the extraordinarily beautiful Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Punta Leona is a vitally important, 750-acre (300-hectare) nature reserve. Though widely unknown to the masses, this reserve is remarkably diverse and unique in its attraction, as it helps to protect crucial transitional forests within the country.

Punta Leona

Destination

Playa Esterillos

No crowds, chocolate colored beaches, and great surf best describe the beaches of Esterillos. You may never see another person as you stroll down the beaches where palms and almond trees line the forest edge and the clear blue waters invite you to go for a swim. This serene, contiguous stretch of beach is made up of Esterillos Oeste to the west and Esterillos Este to the east, appropriately, where you will find plenty of accommodations laced throughout.

Playa Esterillos

Destination

Tambor

The small fishing hamlet of Tambor sits not far from Curu National Wildlife Refuge. As a laid back, mixed-community of locals and foreign retirees, Tambor is nestled in an open volcanic valley, surrounded by forested hills. Its beach, Playa Tambor, is an exceptional location for swimming. The surf is calm, and the sea is a gleaming aquamarine. Golf, tennis, and other activities are available in and around the town of Tambor, making this a favorite destination for those seeking developed tourism facilities within a quiet town. Day trips to nearby Cabo Blanco Reserve or the Guayabo and Negritos Islands give visitors great opportunities to experience the Nicoya's remarkable wildlife.

Tambor

Destination

Playa Del Coco

Coco Beach (Playa del Coco) is well known for its popularity with Costa Rica's youth. Seeking fun in the sun, many people pack the beach from end to end on weekends. Although the town is only a small fishing village, Coco has built great tourism infrastructure, and it is one of the most frequently visited locations in the country with plenty of tours and activities to do. Its white-grey sands sit in a horseshoe-bay and stretch three kilometers to Centinela Point.

Playa Del Coco

Destination

Puntarenas

Puntarenas sits on a long, narrow peninsula in the Gulf of Nicoya on the Central Pacific Coast. The area is blessed with large amounts of sunshine and warmth. Like the name of the town Puntarenas is the Province it lays in and stretches as far south as Panama. This stretch has fantastic flora and fauna, radiant beaches, incredible eco adventure opportunities, and majestic national parks.

Puntarenas

Destination

Carrillo Beach

Three kilometers south of Samara Beach is its sister beach, Carrillo. Similar to Samara, Carrillo is a laidback beach town, but on a much smaller scale than its larger neighbor. Here, visitors can indulge in some quality rest and relaxation as distractions are few and noise is minimal. This beach, which has stunning views and sunsets, is easily one of the best in Costa Rica. Instead of the development seen lining many of Costa Rica's most popular beaches, you'll see nothing but palm trees on Carrillo's empty shore.

Carrillo Beach

Destination

Pavones

Pavones is a small town located in the southern Pacific Zone about 1 1/2 hour drive from Golfito. The little pueblo exists almost entirely for surf tourists who make the journey for the left point break that runs the entire length of the village of Pavones. Being the only surf destination south of Domical, Pavones is the end of the road and a little out of the way. However for the opportunity to catch rides that will make your legs ache it is well worth the journey.

Pavones

Destination

Playa Negra

Playa Negra is a beautiful dark-sand beach famous in the surfing community for its right-hand barrel waves. The beach lays on the Pacific coast in Costa Rica's hot province of Guanacaste. Its location sits in close proximity to other popular beach breaks including "Little Hawaii"? on Playa Avellanas, a short 10-minute drive away.

Playa Negra

Destination

Playa Panama

Panama Beach (Playa Panama) is located a short distance away from Playa Hermosa, on the southern point of Culebra Bay. Panama's 1-mile (2 km) dark-sand beach is ideal for visitors seeking quality rest and relaxation, and it offers a selection of moderately priced to luxurious lodging. Take a stroll under the swaying brazilwood, sarno, and mesquite trees, or enjoy a swim in Panama's calm surf waters.

Playa Panama

Destination

Paquera

Paquera is one of the quaint towns on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. There is a ferry between Puntarenas and Paquera.

Paquera

Destination

Corcovado

Located on the wild and untamed Osa Peninsula, the Corcovado National Park embodies Costa Rica's most truly splendid wonders. Breathtaking rainforests, rugged natural beauty, secluded and untouched beaches await the arrival of eco adventurers and wildlife admirers, alike. Prepare to be touched, moved and inspired by the unforgettable beauty of this area.

Corcovado

Destination

Manzanillo Beach

Due north of the surfer's paradise, Santa Teresa, is the rural beach hamlet of Manzanillo, a late comer to tourism that is just now coming into its own. While tourism services are few, this tiny village overlooks a stunning white-sand beach that makes its way to the blue green waters of the Pacific.

Manzanillo Beach

Destination

Playa Palo Seco

This is the beach on the central coast, located about a 45-minute drive west of Quepos and about a 3-hour drive from San José.

Playa Palo Seco

Destination

Culebra Bay

The large arc-shaped Culebra Bay (Bahia Culebra) epitomizes the world-class beaches of northwestern Guanacaste. In the back drop of these pristine aquamarine waters is the majestic Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, just beyond the scrub covered highlands that rises from the warm Pacific.

Culebra Bay

Destination

Bahia Salinas

Bahia Salinas is located in the far northwestern corner of the Guanacaste Province, near the border with Nicaragua. It is a remote and often windswept destination with scenic bay views and charming, untouched beaches. It is a relaxing place to experience rural Costa Rica and nature, and it can be a thrilling location for world-class wind surfing and kite boarding.

Bahia Salinas

Destination

Playa Zancudo

A long stretch of black sand backed by coconut palms and almond trees forms the idyllic setting for Playa Zancudo. Located along the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica in the Golfo Dulce, Playa Zancudo is a beautiful and untouched area that sees significantly fewer tourists than other parts of the country. The atmosphere here is laid-back, and a variety of activities ensures that visitors will be occupied as much (or as little) as they'd like to be.

Playa Zancudo

Destination

Brasilito Beach

Nestled along parts of Guanacaste's most lovely coastline is Brasilito Beach, a sprawling grey-sand beach and charming town. This hamlet is substantially less developed and visited than the neighboring Conchal and Flamingo Beaches, but is an ideal getaway spot for vacationers seeking a low key destination with plenty of local flair.

Brasilito Beach

Destination

Playa Coyote

Playa Coyote is one of several pristine beaches along the relatively remote shores of the Nicoya Peninsula's southwestern edge. As one of the best beaches in Costa Rica, Playa Coyote is a long horseshoe-shaped bay with soft sand. It is fringed with tall coconut palms, and dissecting the bay, Rio Jabillo sustains a fascinating mangrove estuary that teems with birdlife.

Playa Coyote

Destination

Playa Junquillal

Playa Junquillal is located along the northern pacific coast in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. Playa Junquillal and its surrounding beaches are a favorite among locals due to its close proximity to Santa Cruz a typical bustling Costa Rican town and one of Guanacaste's largest comercial centers.

Playa Junquillal

Destination

Punta Islita

A sun worshiper's paradise- with golden sunshine, brilliant sunsets, and breathtaking beaches- the quaint community of Punta Islita makes for an outstanding beach vacation. In addition to its pristine natural beaches, the tucked away village of Punta Islita contains a "bustling artistic community" and a lovely local arts museum.

Punta Islita

Destination

Matapalo Guanacaste

Matapalo is a small town in the Guanacaste region, near the Pacific Coast. It is a 10-minute drive from beaches along the Tamarindo Bay, like Playa Grande and Playa Ventanas. From Matapalo it takes 15 minutes to drive to Las Baulas National Marine Park. Matapalo has a few stores and small park.

Matapalo Guanacaste

Destination

Matapalo

Just off the beaten track, yet possessing all of the natural beauty of the Central Pacific, Matapalo is an escape from the typical tourist destination. Those who enjoy enchanting beaches and great sunsets will be thrilled to divert from the larger tourist crowds and enjoy this pristine area. The town of Matapalo, about 20 miles (32 km) south of Quepos, is where you can find yourself caught in between scenic beaches and striking forests full of mango, palm and coconut trees.

Matapalo

Destination

Playa Bejuco

Playa Bejuco is only about 35km north of Manuel Antonio and about 30 km south from Jaco but the atmosphere could not be more distant from the more popular destinations. The beach is pristine and clean with a Blue Flag rating, is a popular nesting area for birds and even has some pretty good surf from time to time.

Playa Bejuco

Destination

Playa Lagarto

Playa Lagarto is on the Pacific Coast, an hour north of Nosara and an hour south of Tamarindo. This is a remote area with fewer crowds and good surf.

Playa Lagarto

Destination

Playa Barrigona

Playa Barrigona is a stunning beach on Costa Rica’s glimmering Nicoya Peninsula. Because it’s not easy to find, the beach has a reputation for gorgeous, tranquil emptiness.

Playa Barrigona

Destination

Playa Azul

Playa Azul is a stunning beach, named for its mile-long stretch of dark, almost cobalt blue sand and azure sea. As one of Costa Rica's most exclusive gems, this remote Guanacaste beach sits off the beaten track, and it has only recently opened to tourists. It is a tranquil and tropical haven, surrounded by lush, verdant forest, and it is a virtual paradise for those who really want to 'get away from it all.'

Playa Azul

Destination

Garza

Garza is a quiet beachside town on the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, right next to the Pacific Ocean. At the local beach, palm trees and white sand border a bright blue ocean. Under the right conditions surfers can catch chest-high waves in Garza Bay, although the waves are usually fairly gentle. Large cliffs frame both ends of the beach.

Garza

Destination

Esterillos Oeste

Esterillos Oeste is a small town on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, in the province of Puntarenas. This town’s main attraction is Esterillos Beach, which has excellent surfing conditions all year round. The beach has dark sand, and palm trees crowd the strip of land between the town and the beach.

Esterillos Oeste

Destination

Playa Blanca Costa Rica

Playa Blanca (or “White Beach” in English) sits on the coast of the isolated Osa Peninsula, on a body of water called the Golfo Dulce. This environment is hot, humid, and tropical. Rain falls here frequently, and it is one of the top 25 most bio-diverse locations in the world.

Playa Blanca Costa Rica

Destination

Playa Real (Royal Beach)

North of Tamarindo and south of Playa Conchal is the smaller but equally impressive getaway of Playa Real. This sandy, sun cloaked hamlet provides the ideal escape for those wishing to explore some immaculate beaches relinquishing shades of white and pink blending into the iridescent aquamarine waters best enjoyed in the shade of a swaying hammock with a cool ocean breeze.

Playa Real (Royal Beach)

Destination

Playa Cocles

Playa Cocles is a small village on the Atlantic Coast south of Puerto Viejo, Limon in the Caribbean lowland Zone. Strikingly beautiful beaches, lush greenery and a relaxed atmosphere is what you'll experience in this region. This culturally rich area is a unique blend of Latino, Afro-Caribbean and Bribri indigenous cultures living side by side.

Playa Cocles

Destination

Limon

Puerto Limón, or simply Limón, is the heart and soul of the Caribbean coastal province of Limón. This is the region's largest city, with a population of approximately 85,000, including the surrounding districts. The inhabitants are mostly comprised of Afro-Caribbean ancestry, giving the city a completely unique appeal in a country that is over 90 percent mestizo. Although not considered a very touristy city, Puerto Limón is not without its charm.

Limon

Destination

Playa Ostional

Ever since the 1960s, Playa Ostional has been a major nesting site for Ridley sea turtles, and leatherback turtles frequent this beach in smaller numbers. This beach is an essential part of sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica.

Playa Ostional

Destination

Golfo de Santa Elena

Situated within the northwestern reaches of the Guanacaste region, the Golfo de Santa Elena provides visitors with sun-dappled beaches, thriving forests, and a bountiful Pacific Ocean. The small fishing village of Cuajiniquil is the largest population center nearby, meaning that a trip here is sure to be both tranquil and secluded.

Golfo de Santa Elena

Destination

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