The 12 most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica

Welcome to Costa Rica, a sun-soaked haven that beckons travelers with its breathtaking beaches. In this article, we’ll explore the 12 most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, providing you with essential details to plan your idyllic beach escape. Let’s dive in! 

Costa Rica is a true paradise for beach enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of stunning coastal destinations. You seek thrilling surf breaks, tranquil shores, or an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, Costa Rica’s beaches have it all. Explore lively beach towns. Engage in exciting water sports and enjoy the natural beauty of the country. The beaches of Costa Rica are waiting for you to give an unforgettable vacation.

Below is a list of 12 beaches with information:

1. Manuel Antonio Beach:

Location: Located within Manuel Antonio National Park, near Quepos, Puntarenas province.

Nestled within Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast. Manuel Antonio Beach boasts unspoiled beauty and abundant wildlife. Surrounded by lush rainforests.  This beach offers the chance to spot monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds. To get there is accessible by road or a short hike through the park. Indulge in fresh seafood and local cuisine at the beachfront restaurants. Respect the park’s guidelines for interacting with wildlife and be cautious of your belongings. Beach equipment can be rented for a comfortable beach experience.

Admission Fee: $16 for adults, $5 for children (park entrance fee).

Special Event: Witness awe-inspiring whale migrations from December to April.

Must-Visit Nearby Attraction: Explore the park’s diverse trails and enjoy panoramic views from its stunning lookout points.

2.Tamarindo Beach:

Location: Situated in the province of Guanacaste, approximately 1 hour from Liberia International Airport.

SItuated on the northern Pacific coast. It is a hotspot for water sports enthusiasts and boasts a lively atmosphere. Tamarindo Beach is renowned as one of Costa Rica’s prime surfing destinations, attracting beginners and seasoned surfers. To get there, easily accessible by road. Explore the beachside eateries and savor a delectable range of fresh seafood and local delicacies. Surfboards and snorkeling gear are available for rent, allowing visitors to fully embrace the beach’s water activities.

Special Event: Don’t miss the Tamarindo Art Wave Festival held in November, which showcases the vibrant local and international art scene.

Must-Visit Nearby Attraction: Embark on a boat tour to the nearby Marino Las Baulas National Park, where you can witness the nesting rituals of the magnificent leatherback turtles, the largest marine turtles in the world

3. Santa Teresa Beach:

Location: Situated on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula in the province of Puntarenas.

Santa Teresa Beach is a hidden gem on the Nicoya Peninsula, offering a tranquil and laid-back atmosphere.It is a famous surfing spot, attracting surfers from everywhere. You can get there by scenic road from San Jose, then by ferry and by coastal road. Explore the nearby beach bars and restaurants, offering a variety of international and local cuisines. Surfboards and boogie boards are available for rent, allowing visitors to enjoy the world-class surf breaks.

Special Event: Experience the enchanting Envision Festival in February, combining music, art, and spirituality.

Must-Visit Nearby Attraction: Discover the neighboring Montezuma Waterfall and enjoy a refreshing dip in its pools.

4.Playa Conchal:

Location: Situated in Guanacaste province, near the town of Brasilito.

Playa Conchal, known for its unique seashell sand, is a picturesque beach located on the country’s northern Pacific coast. The sand at Playa Conchal is composed of finely crushed seashells, creating a mesmerizing golden hue.Savor delicious seafood and local dishes at the nearby beachfront restaurants and eateries. You can get there by road, about an hour’s drive from Liberia International Airport. To diversify your stay on the beach, you can rent beach and scuba diving equipment.

Special Event: Witness nesting sea turtles from October to February along the beach.

Must-Visit Nearby Attraction: Explore the nearby Las Baulas National Marine Park, a protected nesting site for leatherback turtles.

5.Playa Flamingo:

Location: Situated on the north coast of the Pacific Ocean. In the province of Guanacaste.

Playa Flamingo is a pristine crescent-shaped beach with turquoise waters and stunning sunsets. It is known for its vibrant underwater ecosystem, which makes it a real paradise for scuba divers. The coastal restaurants and cafes serve a variety of international and local cuisine. You can drive from Liberia International Airport in about 1.5 hours, or book a transfer. You can rent beach equipment and kayaks.

Special Event: Enjoy the Marina Flamingo Fishing Tournament held annually, showcasing the area’s rich marine life.

Must-Visit Nearby Attraction: Embark on a sailing excursion from the marina and explore the nearby Catalina Islands, famous for their exceptional scuba diving spots.

6.Montezuma Beach:

Location: Situated on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. In the province of Puntarenas.

Montezuma Beach is a calm and bohemian paradise. It is known for its pristine shores and vibrant cultural life. Montezuma Beach is surrounded by lush tropical forests. They offer ideal conditions for exploring nature trails and waterfalls.It can be reached by land and sea transportation, including a ferry ride and a scenic drive. Discover the beachside eateries and organic cafes, offering a fusion of international and local flavors. For lovers of water sports, surfboards, paddleboards, and kayaks can be rented.

Special Event: Celebrate the vibrant Montezuma International Film Festival held annually, showcasing a variety of international films.

Must-Visit Nearby Attraction: Visit the nearby Montezuma Waterfall and cool off in its refreshing pools, or explore the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve for an immersive wildlife experience.

7. Playa Hermosa:

Location: Located on the north coast of the Pacific Ocean. In the province of Guanacaste, near the city of Playas del Coco.

The name of this place means “beautiful beach” in Spanish.  It offers an unspoilt coastline and mesmerizing natural beauty.Playa Hermosa is a famous surfing destination, attracting professional surfers from everywhere. Liberia International Airport can be reached in about 30 minutes by car.Visit the coastal restaurants and bars offering a variety of dishes – from local delicacies to international cuisine. Pay attention to the surf conditions and listen to the recommendations of local lifeguards on safe swimming. Surfboards and boogie-woogie boards can be rented from local surf shops. 

Special event: Take part in the annual international surfing championship Quiksilver Surf. It will take place in August with the participation of world-class surfers.

Be sure to visit the nearby attraction: you can go scuba diving on the Catalina Islands.  To discover the vibrant marine flora and fauna.

8.Playa Dominical:

Location: Located on the South Pacific coast, in the province of Puntarenas.

Playa Dominical is a surfer’s paradise with its powerful waves. With breathtaking sunsets and unspoilt nature. Playa Dominical is part of the Marino Ballena National Park.  It is a protected area known for its whale watching opportunities. You can get there by road, about 3 hours from San Jose. Visit nearby beach cafes and enjoy local cuisine, including freshly caught seafood. Surfboards and boogie-woogie boards can be rented from local surf shops. Visitors can ride the famous waves.

Special event: Witness the spectacular migration of humpback whales from December to April.

Be sure to visit the nearby attraction: take a walk to the breathtaking natural waterfalls, where you can swim in natural pools among the lush jungle.

9.Santa Teresa Beach:

Location: Located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, in the province of Puntarenas.

Santa Teresa Beach is a surfer’s paradise offering steady waves, pristine sand and a vibrant beach town atmosphere. It is known for its stunning sunsets, creating a magical atmosphere for evening walks on the beach. You can get there by road, about 4 hours from San Jose, including the ferry crossing. Discover a variety of dishes at the coastal restaurants serving international and local cuisine. Surfboards and boogie boards can be rented, which corresponds to the culture of beach surfing. Be careful while surfing, as the waves can be powerful, and be aware of possible rip currents.

Special event: Immerse yourself in the Envision Festival, which is held annually in February and combines music, art and environmental friendliness.

Be sure to visit a nearby attraction: Explore the nearby Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, where you can experience the diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.

10.Playa Grande:

Location: Located on the north coast of the Pacific Ocean, in the province of Guanacaste, near Tamarindo.

Playa Grande, a calm and picturesque beach, it offers offers unspoilt natural beauty. Playa Grande is one of the largest nesting sites for the endangered leatherback turtle in the world. They provide a unique opportunity to observe their nesting rituals. Respect the nesting turtles and follow the recommendations of local conservation organizations to ensure their protection. You can reach it by road, about 1-hour drive from Liberia International Airport. Surfboards and boogie-woogie boards can be rented from local surf shops specializing in beach surfing culture. Visit nearby beach restaurants and local eateries offering a variety of dishes, from traditional Costa Rican to international.

Special event: Immerse yourself in the magic of the turtle nesting season from October to February. Where you can witness the incredible spectacle of baby turtles hatching and their way to the ocean.

Be sure to visit a nearby attraction: Take a short boat ride to Las Baulas National Marine Park. Where you can explore mangroves and observe many species of birds and other wildlife.

11.Playa Carrillo:

Location: Located on the Nicoya Peninsula. It is in the province of Guanacaste, near the city of Samara.

Playa Carrillo is a hidden gem known for its calm turquoise waters and palm-fringed coastline. Playa Carrillo is invariably awarded the Blue Flag certificate. This is a recognition of her commitment to environmental sustainability and cleanliness. You can get there by road, about 4 hours from San Jose, including the ferry crossing. Visit nearby restaurants and cafes on the beach. They offer a wide selection of seafood dishes and refreshing tropical drinks. For a comfortable stay on the beach, you can rent beach equipment.

Special Event: Enjoy the Carrillo Festival.  Which will held annually in January and includes live music, local cuisine and cultural events.

Be sure to visit a nearby attraction: Visit the nearby Camaronal Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a protected area known for its nesting sea turtles, and go on a guided turtle watching tour.

12.Playa Hermosa (Jaco):

Location: Located on the central Pacific coast. In the province of Puntarenas, in the lively town of Jaco.

Playa Hermosa offers an unspoilt beach with its dark volcanic sand and breathtaking sunsets.Playa Hermosa is a famous surfing spot where international surfing competitions are held because of the constant and powerful waves. You can reach the beach by road from San Jose in 2 hours. Visit the coastal restaurants and bars offering a variety of dishes. It serves dishes ranging from local seafood to international cuisine. Surfboards and boogie boards can be rented from local surf shops.

Special event: Witness the exciting international surfing championship Quicksilver Surf, which is held annually in August.

Be sure to visit a nearby attraction: Take an exciting canopic zipline tour through the nearby rainforest, or explore Karara National Park. It is known for its rich biological diversity and vibrant bird life.

In conclusion, Costa Rica is a treasure trove of breathtakingly beautiful beaches that will leave you in awe of their natural splendor. From the vibrant shores of Playa Tamarindo to the tranquil Playa Blanca, each beach offers its unique charm and attractions. Whether you’re seeking adventure through surfing or simply looking to relax and unwind on pristine sands, Costa Rica has it all.

These 12 beautiful beaches in Costa Rica offer a diverse range of experiences, from thrilling surf breaks to serene coastal getaways. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover. Or simply seeking relaxation under the sun, Costa Rica’s stunning beaches have something for everyone. Plan your visit, soak up the sun and create unforgettable memories in a tropical paradise.

With their crystal-clear water and powdery sand. Mesmerizing sunsets in these places, these beaches offer a break from the daily hustle and bustle. From the lively Playa Jaco beach to the secluded Playa Conchal Beach.  They have their own character and charm.

Feel like a part of the vibrant coastal culture. Try your hand at surfing, snorkel among colorful marine life.  Or just relax in the shade of swaying palm trees. The beaches of Costa Rica are not only amazing, but also provide an opportunity to get in touch with nature and plunge into the lifestyle of Pura Vida.

Get ready for an unforgettable vacation. So pack your swimsuit, grab your sunscreen and plunge into paradise on the beach of Costa Rica. Exploring the Pacific coast or venturing to the hidden gems of the Nicoya Peninsula, you’ll be greeted with warm hospitality, stunning vistas, and memories to last a lifetime. Discover the magic of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches and let them sweep you away into a world of pure bliss and natural beauty.