Best Beaches in Costa Rica – Unleash Your Inner Beach Bum!
For some of us, summers are invariably related to beaches, and rightfully so. The serene and clear waters and the sparkly sand fill many of us with instant happy memories. And anyone who’s a fan of nature and up for witnessing some of the most exquisite beaches in America, should take a look at the Costa Rican Beaches! So, if you are a beach person and all-in for a wild adventure, here are our top 13 recommendations for you to choose from.
Table of Contents
Best Beaches in Costa Rica for Activities
Best Beaches in Costa Rica for
Surfing and Water Sports
Playa Salsa Brava
Playa Salsa Brava is a renowned surfing destination, celebrated for its excellent wave conditions and breathtaking sunsets. The beach attracts visitors from around the world, making it a vibrant spot for both adventure and relaxation. Its picturesque views, especially during sunrise and sunset, enhance the overall experience.
Location
Playa Salsa Brava is located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, near the charming beach town of Puerto Viejo. Its proximity to Puerto Viejo allows visitors to easily access various amenities and attractions.
Surfing and Watersports
The beach is particularly famous for its outstanding surfing conditions, catering to surfers of all skill levels. In addition to surfing, Playa Salsa Brava offers opportunities for camping, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Tourists can also explore the lively bars and restaurants in nearby Puerto Viejo for a taste of local culture.
Playa Negra
Playa Negra is famously known as a surfer’s paradise, celebrated for its exceptional waves and surf breaks. The beach gained additional recognition as a filming location for the cult classic surf movie, “Endless Summer II.” With its laid-back vibe and calming atmosphere, it serves as an ideal escape for visitors seeking relaxation.
Location
Playa Negra is located south of Tamarindo in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica. Its convenient position makes it easily accessible for both tourists and locals.
Surfing and Watersports
Renowned for its top-notch surfing conditions, Playa Negra attracts surfers of all levels. In addition to surfing, the beach offers a variety of famous cafes and local restaurants, as well as accommodation options ranging from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly stays, ensuring a well-rounded experience for all types of travelers.
Best Beaches in Costa Rica for
Snorkeling and Diving
Playa Conchal
Playa Conchal is celebrated for its picturesque scenery and approximately 10 hours of sunlight daily from December to April. The beach is uniquely adorned with countless conch shells, which contribute to its name. It offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for sunbathing and experiencing the essence of Costa Rican culture.
Location
Playa Conchal is located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and accessibility, making it a popular destination for visitors.
Snorkeling and Diving
While Playa Conchal is not suitable for surfing, it provides excellent opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. The clear waters are ideal for exploring marine life, making it a great spot for those looking to enjoy underwater adventures.
Playa Mal País
Playa Mal País is renowned for its perfect blend of fun activities, a lively atmosphere, and stunning landscapes. The beach is one of the most famous in Puntarenas, drawing visitors with its mesmerizing waves and vibrant beach scene, featuring various bars, hotels, and restaurants.
Location
Playa Mal País is part of the Santa Teresa and Carmen group of beaches, located in the Puntarenas region of Costa Rica. Its scenic surroundings and accessibility make it a must-visit destination.
Snorkeling and Diving
In addition to its lively environment, Playa Mal País offers numerous water sports activities, including surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. While surfing is particularly popular due to the impressive waves, the beach also provides excellent opportunities for underwater exploration, making it a great spot for adventure seekers.
Best Family Friendly Beaches in Costa Rica
Playa Uvita
Playa Uvita boasts a picturesque landscape, offering visitors a variety of activities to enjoy in a serene, secluded environment. With opportunities for water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking, as well as horseback riding and beach walks, there’s something for everyone. The beach is also known for its ideal swimming conditions, making it a perfect spot for relaxation.
Location
Playa Uvita is located in the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica, within the boundaries of Marino Ballena National Park. Its natural estuaries and mangrove swamps contribute to its unique ecosystem and scenic beauty.
Family Friendly
Playa Uvita is a family-friendly destination, providing a safe and welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages. While the beach encourages outdoor activities, it is important to note that hunting and fishing are prohibited due to its status as a national park. Families can enjoy hiking, island tours, and the stunning natural surroundings, making it an excellent choice for a memorable getaway.
Playa del Coco
Playa del Coco is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and is considered one of the most iconic beaches in Costa Rica. Loved by both locals and tourists, it features pleasant weather and calm waters, making it a popular holiday destination. The beach is often bustling with visitors, creating a lively environment perfect for socializing and enjoying local cuisine.
Location
Playa del Coco is located in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. As one of the oldest tourist destinations in the country, it offers easy access to a range of attractions.
Family Friendly
Playa del Coco is a family-friendly beach, offering a welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages. While it can be crowded and lively, with numerous parties and entertainment options, it also provides a variety of amenities, including casinos, hotels, shopping avenues, and rental apartments, making it a convenient choice for families looking to have fun together.
Best Secluded Beaches in Costa Rica
Best Beaches in Costa Rica for
Remote Getaways
Playa Chiquita
Playa Chiquita is known for its clear blue waters and sparkling white sand, making it a picturesque destination for visitors. The beach offers a range of activities and natural beauty, allowing guests to unwind and enjoy various adventures, from snorkeling to horseback riding.
Location
Playa Chiquita is located along the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, accessible through a stretch of tropical rainforest that provides a sense of seclusion from the main road.
Remote Getaways
Playa Chiquita is ideal for those seeking a remote getaway, particularly for romantic vacations. However, it’s important to note that the beach is known for its clothing-optional atmosphere, which may not appeal to everyone. This aspect makes it less suitable for families or visitors with conservative preferences, creating a unique environment for those who appreciate a more laid-back beach experience.
Playa Flamingo
Playa Flamingo is highly regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in South America. With its crescent-shaped shoreline, glittery white sand, and clear waters, the beach offers an enchanting atmosphere that captivates visitors. It also boasts the world’s largest marina, making it a favorite among boating and water sports enthusiasts.
Location
Playa Flamingo is situated on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and is known for its stunning natural beauty. It is easily accessible and serves as a popular destination for tourists exploring the region.
Remote Getaways
Playa Flamingo is an ideal spot for those seeking a remote getaway. Its peaceful environment allows visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Guests can enjoy leisurely strolls along the shore or relax while watching the sunset, making it a perfect place for tranquility and relaxation.
Best Beaches in Costa Rica for
Hidden Gems
Playa Montezuma
Playa Montezuma is renowned for its long stretch of sandy white beach and picturesque views. With a bohemian atmosphere and a remote, secluded setting, it provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The beach is popular among a diverse crowd, including trekkers, backpackers, and couples seeking a romantic getaway.
Location
Playa Montezuma is located in the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. The beach is easily accessible and features a scenic hiking trail that connects it to the nearby surfing beach, Playa Grande.
Hidden Gem
Often considered a hidden gem, Playa Montezuma boasts charming wooden houses, delightful restaurants, and cozy hotels scattered around the beach. This unique combination enhances the overall experience, making it an ideal destination for those looking to unwind and enjoy nature in a tranquil environment.
Playa Tortuguero
Tortuguero is renowned for its annual green sea turtle migrations, which occur between mid-July and mid-October. In addition to turtles, the area is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including manatees, jaguars, sloths, and crocodiles. Visitors can also spot the rarer leatherback turtle by visiting from February to April. Access to the beach is limited, requiring travel by boat or plane, and guided tours are recommended for navigation and safety.
Location
Playa Tortuguero is located north of Limón City along the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Its remote setting makes it one of the country’s most secluded destinations.
Hidden Gem
Playa Tortuguero is often considered a hidden gem due to its unique wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty. The beach’s status as part of a national park adds to its allure, offering an authentic experience for nature lovers. Visitors should remain cautious of common scams and thoroughly vet their guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Best Beaches in Costa Rica for Social Atmospheres
Best Beaches in Costa Rica for
Social Hubs
Playa Samara
Playa Samara is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, featuring enchanting blue waters and a classic beach town vibe. Known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, it is also one of the safest, making it an ideal spot for families to relax, sunbathe, and engage in various water sports activities.
Location
Playa Samara is located in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica, approximately two hours from Liberia Airport. Its accessible location makes it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
Social Hub
Beyond the beach, the main town of Samara offers a vibrant social scene with numerous boutiques, restaurants, and shopping spots. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely shopping spree or savor local cuisine, making it a lively hub for socializing and exploring the culture of the area.
Playa Tamarindo
Playa Tamarindo is renowned for its excellent surfing conditions and vibrant beach atmosphere. As part of Las Baulas National Park, the beach offers a beautiful blend of lush greenery and lively activity. It caters to a wide range of visitors, from surfers and adventure seekers to those looking to relax in the sun. The beach is also recognized for its eco-friendliness, having been awarded Costa Rica’s Blue Flag.
Location
Playa Tamarindo is situated in the popular town of Tamarindo, located on the Pacific coast of Guanacaste province, Costa Rica. Its prime location makes it easily accessible to both locals and tourists.
Social Hub
Tamarindo is a bustling social hub filled with interesting bars, restaurants, and shops. Visitors can enjoy the local nightlife and cuisine, making it a lively destination for socializing. Additionally, nature lovers can explore nearby attractions like La Leona Waterfall, which is just a short distance from the town, adding to the area’s appeal.
Playa Jaco
Playa Jaco is known for its vibrant and energetic atmosphere, characterized by its radiant sandy landscape, lush forests, and captivating palm trees. As one of the liveliest beaches in Costa Rica, it attracts both tourists and surfers with its dynamic waves and diverse food outlets, making it a popular destination for fun and adventure.
Location
Playa Jaco is located on the central coast of Costa Rica, nestled between Puntarenas to the south and Manuel Antonio to the north. It’s convenient location makes it easily accessible for travelers.
Social Hub
Playa Jaco is a bustling social hub, famous for hosting lively beach parties and events that transform the nightlife into an exciting experience. With a variety of restaurants and bars, visitors can enjoy delicious food and vibrant entertainment, solidifying Jaco’s reputation as a traveler’s delight and a place for unforgettable experiences.
Conclusion of the Best Beaches in Costa Rica
This is the end of our long list of beaches that you must visit. Every beach in Costa Rica has some factor or another that makes it unique and different from the rest. With many famous options and many secluded ones, you can pick the ones that resonate with your interests the most! Also if you’re traveling to Costa Rica for the first time, then we suggest you go through some of our articles regarding the various scams, tourist destinations, gas stations in Costa Rica, and more. These will not only help you make the most out of your trip but also have you a lot of hassle of traveling to a whole new country.
Who Are We . . .
At La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike, we pride ourselves on being the highest rated tour company in the Rincon de la Vieja area, and quite possibly all of Costa Rica. We specialize in providing unforgettable hiking tours to La Leona Waterfall, but we offer more than just hikes – we also provide exhilarating river tubing and zip-lining experiences. Our expertly trained tour guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge of Costa Rica and will ensure you have a fun, educational, and safe trip in Costa Rica.
With our top-rated tours, you can trust that your adventure with us will be the highlight of you trip to Costa Rica.
Our Tour Options
La Leona Waterfall Group and Private Tour
La Leona Waterfall provides the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. This hike will keep you on your toes as you climb in and out of the crystal-clear blue waters of the Rio Blanco. We have both group tours and private tours available to fit the specific needs of you and your group.
White Water River Tubing
Embark on an exciting tubing expedition down the refreshing blue river the Colorado River right next door to the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike. You will be guided through numerous rapids by expert tour guides the entire way.
Zip Lining Tour
If you want to add onto you action packed day, zip lining is a must do tour. You will go flying over the cannons in Costa Rica. Crossing over rivers and above trees. This gives you a one-of-a-kind view of Costa Rica.
