The 10 best beaches in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a country that offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From turquoise blue waters and white sand beaches to secluded bays with inlets and mangroves, there is something for everyone. The country is known for its diverse range of marine and coastal ecosystems, including coral reefs and mangrove swamps. Along its coastline, visitors can find a wide array of activities such as kayaking, surfing, and snorkeling, as well as a variety of restaurants serving fresh seafood.
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| best beaches in Costa Rica |
The nature of the beaches changes as you travel to different parts of the country. One thing they all have in common is warm water. In the northern part of the Nicoya Peninsula, you'll find many of the best beaches. In the dry season, it is not as green as the southern regions, but the sun is almost Always shine.
Costa Rica is a paradise for those seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. Its lush jungles, raging rivers, and stunning coastline provide an escape from the stress of everyday life. Among the most beautiful locations to visit in Costa Rica are its beaches. With a combination of white sand and clear blue waters, these beaches are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty that Costa Rica has to offer.
What is the best beach in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a beautiful country that is filled with endless natural beauty. Every year, thousands of people flock to the tropical nation to explore its stunning beaches. With over 800 miles of coastline, there are plenty of gorgeous beaches to discover in Costa Rica. One of the most popular spots is Playa Conchal, located in the Guanacaste Province.
Best beaches in Costa Rica map
Click on any beach on map to see more information
List of the top 10 beaches in Costa Rica
- Playa Flamingo
- Montezuma Beach
- Playa Carrillo
- Playa Hermosa
- Dominical Beach
- Jaco Beach
- Conchal Beach
- Manuel Antonio Beach
- Santa Teresa Beach
- Playa Tamarindo
1. Playa Flamingo
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| Playa Flamingo 1# of 10# best beaches in costa rica |
Playa Flamingo is located north of Playa Conchal. Unlike many beaches in Costa Rica that have dark brown or almost black sand, Flamingo Beach is almost white sand. The name comes from the fact that the white sand has a pink tinge when seen in the right light.
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The waves here are manageable, and the beach is a great place for swimming. It's rarely (if ever) crowded and doesn't have a ton of development along its waterfront. Instead, you'll find some mansions and seaside trees to give you a little respite from the harsh Costa Rican sun.
Best time to visit flamingo beach:
High season in Costa Rica starts in December and runs through April. This period is characterized by sunny days without precipitation and a large influx of tourists. Air temperature - above 30 °C, water - not below 25 °C. June to October is the rainy season, The weather prevails when the country is inundated with tropical downpours accompanied by harsh wind gusts. There is not much rain and less rain in November and May, so it is possible to travel. At this time, the cost of travel is reduced.
SWIMMING DETAILS:
- Good for swimming
- Depth increase - smooth
WATER:
- Turqoise blue
- Normal water, medium transparency
Audience:
- Senior travellers
- Relaxation connoisseurs
Natural features:
- Natural shadow
- Surrounded by mountains
- Cliffs
Infrastructure:
- Sun loungers and umbrellas
- Beach bar / eatery
- Toilets
- Pool
Activities:
- Beach volleyball
Conclusion: Playa Flamingo is perfect for travelers who want to relax and have amenities at their fingertips. The beautiful beaches, crisp waves and peaceful small-town vibe will leave you wanting more.
2. Montezuma Beach
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| Montezuma Beach 2# of 10# best beaches in costa rica |
Montezuma Beach is located on the Nicoya Peninsula. The beaches here are made up of taupe sand and rocky outcrops, with tide pools backed by swaying palm trees.
While the beach in front of the town is small by Costa Rican standards, if you head south along the beach you'll find more beaches with less people and more wildlife. If you time your visit right, you might see baby turtles being released into the ocean.
Some other nearby beaches almost merge into Montezuma Beach, including Las Manchas, Las Rocas and Los Cedros.
Montezuma is an affordable destination for backpackers, although there are some beautiful places to stay not far from town.
There are instructors on duty at the beach to teach those who want to learn the basics of surfing. The beach is located in a picturesque place among jungles and cliffs, where the main attraction of the resort - the waterfall.
In the village of Montezuma, cheap hotel apartments and hotels are available. Demanding tourists rent villa bungalows. A network of restaurants with various gastropub cafés has opened on the coast. There are supermarkets shops, farmers markets.
It is possible to travel from Tambor to Montezuma by taxi or rental car, where there is a small airport with domestic flights from Liberia and San Jose. Ferries run between Montezuma and Jaco. If you have a little luggage, you can rent a boat in Jaco.
Best time to visit Montezuma beach:
High season in Costa Rica starts in December and runs through April. This period is characterized by sunny days without precipitation and a large influx of tourists. Air temperature - above 30°C Water - not below 25°C. June to October is the rainy season, The weather prevails when the country is inundated with tropical downpours accompanied by harsh wind gusts. In November and May, there is not much rain and less rain, so it is possible to travel. At this time, the cost of travel is reduced.
SWIMMING DETAILS:
- Protected from waves - all beachshore
- Long tidal zone
- Depth increase - moderate
- Boats near the beach - some
WATER:
- Turqoise blue
- Crystall water, high transparency
Audience:
- Relaxation connoisseurs
Natural features:
- Natural shadow
- Surrounded by mountains
Infrastructure:
- Beach bar / eatery
- Toilets
3. playa carrillo
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| playa carrillo 3# of 10# best beaches in costa rica |
Carrillo Beach is ranked #1 of 10 best beaches in the Costa Rica region and is located 155.2 km from downtown San Jose. It is one of the beaches of the settlement of Puerto Carrillo, just 1.7 km from its centre. The beach is located in the urban area. It is partially covered by the tree's natural shade.
Carrillo Beach on the Nicoya Peninsula is the ideal location for those looking for wide sand, warm water and calm surf. Perhaps less famous than nearby Playa Samara, this place is a hidden gem.
The beach is quiet with no music played by local establishments. In fact, this beach is not developed at all. You'll find sandy water and palm trees. This is an ideal beach for families due to the gentle waves. Horseback riding is also prohibited on the beach.
Access and parking are easy. You simply lug your gear a short distance from the road behind the beach.
Activities:
- Sup-surfing
- Beach volleyball
Audience:
- Senior travellers
- Relaxation connoisseurs
- Vacationers of equipped campsites
Natural features:
- Natural shadow
Infrastructure:
- Sun loungers and umbrellas
- Beach bar / eatery
- Picnic area
- Toilets
Rental:
- Paddle Board rental
4. Playa Hermosa
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| Playa Hermosa 4# of 10# best beaches in costa rica |
Not to be confused with the beach of the same name north of Playa Hermosa near Jaco, it's one of Costa Rica's premier surfing spots. This is wide, dark-sand beach is backed by palm trees and has a decent variety of places to stay.
The waves here are big, especially at high tide. Several notable breaks create consistent riding conditions and the water is rarely congested. The most discussed breaks are Terrazas Backyard The Tree/Almendro The Curve Buda/Turtle Farms and Tulin/Tusubres.
The beach stretches along the Sunshine Coast within the boundaries of the settlement and is not difficult to reach. If you live not far from the beach, you can get there on foot. In this case, you are not limited to finding parking spaces or the timetable of public transport. What if you are to travel by car using only your navigator. Anyway, don't forget the availability of public transport and taxis.
Rental:
- Water entertainment rental
- Kayaks rental
Activities:
- Sea kayaking
Audience:
- Senior travellers
- Relaxation connoisseurs
- Travellers with pets
Natural features:
- Natural shadow
- Surrounded by mountains
Infrastructure:
- Sun loungers and umbrellas
- Beach bar / eatery
- Picnic area
- Toilets
- Beach changing rooms
- Kids playground
5. Dominical Beach
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| Dominical Beach 5# of 10# best beaches in costa rica |
Dominical Beach is a popular surf destination located on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, in the province of Puntarenas. It is known for its consistent waves and attracts surfers from around the world. The beach is also a popular spot for other water activities like swimming, boogie boarding, and paddleboarding. In addition to its natural beauty, Dominical has a laid-back atmosphere with a variety of accommodation options, restaurants, and bars.
Manuel Antonio Beach is a popular beach located in the Manuel Antonio National Park on Costa Rica's central Pacific coast in the province of Puntarenas. The beach is famous for its pristine white sand, crystal clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding rainforest. manuel antonio beach is part of A larger protected area includes rainforest beaches and coral reefs, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and beach lovers. The beach offers a range of activities including swimming, snorkelling and surfing, plus the chance to see a variety of wildlife including monkeys sloths and tropical birds.
The best surfing spots are near the mouth of the river, where waves are constantly forming at high tide. This is not a beginner's surf area. If you're new to the sport, it's best to head down the coast to Dominicalito, where the waves are less severe. This beautiful beach is less than a mile from the hotel.
SWIMMING DETAILS:
- Depth increase - smooth
- No wave's protection - strong waves
- Aqua socks recommended
WATER:
- Turqoise blue
- Normal water, medium transparency
Audience:
- Relaxation connoisseurs
6. Jaco Beach
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| Jaco Beach 6# of 10# best beaches in costa rica |
Jaco's beaches are a popular destination for families with children because the water is calm and shallow. The water here is very warm, but often cloudy due to the fine sand.
Playa Jaco is a wide, flat crescent of gray-black sand that stretches about 2.5 miles along the bay. It's great for walking and a great place to watch the sunset. Behind the beach is the town of Jaco, a lively place with many hotels, restaurants, shops and other amenities. you Anything you need can be found here.
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city and just relax, Jaco Beach is one of the best beaches in Costa Rica. Located on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, this stunning beach is known for its clear blue waters and white sand beach. Ideal for a holiday, there are plenty of activities to choose from in the area, whether it's relaxing on the beach and enjoying a day of surfing, or taking a boat trip to the surrounding islands. Additionally, travelers can enjoy delicious local cuisine, attend cultural events and explore Nearby towns and villages.
Activities:
- Surfing
- Beach volleyball
Audience:
- Families with children
- Senior travellers
- Relaxation connoisseurs
Natural features:
- Natural shadow
- Surrounded by mountains
Infrastructure:
- Sun loungers and umbrellas
- Beach bar / eatery
- Lifeguard
- Shower
- Toilets
- Beach changing rooms
- Pool
7. Conchal Beach
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| Conchal Beach 7# of 10# best beaches in costa rica |
Conchal Beach, also known as Playa Conchal, is a beautiful beach located on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in the province of Guanacaste. The beach is named after the millions of tiny crushed seashells that make up its sand, giving it a unique and picturesque appearance. Conchal Beach is known for its crystal-clear waters, making it a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. The beach is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and is located near a variety of hotels, resorts, and restaurants, making it a great destination for a relaxing vacation in Costa Rica.
Although this is a popular beach, it rarely feels crowded. The beach is unique in that it is made up of small broken shells, which makes it a slightly rough beach. Bring some good sandals. Since the beach is made of shells instead of sand, the water here is very clear And makes this a great place for snorkeling.
SWIMMING DETAILS:
- Depth increase - moderate
- Boats near the beach - very few
WATER:
- Turqoise blue
- Crystall water, high transparency
Audience:
- Senior travellers
- Partygoers
- Relaxation connoisseurs
Infrastructure:
- Sun loungers and umbrellas
- Beach bar / eatery
8. Manuel Antonio Beach
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| Manuel Antonio Beach 8# of 10# best beaches in costa rica |
Manuel Antonio Beach in Costa Rica is a natural wonder of stunning beauty. It's the best beach in Costa Rica, It's nestled in a lush tropical rainforest on the central Pacific coast. The beach is known for its stunning white sand and excellent swimming conditions. Its clear water, The abundance of wildlife makes it an ideal place for recreation and exploration.
SWIMMING DETAILS:
- Perfect for swimming
- Depth increase - moderate
- Protected from waves - some areas
- Boats near the beach - very few
WATER:
- Turqoise blue
- Crystall water, high transparency
Access:
- Next to the road through a short descent
- Access with difficulties
Audience:
- Relaxation connoisseurs
9. Santa Teresa Beach
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| Santa Teresa Beach 9# of 10# best beaches in costa rica |
Santa Teresa Beach is a beautiful beach on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica in the province of Puntarenas. It is known for its long white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and great surf spots, making it a popular destination for surfers from all over the world. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation Tropical vegetation, close to a variety of restaurants, bars and accommodation, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Besides surfing, Santa Teresa Beach offers a range of other activities including swimming, snorkeling and fishing as well as yoga and wellness withdraw.
As the sun sets over Santa Teresa Beach in Costa Rica, the color of the sky changes to a mix of orange, pink and blue. The sound of waves lapping on the shore creates a soft rhythm in the air. People can be seen taking romantic walks by the sea or playing in the sea. family Gather around the campfire and talk about the wonders of this paradise until late at night.
SWIMMING DETAILS:
- Good for swimming
- Long tidal zone
- Depth increase - smooth
- No waves protection - strong waves
- Aqua socks recommended
WATER:
- Turqoise blue
- Crystall water, high transparency
Activities:
- Surfing
Audience:
- Relaxation connoisseurs
Natural features:
- Natural shadow
Infrastructure:
- Sun loungers and umbrellas
- Lifeguard
- Picnic area
10. Playa Tamarindo
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| Playa Tamarindo 10# of 10# best beaches in costa rica |
Playa Tamarindo is a popular beach town located on Costa Rica's North Pacific coast in the province of Guanacaste. The beach is known for its long stretch of white sand, clear waters and steady breaks, making it a popular destination for surfers of all levels. The town is Lively, with a range of restaurants, bars and accommodation catering to all types of travellers, from budget to luxury. Playa Tamarindo also offers a range of other activities including swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and sport fishing as well as nearby wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
Playa Tamarindo attracts tourists from all over the world. Its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters make for a perfect holiday destination. The waters are rich in wildlife, and you can spot whales, dolphins and manta rays swimming just off the shore. The tamarind trees that line the beach are home to Many different species of birds and animals to make it a great place for bird watching.
Activities:
- Sup-surfing
- Sea kayaking
Audience:
- Families with children
- Senior travellers
- Relaxation connoisseurs
Natural features:
- Natural shadow
Infrastructure:
- Sun loungers and umbrellas
- Beach bar / eatery
- Lifeguard
- Shower
- Toilets
- Beach changing rooms
- Pool
Best beaches in Costa Rica for families:
Costa Rica is home to many beautiful beaches that are suitable for families. Here are some of the best beaches in Costa Rica for families:
Playa Conchal:Located on the northwestern coast of Costa Rica, Playa Conchal is a beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters and white sand. The beach is great for families because the water is shallow and calm, and there are plenty of amenities like beach chairs, umbrellas, and food vendors.
Manuel Antonio Beach: Located in the Manuel Antonio National Park, Manuel Antonio Beach is a popular destination for families because it is surrounded by lush forests and wildlife. The water is calm and there are plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking, and other water activities. The beach is also home to several restaurants and cafes.
Playa Samara: Located on the Nicoya Peninsula, Playa Samara is a great beach for families because of its calm waters and shallow depth. The beach is also home to several restaurants and shops, and there are plenty of opportunities for water sports like kayaking and snorkeling.
Tamarindo Beach: Located on the Pacific Coast, Tamarindo Beach is a popular destination for families because of its long stretch of sand and gentle waves. The beach is also home to several restaurants and shops, and there are plenty of opportunities for water sports like surfing and paddleboarding.
Playa Flamingo: Located on the northern Pacific Coast, Playa Flamingo is a great beach for families because of its calm waters and beautiful sunsets. The beach is also home to several restaurants and shops, and there are plenty of opportunities for water sports like kayaking and snorkeling.
These are just a few of the best beaches in Costa Rica for families. Visitors should keep in mind that the beaches can be crowded during peak season, so it is important to plan ahead and arrive early to secure a good spot.
Best beaches for swimming in Costa Rica:
Costa Rica has a variety of beautiful beaches, but not all of them are suitable for swimming due to strong currents and rough surf. Here are some of the best beaches in Costa Rica for swimming:
Playa Conchal: Located on the northwestern coast of Costa Rica, Playa Conchal has crystal-clear waters and is great for swimming. The water is shallow and calm, and there are no rocks or strong currents to worry about.
Manuel Antonio Beach: Located in the Manuel Antonio National Park, Manuel Antonio Beach is a great place to swim because the water is calm and there are no rocks or strong currents. The beach is also surrounded by lush forests and wildlife.
Playa Samara: Located on the Nicoya Peninsula, Playa Samara has calm waters and is great for swimming. The water is shallow and there are no rocks or strong currents to worry about.
Playa Flamingo: Located on the northern Pacific Coast, Playa Flamingo has calm waters and is great for swimming. The beach is also home to several restaurants and shops, and there are plenty of opportunities for water sports like kayaking and snorkeling.
Playa Tamarindo: Located on the Pacific Coast, Playa Tamarindo is a popular destination for swimming because the water is calm and there are no rocks or strong currents. The beach is also home to several restaurants and shops, and there are plenty of opportunities for water sports like surfing and paddleboarding.
These are just a few of the best beaches in Costa Rica for swimming. Visitors should always be aware of the surf conditions and any posted warnings before entering the water, and swim only in designated areas with lifeguards on duty.