9 Best Beaches in Costa Rica

With 763 miles of oceanfront actual estate on both of those the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the Central American country of Costa Rica is a dream world for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. It is also really worth noting that all beaches are public, so tourists definitely have an limitless array of possibilities. Sure, it is a little bit far more complex to entry the sandy crescents that are backed by inns and fronted by the ocean, but with so a lot of remarkable places to spread out a towel and choose a dip, that does not make a difference substantially. (Speaking of lodging, if you are on the lookout for a area to keep which is methods from the sand, look at out our list of the very best Costa Rica beach resorts.)


No matter if the intention is surfing, snorkeling, discovering tidal swimming pools, or basically soaking up the sunshine, there is a Costa Rica seaside — perfectly, very likely many — that is absolutely sure to dwell up to your idealized version of a palm-fringed paradise. Preserve these solar-drenched stretches so that as soon as the plane touches down, you can just toss on your swimsuit and get complete advantage of each individual previous pura vida-stuffed next. Here are 9 of the ideal beaches in Costa Rica.



Playa Santa Teresa 

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The crown jewel of the little, laid-back again town of Santa Teresa on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, Playa Santa Teresa is an off-the-beaten-route gem which is favored by surfers and vacationers alike. In the course of the day, it provides great waves, and in the early evening, locals and guests get on the sand to watch the sunset around the h2o. It’s also edged by a handful of chill seaside resorts and places to eat.



Playa Conchal

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“Situated on the Gold Coast in the north of Guanacaste, Playa Conchal is 1 of the most multipurpose and photogenic beach locations in Costa Rica,” states Carly Patane Moss, journey pro at Black Tomato. “The golden sand mixes with tiny shells that seem to glisten together with the turquoise tides.” Excellent for all those who are not thoroughly surf-obsessed, it is a fantastic place for swimming, snorkeling with tropical fish and stingrays, and seaside picnics.



Playa Hermosa

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A standout amid a sea of stunning coastal places in the Gulf of Papagayo, element of the Guanacaste province, Playa Hermosa (which interprets to “wonderful seaside” in Spanish) shows off dim sand and distinct, blue h2o. A Blue Flag-awarded vacation spot, it’s specially properly-suited for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. In addition, the early morning sunrises and sunsets seriously wow. 



Playa Garza

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Searching for a accurate sense of pura vida? Head to Playa Garza, a crescent-formed extend of delicate sand south of the popular yoga and surf town of Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula. “Whether it is shelling out the day admiring the nearby ambiance, splashing in the crystalline waters, or observing local fisherman in the bay, you truly simply cannot go completely wrong,” says Patane Moss.



Playa Ostional

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Some seashores glow for browsing and swimming, even though others are impressive habitats crammed with natural question. Playa Ostional on the Nicoya Peninsula falls into the latter category. A paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, it is a renowned nesting floor for the olive ridley sea turtle. Witnessing thousands of eco-friendly hatchlings make their way to the water is a quite incredible sight. The swells also draw surfers from near and significantly.



Playa Manuel Antonio

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An quick stroll from the Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park entrance gives way to the splendor of Playa Manuel Antonio. Patane Moss advises tourists to hold their eyes peeled for wildlife — specifically, adorable sloths and curious monkeys. “When coming up to the Pacific Ocean, you are going to be greeted by unparalleled views of ivory sand, palm trees, and endless pure attractiveness,” she claims..  



Playa Biesanz

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Tucked absent at the stop of a trail that begins close to Parador Vacation resort & Spa and leads via the jungle, Playa Biesanz in Manuel Antonio is not essentially uncomplicated to access. The effort and certain-footedness expected to navigate the dense vegetation, hill, and pebbly terrain does make the payoff — in this circumstance, arriving at a tranquil “secret” seashore with solar in the morning and shade for afternoon naps — that substantially sweeter.



Playa Tortuguero

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The title probably by now gave absent the truth that Playa Tortuguero is a turtle-viewing haven. In among observing the majestic creatures lay eggs and scurry about — an knowledge that Patane Moss likens to stumbling into a David Attenborough documentary — vacationers traveling to this tiny patch of paradise can seem forward to flopping on the golden sand and cooling off in the crystal waters.



Playa Guiones

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Playa Guiones, a 4-mile slice of coastal utopia in the Nosara place, materials prime breaks on broad stretches of sugar-great sand. An additional advertising level? It is rarely ever crowded. That genuinely lets the all-natural glory get heart stage with no droves of travelers packing the shore. The individuals you could possibly see? Surfers, runners, and yogis practicing downward doggy by the ocean.