Costa Rica has nearly 300 different beaches throughout the stunning Pacific and Caribbean coastlines of Costa Rica. Some of the beaches have white sand, black sand, brown sand or a mixture of colors some are full of shells or scattered with of rocks some have fine sand or larger particles, some are great for swimming and some are better for surfing.

Beaches in Nicoya Peninsula Costa Rica

Mal Pais - Santa Teresa
(Beach,Rain Forest)

This sleepy beach hamlet is billed as a surfer’s paradise, and indeed the surf is exceptional, consistently providing... (more)

Tambor
(Beach,Rain Forest)
Not far from the Curu Wildlife Reserve lies the small fishing hamlet of Tambor, a laidback mixed-community of locals and foreign retirees, nestled... (more)
Playa Coyote
(Beach,Rain Forest)
Playa Coyote is one of several pristine and remote beaches along the largely undiscovered shores of the south-western Nicoya Peninsula. Considered... (more)
Montezuma
(Beach,Rain Forest,Waterfall)

A favorite for youths, surfers, and alternative types, this bohemian town is an ideal laidback beach town. Situated on the... (more)

Samara
(Beach,Town Center)
The beautiful costal hamlet and beach of Sámara is paradise on Nicoya’s west coast. Known as one of the prettiest and safest beaches... (more)
Nosara
(Beach)

Guiones, the town south of Nosara, is a tucked away delight with lucrative real-estate—which has skyrocketed in the... (more)

Punta Islita
(Beach,Mountain,Rain Forest)
Punta Islita is a small town with a pristine beach tucked away in the province of Guanacaste, on the Nicoya Peninsula.  The Nicoya Peninsula... (more)

Beaches in Guanacaste Costa Rica

Tamarindo
(Beach,Town Center)

Once a quite fishing hamlet, Tamarindo has evolved to be the area’s most developed and accessible tourist town.  Located on the... (more)

Playa del Coco
(Beach,Town Center)
Coco Beaches (Playas del Coco) is known for its popularity amongst Costa Rica’s youth, who pack the beach from side to side on weekends for... (more)
Playa Hermosa Guanacaste
(Beach)
To the north of Coco Beach (Playa Coco) lies Hermosa Beach (Playa Hermosa), a gray-sand beach perched between two mountains. While the beach still... (more)
Playa Panama
(Beach)
Panama Beach (Playa Panama) is a short distance away from Hermosa Beach (Playa Hermosa), on the southern point of Culebra Bay, is Panamá... (more)
Playa Potrero
(Beach)
The quiet gorgeous bay of Playa Potrero is situated in the beautiful province of Guanacaste.  Here you can enjoy long dreamy summer days and... (more)
Playa Avellana
(Beach)

Playa Avellana is located on the “Golden Coast”, the sunny province of Guanacaste, just minutes from the... (more)

Playa Azul
(Beach)

Stunning Playa Azul, named for its mile long stretch of dark, almost cobalt blue sand and glittering azure sea, is one of... (more)

Ocotal
(Beach)

 

The tranquil beach of Ocotal is situated in the stunning Guanacaste province, on the... (more)

Playa Flamingo
(Beach)
Also known as “White Beach” (Playa Blanca)—this mile-long, crescent shaped, white-sand beach is as beautiful as any in Costa... (more)
Playa Conchal
(Beach)
The mesmerizing beach of Playa Conchal is located in one of the most beautiful regions of Costa Rica, the Province of Guanacaste.  Guanacaste... (more)

Beaches in Central Pacific Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio
(Beach,Rain Forest)

Set high above the enchanting national park, Manuel Antonio boasts world-class views and beaches. Accommodation choices are... (more)

Jaco/Play Heradura/Playa Hermosa
(Beach,Rain Forest)

Playa de Jacó, the closest beach to San José and the Central Valley, is one of the most visited coastal... (more)

Matapalo
(Beach,Rain Forest)

Just off the beaten track, yet possessing all of the natural beauty of the Central Pacific, Matapalo is an escape from the... (more)

Playa Esterillos
(Beach)
No crowds, chocolate colored beaches, and a great surf best describe the beaches of Esterillos. You may never see another person as you stroll... (more)

Beaches in South Pacific Costa Rica

Dominical
(Beach,Mountain,Rain Forest)

About 27 mi (44 km) south of Quepos is the quaint and growing beach town of Dominical. Along the coast, before arriving in... (more)

Corcovado
(Beach,Rain Forest)

Located on the wild and untamed Osa Peninsula, the Corcovado National Park embodies Costa Rica's most truly splendid... (more)

Drake Bay
(Beach,Rain Forest)

Resting on the northern side of the Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay (Bahía Drake) is an adventure-seekers paradise. It is... (more)

Uvita
(Beach,Rain Forest,Waterfall)
For a less crowded beach vacation, Uvita may be the ideal location.  Sitting 11 miles (17 km) south of Dominical along Coastal Highway 34... (more)
Ojochal/Playa Tortugua/Playa Ventana
(Beach,Rain Forest,Waterfall)

The town of Ojochal and its surrounding beaches provide solitude and the ideal setting for some rest and relaxation. Lush... (more)

Puerto Jimenez
(Beach,Rain Forest,Town Center)
Puerto Jiménez might be the best town from which to access Corcovado National Park. Located on the eastern coast of the Osa Peninsula, on... (more)

Beaches in Caribbean Costa Rica

Puerto Viejo de Limon
(Beach,Rain Forest,Town Center)
Known for its laidback attitude and famous for it surfing, Puerto Viejo beckons visitors to come experience Costa Rica’s eccentric... (more)
Tortuguero
(Beach,Rain Forest)
The Caribbean Coast is home to the beautiful town of Tortuguero and it’s National Park. This sun drenched zone with its sparsely spaced... (more)
Cahuita
(Beach,Rain Forest)

Cahuita is a laidback and vibrant little village in the setting of Costa Rica’s unique Creole culture, brought about... (more)

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