Do you have any idea of how many miles of coastline Costa Rica has? I bet the answer will amaze you. Over 800 miles! I know, it's crazy!!!
So it is quite obvious for you to visit any one of the hundred beaches we have here.
There are four specific beach regions:
North Pacific
Central Pacific
South Pacific
Caribbean
Here's my list of what I consider the best beaches for each region:
North Pacific Beaches
Playa Tamarindo
Playa Tamarindo is famous for having the best beaches and so it is called the Gold Coast. The beaches here will satisfy all types of people, the lazy loungers, die-hard surfers, and kids because of its small wave beaches to play around in. The weather here is great through the year.
Top 3
Playa Flamingo -The crystal blue waters with white sanded beaches that are part of a cove and with a calm atmosphere makes it peaceful and super safe for kids.
Playa Tamarindo - Surfing is what makes this beach famous in Costa Rica. The beach town is developed and has an easy access by foot to yummy restaurants, supermarkets, bars, and stores. It's a great location for families, couples, and surfers.
Playa Grande- Ok, this beach influenced me so much with its beauty, tranquility, and calmness. Plus, it's got great surf and is part of a Marine National Park for the Leatherback Turtle where you can take a tour from December until March and see them lay their eggs. It will be one of the most magical experiences of your life.
Central Pacific Beaches
Manzanillo Beach
These beaches are the place where surfers will find awesome breaks and is super popular because of the immediacy to San Jose. Plus a beach town with all the services you desire.
Top 3
Jaco Beach - Being closest to San Jose, it's also the most popular beach. Filled with great hotels, spas, international restaurants, stores and a nightlife that won't let you get bored for even a second! Surfers love it for the breaks, couples love it for the luxury and families love it for all the family friendly activities.
Manuel Antonio - It is the most visited National Park in Costa Rica which also has a gorgeous white sanded beach. It has hotels with all types of accommodation and budget solutions which will enable you to walk around the National Park and the beach as you experience the amazing wildlife.
Playa Hermosa - This beach is very popular among the surfers rather than the families because of the strong waves. The beach is a five minute drive from Jaco, but completely different, it doesn't have the city feel to it.
Central Pacific Beaches
Playa Dominical
The South Pacific Beaches region starts in Playa Dominical and goes all the way down to the Osa Peninsula. They are special because of their untouched, pristine beauty! The beaches and the little villages are yet to be fully explored. So hurry up and check them out!
Top 3
Playa Dominical -This is the authentic beach town full of cute hotels, tasty restaurants and bars. You will fall in love with the laid back, tropical and surf fueled environment. Be careful, though, the surf here is rough and not safe for the kids.
Puerto Jimenez Beach - This beach is in my top three because it's so kid friendly. My five year old spent all the day hanging out in the water without any waves, with the water waist high on him for over 200 feet out. What a great way for a mom to spend the day at the beach! Plus, adults can hang out in the shade while watching the pier with the fishing boats coming in and out.
Cabo Matapalo - Hugging the tip of Osa Peninsula, getting here is definitely worth the trek. Bring your own food and enjoy a BBQ on the beach or stay at any of the hidden eco lodges.
Caribbean Beaches
Playa Dominical
The South Pacific Beaches region starts in Playa Dominical and goes all the way down to the Osa Peninsula. The beaches and the little villages are yet to be fully explored. They are special because of their untouched, pristine beauty!
Top 3
Cahuita National Park beaches - This one is a very long strip of beautiful, palm tree-lined beaches. Here you will enjoy the calm waters and soft sanded beaches for as long as you like. It's also known for its great snorkeling options.
Playa Negra - This popular, black sanded beach is so black you'll think it's purple. It's wonderful for swimming and snorkeling.
Playa Manzanillo - It is at the tip of this region and is inside the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. Also, the village of Manzanillo is the only town in all of Costa Rica inside a wildlife refuge. This beach is extremely popular for snorkeling, swimming and lazying around!
Marina K. Villatoro, lives in Central America - Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. She has traveled all over these areas with her family and now she loves to organize vacations to Costa Rica and Guatemala. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!
