Best beaches in Costa Rica for every traveler
- Esteban Acedo
- Jun 5
- 6 min read
Costa Rica is a beach lover’s paradise, with over 800 miles of coastline split between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Whether you’re a surfer chasing the perfect wave, a family seeking calm waters, or a solo traveler in search of laid-back beach vibes, Costa Rica offers something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll help you discover the best beaches in Costa Rica, including where to stay, what to do, and tips to plan your unforgettable beach vacation.
Why visit Costa Rica’s beaches?
Costa Rica’s beaches are famous for their biodiversity, warm waters, world-class surf, and picture-perfect sunsets. From the wild, remote shores of the Osa Peninsula to the lively beach towns of Tamarindo and Puerto Viejo, you’ll find a variety of beach experiences. What makes Costa Rica stand out is that you can often pair a beach trip with other adventures, such as rainforest hikes, volcano visits, or wildlife watching.
Best beaches in Costa Rica: Pacific Coast.
Tamarindo Beach (Playa Tamarindo)
Google Reviews: 4.6 (12,500+ reviews)
Location: Guanacaste Province, Nicoya Peninsula
Recommended Stay: Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
Price per night: From $150
Phone: +506 4032 0032
Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach destinations, offering great surf, lively nightlife, international restaurants, and sunset catamaran tours. Surfers love the consistent waves, while beginners can take lessons right on the beach. Families will appreciate the wide sandy shore and calm tidal pools on the southern end. Tamarindo is also a good base for day trips to Las Baulas National Marine Park, famous for turtle nesting.
Santa Teresa Beach (Playa Santa Teresa)
Google Reviews: 4.7 (6,800+ reviews)
Location: Nicoya Peninsula, Puntarenas Province
Recommended Stay: Hotel Nantipa – A Tico Beach Experience
Price per night: From $390
Phone: +1 855 626 8472
Santa Teresa is a magnet for surfers, yogis, digital nomads, and backpackers looking for a cool, laid-back vibe. Expect consistent surf breaks, boho cafés, beachfront yoga, and luxury eco-resorts. Although it’s more remote (requiring a ferry or long drive), the rewards are empty beaches, beautiful sunsets, and a buzzing international scene. Families and solo travelers alike can enjoy the safe, walkable beach town with plenty of dining options.
Manuel Antonio Beach (Playa Manuel Antonio)
Google Reviews: 4.8 (11,300+ reviews)
Location: Inside Manuel Antonio National Park, Puntarenas Province
Recommended Stay: Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
Price per night: From $600
Phone: +1 888 385 9218
Ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, Manuel Antonio offers turquoise waters, soft white sand, and abundant wildlife, including monkeys and sloths. Since it’s located within the national park, there’s an entrance fee (approximately $18), but it’s well worth it for the pristine, protected surroundings. Great for families and nature lovers, this beach combines ocean fun with rainforest exploration. For more information about the beaches in Manuel Antonio, check our blog article: Discovering Manuel Antonio Beaches: best spots, tips & hidden gems
Playa Conchal
Google Reviews: 4.7 (6,200+ reviews)
Location: Guanacaste Province, near Brasilito
Recommended Stay: The Westin Reserva Conchal
Price per night: From $500 (all-inclusive)
Phone: +506 2654 3500
Playa Conchal is renowned for its sparkling, crushed-shell sand and calm, turquoise waters, making it a favorite destination for snorkeling and swimming. It’s an upscale destination, with luxury resorts like the Westin, but backpackers can stay in nearby Brasilito and walk over. Perfect for couples, honeymooners, and families who want to snorkel right from the beach.
Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste)
Google Reviews: 4.6 (3,800+ reviews)
Location: Guanacaste Province, near Playas del Coco
Recommended Stay: Hotel Bosque del Mar Playa Hermosa
Price per night: From $245
Phone: +506 2672 0046
Not to be confused with Playa Hermosa near Jaco or Uvita, this peaceful beach offers calm waves, a relaxed atmosphere, and fewer crowds, making it ideal for families and couples looking to avoid the party scene. The sunsets here are stunning, and the beach is a great place to unwind.
Best Beaches in Costa Rica: Caribbean Coast.
Puerto Viejo (Playa Cocles & Playa Punta Uva)
Google Reviews: 4.7 (4,200+ reviews)
Location: Limón Province, Southern Caribbean
Recommended Stay: Aguas Claras Boutique Hotel
Price per night: From $360
Phone: +1 844 828 4277
Puerto Viejo is the Caribbean heart of Costa Rica, known for its Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae beats, chocolate tours, and laid-back vibe. Playa Cocles is the surf beach, while Playa Punta Uva is calmer and better for swimming. Backpackers love Puerto Viejo for its hostels, while families and couples enjoy the boutique hotels surrounded by jungle.
Playa Manzanillo
Google Reviews: 4.8 (1,500+ reviews)
Location: Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, Limón Province
Recommended Stay: Almonds and Corals Lodge
Price per night: From $140
Phone: +506 6436 5454
For those who want a wild, off-the-beaten-path experience, Playa Manzanillo offers pristine beaches, protected reefs, and abundant wildlife. It’s part of a wildlife refuge, making it excellent for snorkeling, kayaking, and guided nature walks. A great choice for adventurous travelers or couples looking for something unique.
Tips for Visiting Costa Rica Beaches:
Best time to visit: December to April (dry season) for the Pacific, September and October for the Caribbean.
Budget Travelers: Look for small cabins or hostels near major beach towns, where you can find dorm beds for $15 to $25.
Family Travelers: Opt for beaches with calm waters, such as Playa Conchal, Playa Hermosa, or Manuel Antonio.
Solo Travelers: Santa Teresa and Puerto Viejo are top picks due to their vibrant social scenes and community vibes.
Safety Tips: Monitor ocean conditions, as some beaches have strong rip currents. Always ask locals or lifeguards about the safest swimming areas.
Final Thoughts on the best beaches in Costa Rica for every traveler:
Costa Rica’s beaches offer something for every type of traveler, whether you’re looking for luxury, adventure, family fun, or solo exploration. From the sun-drenched shores of Tamarindo and Santa Teresa on the Pacific to the vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture of Puerto Viejo, each beach has its own magic. With a bit of planning, you can design a beach-hopping trip that lets you experience the best Costa Rica has to offer. Whether you want to surf, snorkel, or simply sway in a hammock with a fresh coconut in hand, Costa Rica’s coastlines will welcome you with warmth and natural beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions about Costa Rica Beaches:
What is the best time of year to visit Costa Rica’s beaches?
The best time to visit Costa Rica’s Pacific coast beaches is during the dry season (December to April) when you’ll get sunny days and calm seas. If you’re heading to the Caribbean side (Puerto Viejo, Manzanillo), the weather is often best in September and October, when the Caribbean has its dry spell. Keep in mind that even during the rainy season, mornings are often sunny, and the landscapes are lush and green.
What are the safest beaches for swimming in Costa Rica?
Some of the safest beaches with calm, swimmable waters include Playa Conchal, Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste), Playa Punta Uva, and Playa Manzanillo on the Caribbean side. Always check for posted signs or ask locals, as some beaches (especially surf beaches like Playa Hermosa near Jaco or Playa Cocles) can have strong rip currents.
What is the best beach in Costa Rica for surfing?
Costa Rica is a world-class surf destination. Top surfing beaches include Playa Tamarindo, Playa Santa Teresa, Playa Hermosa near Jaco, and Playa Cocles in Puerto Viejo. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced surfer, you can find surf lessons or board rentals in all major surf towns.
Are Costa Rica’s beaches free to access?
Most beaches in Costa Rica are free and open to the public by law. The only exceptions are beaches located inside national parks, like Playa Manuel Antonio, where you’ll need to pay the national park entrance fee (about $18 for foreigners).
Is it safe to visit Costa Rica’s beaches alone?
Yes, many solo travelers visit Costa Rica’s beaches safely every year. Towns like Santa Teresa, Tamarindo, and Puerto Viejo have welcoming backpacker communities. However, like anywhere, it’s important to take precautions: avoid leaving valuables on the beach, don’t walk alone at night on deserted stretches, and ask locals about current conditions.
Can you see wildlife at Costa Rica beaches?
Absolutely! Many beaches in Costa Rica, especially those near national parks or wildlife refuges, are great for spotting monkeys, sloths, iguanas, sea turtles, and colorful birds. For example, Playa Manuel Antonio is famous for its monkeys, and Playa Ostional and Playa Grande are known for turtle nesting.
How much does it cost to stay at a beach hotel in Costa Rica?
Prices vary widely. Budget travelers can find hostels or cabins for $20 to $50 per night. Midrange hotels usually range from $100 to $250 per night. Luxury resorts can go from $300 to over $800 per night, especially in places like Santa Teresa, Manuel Antonio, or Playa Conchal. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the high season.
Do Costa Rica’s beaches have lifeguards?
Some of the more popular and developed beaches, like Playa Tamarindo, Playa Hermosa, or parts of Manuel Antonio, have seasonal lifeguard patrols, but many beaches in Costa Rica do not. It’s crucial to be cautious, understand the ocean conditions, and never swim alone in unfamiliar waters.
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