Costa Rica truly lives up to its name as the “Rich Coast” when it comes to its stunning beaches. This Central American natural paradise offers a diverse range of coastal experiences. Whether you prefer secluded bays nestled in rainforests or the lively ambiance of surf towns, Costa Rica has it all.
Thanks to its remarkable biodiversity, there’s a perfect spot for everyone, whether you’re a surfer catching waves, a yogi seeking tranquillity, or a laid-back sunbather. So explore our curated list of coastal gems, and you’ll find the best beach in Costa Rica to suit your style.
So let’s take a look at top Costa Rica beaches in 2024
1 – Manuel Antonio Beach
Manuel Antonio Beach, nestled within Costa Rica’s lush Manuel Antonio National Park, is a tropical paradise where dense rainforests meet the Pacific Ocean’s azure waters. This pristine, crescent-shaped beach is renowned for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife, from capuchin monkeys swinging through the trees to vibrant crabs scuttling along the shore. Visitors can relax on its soft, golden sands, swim in the gentle waves, and explore the park’s hiking trails. Manuel Antonio Beach offers a serene escape where nature and ocean harmoniously coexist, creating a breathtaking coastal haven for all to enjoy.
Best Places to Stay around Manuel Antonio Beach |
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1. Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort |
2. Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge |
3. Tulemar Resort |
4. Los Altos Resort |
5. Hotel La Mariposa |
6. Makanda by The Sea |
2 – Del Coco Beach
Get ready for a great time at Playas del Coco in Guanacaste! This lively Costa Rica beach is a magnet for sports fishers, divers, and party enthusiasts. While the sand may not be postcard-perfect, with its black and white streaks, the fantastic facilities and fun vibes make it a top spot for relaxation and adventure. Divers, you’re in for a treat with underwater volcanic formations close to shore, and for the seasoned divers, a boat trip to the Catalina islands promises thrilling encounters with rays, sharks, and whales.
Best Places to Stay around Del Coco Beach |
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1. Hotel Bosque del Mar |
2. Suitree Experience Hotel |
3. Coco Sunset Hills |
4. Villas Sol |
5. Café de Playa Beach Front Hotel |
6. Club & Hotel Condovac La Costa |
3 – Flamingo Beach
Picture a tropical beach straight out of your dreams, with crystal-clear blue waters and glistening white sands. That’s Playa Flamingo for you, one of the best beaches in north Costa Rica! Nestled on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, it’s an essential part of the enchanting town of Tamarindo. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or just want to unwind on the shore, Playa Flamingo has it all. This beach is the real deal, offering the perfect blend of natural beauty and beach-town charm. It’s time to experience the paradise you’ve always imagined!
Best Places to Stay around Flamingo Beach |
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1. Casa Mimosa |
2. Casa Chameleon Hotel Las Catalinas |
3. Salty Adventures at Twin Dolphins |
4. Santarena Hotel at Las Catalinas |
5. Casas del Toro Playa Flamingo |
6. Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo |
4 – Samara Beach
Welcome to Samara on the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the best beaches in Costa Rica for families! Samara’s pristine, glimmering white sand shores are a unique find on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. With gentle waves and the protection of a coral reef, the long, curving horseshoe bay offers a remarkably calm swimming experience – making it also one of the best beaches in Costa Rica for swimming. Families will appreciate the variety of nearby restaurants, shops, and hotels. Plus, it’s just the right distance from the tourist crowds, ensuring it remains untouched by big chain establishments.
Best Places to Stay around Samara Beach |
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1. Leyenda Boutique Hotel & Spa |
2. Locanda Samara Beach |
3. Eco-Turismo Guayacanes |
4. Hotel Giada |
5. Beach Front Bahia |
6. The Hideaway Hotel |
5 – Dominical Beach
In Dominical, part of Costa Ballena, you’ll find Costa Rica’s premier surf beach with reliable big swells enticing surfers. Sandbars create a captivating point break, ensuring an exciting ride. Year-round lifeguards ensure safety for all, while beginners can stick to the shallows or enjoy breathtaking sunsets along the rocky shoreline. Dominical’s nearby town attracts digital nomads and sun-seekers with its relaxed cafes, bohemian craft beer bars, and rejuvenating yoga retreats. It’s a coastal paradise offering thrilling waves and a vibrant atmosphere!
Best Places to Stay around Dominical Beach |
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1. Casa del Toucan |
2. Ocean Pearl Luxury Retreat |
3. Villas Alturas |
4. Tree of Life Cabinas |
5. Rio Lindo Resort |
6. Casa Garrobo |
6 – Playa Negra
With its distinctive black sand, Playa Negra in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region is an iconic natural wonder. Despite its fame, the beach maintains its spacious allure without feeling overcrowded. While you can take a refreshing swim, the waves make it a haven for surfers, so be cautious. Nearby, you’ll find budget-friendly lodges and holiday rentals, but what truly enriches the experience is the vibrant town of Cahuita. Here, you can dive into the captivating world of Afro-Caribbean traditions and culture. Playa Negra offers the perfect blend of unique sands and cultural exploration for a memorable adventure!
Best Places to Stay around Playa Negra |
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1. Cafe Playa Negra Hotel |
2. Cabinas Las Olas |
3. Playa Avellanas Modern Tropical Beach House |
4. Mikado Natural Lodge |
5. JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa |
6. Blue Window Boutique Villas Hotel |
7 – Playa Montezuma
Montezuma, a captivating beach town, invites you to embrace a laid-back lifestyle of strolling, swimming, and, if you fancy, surfing. The warm, untamed ocean and the ever-present jungle contribute to the town’s unique bohemian vibe. While you’ll encounter typical tourist activities like canopy tours, Montezuma also embraces an internationally influenced, artsy beach culture, offering yoga classes, volunteer opportunities, and veggie-friendly dining. It’s a place where relaxation and creativity harmonise seamlessly, promising a truly distinctive experience.
Best Places to Stay around Playa Montezuma |
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1. Sunshine Sanctuary Boutique Jungle Lodge |
2. Luxury Ocean & Jungle View Villas at Aves Resort |
3. Casitas Sollevante Boutique Hotel |
4. Aves Hotel Montezuma |
5. Hotel Nya |
6. Tango Mar Beachfront Boutique Hotel & Villas |
8 – Playa Nacascolo
Playa Nacascolo boasts a long expanse of inviting tan-coloured sand, enveloped by tropical forest and mangroves at one end. Its tranquil, bath-like waters and captivating bay views create an ideal setting for swimmers of all ages. With clear waters allowing visibility down to the sandy bottom, it’s great for snorkelling – so don’t forget your goggles! Lucky snorkelers might even see spotted eagle rays, pufferfish, and schools of minnows in the shallows, offering a memorable underwater experience.
Best Places to Stay around Playa Nacascolo |
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1. Papagayo Golden Palms |
2. Andaz Costa Rica Resort |
3. Secrets Papagayo |
4. El Mangroove Papagayo |
5. Occidental Papagayo |
6. Casa Rosen |
9 – Tamarindo Beach
Tamarindo, a haven for surf enthusiasts, owes its popularity to its proximity to renowned spots like Witch’s Rock. This vibrant coastal town offers excellent surf conditions along its long sandy beach, where playful monkeys often frolic in the lush canopy. The bay is a picturesque sight filled with moored yachts. Stroll along the beach to find a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops, creating a lively atmosphere for beachgoers and watersports lovers alike. It’s a place where you can ride the waves, soak in the sun, and embrace the laid-back coastal lifestyle.
Best Places to Stay around Tamarindo Beach |
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1. Les Voiles Blanches Luxury Lodge |
2. Ten North Tamarindo Beach Hotel |
3. Wyndham Tamarindo |
4. Hotel Arco Iris |
5. Mother Earth Luxury Boutique Hotel |
6. Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel |
10 – Santa Teresa Beach
Santa Teresa, located on the Nicoya Peninsula, is a laid-back, bohemian town that seamlessly merges with the white sandy beaches and crashing waves, making it a surfer’s haven. Offering fantastic swells and an array of point breaks, it’s a magnet for serious surfers. Backpackers also flock here to enjoy the relaxed vibe. Santa Teresa features yoga retreats, vegan eateries, and spas, perfect for unwinding. You can’t miss the experience of riding horses along the golden sands at dawn and unwinding in a hammock as you watch the sun set between the swaying palm trees.
Best Places to Stay around Santa Teresa Beach |
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1. Santa Teresa Surf Vista Villas |
2. Casa Cecilia Beach Front |
3. Ventura Santa Teresa |
4. Manala Hotel |
5. Hotel Luz de Luna |
6. Hotel Vista de Olas |
11 – Playa Conchal
Playa Conchal in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, is a stunning beach known for its unique feature – shores adorned with finely crushed conch shells that create a stunning pink hue. This picturesque spot on the Pacific Gold Coast offers clear waters, making it one of the best beaches in Costa Rica for snorkelling – a real treat for water lovers. While occasional currents can challenge younger visitors, the beach provides palm trees and mangrove forests, offering a peaceful retreat from the sun. A must-visit natural wonder for beach enthusiasts.
Best Places to Stay around Playa Conchal |
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1. W Costa Rica Resort |
2. Casa Chameleon Hotel Las Catalinas |
3. Conchal Hotel |
4. The Westin Reserva Conchal |
5. Reserva Conchal Beach Resort |
6. Casas del Toro Playa Flamingo |
12. Uvita Beach
In Uvita, Costa Ballena, you’ll discover the extraordinary “Whale Tail” sandbar. It’s not just a scenic wonder; it holds a deep meaning, too. This formation symbolises Marino Ballena National Park’s dedication to protecting marine life. From August to October and December to April, humpback whales migrate along the Pacific Coast. They play and breach right here, showcasing the beauty of these giants. It’s a unique place where humans and nature coexist. Join exciting whale-watching tours and snorkelling trips to be part of this remarkable story and witness these majestic creatures up close and personal.
Best Places to Stay around Uvita Beach |
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1. La Cusinga Eco Lodge |
2. Kura Boutique Hotel |
3. Oxygen Jungle Villas & Spa |
4. Bungalows Ballena |
5. Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge & Spa |
6. Hotel Canto de Ballenas |
13 – Playa Punta Uva
Playa Punta Uva, aptly named after the charming sea grape trees that line its shores, is a serene Caribbean gem. Nestled south of Puerto Viejo, it offers a tranquil alternative to the busier Costa Rica East Coast beaches. Nearby rental shops offer stand-up paddleboards and kayaks, ideal for exploring the gentle waters. As you relax on the shore, enjoy the mesmerising sight of pelicans gracefully diving for their catches. It’s a peaceful haven where nature’s beauty takes centre stage, making it the best beach in Costa Rica for couples to enjoy a romantic escape.
Best Places to Stay around Playa Punta |
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1. Almonds and Corals Jungle Resort |
2. Tree House Lodge |
3. The Green Jungle & Tree House Caribe |
4. Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel |
5. Hotel Aguas Claras |
6. Lomas del Caribe |
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FAQs for Best Beaches in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is generally safe for travellers, but we always recommend consulting reliable travel resources, such as government travel advisories as well as reading up on and following local customs and laws to ensure a smooth visit.
Can you swim at the beach in Costa Rica?
Absolutely! Many of Costa Rica’s beaches are perfect for swimming. Whether you’re a confident swimmer or just want to take a leisurely dip, there’s a spot for everyone. Just be mindful of the local conditions and any safety guidelines, and you’ll have a fantastic time in the water.