Best beaches in Costa Rica

Best Beaches of Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s coastline features diverse environments, ranging from the crushed shell shore of Playa Conchal to the protected leatherback turtle nesting sites at Playa Grande. This selection includes the consistent surf breaks of Santa Teresa, the calm, horseshoe-shaped bay of Playa Sámara, and the historic fishing village atmosphere of Playas del Coco. These destinations offer opportunities for snorkeling in volcanic rock tide pools and exploring coastal trails that connect secluded coves across the Guanacaste and Nicoya regions.

Best Beaches of Costa Rica — Map

Mariordo / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Tamarindo Beach

This beach, together with other surrounding beaches, forms a unique bay.

B

Playa Santa Teresa

A long stretch of white sand known for consistent year-round surf breaks and volcanic tide pools accessible at low tide.

Javier Bacchetta / CC BY-SA 2.0

C

Montezuma Beach

This beach is multi-purpose - you can come here for a great day of swimming or scuba diving or to experience the local nightlife.

D

Playa Grande

Part of Las Baulas National Marine Park, this beach serves as a vital nesting site for leatherback turtles and is separated from Tamarindo by a mangrove estuary.

Haakon S. Krohn / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Coco Beach

Playas del Coco is one of the oldest beach communities in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica.

Haakon S. Krohn / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Playa Conchal

A unique shoreline composed of millions of tiny crushed seashells. The clear turquoise waters provide high visibility for snorkeling over nearby rocky reefs.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

G

Playa Sámara

A crescent-shaped beach protected by an offshore coral reef that creates calm swimming conditions. The nearby Isla Chora is a frequent destination for coastal kayaking.

Tizianok / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Hermosa Beach

This beach's name means "beautiful" in Spanish and it couldn't be more true. It is an ideal place to relax because it is not overcrowded.

I

Playa Agujas

A dark-sand beach characterized by calm, protected waters, making it a primary location for sea kayaking and outrigger canoe excursions.

J

Playa Bejuco

A wide beach recognized with the Ecological Blue Flag for cleanliness. It is known for its open ocean swells and strong currents.

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