Best Beaches in Costa Rica: 12 Spots on Both Coasts

Costa Rica is one of the few countries where you can watch the sun rise over the Caribbean and set over the Pacific on the same day. Between those two coastlines, the best beaches in Costa Rica range from surf towns and shell-white coves to jungle-backed bays where monkeys watch you from the trees.

The best beaches in Costa Rica are Manuel Antonio, Playa Conchal, Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo and Sámara on the Pacific, Santa Teresa and Nosara for surfing, Uvita for whale watching, and Punta Uva and Cahuita on the Caribbean coast. The dry season, from mid-December to April, brings the sunniest days.

Most visitors head to the Pacific side, which splits into the dry, sunny beaches of Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula in the north and the greener Central and South Pacific. The Caribbean coast is smaller and wilder, with a laid-back Afro-Caribbean culture all its own.

1. Manuel Antonio

On the Central Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio National Park combines rainforest and white-sand beaches in one small protected area. Playa Manuel Antonio, inside the park, is a calm, turquoise bay where sloths, capuchin monkeys and iguanas often appear right at the edge of the sand. Just outside the entrance, the long Playa Espadilla is free and has more room to spread out.

The park limits daily visitors and is usually closed on Tuesdays, so it’s worth booking ahead. This Manuel Antonio National Park tour with tickets includes entry and a guide who spots the wildlife for you. To see the coast from the water, the snorkeling cruise in Manuel Antonio is a relaxing alternative.

2. Playa Conchal

In Guanacaste, Playa Conchal gets its name from the billions of tiny crushed shells that make up its sand, which glows almost white in the sun. The water is clear and usually calm, making it one of the best spots on the Pacific for snorkeling. You can walk over from the village of Brasilito along the beach.

3. Tamarindo

Tamarindo is Guanacaste’s liveliest beach town, with a long curve of sand, beginner-friendly waves and plenty of surf schools, restaurants and bars. Sunsets here are a daily event, and just north of town, Las Baulas National Marine Park protects one of the nesting beaches of the giant leatherback turtle.

You’ll find surf lessons, catamaran trips and more among the activities in Tamarindo.

4. Playa Flamingo

A short drive north of Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo is a wide sweep of soft, pale sand with calm water and a more upscale, relaxed feel. It’s a great base for boat trips and snorkeling along the coast, and it’s far quieter than its busy neighbor. Take a look at the activities in Playa Flamingo for ideas.

5. Sámara

On the Nicoya Peninsula, Sámara sits on a sheltered bay protected by an offshore reef, which keeps the water calm and warm. That makes it one of the best beaches in Costa Rica for families and for anyone learning to surf or paddleboard. The village is small and friendly, with a good mix of sodas and beach bars. You’ll find more ideas among the activities in Sámara.

6. Playa Guiones, Nosara

Nosara has become one of the country’s top spots for surf and yoga, and Playa Guiones is its star. The long beach has consistent waves for every level and no buildings on the sand, since strict local rules keep development back from the shore. Browse the activities in Nosara if you want to try a lesson.

7. Santa Teresa

At the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa is a bohemian surf village on a wild, wave-battered coastline. Rocky outcrops, tide pools and golden sand stretch for miles, and the sunsets are some of the best in the country. The dirt road into town adds to its end-of-the-road feel.

8. Playas del Coco

In the north of Guanacaste, Playas del Coco is a busy fishing town and the country’s main hub for diving and snorkeling. Boats head out to spots like the Catalina Islands, where you can see rays, turtles and schools of tropical fish. The activities in Coco include boat trips and fishing days.

9. Jacó

Jacó is the closest big beach to San José, about an hour and a half by car, so it’s a favorite weekend escape for city dwellers. It has steady surf, a lively main strip and plenty of adventure tours in the hills behind town. You’ll find ziplines, boat trips and more among the activities in Jacó.

From the Central Pacific, you can also spend a day on the water with this Tortuga Island tour, which cruises across the Gulf of Nicoya to an island with white sand and turquoise water.

10. Uvita and Marino Ballena

On the South Pacific coast, Marino Ballena National Park protects a stretch of beaches and reef near the town of Uvita. At low tide, a sandbar shaped like a whale’s tail appears off Playa Uvita, and you can walk out along it. Humpback whales visit these waters for much of the year, with peak sightings roughly from July to October and again from December to April. Take a look at the activities in Uvita for whale-watching trips.

11. Punta Uva

South of Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast, Punta Uva is often called the most beautiful beach on that side of the country. Palm trees lean over calm, clear water, and a small rocky point with a natural arch sits at one end. Nearby Playa Cocles is the local surf spot, and the town of Puerto Viejo has a great food and music scene. Browse the activities in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to plan your time.

12. Cahuita National Park

A little north of Puerto Viejo, Cahuita National Park protects one of the largest coral reefs on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. A flat trail runs through the jungle right beside the beach, where you can spot sloths, monkeys and toucans, and guided snorkeling trips take you out to the reef. Entry at the Cahuita village gate works by voluntary donation.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica’s Beaches?

On the Pacific side, the best time to go is the dry season, from mid-December to April, when days are sunny and rain is rare. The green season, from May to November, brings afternoon showers, fewer crowds and lower prices, and mornings are often still sunny. Temperatures stay warm year-round, usually in the 80s°F (around 27°C to 32°C).

The Caribbean coast follows its own pattern. September and October, the rainiest months on the Pacific, are often some of the driest months on the Caribbean side, which makes it a good choice in fall.

Tips for Visiting Costa Rica’s Beaches

All beaches in Costa Rica are public by law, and the first 164 feet (50 meters) from the high-tide line can’t be privately owned. Many beaches don’t have lifeguards, and rip currents are common on the Pacific, so swim near other people, watch for warning signs and ask locals about conditions.

Bring reef-safe sunscreen, don’t feed the monkeys and never leave valuables unattended on the sand. For more ideas beyond the coast, take a look at these things to do in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Beaches at a Glance

Whether you’re after big surf, calm bays for the kids or a jungle trail that ends on the sand, Costa Rica’s two coastlines have a beach for every kind of day. Pick one side, or split your trip between both. When you’re ready to plan the rest, Civitatis’s full catalog has plenty of ideas.