The postcard-worthy seashores of Costa Rica are simply a few of its greatest sights. My favourite factor about beach-hopping right here was the gorgeous selection: from clean, pebble-filled shores to dramatic cliff backdrops, and sand starting from coal black to stark white. If you wish to discover the very best seashores in Costa Rica, you’ll must be extra particular about what you’re in search of, as each certainly one of them is nice in its personal proper.
I’ve put collectively an inventory that can assist you select which to go to, with some which might be splendid if you wish to go for a swim, others which might be superior browsing spots, plus family-friendly shores and off-the-beaten-path choices too.
What are you ready for? Let’s discover out what the very best seashores in Costa Rica are…
Best for Swimming
13. Playa Espadilla Norte, Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go to in Costa Rica and an absolute should for a first-time itinerary. It has a handful of seashores that are perfect for swimming, however my alternative could be Playa Espadilla Norte over and over. The water there may be clear, the sand is buttery comfortable, and the waves gently lap you as you wade additional in. I like hanging out in my chair with a guide and taking occasional dips to swim, so this seashore was excellent for me.
It’s inconceivable to overlook, as the doorway is correct earlier than the nationwide park. Get there early if you wish to snag a spot, as chairs can refill. Expect to pay $10-15 for a chair for the entire day. There are bogs and altering rooms close by, with numerous meals stands and eating places near the seashore as effectively.
Where to remain close to Playa Espadilla Norte:
- Budget: Teva Hotel & Jungle Reserve is only a 15-minute bus trip from the seashore; you may rating a dorm mattress for round $29/evening. Book right here.
- Mid-range: Espadilla Gardens Hotel is steps from the seashore. Rooms begin round $187/evening. Book right here.
- Luxury: Jungle Beach Hotel is within the excellent location in Manuel Antonio: smack-dab between the seashore and the jungle. Rooms begin round $300/evening. Book right here.
12. Playa Uvita, Uvita
This seashore is a part of Marino Ballena National Park, that means there are not any inns or eating places on the shore. I favor this seashore to others close to Uvita for swimming due to the ultra-soft sand and mild waves. There aren’t any seashore chairs to relax out in, however I had a good time stress-free on my towel within the shade of the palm bushes between swims. Even although the nationwide park is vastly in style, the seashore is huge, and there’s loads of house to seek out your personal little slice of heaven.
To get to Playa Uvita, it’s a must to pay the doorway charge on the primary entrance to Marino Ballena National Park ($6 + tax) and stroll for about 5 minutes. There are bogs and altering rooms close to the doorway, however there are not any meals stands or eating places close to the seashore. When I went, there was an indication that stated no meals was allowed within the park, however no one checked my bag, as they did at Manuel Antonio. I recommend visiting Playa Uvita within the morning after a beneficiant breakfast. If you wish to spend the entire day there, you may come out of the nationwide park to seize a chunk after which re-enter, as the doorway charge is nice for the whole day.
Where to remain close to Playa Uvita:
- Budget: I stayed at Cascada Verde Hostel, which is kind of removed from the nationwide park however completely price it for the jungle surroundings and low-cost value. Dorm beds begin at simply $14/evening. Book right here.
- Mid-range: Crystal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa is a superb alternative for a mid-range price range, because it’s only a 15-minute stroll from the seashore and consists of breakfast. Rooms begin round $224/evening. Book right here.
- Luxury: When it involves luxurious, there’s no higher place to pamper your self in Uvita than Oxygen Jungle Villas & Spa. The facilities embody an open-air tub with an ocean view, complimentary breakfast, an airport shuttle, and extra. Rooms begin round $350/evening. Book right here.
11. Punta Uva, Puerto Viejo
Punta Uva is a small seashore close to the uber-popular Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the Caribbean aspect of Costa Rica. Here you’ll discover deliciously comfortable sand and clear water, however most of all, a coral reef simply off shore. Sure, this seashore is ideal for a swim, but it surely’s additionally splendid for snorkeling, as you’ll be capable to see every kind of fish and different marine life beneath the ocean’s floor. The greatest time to swim and snorkel right here is from January by means of August and October, when there isn’t as a lot rain and wind.
To get to Punta Uva from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, you’ll must observe principally grime roads for about eight kilometers. There are buses that run each 1-2 hours, or you may bike there, which many guests take pleasure in due to the scenic views alongside the best way. There aren’t many facilities on the seashore itself, however the city of Punta Uva has eating places and small inns, in addition to locations to hire snorkeling gear.
Where to remain Near Playa Punta Uva:
- Budget: Cabaña Caribeña has charming cabins with a full kitchen only a six-minute stroll from Playa Punta Uva. This is a superb bang on your buck at simply round $38/evening. Book right here.
- Mid-range: Mermaid House is a favourite, providing ample house and a breezy really feel. You can hire the entire home with two bedrooms for round $90/evening. Book right here.
- Luxury: aWá Beach Hotel is steps from the shore and has complimentary buffet-style breakfast. Rooms begin round $285/evening. Book right here.
Best for Surfing
10. Playa Dominical, Dominical
To be trustworthy, the seashores in Dominical may fall underneath any of those classes. However, it’s greatest identified for its implausible browsing. The waves right here vary from beginner-friendly swells to extra superior, with completely different sections for every. You’ll discover the largest waves right here throughout the peak of the wet season, from June to September, with calmer seas between October and May.
It doesn’t ever get extraordinarily crowded in Dominical prefer it does in different extra in style surf spots, like Jacó and Tamarindo, so it’s an awesome place to study. Some of the very best colleges right here embody Costa Rica Surf Camp, which has particular person courses and camp packages obtainable, and Costa Rica Dive & Surf, which additionally presents diving excursions.
Where to remain close to Playa Dominical:
- Budget: Cool Vibes Beach Hostel is a favourite amongst backpackers and surfers due to its heat hospitality and proximity to the seashore. Dorms begin round $41/evening. Book right here.
- Mid-range: Bamboo House and Hotel is a bit farther from the seashore (a few mile) however makes up for the space with its homey surroundings and delightful backyard. Rooms begin round $75/evening. Book right here.
- Luxury: Villas Alturas is tucked away within the jungle overlooking Dominical Beach and presents guests absolutely geared up villas for round $395/evening. There’s a pool on-site, in addition to a complimentary breakfast. Book right here.
9. Playa Cocles, Puerto Viejo
This is without doubt one of the most full of life seashores on the Caribbean coast and has a number of the greatest surf within the nation. Here you may anticipate the softest white sand conceivable, in addition to that quintessential turquoise water the Caribbean is legendary for. Although the Pacific coast is extra of a browsing vacation spot than this aspect of the nation, Playa Cocles holds its personal.
Here you could find a number of locations to hire a surfboard or take a category. One of the best-rated is Totem Surf School & Tours, which has choices for rookies in addition to extra superior surfers. The greatest swells of the yr occur between January and March right here, which is completely different than surf season on the Pacific coast.
Where to remain close to Playa Cocles:
- Budget: Casa Azul’s Wild Side Jungalows are an awesome possibility for price range vacationers who wish to keep away from staying in a hostel. You can get a personal “jungalow” beginning round $68/evening, which is an efficient deal for the realm. Book right here.
- Mid-range: Geckoes Lodge presents a style of luxurious with out breaking the financial institution, with stunning, breezy rooms that begin at round $165/evening. Book right here.
- Luxury: Las Palomas Villas has a stunning setup within the jungle that enables for privateness and seclusion. Not solely is there a swimming pool, however the villas are absolutely geared up, and every has its personal terrace. Villas begin round $240/evening. Book right here.
8. Playa Pavones, Osa Peninsula
The Osa Peninsula on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific Coast is a hotbed for wildlife, attractive seashores, and killer browsing. Playa Pavones, essentially the most well-known surf spot on this space, is far more secluded than the opposite surf cities on this record. That makes it excellent for fanatics who wish to hit the waves in peace, with out so many individuals round.
Because it’s a bit extra off the crushed path, Playa Pavones is tougher to get to and is a little more rugged usually, with fewer facilities and locations to remain. However, surfers nonetheless come from all around the globe as a result of Playa Pavones has one of many longest left breaks on the earth. If you’re keen on quiet seashore cities and unspoiled nature to sweeten your journey, that is the place to go.
Where to remain close to Playa Pavones:
- Budget: Esperanza Pavones is in an awesome location, proper within the middle of Pavones city, close to supermarkets and eating places. Plus, it’s solely about 400 toes from the seashore. Dorms begin round $50/evening. Book right here.
- Mid-range: Treehouse Pilon Pavones is a few miles from the seashore, however effectively price it you probably have your personal transportation and wish to be fully surrounded by nature. Rates to remain right here begin round $110/evening. Book right here.
- Luxury: Tiskita Lodge is probably essentially the most sought-after lodging on the whole Osa Peninsula due to its unbelievable location near the seashore, its picturesque swimming pool, and its luxurious rooms, which begin round $323/evening. Book right here.
7. Playa Tamarindo, Tamarindo
An inventory of the very best seashores in Costa Rica wouldn’t be full with out mentioning the mega-popular Playa Tamarindo. As quickly as you arrive right here, you’ll perceive why footage of it are flooding your Instagram feed: it’s completely attractive. Not solely that, however the browsing is prime: folks flock from all around the world to take pleasure in its waves.
Here you could find waves for all ranges, making it an awesome place to study from the very best surfers round. Two of the highest colleges are Witch’s Rock Surf Camp and Tamarindo Surf Academy, each of which have skilled instructors on workers. The draw back of visiting Tamarindo is that it may possibly get fairly crowded, even throughout the moist season (May to October). Make positive to guide your lodging and surf classes effectively upfront, as costs could be unpredictable for last-minute bookings.
Where to remain close to Playa Tamarindo:
- Budget: Selina Tamarindo is a superb spot for backpackers to satisfy different vacationers. It’s solely steps from the seashore, and with dorm beds beginning round $21/evening, it’s one of many most cost-effective locations you’ll discover. Book right here.
- Mid-range: When it involves beachfront properties, you may anticipate to pay a whole bunch for a room. That’s not the case at Hotel La Palapa, which has charges beginning round $108/evening. Book right here.
- Luxury: Jardín del Eden Boutique Hotel is surrounded by lush jungle and has its personal spa and wellness middle. Rooms begin round $396/evening, with breakfast and dinner included. Book right here.
Best for Families
6. Hermosa Beach, Jacó
If you’re touring with your loved ones and wish to hit up Costa Rica’s seashores with out having to drive too removed from the capital of San José, Jacó is a superb alternative. It’s the closest seashore city to San José, and you may get there in simply over two hours. For this motive, Jacó is a well-liked seashore amongst home vacationers in addition to foreigners.
Jacó additionally makes an awesome household seashore vacation spot due to its tremendous comfortable sand, mild waves, and shallow sea. There can be an abundance of kid-friendly actions right here, like zip-lining and ATV adventures, visiting a chocolate plantation, and extra.
Where to remain close to Playa Hermosa:
- Budget: Las Brisas Resort and Villas presents airport shuttles to and from San José and has choices with absolutely geared up kitchens. It’s solely a 10-minute stroll from the seashore and has two swimming pools. Rates begin round $92/evening. Book right here.
- Mid-range: Hotel DoceLunas is a superb choose for households who love recognizing wildlife, because it’s positioned on a nature protect the place you could find macaws, toucans, monkeys, and different animals milling about. It’s solely a five-minute automobile trip from the seashore, too. Rates begin round $120/evening and embody breakfast. Book right here.
- Luxury: If you already know you undoubtedly wish to be on the seashore, Hotel Terraza del Pacífico is without doubt one of the greatest picks you’ll discover in Jacó. There are two swimming pools, and breakfast is included. Rates begin round $200/evening. Book right here.
5. Playa Biesanz, Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is a implausible household vacation spot usually, and I noticed extra households right here than anyplace else in Costa Rica. Playa Biesanz is a extra low-key seashore than Playa Espadilla and feels extra secluded, making it an awesome choose for households who desire a stress-free getaway. It’s in a small cove that it’s a must to entry by means of the Shana by the Beach Hotel, though you don’t have to remain there to make use of the seashore.
I like this seashore due to its idyllic blue waters; it additionally has little to no present, which made it excellent for a soothing float. I noticed a whole lot of households right here, with little ones taking part in within the delicately comfortable sand and splashing within the water. Though I don’t have any kiddos of my very own, it appeared like the right place for them.
Where to remain close to Playa Biesanz:
- Budget: Hotel Serenity is without doubt one of the most inexpensive lodging in Manuel Antonio, with charges beginning round $86/evening (breakfast included). Book right here.
- Mid-range: Hotel Naoz is a favourite amongst households for its central location and quick access to Manuel Antonio’s greatest seashores. Rooms begin round $148/evening and embody breakfast. Book right here.
- Luxury: Shana by the Beach Hotel is the very best choose in case your primary precedence is hitting up Playa Biesanz with your loved ones. By staying right here, you’ll be capable to entry this little slice of heaven simply steps out of your door. Rates begin round $237/evening, with breakfast included. Book right here.
4. Playa Carrillo, Samara
The city of Samara itself is successful amongst touring households for its miles of shoreline and plush jungle landscapes. It’s a implausible place for journey lovers, in addition to those that simply wish to sit back on the seashore.
Playa Carrillo is a lesser-known seashore in Samara that has a extra laid-back vibe than others within the space. This makes it excellent for households who wish to join with unspoiled nature. The mild waves are nice for youths who wish to take a dip.
The draw back of Playa Carrillo is that there are not any services on the seashore itself, so it’s a must to stroll 5-10 minutes to discover a rest room. This generally is a turnoff for households with babies, but it surely’s the worth you pay to keep away from the large crowds and loud music that you just may discover at extra in style seashores.
Where to remain close to Playa Carrillo:
- Budget: Cabañas Colibrí is a superb bang on your buck, with rooms beginning round $70/evening; it’s additionally only a five-minute stroll from Playa Carrillo. Book right here.
- Mid-range: The Hideaway Hotel is only a seven-minute stroll from Playa Carrillo and has a pool in addition to free breakfast. Rates begin round $125/evening for a household of 4. Book right here.
- Luxury: If you wish to hire a full home, look no additional than La Caravana. It’s solely 200 toes from Playa Carrillo, too! Rates begin round $200/evening. Book right here.
Best Off-the-Beaten-Path
3. Playa Ventanas, Costa Ballena
I cherished visiting Playa Ventanas whereas I stayed in Uvita. Visiting felt like uncovering a secret that solely locals knew about, as I noticed only a few foreigners right here. The seashore will get its identify from window-like rock formations, and there are pockets which might be completely secluded.
To get there, I took a bus heading south from Uvita towards Ojochal. The trip took about 20 minutes, although I like to recommend driving there as a substitute, as a result of it was tough to get again.
There are rusting bogs and altering rooms, in addition to small shacks the place you should purchase coconuts and different snacks. You can even hire a seashore chair and an umbrella, though there was loads of shade from the towering cliffs, so I didn’t suppose it was vital.
Where to remain close to Playa Ventanas
- Budget: There aren’t many locations to remain near Playa Ventanas, however Ballena Casa is a superb alternative you probably have a automobile, because it’s solely a 10-minute drive away. You can hire the whole two-bedroom home beginning at $60/evening. Book right here.
- Mid-range: Dos Casitas is in close by Ojochal, only a 10-minute drive from Playa Ventanas. Here you’ll discover stunning bungalows surrounded by pristine nature. Rates begin round $110/evening. Book right here.
- Luxury: Though the rooms at Boutique Hotel and Spa Tangara Azul begin at simply $130/evening, they’ve an opulent really feel and provide ocean views and pool entry. Book right here.
2. Playa Arco, Uvita
Of all the very best seashores in Costa Rica, this one is my favourite. The golden sand, gigantic rock arches, and rugged cliffs make for a wonderful scene that felt surreal to expertise, much more so as a result of I used to be the one individual there.
Playa Arco is a part of Marino Ballena National Park, however is way away from the everyday vacationer observe. To attain the seashore, it’s a must to enter the nationwide park by means of the Marino Ballena Ranger Station, a few 10-minute drive from the principle intersection in Uvita. From there, it’s a 20-minute hike alongside the shore and thru a piece of jungle.
Playa Arco is without doubt one of the most distant seashores in Uvita: there are not any services, eating places, or inns near it. The nearest rest room is on the ranger station, so be sure to are ready with loads of water, snacks, and solar safety. Also be aware that this seashore is just accessible throughout low tide, so test the tide schedule earlier than you go.
Where to remain close to Playa Arco:
- Budget: I stayed at Cascada Verde Hostel, which is kind of removed from the nationwide park however completely price it for the jungle surroundings and low-cost value. Dorm beds begin at simply $14/evening. Book right here.
- Mid-range: Crystal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa is a superb alternative for a mid-range price range, because it’s only a 15-minute stroll from the seashore and consists of breakfast. Rooms begin round $224/evening. Book right here.
- Luxury: When it involves luxurious, there’s no higher place to pamper your self in Uvita than Oxygen Jungle Villas & Spa. The facilities embody an open-air tub with an ocean view, complimentary breakfast, an airport shuttle, and extra. Rooms begin round $350/evening, guide right here.
1. Playa Gemelas, Manuel Antonio
Last however not least is Playa Gemelas in Manuel Antonio National Park. I needed to embody this one as a result of I got here throughout it by sheer luck and was excited to discover a seashore in such a preferred vacation spot that wasn’t fully full of individuals. In truth, I used to be the one individual there after I visited! Sure, this park is way from being “off the beaten path,” however discovering a spot like this felt like such a deal with.
This seashore is sort of a a lot smaller model of Playa Biesanz (see above), with comfortable white sand and brilliant blue waters. Similarly, it’s additionally in a small cove, which provides it a quaint really feel. To get there, observe the indicators in Manuel Antonio National Park for Playa Gemelas.
I recommend attending to the park very first thing within the morning (7am, when the park opens) to reap the benefits of this peaceable slice of heaven.
Where to remain close to Playa Gemelas:
- Budget: Teva Hotel & Jungle Reserve is only a 15-minute bus trip from the seashore, and you may rating a dorm mattress for round $29/evening. Book right here.
- Mid-range: Espadilla Gardens Hotel is steps from the seashore. Rooms begin round $187/evening. Book right here.
- Luxury: Jungle Beach Hotel is within the splendid location in Manuel Antonio: smack between the seashore and the jungle. Rooms begin round $300/evening. Book right here.
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To discover the very best seashores in Costa Rica, you don’t must look very far, as each single one has one thing distinctive to supply. I hope this record helps you resolve on the very best one for you.
Which one is your favourite?