The postcard-worthy seashores of Costa Rica are simply a few of its largest sights. My favourite factor about beach-hopping right here was the beautiful selection: from clean, pebble-filled shores to dramatic cliff backdrops, and sand starting from coal black to stark white. If you need to discover one of the best seashores in Costa Rica, you’ll need to 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 will help you select which to go to, with some which might be best 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 one of the 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 again and again. The water there’s clear, the sand is buttery gentle, and the waves gently lap you as you wade additional in. I really like hanging out in my chair with a e book and taking occasional dips to swim, so this seashore was excellent for me.
It’s inconceivable to overlook, as the doorway is true earlier than the nationwide park. Get there early if you wish to snag a spot, as chairs can replenish. Expect to pay $10-15 for a chair for the entire day. There are loos 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 experience from the seashore; you’ll be able to rating a dorm mattress for round $29/night time. Book right here.
- Mid-range: Espadilla Gardens Hotel is steps from the seashore. Rooms begin round $187/night time. 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/night time. Book right here.
12. Playa Uvita, Uvita
This seashore is a part of Marino Ballena National Park, that means there aren’t any resorts 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 enjoyable on my towel within the shade of the palm bushes between swims. Even although the nationwide park is massively widespread, the seashore is huge, and there’s loads of area to seek out your individual little slice of heaven.
To get to Playa Uvita, you must pay the doorway payment on the predominant entrance to Marino Ballena National Park ($6 + tax) and stroll for about 5 minutes. There are loos and altering rooms close to the doorway, however there aren’t 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 person checked my bag, as they did at Manuel Antonio. I recommend visiting Playa Uvita within the morning after a beneficiant breakfast. If you need to spend the entire day there, you’ll be able to come out of the nationwide park to seize a chew after which re-enter, as the doorway payment is sweet for the whole day.
Where to remain close to Playa Uvita:
- Budget: I stayed at Cascada Verde Hostel, which is sort of removed from the nationwide park however completely value it for the jungle surroundings and low-cost value. Dorm beds begin at simply $14/night time. Book right here.
- Mid-range: Crystal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa is a good alternative for a mid-range price range, because it’s only a 15-minute stroll from the seashore and contains breakfast. Rooms begin round $224/night time. 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 embrace an open-air tub with an ocean view, complimentary breakfast, an airport shuttle, and extra. Rooms begin round $350/night time. 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 gentle 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 best for snorkeling, as you’ll have the ability to see all types of fish and different marine life under the ocean’s floor. The finest 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 need to observe principally dust roads for about eight kilometers. There are buses that run each 1-2 hours, or you’ll be able to bike there, which many guests get pleasure from 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 resorts, in addition to locations to lease 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 good bang in your buck at simply round $38/night time. Book right here.
- Mid-range: Mermaid House is a favourite, providing ample area and a breezy really feel. You can lease the entire home with two bedrooms for round $90/night time. Book right here.
- Luxury: aWá Beach Hotel is steps from the shore and has complimentary buffet-style breakfast. Rooms begin round $285/night time. 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 finest recognized for its incredible browsing. The waves right here vary from beginner-friendly swells to extra superior, with completely different sections for every. You’ll discover the most important 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 widespread surf spots, like Jacó and Tamarindo, so it’s a terrific place to study. Some of one of the best faculties right here embrace Costa Rica Surf Camp, which has particular person lessons and camp packages out there, and Costa Rica Dive & Surf, which additionally gives 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/night time. 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 setting and exquisite backyard. Rooms begin round $75/night time. Book right here.
- Luxury: Villas Alturas is tucked away within the jungle overlooking Dominical Beach and gives guests totally geared up villas for round $395/night time. 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 energetic seashores on the Caribbean coast and has among the finest surf within the nation. Here you’ll be able to count on the softest white sand conceivable, in addition to that quintessential turquoise water the Caribbean is known 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’ll find a number of locations to lease a surfboard or take a category. One of the best-rated is Totem Surf School & Tours, which has choices for inexperienced persons in addition to extra superior surfers. The largest swells of the 12 months 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 a terrific choice for price range vacationers who need to keep away from staying in a hostel. You can get a non-public “jungalow” beginning round $68/night time, which is an effective deal for the realm. Book right here.
- Mid-range: Geckoes Lodge gives a style of luxurious with out breaking the financial institution, with stunning, breezy rooms that begin at round $165/night time. 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 totally geared up, and every has its personal terrace. Villas begin round $240/night time. 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 listing. That makes it excellent for lovers who need to hit the waves in peace, with out so many individuals round.
Because it’s a bit extra off the overwhelmed path, Playa Pavones is more durable to get to and is a little more rugged generally, with fewer facilities and locations to remain. However, surfers nonetheless come from everywhere in the globe as a result of Playa Pavones has one of many longest left breaks on this planet. 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 a terrific location, proper within the heart of Pavones city, close to supermarkets and eating places. Plus, it’s solely about 400 ft from the seashore. Dorms begin round $50/night time. Book right here.
- Mid-range: Treehouse Pilon Pavones is a few miles from the seashore, however effectively value it when you have your individual transportation and need to be utterly surrounded by nature. Rates to remain right here begin round $110/night time. Book right here.
- Luxury: Tiskita Lodge is probably essentially the most sought-after lodging on the whole Osa Peninsula due to its unimaginable location near the seashore, its picturesque swimming pool, and its luxurious rooms, which begin round $323/night time. Book right here.
7. Playa Tamarindo, Tamarindo
A listing of one of the 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: individuals flock from everywhere in the world to get pleasure from its waves.
Here you’ll find waves for all ranges, making it a terrific place to study from one of the best surfers round. Two of the highest faculties 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 certain to e book 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 good spot for backpackers to satisfy different vacationers. It’s solely steps from the seashore, and with dorm beds beginning round $21/night time, it’s one of many most cost-effective locations you’ll discover. Book right here.
- Mid-range: When it involves beachfront properties, you would possibly count on to pay a whole lot for a room. That’s not the case at Hotel La Palapa, which has charges beginning round $108/night time. Book right here.
- Luxury: Jardín del Eden Boutique Hotel is surrounded by lush jungle and has its personal spa and wellness heart. Rooms begin round $396/night time, with breakfast and dinner included. Book right here.
Best for Families
6. Hermosa Beach, Jacó
If you’re touring with your loved ones and need to hit up Costa Rica’s seashores with out having to drive too removed from the capital of San José, Jacó is a good alternative. It’s the closest seashore city to San José, and you will get there in simply over two hours. For this purpose, Jacó is a well-liked seashore amongst home vacationers in addition to foreigners.
Jacó additionally makes a terrific household seashore vacation spot due to its tremendous gentle 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 gives airport shuttles to and from San José and has choices with totally geared up kitchens. It’s solely a 10-minute stroll from the seashore and has two swimming pools. Rates begin round $92/night time. Book right here.
- Mid-range: Hotel DoceLunas is a good choose for households who love recognizing wildlife, because it’s positioned on a nature protect the place you’ll find macaws, toucans, monkeys, and different animals milling about. It’s solely a five-minute automotive experience from the seashore, too. Rates begin round $120/night time and embrace breakfast. Book right here.
- Luxury: If you already know you positively need to be on the seashore, Hotel Terraza del Pacífico is without doubt one of the finest picks you’ll discover in Jacó. There are two swimming pools, and breakfast is included. Rates begin round $200/night time. Book right here.
5. Playa Biesanz, Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is a incredible household vacation spot generally, 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 a terrific choose for households who need a enjoyable getaway. It’s in a small cove that you must 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 lots of households right here, with little ones enjoying within the delicately gentle 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 reasonably priced lodging in Manuel Antonio, with charges beginning round $86/night time (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 finest seashores. Rooms begin round $148/night time and embrace breakfast. Book right here.
- Luxury: Shana by the Beach Hotel is the very best choose in case your predominant precedence is hitting up Playa Biesanz with your loved ones. By staying right here, you’ll have the ability to entry this little slice of heaven simply steps out of your door. Rates begin round $237/night time, with breakfast included. Book right here.
4. Playa Carrillo, Samara
The city of Samara itself is a success amongst touring households for its miles of shoreline and plush jungle landscapes. It’s a incredible place for journey lovers, in addition to those that simply need to relax 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 good for households who need to join with unspoiled nature. The mild waves are nice for teenagers who need to take a dip.
The draw back of Playa Carrillo is that there aren’t any amenities on the seashore itself, so you must stroll 5-10 minutes to discover a rest room. This is usually a turnoff for households with babies, but it surely’s the value you pay to keep away from the massive crowds and loud music that you just would possibly discover at extra widespread seashores.
Where to remain close to Playa Carrillo:
- Budget: Cabañas Colibrí is a good bang in your buck, with rooms beginning round $70/night time; 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/night time for a household of 4. Book right here.
- Luxury: If you need to lease a full home, look no additional than La Caravana. It’s solely 200 ft from Playa Carrillo, too! Rates begin round $200/night time. Book right here.
Best Off-the-Beaten-Path
3. Playa Ventanas, Costa Ballena
I beloved 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 experience took about 20 minutes, although I like to recommend driving there as an alternative, as a result of it was troublesome to get again.
There are rusting loos and altering rooms, in addition to small shacks the place you should purchase coconuts and different snacks. You also can lease a seashore chair and an umbrella, though there was loads of shade from the towering cliffs, so I didn’t assume 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 good alternative when you have a automotive, because it’s solely a 10-minute drive away. You can lease the whole two-bedroom home beginning at $60/night time. 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/night time. Book right here.
- Luxury: Though the rooms at Boutique Hotel and Spa Tangara Azul begin at simply $130/night time, they’ve an expensive really feel and provide ocean views and pool entry. Book right here.
2. Playa Arco, Uvita
Of all one of the best seashores in Costa Rica, this one is my favourite. The golden sand, gigantic rock arches, and rugged cliffs make for a lovely 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 much away from the standard vacationer monitor. To attain the seashore, you must 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 bit of jungle.
Playa Arco is without doubt one of the most distant seashores in Uvita: there aren’t any amenities, eating places, or resorts near it. The nearest rest room is on the ranger station, so be sure you are ready with loads of water, snacks, and solar safety. Also notice that this seashore is just accessible throughout low tide, so verify the tide schedule earlier than you go.
Where to remain close to Playa Arco:
- Budget: I stayed at Cascada Verde Hostel, which is sort of removed from the nationwide park however completely value it for the jungle surroundings and low-cost value. Dorm beds begin at simply $14/night time. Book right here.
- Mid-range: Crystal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa is a good alternative for a mid-range price range, because it’s only a 15-minute stroll from the seashore and contains breakfast. Rooms begin round $224/night time. 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 embrace an open-air tub with an ocean view, complimentary breakfast, an airport shuttle, and extra. Rooms begin round $350/night time, e book right here.
1. Playa Gemelas, Manuel Antonio
Last however not least is Playa Gemelas in Manuel Antonio National Park. I needed to embrace this one as a result of I got here throughout it by sheer luck and was excited to discover a seashore in such a well-liked vacation spot that wasn’t utterly full of individuals. In truth, I used to be the one individual there after I visited! Sure, this park is much 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 gentle white sand and brilliant blue waters. Similarly, it’s additionally in a small cove, which supplies 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 make the most of this peaceable slice of heaven.
Where to remain close to Playa Gemelas:
- Budget: Teva Hotel & Jungle Reserve is only a 15-minute bus experience from the seashore, and you’ll rating a dorm mattress for round $29/night time. Book right here.
- Mid-range: Espadilla Gardens Hotel is steps from the seashore. Rooms begin round $187/night time. Book right here.
- Luxury: Jungle Beach Hotel is within the best location in Manuel Antonio: smack between the seashore and the jungle. Rooms begin round $300/night time. Book right here.
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To discover one of the best seashores in Costa Rica, you don’t need to look very far, as each single one has one thing distinctive to supply. I hope this listing helps you resolve on one of the best one for you.
Which one is your favourite?