TOP 5 beaches in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, offering a variety of landscapes and activities to enjoy, but it can make choosing a beach that suits your preferred activities a bit challenging. To simplify the decision-making process, here is a list of the most popular beaches for surfing, snorkeling, or just relaxing under a palm tree.

Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal is a beautiful, unique beach located on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The beach gets its name from the millions of tiny crushed seashells that make up the sand, giving it a soft and powdery texture that is unlike any other beach in the country. Despite its stunning natural beauty, Playa Conchal remains relatively secluded and peaceful, making it an ideal spot for people looking to escape the crowds.

Playa Manuel Antonio

Playa Manuel Antonio is a stunning and popular destination located in the Manuel Antonio National Park, on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. This beach is definitely one of the favorites for tourists visiting Costa Rica. Its crystal-clear water, soft white sand, and lush green jungle surroundings make it a true tropical paradise. The park is known for its abundant wildlife, including howler monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds, all of which visitors can observe while lounging on the beach.

Playa Manuel Antonio (Picture taken by Jose Peraza. IG: jose_perazac)

Playa Manzanillo

Playa Manzanillo is a tranquil beach situated on the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, within the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is home to a diverse range of animals, such as monkeys, sloths, toucans, and sea turtles. Visitors to the beach can enjoy various activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Playa Manzanillo (Picture taken by Jose Peraza. IG: jose_perazac)

Playa Tamarindo

Playa Tamarindo, located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, is a popular tourist spot renowned for its picturesque scenery, balmy climate, and lively nightlife. It is perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing, and there are plenty of amenities such as restaurants, bars, and shops located right on the beach. Visitors to the beach will also be able to witness some of the most beautiful sunsets that the country has to offer.

Playa Tamarindo

Playa Santa Teresa

This beach, situated on the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica, is a veritable paradise. Its white sand, crystal-clear waters, and excellent conditions make it a favorite among surfers, with reliable waves that offer a great challenge for both novice and experienced surfers. But it’s not just a surfing spot; its sheer natural beauty also makes it one of the top locations for the casual beach-goer.

Playa Santa Teresa

Costa Rica’s beaches offer something for everyone, whether you’re an experienced surfer looking for challenging waves, a beginner seeking to catch your first break, or a traveler searching for peace and relaxation.

These five beaches might be the most popular in Costa Rica, but there are hundreds of other beautiful beaches waiting to be discovered. Are you ready to start your adventure?