Costa Rica is a Central American country with stunning coastlines. Nearly a quarter of the land is protected jungle, so travelers commonly note that the natural beauty of the country is unmatched. The biodiversity of Costa Rica is a big appeal for tourism. The capital of Costa Rica is San Jose, which attracts plenty of travelers looking for a bustling city center. It is a quite welcoming country, so travelers flock to the area. But the destination is most known for its national parks and beaches. And there are plenty of beaches for tourists to choose from. Many travelers travel to the beaches of Costa Rica to elope or even to take a family trip. To simplify the planning process, we have assembled a list of the best beaches in Costa Rica.
When To Visit Costa Rica
The most ideal time to visit Costa Rica mainly has to do with the weather, crowds and travel costs. For the most ideal weather, travelers should consider a trip in between the months of December and April. This period of time is the most sunny and least rainy, which makes for a great beach experience. Temperatures generally range from 70 to 90 degrees during these months, so travelers are pretty much guaranteed great sunbathing.
Costa Rica is not a very expensive place to travel to, but some travelers may want to decrease their spendings as much as possible. The low season is the most ideal time to save on flights and accommodations. This season, where traveling in Costa Rica is most affordable, is between May and September.
For the most serene experience, travelers should not visit Costa Rica during the dry season. This season is the most popular time to visit, between December and April. The rest of the year is the best time to plan a trip to Costa Rica.
The Best Beaches in Costa Rica
Playa Santa Teresa
This beach is located in the beach town of Santa Teresa, which is known for its laid back atmosphere. There are plenty of restaurants, accommodations and things to do in the area. The beach is popular with surfers, foodies and wellness enthusiasts. In fact, there are plenty of popular places to eat near the beach. Playa Santa Teresa is a great place for vacationers that are looking for a getaway with warm waters, colorful forest, soft sand and an array of beach activities. Some of the top things to do around the beach include surfing, yoga, deep sea fishing, day spas, shopping at local boutiques and eco tours.
Playa Conchal
Playa Conchal is a great place to swim and is considered one of the finest beaches on the Pacific Northwest coast. Sunrise is priceless there, so many travelers take leisurely strolls on the beach. Conchal translates to shell so this beach is commonly called shell beach. The iconic white shells that are along the coastline can be seen all year long. Travelers visiting Playa Conchal enjoy swimming, sun tanning, fishing, tubing, zip lining, hiking, sunset cruises and horseback riding. The town Tamarindo is 10 miles away, so travelers have access to accommodations and other vacation amenities.
Manzanillo
Manzanillo is a village in Costa Rica that is very tranquil. It has a beautiful beach which goes by the same name. The Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is nearby and it includes almost six miles of beach. The Manzanillo Beach has shiny pristine sand, turquoise waters and a deep history with fishing. Due to this, it is still to this day a great place for fly fishing. Travelers also enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, hiking and biking at this beach. While it is most popular with locals, plenty of tourists visit to enjoy the coconut palms and sunshine. It is not very central so there are not a lot of accommodation options close to the beach, but the coastline is accessible.
Manuel Antonio
The Playa Manuel Antonio is a short walk from the national park of the same name. This beach is a very popular tourist attraction since it has clear waters and nearby amenities. Although there are many beaches in the city of Manuel Antonio, Playa Manuel Antonio is the top option for travelers. There are multiple trails there where travelers can explore the natural environment. There are changing rooms and restrooms available leading up to the beach which make it easier for tourists to visit. While travelers are at Playa Manuel Antonio, they should take advantage of the snorkeling opportunities. If travelers want to visit the Manuel Antonio National Park they are welcome to take a tour. There is an entrance fee for the national park on top of the cost of a tour, so travelers should note that.
Playa Montezuma
The town of Montezuma is home to some nice beaches that will impress travelers. The main beach is Playa Montezuma, which is a nice central spot for tourists to stop at. The beach is small and is a bit rocky, so this location is not the best option for swimming travelers. To avoid taking a chance on the riptides many tourists book horseback riding tours. This excursion offers a leisurely exploration of the stunning beach. The majority of travelers enjoy simply sunbathing or going on beach strolls. Playas Las Manchas and Playa Grande are among the other popular options nearby. These beaches are rocky, picturesque and have an ambiance of seclusion.
Playa Tortuguero
Tortuguero is a remote destination with an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty. It is commonly referred to as the Amazon of Costa Rica, so travelers will have access to exciting rainforest experiences. The beach is quite photogenic since it has crisp white sands and lush greenery. It, as its name suggests, is among some of the top nesting sites for turtles. Some tourists come just to witness the sea turtles. There are even guided night tours that provide tourists with a (safely distanced) look into sea turtle nesting. The season for these immersive tours runs from July until around August. Alternatively, travelers that visit this beach can sit back and relax to enjoy the cooling crystalline waters.
Playa Tamarindo
Although Tamarindo is a relatively small beach town, it is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It has lively nightlife and a good surfing scene, so travelers visiting its beach will have plenty to do. Tamarindo is also a prime location for aquatic activities in Costa Rica since it has warm waters as well as many activities to partake in. Among the most popular things to do are diving, sportfishing, horseback riding, surfing, hiking and sunbathing. This beach is a popular nesting site for Leatherback Turtles and travelers can even see Howler Monkeys swinging from tree to tree from the water.
Playa San Juanillo
The small coastal village of San Juanillo is not a huge tourism hub, but it is a nice place to stay. In this area travelers will be able to connect with the local culture and appreciate the rustic yet idyllic sights. This small beach in the Guanacaste area is a great place to visit if travelers prefer a little privacy. To get there travelers will have to venture off road, so it is safe to say that this beach will not commonly be super crowded. The seemingly untouched beauty of this Costa Rica beach provides a major appeal for visitors. The beach is revered for its stunning turquoise waters and pristine white sand. Due to its clear waters and thriving marine life, San Juanillo Beach is the perfect place for snorkeling. Other popular activities that travelers can enjoy at this beach are relaxing. Most visitors enjoy lounging on the beach in a hammock, reading in the serene environment, hiking up the beach rocks, having a picnic or simply swimming in the warm waters.