The postcard-worthy seashores of Costa Rica are simply a few of its greatest points of interest. 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 wish to discover the most effective seashores in Costa Rica, you’ll need to be extra particular about what you’re searching for, as each one among them is nice in its personal proper.
I’ve put collectively a listing that will help you select which to go to, with some which might be very 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 the most effective seashores in Costa Rica are…
Finest for Swimming
13. Playa Espadilla Norte, Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is likely 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 can be Playa Espadilla Norte over and over. The water there may be clear, the sand is buttery mushy, and the waves gently lap you as you wade additional in. I like hanging out in my chair with a ebook and taking occasional dips to swim, so this seaside was excellent for me.
It’s unattainable 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. Anticipate to pay $10-15 for a chair for the entire day. There are loos and altering rooms close by, with a lot of meals stands and eating places near the seaside as nicely.
The place to remain close to Playa Espadilla Norte:
- Finances: Teva Lodge & Jungle Reserve is only a 15-minute bus experience from the seaside; you may rating a dorm mattress for round $29/evening. E-book right here.
- Mid-range: Espadilla Gardens Lodge is steps from the seaside. Rooms begin round $187/evening. E-book right here.
- Luxurious: Jungle Seashore Lodge is within the excellent location in Manuel Antonio: smack-dab between the seaside and the jungle. Rooms begin round $300/evening. E-book right here.
12. Playa Uvita, Uvita
This seaside is a part of Marino Ballena Nationwide Park, that means there aren’t any motels or eating places on the shore. I choose this seaside to others close to Uvita for swimming due to the ultra-soft sand and delicate waves. There aren’t any seaside chairs to sit back out in, however I had a good time enjoyable on my towel within the shade of the palm bushes between swims. Despite the fact that the nationwide park is vastly fashionable, the seaside is huge, and there’s loads of house to search out your personal little slice of heaven.
To get to Playa Uvita, it’s a must to pay the doorway charge on the principal entrance to Marino Ballena Nationwide 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 seaside. After I went, there was an indication that mentioned 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 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 your complete day.
The place to remain close to Playa Uvita:
- Finances: 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 worth. Dorm beds begin at simply $14/evening. E-book right here.
- Mid-range: Crystal Ballena Boutique Lodge & Spa is a good alternative for a mid-range price range, because it’s only a 15-minute stroll from the seaside and contains breakfast. Rooms begin round $224/evening. E-book right here.
- Luxurious: In the case of 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/evening. E-book right here.
11. Punta Uva, Puerto Viejo
Punta Uva is a small seaside close to the uber-popular Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the Caribbean aspect of Costa Rica. Right here you’ll discover deliciously mushy sand and clear water, however most of all, a coral reef simply off shore. Positive, this seaside is ideal for a swim, nevertheless it’s additionally very 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 perfect time to swim and snorkel right here is from January by 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 comply with principally grime roads for about eight kilometers. There are buses that run each 1-2 hours, or you may bike there, which many guests get pleasure from due to the scenic views alongside the way in which. There aren’t many facilities on the seaside itself, however the city of Punta Uva has eating places and small motels, in addition to locations to hire snorkeling gear.
The place to remain Close to Playa Punta Uva:
- Finances: Cabaña Caribeña has charming cabins with a full kitchen only a six-minute stroll from Playa Punta Uva. This can be a nice bang to your buck at simply round $38/evening. E-book right here.
- Mid-range: Mermaid Home is a favourite, providing ample house and a breezy really feel. You possibly can hire the entire home with two bedrooms for round $90/evening. E-book right here.
- Luxurious: aWá Seashore Lodge is steps from the shore and has complimentary buffet-style breakfast. Rooms begin round $285/evening. E-book right here.
Finest for Browsing
10. Playa Dominical, Dominical
To be trustworthy, the seashores in Dominical may fall underneath any of those classes. Nevertheless, it’s greatest recognized for its incredible browsing. The waves right here vary from beginner-friendly swells to extra superior, with totally 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 Might.
It doesn’t ever get extraordinarily crowded in Dominical prefer it does in different extra fashionable surf spots, like Jacó and Tamarindo, so it’s an important place to study. A number of the greatest faculties right here embrace Costa Rica Surf Camp, which has particular person courses and camp packages accessible, and Costa Rica Dive & Surf, which additionally gives diving excursions.
The place to remain close to Playa Dominical:
- Finances: Cool Vibes Seashore Hostel is a favourite amongst backpackers and surfers due to its heat hospitality and proximity to the seaside. Dorms begin round $41/evening. E-book right here.
- Mid-range: Bamboo Home and Lodge is a bit farther from the seaside (a few mile) however makes up for the gap with its homey setting and delightful backyard. Rooms begin round $75/evening. E-book right here.
- Luxurious: Villas Alturas is tucked away within the jungle overlooking Dominical Seashore and gives guests absolutely outfitted villas for round $395/evening. There’s a pool on-site, in addition to a complimentary breakfast. E-book right here.
9. Playa Cocles, Puerto Viejo
This is likely one of the most energetic seashores on the Caribbean coast and has a few of the greatest surf within the nation. Right here you may count on the softest white sand conceivable, in addition to that quintessential turquoise water the Caribbean is known for. Though the Pacific coast is extra of a browsing vacation spot than this aspect of the nation, Playa Cocles holds its personal.
Right here yow will discover a number of locations to hire a surfboard or take a category. Among the best-rated is Totem Surf Faculty & Excursions, which has choices for freshmen in addition to extra superior surfers. The most important swells of the 12 months occur between January and March right here, which is totally different than surf season on the Pacific coast.
The place to remain close to Playa Cocles:
- Finances: Casa Azul’s Wild Facet Jungalows are an important possibility for price range vacationers who need to keep away from staying in a hostel. You may get a personal “jungalow” beginning round $68/evening, which is an efficient deal for the realm. E-book right here.
- Mid-range: Geckoes Lodge gives a style of luxurious with out breaking the financial institution, with lovely, breezy rooms that begin at round $165/evening. E-book right here.
- Luxurious: Las Palomas Villas has a stunning setup within the jungle that permits for privateness and seclusion. Not solely is there a swimming pool, however the villas are absolutely outfitted, and every has its personal terrace. Villas begin round $240/evening. E-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 way more secluded than the opposite surf cities on this record. That makes it excellent for fanatics who need to hit the waves in peace, with out so many individuals round.
As a result of 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. Nevertheless, surfers nonetheless come from everywhere in the globe as a result of Playa Pavones has one of many longest left breaks on this planet. Should you love quiet seaside cities and unspoiled nature to sweeten your journey, that is the place to go.
The place to remain close to Playa Pavones:
- Finances: Esperanza Pavones is in an important location, proper within the heart of Pavones city, close to supermarkets and eating places. Plus, it’s solely about 400 toes from the seaside. Dorms begin round $50/evening. E-book right here.
- Mid-range: Treehouse Pilon Pavones is a few miles from the seaside, however nicely price it in case you have your personal transportation and need to be utterly surrounded by nature. Charges to remain right here begin round $110/evening. E-book right here.
- Luxurious: Tiskita Lodge is maybe essentially the most sought-after lodging on your complete Osa Peninsula due to its unimaginable location near the seaside, its picturesque swimming pool, and its luxurious rooms, which begin round $323/evening. E-book right here.
7. Playa Tamarindo, Tamarindo
A listing of the most effective 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 photos of it are flooding your Instagram feed: it’s completely attractive. Not solely that, however the browsing is prime: folks flock from everywhere in the world to get pleasure from its waves.
Right here yow will discover waves for all ranges, making it an important place to study from the most effective surfers round. Two of the highest faculties are Witch’s Rock Surf Camp and Tamarindo Surf Academy, each of which have skilled instructors on employees. The draw back of visiting Tamarindo is that it will probably get fairly crowded, even throughout the moist season (Might to October). Ensure that to ebook your lodging and surf classes nicely prematurely, as costs could be unpredictable for last-minute bookings.
The place to remain close to Playa Tamarindo:
- Finances: Selina Tamarindo is a good spot for backpackers to fulfill different vacationers. It’s solely steps from the seaside, and with dorm beds beginning round $21/evening, it’s one of many least expensive locations you’ll discover. E-book right here.
- Mid-range: In the case of beachfront properties, you may count on to pay a whole bunch for a room. That’s not the case at Lodge La Palapa, which has charges beginning round $108/evening. E-book right here.
- Luxurious: Jardín del Eden Boutique Lodge is surrounded by lush jungle and has its personal spa and wellness heart. Rooms begin round $396/evening, with breakfast and dinner included. E-book right here.
Finest for Households
6. Hermosa Seashore, Jacó
Should 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 seaside city to San José, and you may get there in simply over two hours. For that reason, Jacó is a well-liked seaside amongst home vacationers in addition to foreigners.
Jacó additionally makes an important household seaside vacation spot due to its tremendous mushy sand, light waves, and shallow sea. There may be additionally an abundance of kid-friendly actions right here, like zip-lining and ATV adventures, visiting a chocolate plantation, and extra.
The place to remain close to Playa Hermosa:
- Finances: Las Brisas Resort and Villas gives airport shuttles to and from San José and has choices with absolutely outfitted kitchens. It’s solely a 10-minute stroll from the seaside and has two swimming pools. Charges begin round $92/evening. E-book right here.
- Mid-range: Lodge DoceLunas is a good choose for households who love recognizing wildlife, because it’s situated on a nature protect the place yow will discover macaws, toucans, monkeys, and different animals milling about. It’s solely a five-minute automotive experience from the seaside, too. Charges begin round $120/evening and embrace breakfast. E-book right here.
- Luxurious: If you recognize you undoubtedly need to be on the seaside, Lodge Terraza del Pacífico is likely one of the greatest picks you’ll discover in Jacó. There are two swimming pools, and breakfast is included. Charges begin round $200/evening. E-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 seaside than Playa Espadilla and feels extra secluded, making it an important choose for households who desire a enjoyable getaway. It’s in a small cove that it’s a must to entry by the Shana by the Seashore Lodge, though you don’t have to remain there to make use of the seaside.
I am keen on this seaside due to its idyllic blue waters; it additionally has little to no present, which made it excellent for a calming float. I noticed a variety of households right here, with little ones enjoying within the delicately mushy sand and splashing within the water. Although I don’t have any kiddos of my very own, it appeared like the right place for them.
The place to remain close to Playa Biesanz:
- Finances: Lodge Serenity is likely one of the most inexpensive lodging in Manuel Antonio, with charges beginning round $86/evening (breakfast included). E-book right here.
- Mid-range: Lodge 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 embrace breakfast. E-book right here.
- Luxurious: Shana by the Seashore Lodge is the very best choose in case your principal 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. Charges begin round $237/evening, with breakfast included. E-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 sit back on the seaside.
Playa Carrillo is a lesser-known seaside in Samara that has a extra laid-back vibe than others within the space. This makes it excellent for households who need to join with unspoiled nature. The light 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 seaside itself, so it’s a must to stroll 5-10 minutes to discover a lavatory. This is usually a turnoff for households with babies, nevertheless it’s the value you pay to keep away from the large crowds and loud music that you just may discover at extra fashionable seashores.
The place to remain close to Playa Carrillo:
- Finances: Cabañas Colibrí is a good bang to your buck, with rooms beginning round $70/evening; it’s additionally only a five-minute stroll from Playa Carrillo. E-book right here.
- Mid-range: The Hideaway Lodge is only a seven-minute stroll from Playa Carrillo and has a pool in addition to free breakfast. Charges begin round $125/evening for a household of 4. E-book right here.
- Luxurious: If you wish to hire a full home, look no additional than La Caravana. It’s solely 200 toes from Playa Carrillo, too! Charges begin round $200/evening. E-book right here.
Finest Off-the-Overwhelmed-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 seaside will get its title 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 may also hire a seaside chair and an umbrella, though there was loads of shade from the towering cliffs, so I didn’t assume it was essential.
The place to remain close to Playa Ventanas
- Finances: There aren’t many locations to remain near Playa Ventanas, however Ballena Casa is a good alternative in case you have a automotive, because it’s solely a 10-minute drive away. You possibly can hire your complete two-bedroom home beginning at $60/evening. E-book right here.
- Mid-range: Dos Casitas is in close by Ojochal, only a 10-minute drive from Playa Ventanas. Right here you’ll discover lovely bungalows surrounded by pristine nature. Charges begin round $110/evening. E-book right here.
- Luxurious: Although the rooms at Boutique Lodge and Spa Tangara Azul begin at simply $130/evening, they’ve an opulent really feel and provide ocean views and pool entry. E-book right here.
2. Playa Arco, Uvita
Of all the most effective seashores in Costa Rica, this one is my favourite. The golden sand, gigantic rock arches, and rugged cliffs make for a ravishing scene that felt surreal to expertise, much more so as a result of I used to be the one particular person there.
Playa Arco is a part of Marino Ballena Nationwide Park, however is much away from the everyday vacationer observe. To achieve the seaside, it’s a must to enter the nationwide park by the Marino Ballena Ranger Station, a few 10-minute drive from the primary intersection in Uvita. From there, it’s a 20-minute hike alongside the shore and thru a piece of jungle.
Playa Arco is likely one of the most distant seashores in Uvita: there aren’t any amenities, eating places, or motels near it. The closest lavatory is on the ranger station, so ensure you are ready with loads of water, snacks, and solar safety. Additionally notice that this seaside is just accessible throughout low tide, so test the tide schedule earlier than you go.
The place to remain close to Playa Arco:
- Finances: 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 worth. Dorm beds begin at simply $14/evening. E-book right here.
- Mid-range: Crystal Ballena Boutique Lodge & Spa is a good alternative for a mid-range price range, because it’s only a 15-minute stroll from the seaside and contains breakfast. Rooms begin round $224/evening. E-book right here.
- Luxurious: In the case of 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/evening, ebook right here.
1. Playa Gemelas, Manuel Antonio
Final however not least is Playa Gemelas in Manuel Antonio Nationwide 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 seaside in such a preferred vacation spot that wasn’t utterly full of individuals. In actual fact, I used to be the one particular person there once I visited! Positive, this park is much from being “off the overwhelmed path,” however discovering a spot like this felt like such a deal with.
This seaside is sort of a a lot smaller model of Playa Biesanz (see above), with mushy white sand and brilliant blue waters. Equally, it’s additionally in a small cove, which supplies it a quaint really feel. To get there, comply with the indicators in Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park for Playa Gemelas.
I recommend attending to the park very first thing within the morning (7am, when the park opens) to benefit from this peaceable slice of heaven.
The place to remain close to Playa Gemelas:
- Finances: Teva Lodge & Jungle Reserve is only a 15-minute bus experience from the seaside, and you’ll rating a dorm mattress for round $29/evening. E-book right here.
- Mid-range: Espadilla Gardens Lodge is steps from the seaside. Rooms begin round $187/evening. E-book right here.
- Luxurious: Jungle Seashore Lodge is within the very best location in Manuel Antonio: smack between the seaside and the jungle. Rooms begin round $300/evening. E-book right here.
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To seek out the most effective 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 record helps you determine on the most effective one for you.
Which one is your favourite?
