Let’s get right to the point here. Costa Rica may have some of the most stunning rain forests and wildlife on the planet, but it also has some truly awesome strips of sand. Whether you’re keen to body surf in the crashing spray, or just spend your days soaking up the rays, one thing is for sure – Costa Rica is a beach lover’s dream. Here are 12 of our favorites.
1. Playa Negra
As its name implies, this much-loved beach near the reggae-fueled town of Cahuita is covered in dark black sand that positively shines on a sunny day. Although the sand can get a bit warm around midday, fret not as you’re never far from the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Though undoubtedly the town's most popular spot for swimming, it's never crowded.
2. Playa Conchal
Arguably the most beautiful beach in Costa Rica, tiny yet never understated Playa Conchal is covered in a fine sprinkling of crushed seashells. As you wade through crystalline water in search of a memorable souvenir, pause for a moment to reflect on how wonderful it is to be in paradise.
3. Punta Uva
Off a dirt road marked by Punta Uva Dive Center is a quiet, idyllic cove that could double for a scene in the film The Beach. There are usually a couple of locals renting out surfboards on the sand, and the reef to the right of the cove is excellent for snorkeling and surfing (but not at the same time!). When the waves are up, this spot creates a forgiving peeling right-hand wave that's suitable for intermediates.
4. Playa Espadillia Sur
A half-hour hike from the Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio entrance, the exposed Playa Espadilla Sur is to the north of Punta Catedral and gorgeous with pinch-me scenes of white sand, backed by lush tropical forest. As tempted as you may be, swimming here can be dangerous – be aware of currents. There's drinking water, bathrooms and showers in the middle of the beach.
5. Playa Santa Teresa
Playa Santa Teresa is one of the best beaches in Costa Rica for surfing, the long, stunning strand is famous for its fast and powerful beach break. The waves at the popular Peninsula de Nicoya destination are pretty consistent and can be surfed at virtually any time of day. At the north end of the beach, Roca Mar – aka Suck Rock – is an awesome point break and a local favorite.
6. Playa Hermosa
Somewhere north of town, Playa Santa Teresa ends and Playa Hermosa starts. This gorgeous beach deserves its hermosa (beautiful) moniker and then some. It's wide and flat and spectacular at low tide. The beach nearly disappears at high tide. Somewhere between low and high is surf tide, when you can ride the wide beach break left or right from center. You can surf the point break (at the north end of the beach) at any time. This beach is also popular with families.
7. Playa Ventanas
Tucked behind a grove of coco palms on the Central Pacific Coast, this crescent-shaped, black-sand-and-pebble beach has elaborate rock formations at either end, and is called ventanas (windows) because on the northern side there are a couple of caves large enough to walk into. The ocean roars and crashes through the caves as the tide comes in – it's pretty spectacular to watch. There are no services here, but you can pick up some roadside coconut water, and snacks from vendors on the beach.
8. Playa Barrigona
A dreamy, hidden, white-sand beach about 30 minutes north of Sámara, where no development is visible. It's a little tricky to find but the pay-off is that you might have it all to yourself.
9. Playa Montezuma
The best beach close to town is just to the north, where the sand is powdery and sheltered from big swells. This is your glorious sun-soaked crash pad. The water's shade of teal is immediately nourishing, the temperature is perfect and fish are abundant. At the north end of the beach, look for the trail that leads to a cove known as Piedra Colorada. A small waterfall forms a freshwater pool, which is a perfect swimming spot.
10. Playa San Josecito
South of Río Claro, Playa San Josecito is one of the longest stretches of white-sand beach on this side of the Península de Osa. It is popular with swimmers, snorkelers and sunbathers, though you’ll find it crowded at lunchtime since it's the favorite post-snorkeling picnic spot for tour companies coming back from Isla del Caño. Watch out for capuchin monkeys.
11. Playa Manzanillo
The chilled-out town Manzanillo has long been off the beaten track. This little town is a vibrant outpost of Afro-Caribbean culture and has remained pristine, thanks to strict regulations on regional development. In September and October this Caribbean beach has the best snorkeling in Costa Rica and nearby activities include hiking, snorkeling and kayaking.
12. Playa Cocolito
One of the quietest beaches in this area of Costa Rica, Playa Cocolito is also your chance to see El Chorro Waterfall crashing down a cliff, straight onto the rocks and into the ocean. It's a hot, two-hour, 12km hike from Montezuma: leave at sunrise to spot plenty of wildlife along the way. Alternatively, this is a popular destination for horseback riding. The waters here are a dreamy, iridescent azure, with pink rocky cliffs creating two inviting swimming areas.
You might also like:
Costa Rica's 10 best natural wonders
Costa Rica's best adventure activities
Costa Rica for first-timers
This article was originally published in July 2009 and updated in February 2021.
