The Beaches in Costa Rica

We’ll take a little tour of the beaches of Costa Rica, focusing on the western coast. We’ll start in the north, and work our way south along the Guanacaste area, then into the Central coast, and finally end up in the Southern coast.

Our first stop on the Guanacaste coast must be at Playa Blanca, or White Beach. This beautiful beach is 1 kilometer long, and is a short distance from the city of Liberia. The best time to visit is between December to April, when the beaches are sun-drenched for up to 11 hours per day. Sunbathing and swimming are prime activities on this incredible beach.

A little further south, only 45 kilometers from Santa Cruz, Playa Brasilito is a beautiful beach that stretches 2 kilometers along the northern Pacific coast. Swim, boat, or just enjoy the scenery. There are plenty of shops and hotels nearby for whatever you need, although this remains a favorite destination for the locals.

The beaches in Costa Rica also offer some terrific surfing. As we travel further south, we find Playa Negra… a great beach for surfing for both beginners and experts. The sights are stunning with its dark sand beach. Featured in the film Endless Summer II, this beach can be a bit more crowded, but with plenty to see and do, this site is worth the effort. Plenty of accommodations and restaurants are nearby to enjoy.

Near the town of Tamarindo, the main beach is Playa Grande. Featuring crystal clear waters and beautifully pristine beaches, there are a myriad of activities to explore in this beautiful area. Diving, sport fishing, sailing, horseback riding, surfing and boat excursions will keep you busy the entire time you’re here.

In the Central Coast area of Costa Rica, be sure to stop at Jaco Beach. Famous for surfing, this wonderful party town offers the best of both worlds, and is only two hours away from San Jose. If you’re looking for more excellent surfing with a little less crowding, be sure to check out nearby Playa Hermosa and Playa Herradura.

The beaches of Costa Rica have a lot to offer non-surfers as well. Be sure to visit Manual Antonio National Park for some unforgettable swimming beaches and wildlife. Snorkeling the local reefs is a popular activity for tourists.

If you are just into striking scenery, the beaches in Costa Rica can’t be beat. Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula has a 20 kilometer stretch of beach that includes breathtaking cliffs and a marine cave. Sirena Beach offers some great wildlife opportunities. The brackish water features sting rays and bull sharks, and a population of crocodiles resides in the river. This area is not for swimming.

As you can see, the beaches in Costa Rica have a lot to offer. Whether you are into surfing, sunbathing, swimming or scenic views and wildlife, the beaches in Costa Rica are worth considering for your next vacation.

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