Beaches in Costa Rica

The beaches in Costa Rica are some of the most beautiful in the world. Whether you prefer the powder white sands and turquoise water of the Caribbean or the black sands and deep blue water of the Pacific, Costa Rica has a wide range of some of the top beaches found anywhere in the world. 

One of the most unique beaches in Costa Rica has to be Playa Conchal located in the Nicoya Peninsula. At first glance this picturesque beach appears to be a white sanded beauty that cozies up to the deep blue Pacific. However, once you step foot on the beach you realize that the entire beach is composed of billions of shells and shell fragments as deep as ten feet. Many of the top beaches in Costa Rica are found in this area including Playa Tamarindo, which is world famous for surfing, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Ocotal.

When looking for the best beaches in Costa Rica, the amazing beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park have to be at the top of the list. These beaches became so popular that the government had to start limiting the amount of people that could visit each day.
Playa Jaco (pronounced ha-ko) is a great surfing spot, and also a very popular beach due to its close proximity to San Jose.

Many people talk about the best beaches in Costa Rica or the top beaches in Costa Rica, but the true gems when it comes to the beaches of Costa Rica are the hidden jewels that are off the beaten path. While it may take a daring sense of adventure and a considerable amount of driving, once you arrive at some of these hidden treasures you will finally discover the true meaning of Paradise. One of these secret beaches lies at the very Southern Tip of the Osa Peninsula, Playa Matapalo. This garden of eden-like beach is well off the beaten path, but its beauty is unparallel anywhere else in the country. It is the only spot in the country where you can watch the sun rise over the large Golfo Dulce(Sweet Gulf), and then watch it set over the majestic Pacific.

The beaches of Costa Rica have something to offer for everyone. Whether it is surfing, sunbathing, swimming, or just soaking up the incredible scenery, the beaches of Costa Rica are a beach lover’s dream.