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Costa Rica has an amazing coastline, which covers more than 1,200 km (746 miles) with roughly 1,000 km winding along the Pacific Coast on the west and 200 km greeting the Caribbean Sea to the east. Our now world famous dramatic and varied beaches boast a dazzling array of features including white, gray, yellow and black sands. I would like to share my top ten favorite beaches in Costa Rica with you and the reasons they are special to me.
Don’t miss this cool video of my #1 pick at the end of this post »
Numero 10
Playa Blanca, Santa Rosa National Park, North Pacific
This is the best “get away from it all and totally rough it” beach just below Nicaragua on the Northern Pacific Coast. Relatively calm waters in a gorgeous horseshoe-shaped bay cradle a desolate white sand beach. 4 x4 is absolutely required to enter from the Murcielago Ranger Station. If you love camping, all the better because you can camp within the park near the main entrance or by La Casona on the way to Playa Nancite and Playa Naranjo. In the area you will find awesome surf spots, the unique park itself, an amazing secret windsurfing spot, and easy access to Nicaragua.
Numero 9
Playa Gandoca, Southern Caribbean
This is the best “get away from it all and NOT rough it” beach on the Caribbean side, located south of Puerto Viejo within the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. You will find swaying coconut palms lining the dark gray sand beach featuring coral reefs, lowland rain forest meeting the surf, mangroves, flora and fauna galore; all a stone’s throw from Panama to the south. Easy access to Playa Uva, Manzanillo, Puerto Viejo where you will find lots of hotels, bars and restaurants to choose from.
Numero 8
Playa Esterillos, Central Pacific Coast
This is my favorite “quick getaway” from San Jose. A beautiful 4 mile stretch of long, lovely beach great for long walks, family outings, clean surf and swimming conditions. An easy drive from San Jose, also accessible from Quepos. When night life or surf competitions beckon in Jaco or Playa Hermosa, Playa Esterillos is close enough to enjoy these but give a feel that is not touristy or crowded.
Numero 7
Punta Uva, Southern Caribbean
Punta Uva just edges out Playa Cocles for my favorite here for quality Caribbean beach time.
For me it is the best “ahhh” moment when you take in the gentle breeze and beautiful vista.
Sparkling turquoise water, coconut palms, and lush tropical flora near the tide line make it easy to park it here all day. Very tranquil, nice for swimming and snorkeling. Both Punta Uva and Playa Cocles have really nice lodging and restaurant options.
Numero 6
Bahia Montezuma, Nicoya Peninsula
Great eclectic, bohemian vibe with excellent people watching. A little bit of Venice Beach meets Santa Cruz with a charming small bay, al fresco restaurants, farmers and artists markets, and wonderful activities nearby. Waterfalls, rivers and secluded beaches to either side, as well as some key surf spots in easy striking distance. Funky cool.
Numero 5
Manuel Antonio, Central Pacific
The trails that are part of the wildly popular Manuel Antonio National Park lead to beautiful white sand coves with spectacular views and even more dazzling sunsets. Playa Espadilla just before the entrance to the park, is lively with beach-front restaurants, banana boat rentals, beach chair and umbrella rentals as well as street vendors. The dramatic cliff-side resorts boast some of the best views in all of Costa Rica. Plenty of daylife and nightlife. Ask me about my secret spot!
Numero 4
Punta Uvita Ballena National Marine Park, Southern Pacific
This is a true natural wonder, a whale tail sand bar wonderful from the air, cliffs or walking at low tide. This is the Pacific gateway to the awesome Osa, getting on the wild side. Great beach for walking and wildlife. A wonderful mix of beach, mangroves, and coral reefs abundant with Humpback whales, Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles, bottle nose and common dolphins, green marine iguanas, many birds, and more.
Numero 3
Playa Guiones, Nosara Nicoya Peninsula
Pura Vida meets OM here in Nosara. Tranquil long beach with consistent surf, friendly locals, internationals and expats all in a community that reveres yoga and holistic wellness. Gorgeous sunsets are the norm, lots of resorts with healthy cuisine, spas featuring local natural ingredients flavored with upscale, yet relaxed charm. Ask me about Bazaar.
Numero 2
Playa Santa Teresa, Southern Nicoya
Just north of the hip and trendy, but still not too crowded Malpais, is Playa Santa Teresa. Palm trees and white sand hug the shore with tide pools, wonderful surf and an elegant unspoiled community. Surf conditions range from beginner to advanced, attractive beach homes grace the beach among upscale “balinese” boutique resorts with cuisine to match.
Numero 1
Playa Tamarindo, Northern Pacific
My all around favorite beach with something for everyone, best “all around”. To the south is a short kayak ride to a shell haven, a small island covered in conch shells. Excellent swimming and surfing beach, perfect for families, boogie boarding, paddle boarding, sailing, etc. Stunning sunsets and so many restaurants and lodging options. From hopping and happening, to secluded and romantic and everything in between. Excellent location for families.
No matter which beach or coastal area you choose to visit there are echoes of endless summer everywhere- Pura Vida!
This video features great shots of my Number 1 Costa Rica Beach – Tamarindo
