5 Great Beaches to Visit in Costa Rica
One thing that Costa Rica doesn’t lack is beaches. There are tons of beaches in the country, and each one has a slightly different flavor. From touristy beaches for relaxation and sunbathing, to obscure local beaches for hardcore surfers, there’s something for everyone. Here’s our guide to some of the best beaches the Costa Rica has to offer. No matter who you are, or what you’re looking for, you’re bound to find something here that stands out.
Tamarindo Beach
The town of Tamarindo is a wildly popular surfer town, but don’t be intimidated – this beach is very accessible to novice surfers. After an active day of surfing, feel free to grab some food at one of Tamarindo’s many excellent restaurants. Tamarindo is also well known for its eco-tourism so if you’re looking for some hiking or guided rainforest tours, this is the place to go!
Playa Conchal
While surfers may flock to Tamarindo, the nearby Playa Conchal is a more subdued, relaxing experience. This beach is great for sunbathing, snorkeling, relaxing strolls, or just appreciating the beauty of it all. If you head north on the beach, the sand takes on a unique pink color, a quality that has earned that area the name of “Flamingo Beach”.
Playa Manzanillo
This remote beach has it all. Beautiful turquoise waters, a plethora of explorable reefs, warm white sand, and a gorgeous rainforest backdrop. This beach is great for kayaking, snorkeling, and getting away from it all. One huge advantage this beach has over the others in this list is that it’s far less visited due to its remote location.
Montezuma Beach
Montezuma began as a small fishing town town at the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, and has since become a classic spot for divers, surfers, and backpackers. The town features a good mix of locals as well as backpackers and eco-tourists who come for the lush rainforests around, and scenic waterfalls. There are three well known shipwrecks in the area, and all the spots around are very budget friendly.
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is probably the most popular spot in all of Costa Rica. This beach is located right in the national park of the same name, and features azure pacific waters, a plethora of luxury hotels, zip-lining excursions, a giant volcano, and gorgeous rainforests teeming with all kinds of wildlife. This is one of those must-visit spots.