Beaches in Costa Rica
Pacific and Caribbean coastlines with almost nothing in common — different water, different rhythm, different culture. These are the beaches worth choosing between.
🏊 Swimming
Isla del Caño Biological Reserve
The finest reef on the Pacific coast of Central America, twelve kilometres offshore
Drake Bay
🏊 Swimming
Parque Nacional Cahuita
One of Costa Rica’s most beautiful Caribbean national parks
Cahuita
🏊 Swimming
Playa Conchal
A beach made entirely of crushed shells — no sand, only conchitas
Brasilito
🏊 Swimming
Playa Hermosa (Jaco)
One of the most famous surf beaches and beautiful stretches of coastline on the Central Pacific
Jacó
💎 Hidden Gems
Playa Escondida
A small hidden beach near Manuel Antonio and Quepos
Quepos
💎 Hidden Gems
Playa Biesanz
One of the calmest and most scenic beach
Quepos
🌅 Sunset Spots
Playa Santa Teresa
Bohemian surf village with the finest sunsets on the Nicoya Peninsula
Cobano
💎 Hidden Gems
Bahía Drake
One of the wildest and most biodiverse destinations
Drake Bay
🥾 Hiking
Dominical
Jungle coast surf town — strong rip currents, one main street, gateway to the southern Pacific
Dominical
🔭 Viewpoints
Isla Olocuita
A small, uninhabited tropical island located off the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica
Quepos
💎 Hidden Gems
Playa Islita
A secluded beach known for its peaceful atmosphere, golden sand, dramatic volcanic rock formations, and strong connection to art, and conservation
Nandayure
💎 Hidden Gems
Playa Bejuco
A quiet beach featuring open coastline, nearby turtle-nesting sites, and authentic rural character
Nandayure
💎 Hidden Gems
Playa Cocal (Quepos)
A small, beautiful beach on the southern Nicoya Peninsula near
Puntarenas
🦜 Wildlife
Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas
Protects far more than beautiful beaches—it safeguards one of the last major nesting strongholds for the Eastern Pacific Leatherback Sea Turtle.
Santa Cruz
🦜 Wildlife
Playa Camaronal
Camaronal stands out for conservation, solitude, and the opportunity to witness ancient sea turtle nesting rituals under the stars.
Nandayure
🔭 Viewpoints
Bajamar Rock
A coastal boulder at the Pacific tideline where the horizon holds nothing but open water
Bajamar
🏊 Swimming
Playa Cahuita
One of the most beautiful and culturally rich beaches. It combines white-sand beaches, coral reefs, rainforest wildlife, and Afro-Caribbean culture
Talamanca
💎 Hidden Gems
Playa Negra
One of Costa Rica's most famous surf beaches
Los Pargos
🏊 Swimming
Playa Avellanas
Known for its long stretches of sand, exceptional surfing, long undeveloped beaches, beautiful sunsets, wildlife, and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Santa Cruz
🏊 Swimming
Playa Manzanillo
One of the most beautiful beaches on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast
Manzanillo
💎 Hidden Gems
Playa Tamales
Experience protected coastline, tropical dry forest, and a sense of isolation
La Cruz
🏊 Swimming
Playa Rajada
A hidden paradise where white sand, turquoise waters, and tropical forest create one of Guanacaste’s most beautiful beach escapes.
La Cruz
🏊 Swimming
Playa Espadilla Sur
One of the most beautiful beaches inside Manuel Antonio National Park
Quepos
🏊 Swimming
Playa Jobo
Calm, crystal-clear water, beautiful scenery, and relatively low visitor numbers
La Cruz