Costa Rica’s wildlife-rich rainforests and soaring volcanoes can sometimes distract from the fact that this country has some of the prettiest beaches on the planet. The coastline is just as diverse as its flora and fauna; you’ll find it all here, from volcanic black sand to sugary white shores. With 800 miles of coastline and more than 300 beaches along the Pacific and the Caribbean, you could easily spend a lifetime exploring every patch of sand.
I’ve visited Costa Rica more than 20 times. When I first started traveling there—more than two decades ago—I gravitated to surf towns on the Pacific Coast, like Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, Malpais, and Nosara. Even though these spots are now on every tourist’s radar, they are still some of my favorite beaches for surfing. That’s because you’ll find every type of wave—from powerful barrels to endless peeling lefts and rights. And it’s easy to fly into Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR), rent a car, and string together a surf safari. Each town has surf schools and rental shops, and I always recommend hiring a guide so you can escape the crowds and go to some secret local breaks.
Some of my most memorable wildlife encounters have also occurred on this coast. From the main beach of Ballena National Marine Park, I’ve spotted competition pods of male humpbacks putting on a show of breaches and tail slaps. At Playa Ostional, I’ve witnessed thousands of turtles crawling ashore to nest, like a marine version of the great migration. And the snorkeling can be second to none, especially in the crystal clear waters throughout the Caribbean Coast.
With so much to explore, this list covers just a handful of my favorite spots. I’ve included a mix of less-trodden gems that take some effort to reach and impossible-to-ignore destinations that are no longer secrets. Trust me, each one embodies Costa Rica’s pure vida spirit.
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1. Playa Espadilla, Costa Rica
Location
Nestled along the Central Pacific Coast bordering Manuel Antonio Park. The main town, Quepos, is a 15-minute drive away.
Why We Love It
This wide, mile-long stretch of sand actually comprises two beaches. The northern half is public, while the southern half is accessible through Manuel Antonio National Park. There’s something magical about hiking through lush rainforest, filled with sloths, squirrel monkeys, and iguana, and emerging onto golden shores fronting the Pacific. From July to October, you might even spot humpback whales breaching. The forest-crowned cliffs of Cathedral Point mark the southern end of the beach. I like to hunker down on the quieter, southern section and walk down to buy a coconut or order tacos from the vendors who set up on busier Playa Espadilla Norte. Because it’s west facing, the entire beach delivers some of the prettiest sunsets I’ve ever seen.
Know Before You Go
To access the beach from the south, you must reserve a park pass online for $18. May through November typically has short but daily rainfall. This is also when the surf’s up, so bring your board or rent one from the beachfront Da Hui Surf School.
2. Playa Uvita
Location
One hour south of Manuel Antonio Park in the town of Uvita, which is considered the gateway to the Osa Peninsula. The beach is located within Ballena National Marine Park.
Why We Love It
Ballena National Marine Park spans nearly 250 acres of pristine beach and rainforest. Of its four beaches, Playa Uvita, located at the main entrance of the park, stands out for its iconic whale-tail shaped sandbar, which can only be accessed during low tide. When the water is at its lowest, the walk is about a 1.25-miles to the tip of the “tail.” A reef protects this unique formation from strong currents and waves, making it a fantastic spot for tide-pooling and snorkeling. And from mid-July to October, humpback whales put on a show that can be observed from shore or up-close on boat tours that launch from this beach.
Know Before You Go
Because the beach is located within the park, an entrance fee costs $8. Bahia Aventuras offers fantastic whale and dolphin boat tours (from $90) as well as kayak excursions along the whale’s tail formation and into a small mangrove forest (from $85). Between May and September, Playa Uvita gets consistent waves that are perfect for beginners. Take a lesson or sign up for a camp with Bodhi Surf + Yoga (group lessons from $65).
3. Playa Conchal
Location
About a 30-minute drive north of the popular beach town Tamarindo, on the northern end of Guanacaste province within Reserva Conchal Community Resort.
Why We Love It
A walk along Playa Conchal doubles as a foot massage as its shores are made up of millions of smooth, pulverized seashells that glimmer in the lapping waves. Set between two rocky points in a private cove, this beach feels like a little oasis with calm, turquoise water ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. Vendors along the beach rent water sports equipment, including snorkels and fins; the rocks near the northern end are the best spot to see colorful fish. One of the most magical ways to enjoy the beauty of the beach is on a sunset horseback tour with Conchal Adventures Costa Rica ($50 for one hour).
Know Before You Go
If you splurge on a room at the W Costa Rica Conserva Conchal (from $828 per night) or the all-inclusive Westin Reserva Conchal (from $807 per night), you only need to walk out your door to access the beach. Non-guests can park in the neighboring town of Brasalito and walk about 20-minutes south along Playa Brasalito to reach Playa Conchal (bring flip flops as the sand can heat up mid-day). Plan to stop at no-frills Soda Brasilito for traditional tico fare, pre- or post visit.
4. Playa Chiquita
Location
On the Caribbean Coast in the province of Limón, less than four miles from the surf town of Puerto Viejo.
Why We Love It
Tucked away from the bustling beaches of Puerto Viejo, this serene swath of pearly, forest-fringed sand fronts a series of tranquil coves that beckon swimmers and snorkelers with crystal clear, bathtub warm waters. A small reef just offshore is home to electric hued anemone, bright blue parrotfish, and schools of zebrafish. When I visited last year, I’d walk the beach at low-tide each day and almost always spotted horses grazing beneath palm trees and howler monkeys playing in the canopies on the far ends of the beach.
Know Before You Go
The Caribbean Coast doesn’t experience Costa Rica’s typical weather patterns. From May through November, when much of the country is wet and green, this area is dry and sunny. A handful of unmarked trails lead from the street to dirt paths that access various points of the beach. Hotel Aguas Claras has a direct path and its shady beach club is open to the public and serves delicious dishes, like spicy ceviche and rondon seafood soup (from $365 per night).
5. Playa Guiones
Location
The main beach in Nosara, a surf-and-yoga hub on the Nicoya Peninsula.
Why We Love It
This is one of my favorite surfing beaches on the planet, particularly for longboarding. Playa Guiones is blessed with swell nearly all year. Mornings and later afternoons usually deliver glassy wave perfection. And when the waves aren’t breaking, I love running the 4.3-mile crescent-shaped stretch of firm-packed sand. When I first started taking surf trips here in the early aughts, it still felt a bit undiscovered. Since the pandemic, the laidback beach town has become a favorite base for remote workers. You’ll definitely be sharing waves, but the pura vida ethos keeps the vibe mellow, and the line-up offers a variety of peaks, so you can spread out in the water and find the perfect spot to suit your abilities. The sandy bottom, varying conditions from beginner-friendly whitewater to long, peeling lefts and rights, and dozens of local surf schools, make it an ideal place to improve your surfing.
Know Before You Go
December through mid-April brings smaller, beginner-friendly waves; the swell picks up May through November. I’ve always felt safe in Nosara, but petty theft has been a concern of late. On my last trip, someone snatched my flip flops off the beach, so be aware of your belongings. Family-friendly Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel is a five-minute walk to Playa Guiones and has its own surf club (from $168 per night).
6. Playa Avellanas
Location
In Guanacaste Province on the Pacific Coast, about 12 miles, or a 30-minute drive south of the buzzy beach town of Tamarindo.
Why We Love It
Less trodden than Playa Tamarindo to the north, Playa Avellenas is considered a surfing paradise with a largely undeveloped sandy beach and waves that can reach up to 18 feet. Experienced surfers test their mettle on La Purruja, a lefthand reef break in front of the main parking lot, and Little Hawaii, a barreling reef break on the very north side of the beach. Intermediate surfers should paddle out to El Estero, a more forgiving sand and reef break in front of a river mouth that produces A-frame waves that break left and right. True beginners can hone their pop-up at El Parqueo, a mellow beach break.
Know Before You Go
If you’re going to surf, December to April features smaller waves; the larger swells roll through between May and November. Even if you’re an experienced surfer, it’s helpful to hire a guide who knows the local currents and tides. Avellanas Surf School offers one-on-one guiding as well as lessons (from $60). Lola’s, a beachfront cafe, has been fueling surfers since 1998. Stop by for a pre-surf smoothie or post-surf Imperial lager. Beach loungers and umbrellas can be reserved (from $17 for the day) with full food and beverage service.
7. Playa Ostional
Location
Within Ostional Wildlife Refuge, a 20-minute drive north of Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula.
Why We Love It
This 4.3-mile black sand beach is all the more impressive due to the monthly phenomenon known as arribada (Spanish for arrival by sea), when thousands of olive ridley turtles come ashore to lay eggs. One of the world’s most important nesting grounds, as many as 90,000-plus turtles have been counted arriving in a single day. It’s also possible to see nesting leatherback and Pacific green turtles at this beach.
Know Before You Go
The refuge is open to visitors all year, but August through October is the high season for nesting. Arribadas take place around four to 10 times during this period and last three to 10 days each. Visitors must pay an entry fee, around $10, and a local guide is required to tour the refuge. Asociacion de Guias Locales de Ostional (AGLO) runs tours multiple times a day during arribadas and posts announcements about tour dates and times on the AGLO Facebook page.
Jen Murphy grew up on the Jersey Shore and considers herself a beach connoisseur. Some of her favorite patches of sand are in Costa Rica. She recently wrote the Beginners Guide to Adventure Travel in Costa Rica and the 15 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World for Outside.
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