Costa Rica Beaches: 16 Best Beach to Visit

Costa Rica is a beautiful rainforest country in Central America and known for its beautiful beaches. Here are the 16 best Costa Rica Beaches recommendations for your perfect holiday. 

1. Jacó, the most famous beach

Image from @visit_costarica from Instagram - Jacó

Jacó is located in the North Puntarenas, about two hours from San Jose. It is a clean and beautiful beach that is popular among locals and tourists. If you want to swim at this beach, remember that the tide is strong, so make sure that you are an experienced swimmer.

2. Tamarindo

Image from @visit_costarica from Instagram - Tamarindo

As a part of the bay formed by a Cabo Velas cape, Tamarindo lies beside Playa Grande in the north. There is Estero de Tamarindo which is America's biggest mangrove estuary that separated the two beaches.

In the south, there are other estuaries, Estero de San Fransisco and the beautiful Playa Langosta. Tamarindo beach is a pretty small beach compared to other the Costa Rica beaches, but it is well equipped with amenities such as ATM center, souvenir shops, and more.

3. Playa Grande

Image from @visit_costarica from Instagram - Playa Grande

Playa grande located in the Guanacaste province. It lies alongside the north pacific coast and has crystal blue water. Playa Grande is part of Marino Las Baulas National Park, the home to turtle nests. 

This beach opened to the public in 2000. After 6 pm there is police patrol as the protection for the turtle nest. If you have plenty of time, why not adding the Playa Grande into your itinerary.

4. Playa Herradura

Image from @visit_costarica from Instagram - Playa Herradura

Playa Herradura is one of the beautiful beaches in Puntarenas. Its black sandy beach, aqua-green waters and palm trees along the coast could be your stress reliever. Experience the world-class sportfishing in Costa Rica beaches by visiting Playa Herradura. 

Chill and cast your fishing rod here, you can freely enjoy the fishing activity or join the fishing competition. If you are lucky enough, you can catch a yellowfin tuna!

5. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Image from @visit_costarica from Instagram - Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Located in the Limon Province, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in a quiet fishing village with a beautiful beach. Near Puerto de Talamanca there many interesting places such as the Cahuita National Park, Talamanca Indian Reserve and Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. If you want to experience the best Costa Rica life, pay a visit to this fishing village.

6. Samara

Image from @visit_costarica from Instagram - Samara

Samara beach is considered one of the safest beaches in Costa Rica. If you are seeking an adventure with your family, Samara is a perfect place for you to spend your day. You can enjoy a variety of activities such as horse riding, snorkeling in their beautiful coral reefs, or just chilling with your family while looking into the amazing Atlantic Ocean. Samara offers you a quiet and peaceful holiday.

7. Coco Beach

Image from @visit_costarica from Instagram - Coco Beach

Also known as Playas del Coco, this beach is located in Guanacaste Province & The North Caribbean. There are bars, restaurants, and shops around the beach area. Coco Beach has dark tan sand and calm water. Lots of locals still visit Coco Beach to spend their free time. Here, you can mingle with local with little to none barrier at all.

8. Playa Hermosa, the best surfing beaches in Costa Rica

Image by ianasarad from Pixabay - Playa Hermosa

Playa Hermosa is located 5 kilometers south of Jacó. It is the home of Quicksilver International Surf Championship because of the strong tide and big waves. Experienced or not, many surfers love to surf in this Costa Rica beaches. The surf championship is held every August each year.

9. Tortuguero Costa Rica Beaches

Image from @visit_costarica from Instagram - Tortuguero

This beach is a part of the Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica and is home for sea turtles. Turtle nests are found around Tortuguero Beach. If you enjoy the beach and wild-life in a row, book the boat and go to Tortuguero National Park. You can see how the turtle is protected here. Enjoy the sea breeze and this place is perfect for nature lovers.

10. Playa Pelada

Image from @visit_costarica from Instagram - Playa Pelada

Located in Nosara, a village and district on Nicoya Penisula, Playa Pelada has a beautiful reef just offshore with a tidal blowhole. Playa Pelada has a half-moon shape bay, white sandy beach, and rocky formation. The blue bright water is just perfect for the surfer. If you do not want to surf, you can just sit and relax getting your skin tanned.

11. Uvita

Image from @visit_costarica from Instagram - Uvita

Here is one of Costa Rica beaches, Uvita, located in the southwestern of Costa Rica, South Puntarenas Province. This is a relatively quiet 2-mile long sandy beach. Fishing and hunting are prohibited since Uvita is part of Marina Ballena National Park, but it’s just a perfect place to swim. Get your swimming gear and enjoy the best day of your life at Uvita Beach.

12. Cahuita

Image from @visit_costarica from Instagram - Cahuita

Are you looking for an adventurous holiday at the beach? Try to visit Cahuita Beach in Limón. You can have a little hiking exercise and enjoy a grand view of the ocean from a high place. Other outdoor activities are also available in Cahuita such as scuba diving, canoeing, and snorkeling. Your mind and body would be happy here.

13. Potrero

Image by Visit Costa Rica - The Costa Rica Tourism Board from Facebook - Potrero

Here is one of the beautiful beaches on the list of Costa Rica beaches. Potrero Beach or Playa Potrero is located in Guanacaste Province. It is surrounded by rolling hills, tropical vegetation and diverse wildlife, perfect for you who really loves nature. Playa Potrero is a perfect place to enjoy Costa Rica's sunsets.

14. Quepos

Image from @visit_costarica from Instagram - Quepos

Are you a sportfishing enthusiast? If you are the one, you must visit Quepos, a port village, that lies in the northern part of Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Join the famous sport fishing tour and you are good to go. It is home to big fishes such as marlin, sailfish, snapper, amberjack. yellow-fin tuna and many more. Experience your best fishing experience in Quepos.

15. Puerto Carrillo

Image from @visit_costarica from Instagram - Puerto Carrillo

If you are seeking a luxurious retreat, you can try to visit Islita Beach in Guanacaste. This is a perfect place for a honeymoon. You can enjoy the scenery with your other half. You can stay at the Punta Islita Hotel which has quiet and pristine vibes. Experience your best time together with your partner in the Puerto Carillo Beach.

16. Playa Cocles, spectacular surf beach

Image by @visit_costarica from Instagram - Playa Cocles

For you who enjoy surfing, just try to visit Cocles Beach in the south part of Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica and you will experience the amazing surfing deals. There are not many amenities available here, but you can find traditional meals around the little city. Cocles beach has a long and beautiful beach with perfect waves for surfing.

So, which beach you wish to visit among the Costa Rica Beaches?