The following list highlights some of the best beaches in Costa Rica. So if you are in Costa Rica, I recommend visiting the following:
Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste
Address – Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Google Maps Link – 10°18’06.9″N 85°50’27.0″W
Tamarindo Beach is located in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica. This beach has an active, party-like atmosphere, not suitable for relaxing but perfect for having a great time. No matter at what time of the day you visit, you will find a lot of people, some of them surfing, but there is always a place to set up. Also, some bars and restaurants in the area serve amazing food. And after a long day of swimming with the waves, admiring the sunset is the perfect way to relax.
Conchal Beach, Guanacaste
Address – Conchal Beach, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Google Maps Link – 10°23’58.7″N 85°48’39.5″W
Conchal Beach is located in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica. Whenever you arrive here, a beautiful view will surely welcome you. Conchal Beach has warm and clear waters, and snorkeling is a top activity. There is a bar on the beach, and some restaurants to the eastern side. The sand is littered with shells, which can feel really sharp; avoid walking around with beach shoes on.
Flamingo Beach, Guanacaste
Address – Flamingo Beach, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Google Maps Link – 10°26’01.8″N 85°47’33.1″W
Flamingo Beach is located in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica. The soft sand, clear waters and small waves give this beach the popularity it has. Trees litter the sandy shore, giving you enough shade to settle your stuff and hide from the sun when it gets too hot. However, if you can, take your own umbrella. There are cafes, restaurants and shops near the beach, but bringing your own food and having a picnic is also a great option.
Nacascolo Beach, Papagayo Peninsula
Address – Nacascolo Beach, Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica
Google Maps Link – 10°37’40.7″N 85°40’30.9″W
Nacascolo Beach is located in the Papagayo Peninsula, in the Guanacaste Province. Considered one of the best beaches in Guanacaste, its white sand is soft and the crystal waters are calm. There are little to no waves, making it a safe beach for kids and inexperienced swimmers. Besides, you can snorkel on the clear, still water. There are no restaurants nearby, so make sure you bring your own food. However, be careful of monkeys; they tend to steal visitor’s stuff. The beach gets pretty crowded during the weekends, and some people play loud music.
Santa Teresa Beach, Nicoya Peninsula
Address – Santa Teresa Beach, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Google Maps Link – 9°38’43.6″N 85°10’19.7″W
Santa Teresa Beach is located in the Nicoya Peninsula, Puntarenas Province. This beach has a calm atmosphere, but at the same time, great waves that surfers enjoy. It is safe to swim on its clear waters, but not very suitable for kids; however, staying on the shore is recommended. There are many stores and restaurants along the beach, their menus filled with tasty foods. Stay in the evening and admire the unforgettable sunset, a highlight in Santa Teresa Beach.
Zapotillal Beach, Guanacaste
Address – Zapotillal Beach, Costa Rica
Google Maps Link – 10°23’48.8″N 85°49’49.4″W
Zapotillal Beach is located in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica. This is a popular beach, but has a calm atmosphere, not crowded and very quiet. It is the perfect place to relax and disconnect from the rest of the world, with no buildings or houses around. However, there are no stores or restaurants nearby; make sure you bring everything you need, especially food. The waves can be too big for kids, but being such a wide beach, it is perfect for them to play with the soft white sand.
Panama Beach, Guanacaste
Address – Panama Beach, Costa Rica
Google Maps Link – 10°35’29.6″N 85°39’01.6″W
Panama Beach is located in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica. Offering beautiful views backdropped with lush trees, this small beach is a favorite in Guanacaste. Being such a calm beach, coming here to relax and sunbathe is an experience itself. However, the warm, calm water is perfect for snorkeling, kayaking and fishing, so clear that by just swimming you can spot fish underwater. The beach never gets crowded, but there are no restaurants, stores or facilities in the area.
Uva Beach, Southern Caribbean Coast
Address – Uva Beach, Southern Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica
Google Maps Link – 9°38’15.9″N 82°41’42.6″W
Uva Beach is located in the Limón Province, to the Southeast of Costa Rica. Beautiful turquoise waters and soft white sand welcome you once you arrive. The clear waters make it a perfect beach for scuba diving, and with a shallow coral reef, it is also popular for snorkeling. You can rent all the equipment you need on the beach. Uva Beach is a favorite among locals, and although it never gets too crowded, rental shops tend to play loud music, giving the beach a party atmosphere. No restaurants in the area, but a beach bar offers food and drinks.
Guiones Beach, Guanacaste
Address – Guiones Beach, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Google Maps Link – 9°55’46.6″N 85°39’45.9″W
Guiones Beach is located in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica. This long stretch of sand has amazing waves for surfing, perfect for those looking for an exciting time. The views are unforgettable, both on land and underwater; many people choose to visit Guiones Beach to snorkel and hike. Admiring the sunset, backdropped with green trees of all sizes, is the perfect end of an awesome beach day.
Blue Beach, Guanacaste
Address – Playa Azul, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Google Maps Link – 10°03’17.7″N 85°45’21.2″W
Blue Beach is located in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica. Known locally as Playa Azul, the name comes from the bright blue color of its water, and the dark blue of its sand. These shades of blue contrast with the verdant trees surrounding the beach. A quiet, lonely beach, where you can just sit and relax, listening to the waves. There are not many facilities nearby, the only ones being resorts. However, if you are staying in one of them, your experience will be just perfect, with different accommodations, pools, restaurants, spas, and many beach activities.