Costa Rica is finest recognized for its volcanoes, greenery and well-known wildlife — however the beaches are additionally price daydreaming about. Due to its wealthy biodiversity, there’s a bit one thing for the surfer to the yogi or the informal sunbather. 

Listed below are eight beaches which might be price including to your Costa Rica itinerary in your subsequent journey. 

1. Playa Negra

The black sand seaside in the Guanacaste area is arguably one of many nation’s most well-known beaches — and once you go to for the primary time, yo’ll see why it is thought of a pure marvel. And regardless of its recognition, it manages to by no means get too crowded. Whilst you can swim in the water, the waves entice quite a lot of surfers so simply keep conscious of your environment.

Playa Negra is surrounded by a handful of finances lodges and trip leases. However what makes the seaside such a fantastic spot is the close by city of Cahuita, the place vacationers be taught extra concerning the Afro-Caribbean traditions.

2. Playa Carrillo

Carrillo is a kind of locations the place “if you understand, you understand.” Positioned close to the city of Sámara, this rural seaside is widespread with locals and repeat guests who’ve in all probability gone to the entire well-known haunts alongside the coast. 

You may know you’ve got arrived by the sight of the palm bushes lining the beachfront and views of the distant mountains. Playa Carrillo’s proximity to water sports activities, resorts, and its namesake city makes it among the finest beaches for households, too. 

Planning Tip: Due to its recognition with locals, the seaside will get crowded on weekends and holidays like Easter or Christmas. Think about making the tour throughout the weekday for a quieter expertise.

3. Playa Conchal 

In the event you’ve seen a postcard with a Costa Rican seaside on it, likelihood is you had been Playa Conchal. This seaside is an all-around nice choose for {couples}, solo vacationers, and households due to its facilities, from renting gear to sports activities distributors to meals. 

Its signature white-shell sand makes it a sought-after attraction, together with its countless days of sunshine. The realm is understood for its clear skies, making it very fashionable throughout the excessive season in the primary half of the yr. The seaside sits near the favored city of Tamarindo, do you have to need to do a brief tour when you’re in the neighborhood. 

4. Playa Quesera

If you’re on the lookout for extra turquoise-colored waters and white sand vibes, Playa Quesera will provide you with simply that. Seashore loungers will love the calm ocean that really feel extra like a pure swimming pool, and its clear waters make it enticing to snorkelers. 

This public seaside is extra distant than among the others on this listing. To get there, you will have to both take a 20-minute ferry experience from close by cities Puntarenas and Paquera or embark on a 1.5-hour hike by way of the adjoining Cúru Wildlife Refuge, making it a worthwhile discover for extra adventurous vacationers. 

Detour: Talking of journey, mountaineering in the Cúru Wildlife Refuge is the perfect precursor to the beachside journey – right here, nature lovers will get pleasure from all types of animal sightings and forms of multi-color flora. Whereas the hike could seem a bit daunting, it’s price taking a visit to see it firsthand earlier than you’re taking a dip in the ocean. 

5. Playa Rajada

This pristine seaside is a stunning spot to get pleasure from with buddies or household if you need one thing quieter with out the hustle of seaside distributors or close by institutions. 

Don’t fret should you overlook your umbrella – the close by bushes supply quite a lot of partial shade. Playa Rajada is free and simply accessible for these staying alongside the shoreline, however it may be a problem for these staying additional inland. 

6. Playa Hermosa

Sitting simply 20 minutes exterior Liberia Airport, Playa Hermosa is one in all Costa Rica’s most scenic beaches. The strip attracts quite a lot of households due to its proximity to the airport, resorts (primarily luxurious lodging just like the 4 Seasons and El Mangrove), and eating places. 

7. Playa Biesanz

In a quiet nook of the Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park sits Playa Biesanz. Alongside the white sand seaside you’ll be welcomed by completely different wildlife, from monkeys, sloths, and lizards who reside amongst the dense greenery of the jungle. The cove is great for snorkeling, kayaking and swimming. Whereas the environment are gorgeous, beachgoers should not count on many facilities exterior of small gear leases. 

Planning Tip: There’s a jungle path that connects the parking areas (no formal lot) to the seaside. The 10-minute stroll is simple however might be slippery at particular factors. 

8. Playa Jaco

If you’re staying nearer to San Jose, Playa Jacó is likely one of the most accessible beaches for guests – it will get a spot on the listing due to its proximity to nightlife choices and its rocky vantage factors that ship wonderful sundown views. 

Youthful vacationers and spring breakers will notably get pleasure from Jacó, whether or not they need to get pleasure from its nice events or simply vibe on the seaside. Whereas its neighbor Playa Hermosa (to not be confused with the one in Guanacaste) will get extra of the shine, this is a wonderful choice should you do not need to enterprise too far exterior of town limits.