Volcanoes and forests made Costa Rica's reputation, but its beaches are well worth the detour — as long as you know where to go. Two oceans, two atmospheres: here are Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches, coast by coast.
Two coasts, two moods
The Pacific, the most visited, unrolls long surf beaches, blazing sunsets, and wildlife visible right down to the water's edge. The Caribbean, more under the radar, offers turquoise water, coconut palms, and a unique Afro-Caribbean culture. Their weather is even reversed: handy for traveling against the season (see our guide When to go to Costa Rica).
The most beautiful Pacific beaches
Manuel Antonio
The perfect combo: a national park, monkeys and sloths, and white-sand coves. See the region Manuel Antonio.
The Nicoya peninsula (Santa Teresa, Sámara, Nosara)
The haunt of surfers and slow travel lovers: Santa Teresa for the waves and the vibe, Sámara for family swimming, Nosara for yoga and sunsets.
Guanacaste (Tamarindo, Conchal, Papagayo)
Golden beaches, calm waters, and beach resorts: the sunniest corner of the country, ideal at the end of a tour.
Uvita and Marino Ballena park
Its beach draws a sand “whale tail” at low tide — and it's one of the best spots to watch humpback whales.
The most beautiful Caribbean beaches
Around the Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva, Manzanillo, and Cahuita line up jungle-fringed beaches where sloths nest. Warm water, coconut milk, reggae: another Costa Rica, mixed and tranquil.
Surfing, swimming, and safety
Costa Rica is a surf paradise year-round. For swimming, however, watch out for the currents : swim at lifeguarded beaches and respect the flags. We cover it in our article is Costa Rica dangerous?. To set down your bags by the water, our Serenity Collection is made for that.
When to enjoy the beaches?
The Pacific shines from December to April; the Caribbean is at its driest in September-October and February-March. Enough to find sun almost year-round by picking the right coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most beautiful beach in Costa Rica?
It all depends on the mood: Manuel Antonio for wildlife, Santa Teresa for surf, Punta Uva on the Caribbean side for calm.
Pacific or Caribbean?
The Pacific for surf and sunsets, the Caribbean for the vibe and coconut palms. Both if possible.
Can you swim everywhere?
No: some beaches have strong currents. Favor lifeguarded beaches.
Want a trip with your feet in the water?
Our French-speaking team, based in Costa Rica, composes your itinerary between nature and the most beautiful beaches. We reply within 24h — Request your quote — or build your trip on Toucan Dynamics.
Also read: surfing in Costa Rica and a honeymoon in Costa Rica.
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