Costa Rica beaches are among Latin America's best. Think about it: when someone says, "Costa Rica," you probably think, "fantastic beaches!" Right?
Warm waters year-round, an unparalleled tourism infrastructure, and limitless attractions spanning two coasts are the reasons Costa Rica beaches rank among the best in the world. And since nearly two
thirds of Costa Rica's borders are coastline, there are a whole lot of Costa Rica beaches to explore. Let's get started!
1. Nicoya Peninsula
Okay, obviously the Nicoya Peninsula isn't a single Costa Rica beach. But Costa Rica's largest peninsula is ringed by so many blissful strips of sand, it deserves a top ten list of its own. Besides livelier beach cities like Montezuma, Tamarindo, and Mal Pais, Nicoya boasts many Pacific beaches that are far more remote and relaxing: Playas Hermosa, Samara, Flamingo, Conchal and Playa Grande.
2. Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is not only one of the most beautiful Costa Rica beaches, but one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire world. Imagine: perfect horseshoe bays bordered by soft white sands, dazzling blue-green waters, and hilltops piled with jungle and streaming waterfalls. Dive, snorkel, surf, kayak, hike, or zipline -- but don't forget to relax and enjoy the unforgettable views.
3. Playa Dominical
Playa Dominical, about 30 miles south of Manuel Antonio National Park, is widely recognized as one of the best Costa Rica beaches for surfing. A number of surf camps and surf shops have sprung up to take advantage of the lively lefts and rights. But even if you don't surf, you'll adore Playa Dominical's lush green landscape, nightlife and relatively uncrowded sands.
4. Montezuma
Located on the inner base of the Nicoya peninsula, Montezuma is a gathering place for Costa Rica's most idiosyncratic locals and travelers. Dreadlocked Rastafarians, tattooed bohemians, sun-kissed surfers, and other examples of exceptional beauty are the norm at this picturesque little beach, which also boasts tide pools, forested waterfalls, and wildlife viewing.
5. Tortuguero
At the helm of Costa Rica's Caribbean side, Tortuguero is a eco-tourist's fantasy. Travelers can experience any number of exotic attractions: tours down jungle canals in dugout canoes, scenic hiking trails, guided safaris. Sixteen of Costa Rica's endangered animal species live in the Tortuguero National Park, like tapirs, ocelots, manatees, and green sea turtles, after which the region is named. To top it all off, Tortugero's beaches are perfect for sunbathing.
6. Playa Tamarindo
As a regional hub, Tamarindo offers a wide-range of extensive services to visitors including sport fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, and horseback riding. Tamarindo's extensive development has imbued elements of affluent foreign culture from modernist cafés to chic restaurants into the fundamentally Tico culture, making for an appealing combination of both worlds. North Americans and Europeans in particular will enjoy the many elements of their own culture offered in Tamarindo along with the authenticity of local culture.
7. Corcovado
Corcovado is the jewel of Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. Its beaches are windswept beauties, with dark sands shaded by towering palms, while the mountainous inland jungles of Corcovado National Park are home to some of the country's most distinctive wildlife. No trip to Corcovado is complete without a boat excursion to the nearby Isla del Caño, which offers fantastic diving as well as the opportunity to examine the island's ancient stone spheres.
8. Mal País
Surf culture is the principle philosophy in Mal Pais and its coastal neighbor, Santa Teresa. If you're not a wave-worshiper, book a boat tour and watch dolphins, manta rays, and other creatures thriving in the area's protected waters. Travelers can also hike to the Montezuma waterfalls and take a flying leap, or conquer the 4-hour trek through the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve to its pristine, white sand beach. However, Mal Pais's own beaches are even better for stringing up a hammock and swaying in the sun.
We hope this information is of your interest, look for your car at AVIS Costa Rica and book yours now, come and enjoy Costa Rica!