Central & South America

6 Of The Best Beaches In Costa Rica

By Morgan Reardon
23rd Jun 2023

best beaches costa rica

Nothing quite says you’re on holiday like beach hopping. And the beaches don’t come much greater than those in stunning Costa Rica. From epic surf breaks to seaside bars and endless white sand, you’ll want to spend as much time possible soaking up the heavenly vibes these spots have to offer.

Here are the best beaches in Costa Rica.

Playa Manuel Antonio

If you’re going to Costa Rica, we’re willing to bet you’ve got a few national parks on your bucket list. We recommend you make a beeline for Manuel Antonio National Park. After exploring the incredible rainforest (packed with cute sloths and monkeys) it’s about a 30-minute hike from the main entrance to the beach. Expect white sand and warm, calm waters perfect for people of all swimming abilities. There’s also changing rooms, toilets and a café nearby. 

Santa Teresa 

Santa Teresa is a bit off the beaten track, but that’s all part of its charm. This little beach town is full of surfers, yogis and beach bums and you’ll start falling for it the minute you hit the main (read: dirt) road. Park yourself on the soft sand for the day and revel in the lack of noisy tourists that you might find elsewhere. 

Playa Samara 

The Guanacaste beaches are some of the best in Costa Rica and while most people go to Tamarindo, we say skip the touts and tourists and head to Playa Samara instead. It’s free of big all-inclusive resorts and obnoxious tourists (for now) but still has plenty of cute cafes, delicious restaurants and places to unwind. If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, you’ve found it.

Playa Conchal

One of the most stunning beaches on the Costa Rican Gold Coast, Playa Conchal can be found nestled in the north of Guanacaste province. Under the surface of the aqua ocean you’ll find a jaw-dropping array of coral and marine life making it the perfect place to go snorkelling. When you’re done, wander back up the beach to the Westin Reserva Conchal Resort for a post-snorkel cocktail.  

Suck Rock

Touted as one of the most legendary surf breaks in Costa Rica, Suck Rock is one for all the surfer guys and gals out there. Located next to La Lora Amarilla, expect right-hand breaks and waves that can creep up to six metres high. Post surf, you can fuel up on moreish fresh fish tacos at local restaurant Rocamar. Warning: if you don’t consider yourself the next Mick Fanning then we recommend checking out nearby Playa Carmen for smaller waves.

Playa Hermosa

This laid-back black(ish) sand beach is one of our faves in Costa Rica. At two kilometres long there’s enough space for everyone to enjoy so it rarely feels crowded. Surrounded by lush tropical forests and ridges of volcanic rock, you’ll be making all your mates back home seriously jealous with a couple of Insta snaps at this spot. Playa Hermosa also boasts some of the best scuba diving in the country so book ahead to secure a spot.

When you're done at the beach, be sure to spend a few days at the chilled-out Santa Teresa

Image Credit: Atanas Malamov, Facundo Ruiz, Lindsay Loucel, Max Böttinger

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