Costa Rica is a country known for its natural beauty, various cultures, and wildlife, all tucked between the Pacific and Caribbean sea. Travelers from different corners of the world visit this country to draw their own conclusions as to why Costa Rica is considered one of the happiest nations. For some, it might be the activities tied to adventure and thrill that bring them peace, while for others, it might be the yoga retreats or secluded escape to the tropical forests that refresh and energize their minds. If you’re interested in finding some of Mother Nature’s best in the world - the beaches in Costa Rica are a must-visit! Keep reading if you want to find the best places to tour for beach lovers and water sport enthusiasts in Costa Rica.
The best beaches in Costa Rica
Costa Rica beaches come in various shapes, sizes, landscapes, and wave strength. In some areas, you'll be mesmerized by the white sand on the beach, while others have bizarre but eye-catchy black volcanic sand. Several beaches in Costa Rica remain untouched, preserving their natural beauty and the ultimate calm and peace that come with it. The following are a few of the best Costa Rica beaches that you should visit while you are traveling in the country:
1. Playa Junquillal
Playa Junquillal is one of the best beaches in Costa Rica, especially for those who love spending long hours at the beach. Apart from being famous as one of the longest beaches in Guanacaste, this beach is also great for individuals who want to sit back and get a hint of paradise in the world. Playa Junquillal is also home to leatherback turtles. Arribadas – sea turtle release to ocean- events are one of the most mesmerizing to participate in if you are visiting the country during their hatching season. There are several such activities on different beaches, Playa Junquillal being one of those beaches as well. In addition to wildlife, you can also enjoy the strong winds at the beach while strolling to the connecting Playa Blanca beach for snorkeling.
2. Playa Negra
Playa Negra, situated in the Guanacaste province, is a Mecca for surfers. It’s in close proximity to Junquilal and definitely worth a visit – even if you’re not a surfer. The beach was also featured in the popular surfing movie, Endless Summer, and has since become one of the prime spots for travelers from across the world. The crystal clear water makes for a breathtaking experience, and the abundance of aquatic life in Playa Negra also makes it an excellent spot for nature lovers. Additionally, the volcanic materials have turned the sand at this beach black, which offers unique scenery.
3. Tamarindo Beach
While Guanacaste’s Playa Junquillal is located in a pristine, isolated location, its Tamarindo beach is densely populated and it’s the main tourist beach town. This beach is also an excellent spot for surfers. What we love about Tamarindo is that you'll find many locals to befriend and can easily find accommodation options nearby. Everything, from the beach itself and the nearby beaches, such as Langosta, to the infamous restaurants in close proximity, make this beach a must-visit, especially for those on a tight schedule.
4. Playa Conchal
Perfect for snorkeling, there is a wide variety of natural beauty to be found in Playa Conchal. Various underwater corals and beautiful layers of seashells on the shoreline will make for an incomparable experience at Playa Conchal. In addition to the usual beach shenanigans, most travelers visit the townofConchal because of the tranquil white sand beach and beautiful weather.
5. Costa Ballena
Costa Ballena, also known as Whale’s Tail, is where the coasts of Hermosa Beach and Uvita Beach meet in a spectacular way, forming the shape of a whale’s tail. You’ll have to visit Costa Ballena to understand why it’s a must-visit spot for most travelers. In addition to the aerial view, which exposes the reason behind the name Whale’s Tail, you'll also witness the infamous humpback whales if you visit it between December and April or August and October. You can also book a paddleboard or kayak here for the ultimate Costa Ballena experience.
6. Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio Park leads to this beach via hiking trails between the rainforest. Those who enjoy a pleasurable surprise at the end of their hiking endeavors will fall in love with Manuel Antonio Beach. The rainforest is filled with wildlife, including several species of monkeys and birds. Here, you can take a breather or get right into your snorkeling gear to explore the treasures hidden underneath the ocean.
7. Dominical Beach
The Dominical Beach is, without a doubt, one of the best beaches in Costa Rica, especially for those who enjoy surfing and deep-sea diving. The Dominical Beach is a paradise for those who appreciate nature and have a particular interest in its breathtaking vegetation. The Dominical Beach has the second-largest boiling lake, and many travelers enjoy the eco-tours, water excursions, and hiking in this area.
8. Nacascolo Beach
If you’re in the Papagayo Peninsula and don't visit Nacascolo Beach, you’ll be missing out on one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Costa Rica. The gentle waves of warm water are perfect for adults and children alike, and the golden sand will make for a picture-perfect background during the day. It takes approximately an hour or less to kayak from the Andaz to Nascolo Beach, and the chances of you being the only one at the beach are high. However, since there are no restaurants or shops nearby, you'll most likely need to pack a picnic basket for this beach.
9. Samara Beach
Featuring a horseshoe bay, Nicoya Peninsula’s Samara Beach is a comparatively calm and blissful spot that most lone travelers and even families can enjoy. There is a wide range of activities to pick from at this beach, including snorkeling, kayaking, sportfishing, and scuba diving. Famous as one of the best beaches in Costa Rica for families, you can also go for a short swim or indulge in fully-fledged water sports at Samara Beach with friends, families, and loved ones.
Concluding Thoughts
With so many beaches in Costa Rica, it gets challenging for travelers to visit all of them. Hopefully, this list has given you a clear idea of which Costa Rica beaches you’ll enjoy visiting the most. In addition to beaches, several spots listed above are great for wildlife spotting, enjoying scrumptious meals, and getting to know the locals. If you’re planning a stay in Guanacaste to visit and enjoy the best beach of Costa Rica, Playa Junquillal, we’ve got the perfect villa waiting for you! Visit our website now to book, and make your stay even more peaceful and memorable.
Comentários