List of Costa Rica Beaches

Playa Mansita

No matter what you've got planned for your Costa Rica beach vacation, we've got you covered.

Whether you want to take it easy and work on your tan or hit the waves for some adrenaline-pumping watersports, Costa Rica has it all.

Surfing Beaches

If you're eager to ride some of the best surf in the world, you'll want to head for Playa Hermosa. Located in the northern portion of Puntarenas, this beach is arguably one of the best in Central America when it comes to surfing. However, you should know that while the breaks at Playa Hermosa are some of the most consistent in Costa Rica, the current is deceptively strong and should only be tackled by experienced surfers.

Other great beaches for surfing include Playa Grande in Guanacaste and Pavones in south Puntarenas. Both of these stretches of shoreline boast pristine sand, stunning views and warm water, making them ideal for surfing.

Playa Avellana is quieter than some of Costa Rica's more popular surf spots, so if you're not an experienced surfer, this is the place to learn.

Snorkeling Beaches

There's no better way to discover Costa Rica than by embarking upon an exciting underwater adventure.

Snorkelling allows you to explore the country's spectacular marine landscapes, which are often as beautiful as the lush jungles back on dry land.

Manzanillo Beach, on Costa Rica's southern Caribbean Coast, is considered one of the best places to go snorkeling in the country. Offering clear waters most of the year, you can see incredible coral reefs, watch marine life such as manta rays and moray eels and discover a whole new side to Costa Rica.

Other great places to go snorkeling include Cahuita National Park in Limon, Isla del Caño just off Corcovado National Park and the Bat Islands off the coast of Guanacaste.

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Swimming Beaches

If you'd rather enjoy a splash in the warm waters of the Caribbean, head to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in the province of Limon. This charming fishing village offers visitors a glimpse at the laid-back lifestyle for which Costa Rica is famed around the world, and the waters off the coast are peaceful and temperate year-round.

Uvita is another great place to take a dip. Located on Costa Rica's southern Pacific Coast, this tranquil town is just 15 minutes south of Dominical, and boasts stunning palm-fringed beaches and crystal-clear water. Here, you might be fortunate enough to see whales swimming just off the coast, as the area is often frequented by humpbacks.