Things to do in Costa Rica, Costa Rica: The Best Beaches

March 10, 2022 Rosalyn Ihle

Coordinates: 10°N 84°W / 10°N 84°W / 10; -84
Restaurants in Costa Rica

1. Barrigona Beach

Playa Samara Costa Rica
Excellent
83%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 190 reviews

Barrigona Beach

Reviewed By 992mariettat

Accessible by 4 x4 vehicle, and a short walk from the parking you have an amazing white sand beach with crystal waters and wonderful trees for shade. Big waves, but swimmable.

2. Playa Quesera

Paquera Costa Rica +506 8710 0216 http://playascostarica.info/playas/playa-quesera/
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 26 reviews

Playa Quesera

3. La Playita

Quepos Costa Rica
Excellent
64%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 64 reviews

La Playita

A clothing-optional gay beach.

4. Playa Manuel Antonio

Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, 6 kms south of Quepos, Manuel Antonio 195-6350 Costa Rica
Excellent
59%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11,923 reviews

Playa Manuel Antonio

One of Costa Rica's most popular beaches, Playa Manuel Antonio frequently hosts parties and festivals, and it is an ideal destination for avid surfers.

Reviewed By jimt903 - Middletown, United States

Along the trail through the M A national park, observe the flora and fauna, listen t o the call of exotic (for North Americans anyway) birds and at trail's end rejoice in the awesome views of Playa Manuel Antonio. Take your swimsuits. Monkey's galore and sloths high in the trees but the beach on the cove is the gem. Spend the afternoon if you take a light meal or snacks. And take water. There are adequate bath facilities.

5. Playa Guiones

Nosara Costa Rica
Excellent
75%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,024 reviews

Playa Guiones

Reviewed By sabsnyc - Hamburg, Germany

Every day around five the latest ( you can come here all day) it’s good to come to the beach and watch the sunset while having a beer or even better while jumping the waves . It’s a very natural kept beach so no typically white sand to sit . You will find yourself a small log to sit on. High tide is following the sunset so there wo t be no dry spot . Make sure you bring only a towel or secure your belongings up high. It’s definitely worth it!!!!

6. Playa Hermosa

#7 Monte Bello, Playa Hermosa Costa Rica
Excellent
59%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 940 reviews

Playa Hermosa

We offer educational, due diligence tours of the Guanacaste area for people who are considering relocating to Costa Rica.

Reviewed By V1323LEcarold - Fleet, United Kingdom

Wide extensive beach with volcanic sand, so on the darker side. The beach is kept tidy, as we witnessed staff collecting the debris and vegetation each day. We loved watching the pelicans diving for the fish. Fantastic how the hotels blend into the environment, rather than stand out. There is a lack of good restaurants if you haven't got a car, our hotel offered a restaurant that was ok (Bosque de la Mer). Aqua was a short walk down the beach and served excellent food and smoothies but I wasn't sure about walking down the beach in the dark. We went to Hotel del Sueno a couple times, the food was outstanding and a few minutes walk just up the road from our hotel.

7. Samara Beach

Playa Samara Costa Rica
Excellent
63%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,629 reviews

Samara Beach

Reviewed By Stay763931 - West Kelowna, Canada

great for walking, surfing, boogie boarding, or just relaxing. Lots of restaurants and activities along the beach

8. Playa Matapalo

Quepos Costa Rica +506 5010 6220
Excellent
57%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 138 reviews

Playa Matapalo

Reviewed By 994coreyb - Windsor, United States

We came out to visit this beach and fell in love with it right away. The first thing I noticed was the locals out there surf fishing. We decided to go for a long walk Northman’s we were all alone. We say a flock of vultures on the beach along with a,few monkeys in the trees. There was a lot of bio diversity in a short walk. I can’t wait to go back and visit again. I felt safe on the beach but was forewarned about the thieves that frequent this beach. It’s a shame because I think this is likely the biggest issue hurting business growth here. Swim with a partner as there are riptides.

9. Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal Costa Rica
Excellent
67%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,338 reviews

Playa Conchal

Reviewed By criscr92cf - Heredia, Costa Rica

Amazing clear water beach, peaceful waves, warm water and a sand made of break shells what gives a white sand color. What I love from the beaches at Costa Rica is also that at the back of the beach, you find plenty of trees that gives you shelter from the sunrays and a very fresh staying.

10. Playa Santa Teresa

15 Km de Cobano, Santa Teresa 60111 Costa Rica
Excellent
72%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,031 reviews

Playa Santa Teresa

Reviewed By thenotmadnomads - Chicago, United States

Beautiful beach for surfing and relaxing and watching sunset. We were here during dry season so no rain in sight. It did get pretty hot but on those days we just relaxed in the shade. Water was never cold and waves were always perfect.

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