Rather than reposting an article from a travel magazine about Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches, we decided to share our Top 6 paradise beaches in our country, as chosen by members of our team who live right here in Costa Rica and therefore know what they’re talking about!
Where to Swim in Costa Rica: The Pacific or the Caribbean?
In Costa Rica, people often compare the Pacific beaches to those in the Caribbean, but the truth is that all of Costa Rica’s beaches are paradise!
Between the Pacific sunsets and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, there’s something for everyone. The key is to choose the best beach resorts based on what you’re looking for: relaxation, surfing, snorkeling, or unspoiled nature.
So, where should you go swimming in Costa Rica? Anywhere… as long as you choose wisely!
Playa Vivos on the Nicoya Peninsula
Laura’s Favorite Beach
My favorite beach isPlaya Vivos on the Nicoya Peninsula (not far from Tambor or Puntarenas). Since it’s almost inaccessible, very few people visit it, so it’s very quiet and very clean. I especially love it because it’s intimate, wild, and heavenly. It’s accessible only by boat, and a little lady there makes delicious“bigoron” or“ceviche”!
You can get there from Playa Pochote, which is quite rocky. Locals have small boats to take us out to see the bioluminescence at night if we’d like.
Chiquita Beach in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in the Caribbean
Guillaume’s Favorite Beach
After walking just a few meters along narrow paths between the coconut palms, you’ll come toPlaya ChiquitainPuerto Viejo de Talamanca—a series of pools of varying sizes formed by “mini coral reefs and rocks.” It’s the perfect spot for families or anyone looking to cool off in the water, enjoy the wild coastline, and watch sloths and howler monkeys without having to battle the Caribbean waves.
Our itineraries combine nature and idyllic beaches in Costa Rica
Click on one of the itineraries to see our ideas
Like an Island: Beaches and Adventure in Costa Rica
Southern Costa Rica: Rural and Beach Tourism
Nature and the beach: a perfect combination for an exclusive trip to Costa Rica
The beach for surfing in Samara
Pierre’s Favorite Beach
Samara, without a doubt! For its family-friendly atmosphere, calm waters, waves that are perfect forbeginner surfers, restaurants and bars overlooking the beach, and views of the rolling hills of the hinterland. The best part? You can go snorkeling right from the beach!
It’s important to note that if you love surfing, you’ve come to the right place! Whether on the Caribbean or Pacific coast, Costa Rica has plenty of beaches that are perfect for riding the waves!
You can sign up for a beginner’s surf lesson or rent a board right there and have some fun.
The Wild Beach of San Pedrillo in Corcovado
Caroline’s Favorite Beach
My favorite beach isn’t like other beaches because it doesn’t meet the classic criteria for a paradise beach—crystal-clear water, white sand, and so on. Becauseit’s completely isolated, surrounded by lush biodiversity—the still-wild and unspoiled nature ofCorcovado National Park—and home to a small research station that gives it a “Lost”-like vibe, being onSan PedrilloBeach is an adventure in itself! And that’s what gives it all its charm.
Corcovado is home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity… so it’s easy to come across an animal while out for a walk here!
The Paradise Beach of Puerto Viejo
The most beautiful beach in Costa Rica, according to Barbara
The Caribbean again… All you have to do is get off the beaten path and explore the areas around Puerto Viejo and Cahuitato stumble upon some hidden beach gems. TakePunta Uva or Playa Cocles, for example. With white sand and crystal-clear water, it’s THE quintessential paradise beach.
But a Caribbean beach wouldn’t be a Caribbean beach without that Afro-Caribbean vibe. Reggae, delicious food, dancing, tuk-tuks… and animals: this is sloth country 🙂
