Beaches in Costa Rica

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Paul,
Blogger

Costa Rica's coastline is a real delight. From the Pacific to the Caribbean coast, it reveals a multitude of beaches, each more beautiful than the last. On the shores of the very popular Nicoya Peninsula, you will enjoy idyllic beaches. Are you a surf enthusiast? Do not miss the famous coastal village of Samara or the beaches of Manuel Antonio. Further south, Playa Uvita and Bahia Drake should delight travellers looking for the wilderness. Heading towards the Caribbean coast, you can enjoy the white sand and coconut palms along beautiful wild sandy beaches. Enough to adopt the Pura Vida lifestyle while enjoying the sunshine of the tropics. Follow me to discover the most beautiful beaches for your trip to Costa Rica and don't forget to bring your flip-flops, swimsuit and snorkel with you.

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The most beautiful beaches

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Bahia Drake

Lost into the jungle of the Osa Peninsula, Bahia Drake offers a wonderful spectacle at the very end of the world. This wild beach, accessible only by boat or by a dirt road, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in Costa Rica. When it comes to swimming, be really careful because the sea is often rough and the currents can be very strong. To extend the experience, you can spend the night in the small village overlooking the bay.

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Playa Uvita

Located in Ballena National Park, Playa Uvita is a superb sandy beach that you must explore on your trip to Costa Rica. At low tide, you can discover the famous whale tail, the sandbank that has forged the reputation of this natural paradise. If the sea is calm, take out your mask and snorkel for an unforgettable snorkelling session or board a whale watching cruise.

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Manuel Antonio beaches

The beaches of Manuel Antonio: Manuel Antonio National Park has the most beautiful beaches, not only in Costa Rica but also in the world. You can enjoy a wide strip of horseshoe-shaped sand, along crystal clear water that is ideal for swimming. A short walk through the jungle will lead you to beautiful isolated and wild coves. If you want to discover the park's quiet beaches, come early in the morning to avoid crowds.

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Playa Samara

I believe that playa Samara is the place that best represents the Pura Vida spirit, so dear to Costa Ricans. You will certainly appreciate this spot, very popular among surfers, for its relaxed and festive atmosphere. This wide expanse of fine sand is ideal for surfing, sea kayaking or diving. And in the evening, the many restaurants by the sea allow you to enjoy a cocktail with your feet in the water...

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Playa Carrillo

Playa Carrillo is a rather small and unknown beach in the Nicoya Peninsula. Lined with countless coconut trees, its almost perfect shell shape is worthy of the most beautiful postcard decorations. But the huge advantage of this beach is that it is almost always deserted. Indeed, most travellers often prefer Samara, its famous neighbour. Nevertheless, be careful if you wish to swim here, Playa Carrillo is not supervised.

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Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal is one of the most popular beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula, and there’s a reason for that. You come here to swim in its translucent water or for a snorkelling session on the nearby coral reef. Even though it is quite crowded during the high season, it remains one of the most spectacular spots in the region.

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Beaches of Cahuita

Cahuita is one of the many wonders of Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. This small village has 3 beautiful beaches located at the entrance to the national park. Playa Blanca, the most attractive of them all, is unfortunately not suitable for swimming. To do so safely, prefer Playa Negra or Puerto Vargas, which are much less exposed to currents.

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The beaches of Punta Uva

On the southernmost point of the Caribbean coast, Punta Uva offers enchanting sceneries that shelter two of the most beautiful beaches in the country. You can get there after a short walk along a path through the jungle. If you like wilderness and secret coves, don't miss a getaway to Punta Uva.

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Dominicalito beach

Dominical is a dream for surfers in Costa Rica. It is said to be the place where you can surf the best waves on the Pacific coast. But beware, the spot is reserved for experienced athletes. You’re a beginner surfer? Don't worry, you can still take a few lessons on the beach of Dominicalito, less exposed to the ocean.

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Paul,
Blogger

Paul's review

Costa Rica's beaches are all quite impressive. What impressed me the most during my stay was their very wild character. After a several-hour journey, you discover an expanse of sand surrounded by a thick jungle. The powerful rolls of the ocean sweep the shore almost unabated. By closing your eyes, you are transported to another world in an instant.
As in many other countries around the world, the most suitable beaches for swimming are often the most popular. They are mainly concentrated in the northern Pacific coast and on the Nicoya Peninsula. But rest assured, if you are looking for an escape in unforgettable settings, it is very easy to find a deserted sandy spot to play Robinson Crusoe. To do this, I advise you to head towards the isolated beaches of the Osa Peninsula, in the far south of the country.

Beaches map