The Best Beaches of Costa Rica

If an ardent sun worshipper and beach lover were to design the ideal destination, chances are it would look much like Costa Rica! This gorgeous Central American nation is blessed with tranquil neighbors: the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. For visitors, this means a wide array of beaches, from gentle waters and fluffy white sand to fast waves and shell-filled walks on the coast. Big Five Tours introduces its visitors to the best of Costa Rica, ensuring that, whatever your vision of an ideal beach, it is fully realized.

Costa Rica has over 300 beaches. Why not explore them all? However, if you have time only for a few, these are our top picks:

Playa Avellana, Tamarindo

If surfing is on your mind, set aside a day for Playa Avellana. Conditions are perfect year-round for experienced surfers, and the surrounding area offers plenty of accommodations. The beach, set against a backdrop of old trees, mangroves, and fields, is as diverse as Costa Rica itself. In some spots, you can stroll along rocky shores and wade in tide pools. In others, you can enjoy the dazzling turquoise water and powdery sand. Be sure to stop for some pizza at the famous Lola’s, a beachside bar.

Playa Potrero, Guanacaste

Playa Potrero appeals to a wide range of visitors, making it the ideal spot if you are traveling with companions. While some of you lounge on the beach and gaze at the turquoise water, others can try scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. The beautiful setting offers endless views of exotic plant life and volcanic mountain ranges. Why not charter a boat at the nearby marina for a fun afternoon of exploration, or venture into the rainforest at the nearby Palo Verde Natural Reserve or Santa Rosa National Park? Adventure awaits!

Punta Islita, Nicoya Peninsula

Find serenity in nature. Driving into the charming village is a fun excursion in itself, but then you arrive at the small beach. Nestled in a protective cove (and connected to another, larger beach, Play Corozalito), Punta Islita is surrounded by lush greenery. Keep your eyes open for numerous bird species or the Howler monkey. Here, you can catch some rays or opt to go horseback riding, jet skiing, or kayaking. Accommodations nearby make this an ideal destination.

With hundreds of other exceptional choices, you are sure to find your ideal beach in Costa Rica with Big Five Tours.