When you come to Costa Rica, one thing that you have to do is visit the beach. Whether you spend just a single day on the beach, or multiple days relaxing in the sand, Costa Rica’s picturesque beaches are a must see on your vacation.

Costa Rica has more than 800 miles of beach, so there is plenty of opportunity to find the perfect beach for your vacation. If you’re looking for a private beach to relax on, the best waves for surfing, somewhere close to your hotel so you can come and go as you please, or something else, you’ll find it in our favorite Costa Rica beaches below.

Best Beaches in Costa Rica for Relaxing

Sure, we offer action packed vacations, but sometimes you just need to sit and chill. Costa Rica has some incredible beaches for just realxing, enjoying a sunset, or just soaking up some sun. Some of our favorites for unwidinger are below.

Playa Conchal

While many visitors to Costa Rica head for world class surfing in Jaco (see below), we recommend you head to Playa Conchal to relax and take things a bit slower. Here, you’ll experience white sand beaches and turqoise water perfect for relaxing, playing, and even snorkeling. If you head a littel further north, the beach sands start to turn slightly pink on the appropriately named Flamingo Beach. You’ll find no shortage of activities and ammenities to help your cares melt away.

Punta Uva

On the southern end of the Carribean coast lies the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, and on the fringes of the wildlife refuge is Punta Uva. This golden sand beach is a secluded getaway with pristine waters, a coral reef, and abundant wildlife. The calm waters make this a great destination for families, snorkeling, and playing in the water. 

Best Beaches in Costa Rica for Surfing

Costa Rica has some of the best surfing beaches in the world. In 2016 the World Surfing League held a qualifier event in Jaco. But in reality, it could have been held on any number of Costa Rica’s stunning surf beaches. Our favorite beaches for surfing in Costa Rica follow.

Jaco

Jaco is a busy resort town with 2.5 miles of beach that are perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers. In fact, Jaco recently hosted a World Surfing League qualifying event and in 2016 hosted the World Surfing League championships. You’ll find opportunity for world class surfing and any needed lessons. Plus, Jaco has a very active nightlife if you’re looking for something to do after surfing. If that’s not your thing, head down the road to Manuel Antiono for something a little more quiet.

Dominical

If Jaco is a bustling, busy, nightlife surf spot, Dominical is the opposite. This popular surf spot is the epitome of a laid-back surf town. Less developed, and surrounded by plantations and mangroves, you’ll find everything you need for surfing, especially for beginners. Swells are consistent, and gentle, perfect for learning or growing your surf skills.

Best Beaches in Costa Rica for Wildlife Spotting

Do you want to see more than just stunning scenery when you visit the beach? Visit one of these incredible Costa Rican beaches to see some of the countries diverse wildlife while you enjoy the sand and surf.

Manuel Antonio

We’ve written about Manuel Antonio multiple times – and with good reason. This national park and beach is one of our favorite places to spot monkeys, toucans, sloths, and more of Costa Rica’s popular wildlife. At the end of the easy walk, you’ll find a beautiful protected beach with cool, shaded sand a stunning blue waters. 

Marino Ballena National Park

The lush, rainforest beaches of Marino Ballena are the perfect place to spot monkeys, sloths, birds, and even dolphins and humpback whales that return to breed every year. This beach is popular for day trips and camping. The best times to see whales and other sea life are December to April. 

Best Beaches in Costa Rica for Snorkeling/Diving

Some of the beauty of Costa Rica’s beaches is below the water.  If you choose a diving or snorkeling adventure on your Costa Rica vacation, you’re likely to see tropical fish, dolphins, sharks, rays, and more. For the best chances of seeing sea turtles, coral, sharks, and more, check out the following beaches on your trip.

Cahuita National Park

Cahuita has one of the largest living coral reefs in Costa Rica. There are more than 35 species of coral to see and scores of tropical fish, including sea horses and more. We recommend visiting during the dry season for the clearest waters and best visibility. 

Caño Island Biological Reserve

Located just off the Oso Peninsula, Caño Island offers crystal clear waters for snorkeling and diving, with visibility from 30-100 feet year round. You’ll see sharks, dolphins, and more tropical fish than you can count. Also, because this is a Biological Reserve, Caño has limits on the number of divers in the water at once, allowing you the most unobstructed and up-close wildlife experiences possible.

Any one of these beaches will add more memories to your vacation. If you want to visit any of these beaches or schedule any activities for your vacation, give us a call at (801) 389-7324 or click here to get a FREE itinerary plan. We’re here to help you have your dream vacation.