The Most Beautiful Beaches In Costa Rica

Costa Rica is home to around 300 beaches, many of which are unknown to the everyday traveller, aren’t mentioned in any guide books, and might only possess a name that the closest locals gave it. There are also a great deal of beaches that are more easily accessible, often way less crowded than Tamarindo or Jaco, and ravishingly beautiful. Every beach on this list (in order from north to south to the Caribbean) is unique and absolutely worth the visit, especially if you are staying in the vicinity. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Best by boat

Man surfs in water off Playa Naranja, Guanacaste

Playa Naranja is part of the Santa Rosa National Park in northern Guanacaste. The access road to this beach is purposefully kept in treacherous conditions in an attempt to dissuade or make it very difficult for poachers to access the park this way. The Santa Rosa National Park covers 49,515 hectares of dry forest, mangroves, and marine territory and is a sanctuary for a vast array of land and marine animals and plants. Playa Naranja is quite extensive, with nothing but nature touching it on both sides. This is truly a mystical and breathtaking place that is worth the journey.

A picnic-perfect spot

Shell beach

Playa Conchal beach Guanacaste Pacific Ocean Costa Rica

Playa Conchal (which literally translates to Shell Beach) is a popular but relatively uncrowded beach near the town of Brasilito. The sand is visibly made up of tiny fragments of shells that haven’t been worn all the way down into soft sand yet; it’s quite a unique texture. The crystal clear, tranquil waters of this beach are ideal for swimming, soaking, and snorkelling.

Rugged beauty

There are several beaches that make up the greater area of Playa Junquillal and more often than not they’re empty, with the exception of the occasional surfer or passing beach walker. The rugged terrain makes Playa Junquillal a photographer’s dream. There are shady trees to be found, calm tidal pools to swim in, and a complete sense of serenity to be had here.

Just a tiki hut and black sand

Playa Marbella is just a little bit south of Playa Junquillal. This black sand beach is a glittery and captivating beauty, with the charming Tiki Hut as the only establishment around. It offers traditional Costa Rican cuisine and fresh seafood dishes, along with icy beers and tropical cocktails. At times, the ocean can be a little powerful here with some strong currents, so be mindful when going for a swim. This is another beach that is often sparse with visitors. It is truly a picturesque and prime example of one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica.

Famous olive ridley sea turtle nesting site

A Massive turtles nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles in Ostional beach; Costa Rica, Guancaste.

Playa Ostional is a very special place as it is the annual nesting site for thousands of olive ridley sea turtles. These great arribadas usually take place between August and December. It is strongly advised that visitors do not touch or interfere in any way with the nesting or hatching turtles (unfortunately a huge problem); give them plenty of space and observe them as if you were a fly on the wall or a monkey in a tree. Playa Ostional is typically pretty empty outside of these mass egg-laying events, which are interesting and convenient too as this beach is stunning and relatively easy to get to.

The beach that has it all

Traditional sunset gathering on Playa Guiones beach, Nosara, Costa Rica.

Playa Guiones in Nosara is a surfer, yogi, nature lover, wellness seeker, and beach walker’s version of utopia. There is consistent surf, a yoga institution and multiple shalas to join a class and delve into your practice, as well as eco-friendly accommodations and a laid-back hippie vibe to this sleepy beach town. The beach is rather extensive and can take over an hour to walk down the entire length of it. There are driftwood and debris-made shade huts that line the beach and several access points. Nosara is great place to spend a relaxing few days.

A hidden whale’s tail

Aerial view of Marino Ballena National Park in Punta Uvita Beautiful beaches and tropical forest at pacific coast of Costa Rica in shape of whale tail.

At low tide, Playa Uvita reveals its whale tail-shaped sandbar. Part of the Marino Ballena National Park, Playa Uvita is on the migratory path of the humpback whale between December and April. This region of Costa Rica is less populated and dense with tropical rainforests, and it’s a great spot for snorkelling, swimming, and being in nature.

National gem

There are several beaches that make up the coastal area of the Manuel Antonio National Park, but Playa la Macha is one that is worth the slightly tricky hike in. Playa la Macha is one of the most secluded and private beaches in the area and being there will likely make visitors feel like the beach belongs entirely to them. The lush jungle surroundings and rich blue-green ocean is the epitome of paradise.

Rasta vibrations

Chuita offers a totally different vibe and experience from the Pacific coast towns and beaches. On this side there is a strong Creole culture, and many of the residents – who are mainly of Jamaican decent – speak an Africanised Creole-English. This white sand beach is not to be missed if you are already on, or planning to go to, the Caribbean coast. The little town of Chuita is ideal for the free-spirited, laid-back and relaxation-seeking traveler.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.