Costa Rica beaches – My Top Ten List

Whenever thought of spending vacation on a tropical beach what kinds of images come into our mind, evening walk on the shoreline of a deserted beach, waves rubbing against sand by the feet and the howler monkeys soft roars coming from the jungle at the back of the coconut trees? Or tanning in the midst of coastal scenery of rocky points, rugged islands and forest-hemmed coves, in a swimming pool encircled by tropical flora?

All above descriptive images might sound like exaggeration or fantasy but it’s just a glimpse of the unforgettable experience on Costa Rica’s beaches.

Costa Rica, in Spanish itself means Rich Coast, and it is blessed with such beaches that are different from each other, as well as are unique in their own way.

There are so many Costa Rica beaches to select and we have top ten beaches for you to select from…

Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio is the most beautiful beach in entire world with wonderful horseshoe bay surrounded by soft-smooth white sands, blue-green seawater washing against the shoreline and along the coastline is lush green jungle with hilltops and cascading waterfalls. There you can indulge in many activities such as snorkeling, diving, hiking, kayaking, surfing and much more. The beach has splendid views and relaxing ambiance.

Playa Dominical

Playa Dominical is among very popular surfing beaches in Costa Rica. It is situated 30 miles south from the Manuel Antonio National Park. So because for being the surfing destination, Playa Dominical beach has many shops as well as accommodation facilities are also available. Thus, having a good surfer’s crowd the nightlife is also vibrant and lively. Even if you don’t surf, you will surely enjoy the picturesque landscape, green vegetation and nightlife.

Montezuma

Montezuma is situated on the Nicoya Peninsula and has a very distinctive population of travelers as well as the locals. On this beach, you will see people like dreadlocked Rastafarians, tanned surfers, and tattooed bohemians, which are the fine exemplary of the exceptional beauty and picturesque landscape of this beach. The beach offers many excursions that include cascading waterfalls amidst the forest, wildlife and tide pools.

Tortuguero

Tortuguero beach is a Caribbean beach of Costa Rica. It is also an eco-tourists fantasy that offers numerous activities like touring in the Canoe through the jungle canals, guides safaris and many scenic hiking. It’s also a habitat of Tortuguero National Park that has 16 endangered animals of Costa Rica. As well as great place to spot manatees, ocelots, green sea turtles, tapirs and much more. The island name Tortuguero is a Spanish word for turtles as its home to the endangered species of turtles. The beach is mainly famous for sunbathing where clothes are optional.

Playa Tamarindo

Playa Tamarindo is a perfect vacation beach in Costa Rica. The facilities like coastal amusement, shopping and dining are world class and budgetary traveler might spend more than expected. The beach is really scenic and the adjoining Tamarindo’s national park is worth visiting as the endangered species of turtle, leatherback turtle, lay their eggs on this shore and its wroth seeing them.

Corcovado

Corcovado is believed to be the jewel of Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. Its beaches are dream like where color of sand is dark and is shaded by huge palms, and the hilly forests of Corcovado National Park are inhabitant of many indigenous animals of the country. The journey is incomplete if you don’t go on a boat tour to close by Isla del Cano. Isla del Cano has primeval stone sphere as well as diving spots.

Mal Pais

Mal Pais is famous for its surfing culture and so is Santa Teresa, its neighboring coast. Except for great swells, there are many unique attractions like take a bout tour to the protected waters where you will get see manta rays, frolic dolphins and many more marine creatures. If you are not interested in getting wet, try out hiking to the waterfalls of Montezuma or you can trek into the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve to the most unadulterated beach. The best part about this beach is – hang a hammock and sway under palms shade.

South of Limon

From the south of Limon to the border of Panama, in between there are many subtle Caribbean lifestyle Costa Rica beaches. If waking up to the chatter of the monkey is bearable for you, camp within the Cahuita National Park. Puerto Viejo is great place to view sunrises or visit to Manzanillo, which has perfect Caribbean beaches with palm swamps, tropical rainforest and coral reefs.

Jaco

Jaco beach rests in the middle of Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. It is known as surfers’ Mecca. The Costa Rica’s largest city, San Jose, is just at two hours drive away from the beach which gives the visitors full time to enjoy. San Jose is well known for the lively nightlife, casinos and international cuisines options. Jaco beach has mostly surfers crowd so the accommodation rates on the beach varies from luxurious to the cheapest.

Tambor

The crescent shaped bay situated to the northeast of Montezuma was previously visited by large whales, not now is mostly visited by tourists. As the number of tourists increased, it scared off the giant whales. The Tambor bay’s calm warm water is famous for snorkeling and swimming in entire Costa Rica. The pinkish-gray beaches are ideal for walk while the interior of Tambor are excellent to explore on horseback. Take a boat tour to the near by Tortuga Island which is famous for perfect vacation Costa Rica beaches as well as heaven for scuba divers.