Playa Negra, Guanacaste

Playa Negra via @eddy_papeoo

Literally translated to “Black Beach” in Spanish, the Playa Negra located in Guanacaste is popular for its dark sand and great surf break for experienced surfers. For the rest of us, watching pro surfers adeptly maneuver the right-hand barrels is equally entertaining, and a lot less work. There aren’t many tourists at Playa Negra either. So if you are visiting from the bustling beach town of Tamarindo (about 45 minutes south), you’ll catch a break from the crowds.

Playa Carbon, Guanacaste

Playa Carbon via @andrepelletier_

Playa Carbon is set 40 minutes from Tamarindo near the more popular Playa Grande. Playa Carbon is one of four beaches within Las Baulas National Marine Park, a park protecting an ecosystem of estuaries, beaches, forests, and marine environments. The other beaches within the park include Playa Langosta, Playa Grande, and Playa Ventanas.

The University of Costa Rica did a study in the 60’s investigating the possibility of metal extraction from the beaches. They discovered that the sand on Playa Carbon had between 75-82% of iron oxide! Enjoy said nerdy reading at your leisure here.

Playa Hermosa, Jaco

“This shot is taken at Playa Hermosa, Puntarenas. We fell for it and couldn’t resist visiting it twice even if it wasn’t part of the plan. This beach is magical with its black sand and pretty coastline. Famous among the surfers. Dogs were playing and running around and even a giant pig was happily walking uninterrupted,” via @izabel.philippa.

Not to be confused with Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste, this Playa Hermosa is situated five kilometers south of Jaco on the Central Pacific Coast. There’s a bit of a social busier feel on the central coast of Costa Rica, but the beach itself is easily accessible from San Jose international airport (about 1 hour and 45 minutes drive). It’s good for surfing, less so for swimming. Whatever your occasion for visiting, you won’t want to miss the sunsets. Costa Rica’s west coast enjoys the most breathtaking sunset shows.

Playa Pavones, Southern Zone

Playa Pavones via @dhotto

Playa Pavones is probably the least frequented on the list. So if you’re looking for a pretty off-grid location, this is it. It sits at the southernmost end of Costa Rica near the border of Panama. Rich lush jungles back the black sand beaches and wildlife roam all about. This is another beach popular for surfing. It is lauded as the longest warm water left-hand wave in the world. Sportfishing is also available from Pavones.

Playa Negra, Limon

Playa Negra Limon via @hotelpuertoviejocr

Playa Negra sits between Cahuita National Park and the little town of Puerto Viejo on the Southern Pacific Coast. It’s a good beach for swimming, beginner surfers, relaxing, and walking as the beach stretches 10 kilometers. This is another off-grid beach less frequently visited. Jagged volcanic rocks reveal themselves at low tide backed by tropical forest and wildlife to create a uniquely wild Jurassic-type setting.

Sound like a dream? Let’s get you there. Starting planning your trip or browse some of our favorite beach vacation packages!

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Tamarindo

One of the largest and most popular beach and surf towns in Costa Rica is Tamarindo in the Guanacaste region. Shops, tour operators, and restaurants are only a short walk from the beach. Most everything in the beach town of Tamarindo can be explored on foot. If you’re interested in surfing while in Costa Rica, this is the place to do it – for beginners or experienced surfers. You can arrange a beginner surf lesson from town or talk with a Costa Rica Expert about arranging a lesson in advance. Many of the Tamarindo hotels are a short walk or taxi ride away. There are also many other beaches to discover from Tamarindo. It’s quite popular to rent a bicycle and explore Tamarindo and the surrounding area at your leisure.

Related: 8 Best Tamarindo Hotels & Resorts

Dominical

Backed by mountainous rainforest on the South Pacific Coast, Dominical is a smaller beach and surf town than Tamarindo. The area boasts many deserted beaches begging to be discovered such as Dominicalito, Playa Hermosa, and those within Ballena Marine National Park further south. Enjoy the laid-back charm of the South Pacific in a region a bit off the beaten path.

Related: 8 Best South Pacific Hotels & Resorts

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Situated on the less-frequented Southern Caribbean Coast, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca has an off-grid laid-back island style. Rainforest, beaches, Caribbean food, music, and culture make Puerto Viejo a magnet for adventurous travelers.

Related: 9 Best Costa Rica Caribbean Hotels

Manuel Antonio Village

One of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio is high on most traveler’s lists. It’s a winning combination of rainforest, beaches, and wildlife that’s hard to beat. Plus, it’s only a three-hour drive from San Jose international airport. he town of Quepos is recognized as the gateway to the little village outside Manuel Antonio National Park. You will pass through it to reach the park. The mountainous cliff spanning between the two is where many of the lodging options lie.

Related: 10 Best Manuel Antonio Hotels & Resorts

Tortuguero Village

Tortuguero is a small beach town on the Northern Caribbean Coast known for its labyrinth of jungle canals and wildlife. This isn’t your typical lay-out-by-the-beach sort of town. People come to Tortuguero for safari-style excursions in hopes of seeing the famous sea turtle nestings or jungle wildlife like caimans, monkeys, and bird species in the brackish inland waterways. There are no roads in Tortuguero. It is accessible only by small plane or boat. To reach the little town from lodges, you’ll likely need to take a small boat – arranged in advance by your chosen lodge or a Costa Rica Expert.

Related: 4 Best Tortuguero Lodges

Playas Del Coco

The 1.8-mile stretch of Playa del Coco is situated on the Gulf of Papagayo, only 30 minutes from Liberia international airport. It’s the largest beach town on the gulf with calm, protected waters – perfect for families! The pace of life is refreshingly slow from this beautiful beach town. Grab some fresh local fruit from a street vendor, relax, and enjoy the scenery!

Related: 5 Best Papagayo Hotels & Resorts

Nosara

Situated on the Nicoya Peninsula, the village of Nosara is an off-grid yoga and surf beach town several miles inland from the shoreline. The beaches of Nosara include Ostional Beach, the smaller Pelada Beach, and Guiones Beach. Ostional Beach is the second largest nesting site in the world for olive ridley sea turtles. Guiones Beach has earned a reputation for its pretty consistent beach break among surfers and bodyboarders. Pelada Beach is a short, sheltered half-moon bay with white sand backed by mangroves. At either end of the Pelada, low tide reveals rocky tide pools. With its laid-back atmosphere and emphasis on health, it’s easy to see why this region has been dubbed a blue zone, where residents commonly live beyond the age of 100 years old.

Related: 15 Best Nicoya Peninsula Hotels & Resorts

Montezuma

The small beach town of Montezuma is located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. This gold-sand beach was once a little fishing village. Visitors can enjoy surfing, waterfalls and a laid-back atmosphere during their stay.

Samara

About 2 hours drive from Liberia international airport, Samara is located on the Nicoya Peninsula. This off-the-beaten-path beach town offers a laid-back beach vibe with cute boutiques, a nice selection of restaurants and sodas, and a variety of tours and activities like surfing. biking, horseback riding, sea kayaking, and more. Discover Samara Beach and the neighboring Carillo Beach (5 miles south) and Buena Vista Beach and Barrigona Beach (south of Samara).

Jaco

About an hour and a half from San Jose international airport, Jaco is one of the most well-known surf, beach, and party towns in Costa Rica. The main strip is full of restaurants and shops. Nearby, travelers can access the rainforest at Carara National Park or visit neighboring beaches like Herradura and Hermosa.

Related: 6 Best Jaco & Central Pacific Hotels

Ready to book your beach town adventure? Customize one of our beach vacation packages.

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Beach Resort for the Family:
JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa

JW Marriott as seen in our Kids Love Costa Rica vacation

Just an hour south of the Liberia airport is the JW Marriott Guanacaste, home to the biggest pool in Central America. This is a great option for families who want to minimize travel and maximize relaxation. Kid’s Club activities are scheduled daily, creating the perfect moment for parents to indulge in a spa treatment or enjoy a poolside drink. The beach directly in front of the resort is a network of lively tide pools – a great place to explore miniscule marine life with the little ones. Further down the beach guests can enjoy surf lessons and other water activities arranged by the hotel concierge. Learn more in our JW Marriott Family Resort Review.

Beach Resort for All-Inclusive:
Westin Playa Conchal Resort

Westin Playa Conchal as seen in our Honeymoon Heaven vacation

Costa Rica’s best all-inclusive is the Westin, located 20 minutes outside of Tamarindo on Playa Conchal. The white-sand beach is one of the best in the country, making the Westin a perfect one-stop shop for a Costa Rica beach vacation. Live the all-inclusive life at the swim-up bar and feel the beat at a live music show!

Beach Resort for Luxury:
Four Seasons Papagayo Resort

Four Seasons as seen in our Exclusive Getaway vacation

A great luxury beach resort can be hard to find, unless you’re in Papagayo, Costa Rica. The Four Seasons Papagayo sits at the tip of the peninsula, a privileged position that offers incredible ocean views and ripe conditions for the perfect beach day. Flanked by the Gulf of Papagayo and the Pacific Ocean, guests have access to two great beaches for fishing, SCUBA, snorkeling, and sailing. When your toes are sick of being buried in the sand enjoy the country’s best golf experience at the Arnold Palmer golf course. For a special experience, our Experts recommend a private beach dinner.

Beach Resort for Style:
Andaz Papagayo Resort

Andaz Papagayo as seen in our Family Eco Safari vacation

Also available in Papagayo is the new Andaz Papagayo Resort. Creative architecture and attention to detail put this atypical resort experience over the top. Even the music playing the restaurants was carefully selected by a team of Costa Rican culture experts in an effort to evoke the Guanacaste region’s essence. The resort’s low-key beaches are perfect for those looking for a calmer experience. The bay-protected waters are infinitely still – ideal conditions for swimming, standup-paddleboarding, and snorkeling. If it is bigger waves you crave, grab a kayak and paddle to other beautiful beaches around the peninsula.

Beach Resort for Off-the-Beaten Path:
Hotel Punta Islita

Punta Islita as seen in our Culinary & Cultural Experience vacation

To avoid the crowds, head to Punta Islita on the Nicoya Peninsula. This boutique hotel has all the appeal of a standard resort in a more secluded location. Not only will you enjoy the quiet beach, but a distinct dose of Costa Rican charm. The hotel has carefully curated a program of on-site experiences that integrate the local community and spirit of the region. You’ll leave with a taste of Costa Rican culture to match your tan.

Beach Resort for a Little Bit of Everything:
Arenas del Mar Beach Resort

Arenas del Mar as seen in our Classic Costa Rica Luxury vacation

Manuel Antonio is the perfect mix of beach and rainforest. While you won’t find mega resorts here, you can still have an upscale beach experience complete with sand, surf, and wildlife. Arenas del Mar Beach and Nature Resort offers the best of both worlds, set between the rainforest and two different beaches. Combine this with top-notch service, amazing views, and close proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park and you have the recipe for a perfect beach vacation. Relax with a beach chair and book or take a surf lesson right in front of the hotel.

Ready to plan? Check out all of our all inclusive vacation packages!

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Playa Santa Teresa (Santa Teresa/Mal Pais)

Surfers, this is your spot! Located remotely on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, this area is known for its waves, wellness, and laid back vibes. With just a handful of paved roads, travelers love the off-the-beaten-path experience they get in Santa Teresa/Mal Pais. The long stretches of beach mean access to some of the best surf around, and while it’s popular among locals, you won’t have to fight for a spot in the lineup. Recently, Matt Damon chose Santa Teresa as the perfect place to paddle out. Accommodations vary, though most hotels are intimate boutique-style properties.

Hotels the Experts Recommend: Pranamar Villas  &  Flor Blanca

Playa Guiones (Nosara/Guiones)

There’s something for everyone here. We’ll be honest – the beach can be crowded, but not in a Spring Break: Cancun! sort of way. In fact, it’s a pretty low-key, family friendly place where happy babies play in the sand, couples walk hand in hand, and surfers of all skill levels catch one perfect wave after another. Just a short walk away is Playa Pelada, a rocky, photo-worthy beach where La Luna Restaurant serves up fresh seafood daily and entertains locals into the night. This is the land of yoga, dirt roads, and happiness. If you’re lucky you’ll spot a movie star or catch a surprise Sublime concert at a local bar.

Hotel the Experts Recommend: Harmony Hotel, just a 2 minute walk from the beach.

Playa Ostional

A short drive from Nosara, Playa Ostional attracts nature enthusiasts world-wide to the annual arribada or mass turtle nesting. It’s a wonder to many that thousands of olive-ridley sea turtles return year after year to the same strip of beach on Playa Ostional to bury their eggs in the black volcanic sand. The olive-ridley sea turtles are only one of two turtle species to orchestrate synchronized nesting. Consider yourself lucky if you are fortunate to see an arribada! The nestings are sporadic, but generally occur between July and December averaging about 4 to 10 times a year and lasting between 3 and 10 days.

Playa Junquillal (A Hidden Gem)

Few people know about this hidden secret! The undeveloped beach of Playa Junquillal is a secluded gem on the Nicoya Peninsula. The views here are stunning and the beach is nearly always deserted even in high season. If you’re looking to relax away from the crowds, this is the place! Additionally, Playa Junquillal flies the Blue Flag, an award given for clean waters and beaches. However, because of strong currents, swimming is not recommended.

Check out this video featuring one of the best beaches in Costa Rica: Playa Junquillal

WANDER IN PARADISE // Treasured Memories from Playa Junquillal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica from SVENSK△ on Vimeo.

Playa Avellanas & Playa Negra

Endless Summer 2 was filmed in 1994 at Playa Negra.

Just north of Playa Junquillal sit Playa Negra and Playa Avellanas. These relatively undeveloped beaches are popular with the surfing community. The beaches here stretch from Playa Langosta in the north all the way down to Playa Negra in the south. For guests of the JW Marriott, Playa Avellanas is only a short walk or shuttle away. Be sure to visit Lola’s beach bar, a local hot spot right on the beach!

Fun Fact: Playa Negra is where surf flick Endless Summer 2 was filmed.

For more information on Nicoya, visit our Nicoya Peninsula destinations page.

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