1. Manuel Antonio Beach
- Location: Manuel Antonio National Park, Pacific Coast
- Highlights: Known for its stunning beauty, white sand, and turquoise waters. The beach is surrounded by lush rainforest, offering great opportunities for wildlife spotting, including monkeys and sloths.
2. Playa Conchal
- Location: Guanacaste Province, Pacific Coast
- Highlights: Famous for its unique pinkish-white sand made of crushed shells. The clear, calm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
3. Playa Hermosa
- Location: Guanacaste Province, Pacific Coast
- Highlights: A quieter beach with calm waters, making it ideal for families. It’s great for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
4. Santa Teresa Beach
- Location: Nicoya Peninsula, Pacific Coast
- Highlights: A laid-back beach with a bohemian vibe, popular with surfers and yoga enthusiasts. The sunsets here are spectacular, and the beach is lined with cozy cafes and boutique hotels.
5. Playa Flamingo
- Location: Guanacaste Province, Pacific Coast
- Highlights: Known for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s a great spot for swimming, deep-sea fishing, and sailing.
6. Playa Grande
- Location: Guanacaste Province, Pacific Coast
- Highlights: Part of Las Baulas National Marine Park, this beach is famous for its excellent surf breaks and as a nesting site for leatherback turtles.
7. Playa Hermosa
- Location: Puntarenas Province, Osa Peninsula
- Highlights: A secluded and pristine beach, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. It’s located near Corcovado National Park, offering rich biodiversity and excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting.
8. Montezuma Beach
- Location: Nicoya Peninsula, Pacific Coast
- Highlights: A charming beach town known for its artistic community and beautiful waterfalls. The beach offers great opportunities for swimming and exploring tide pools.
9. Playa Dominical
- Location: South Pacific Coast
- Highlights: A surfer’s paradise with consistent waves and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s also a gateway to exploring the nearby Marino Ballena National Park.
10. Playa Uvita
- Location: Marino Ballena National Park, South Pacific Coast
- Highlights: Known for its unique whale-tail formation visible at low tide. It’s a great spot for whale watching, snorkeling, and kayaking.
11. Puerto Viejo Beach
- Location: Caribbean Coast
- Highlights: A vibrant beach town with a Caribbean flair, known for its reggae music, laid-back vibe, and beautiful beaches. The nearby Playa Cocles offers excellent surfing conditions.
12. Playa Cahuita
- Location: Cahuita National Park, Caribbean Coast
- Highlights: Known for its coral reefs, making it a top spot for snorkeling. The beach is surrounded by lush rainforest, offering a tranquil and picturesque setting.
13. Playa Nosara
- Location: Nicoya Peninsula, Pacific Coast
- Highlights: Known for its surf schools, yoga retreats, and wellness centers. The beach is relatively undeveloped, offering a more natural and serene experience.
14. Playa Samara
- Location: Nicoya Peninsula, Pacific Coast
- Highlights: A family-friendly beach with calm, shallow waters, ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. The town offers a range of accommodations and dining options.
15. Playa Carrillo
- Location: Near Playa Samara, Nicoya Peninsula, Pacific Coast
- Highlights: A quiet and picturesque beach with palm-lined shores and calm waters. It’s a great spot for a relaxing day at the beach.
