Costa Rica has more than 300 beaches spread across two coasts with very different personalities. The Pacific � warm, often powerful, and home to world-class surf � stretches from Guanacaste in the north to the remote jungles of the Osa Peninsula. The Caribbean � turquoise, calmer, and culturally rich � offers a completely different experience, and is often best to visit when the Pacific is in its rainy season. This guide covers the 55+ most visited and referenced beaches, giving you the essential data to plan your visits safely.
?? Important notice for residents and visitors:
Most beaches in Costa Rica have no permanent lifeguards. Rip currents are the leading cause of drowning, according to the National University (UNA) and the ICT. Accident peaks occur during Easter Week, New Year's, and July. Never enter the water alone at unsupervised beaches. Red flags mean swimming is absolutely prohibited.
Danger level:
None � Safe swimming
Low � Basic caution
Moderate � Occasional currents
High � Experts or extreme caution
Extreme � Do not swim
Zone 01
North Pacific � Guanacaste
Covers the entire coastline of Guanacaste province and the northern Nicoya Peninsula. It is the driest and sunniest region in the country � part of the Polo Tur�stico Golfo de Papagayo � and home to some of Central America's most exclusive resorts.
?? Dry: Dec�Apr | ??? Rainy: May�Nov | ??? 28�38 �C| Beach | Location | Description | Danger | Best season | Activities / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Playa Panam� Golfo de Papagayo, Guanacaste |
Bah�a Culebra, Liberia | Very sheltered bay inside the Papagayo Pole. Almost always flat water. Ideal for kayak and SUP. Dark sand. | ? None | Year-round. Best: Dec�Apr | Families Kayak |
Playa Hermosa Guanacaste Norte (? P. Central) |
Golfo de Papagayo, al sur de Coco | Bah�a en forma de luna media. Oleaje lento y suave. Excelente para ni�os peque�os. Sin corrientes de resaca relevantes. | ? None | Year-round. Best: Dec�Apr | Families Snorkel |
Playas del Coco Carrillo, Guanacaste |
16 km al SO de Liberia | Playa urbana y muy accesible. Arena oscura. Popular�sima entre costarricenses. Oleaje moderado, corrientes espor�dicas en marea alta. | ? Low | Dec�Apr. Avoid Sep�Oct | Diving Sports |
Playa Ocotal Coco, Guanacaste |
2 km sur de Playas del Coco | Peque�a bah�a protegida. Aguas claras y tranquilas. Una de las mejores zonas de buceo del pa�s. Mantarrayas en Isla Catalina nearby. | ? None | Year-round. Best: Dec�Apr | Buceo Snorkel |
Playa Flamingo Santa Cruz, Guanacaste |
Bah�a Brasilito, norte de Guanacaste | Zona exclusiva. Bah�a en media luna. Arena blanca-rosada. Mar plano. Puestas de sol legendarias. | ? None | Year-round. Best: Dec�Apr | Families Sport fishing |
Playa Conchal Santa Cruz, Guanacaste |
1 km sur de Brasilito | Arena de millones de conchas trituradas. Agua turquesa cristalina. Mar calmado. Arrecife rocoso en el extremo este ideal para snorkel. | ? Low | Year-round. Best: Dec�Apr | Snorkel Families |
Playa Tamarindo Santa Cruz, Guanacaste |
Costa de Oro, Guanacaste | La playa m�s visitada de Guanacaste y una de las m�s ic�nicas de Costa Rica. Bah�a preciosa, escena de surf vibrante, excelentes restaurantes y puestas de sol. Corrientes fuertes cerca del estuario: nada en la zona sur y consulta siempre a los locales antes de entrar al agua. | ? High � Currents | Surf: May�Nov. Swim: Dec�Apr (south zone) | Surf all levels Sea turtles Rip current |
Playa Grande Santa Cruz, Guanacaste |
PN Marino Las Baulas | Principal sitio de anidaci�n de tortuga baula del Pac�fico Oriental (50% de hembras mundiales). Oleaje fuerte con corrientes. Acceso nocturno solo con gu�a. | ? High | Surf: May�Nov. Turtles: Oct�Feb | Surf Tortuga baula ??? P.N. Las Baulas |
Playa S�mara Nicoya, Guanacaste |
Nicoya, Pen�nsula de Nicoya | Bah�a protegida por arrecife. Oleaje muy suave. Una de las m�s seguras de todo el Pac�fico. Perfecta para aprender surf, kayak y kitesurf. | ? None | Year-round | Families Beginner surf Kayak |
Playa Ostional Santa Cruz, Guanacaste |
Refugio Nac. de V.S. Ostional | El sitio de anidaci�n de tortuga lora m�s importante del mundo: un espect�culo natural �nico e irrepetible. Se puede visitar todo el a�o con gu�a certificado. Corrientes de resaca intensas: prohibido nadar en las zonas de anidaci�n. | ? Extreme � Rip current | Turtles: year-round, peak Aug�Dec | Tortuga lora ??? R.V.S. Ostional |
Playa Guiones Nosara, Nicoya, Guanacaste |
Corredor costero de Nosara | Olas largas y constantes. Ambiente ecol�gico y de yoga muy marcado. Comunidad comprometida con la conservaci�n. Corrientes moderadas. | ? Moderate | Surf: year-round. Swim: with caution | Surf all levels |
Playa Negra Santa Cruz (Para�so), Guanacaste |
Sur de Avellanas, Carrillo | Alberga una de las mejores olas de reef break de derecha de toda la costa del Pac�fico, con una comunidad de surfistas fiel y un ambiente aut�ntico y tranquilo. Rompe sobre roca: solo para surfistas expertos. | ? Extreme � Reef | Surf: May�Nov (peak) | Expert surf |
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Zone 02
Central Pacific � Puntarenas & South Nicoya
From Puntarenas to Quepos. Includes the beaches closest to San Jos� (1.5�3 hours). High-traffic zone with developed infrastructure. Many of these beaches have strong currents and are frequently the scene of drownings.
?? Dry: Dec�Apr | ??? Rainy: May�Nov | ??? 28�34 �C| Beach | Location | Description | Danger | Best season | Activities / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Playa Jac� Garabito, Puntarenas |
1.5h de San Jos�, Ruta 34 | Una de las playas de surf m�s reconocidas y animadas del Pac�fico Central. 4 km de arena oscura, gran vida nocturna y olas constantes para surfistas intermedios. Corrientes de resaca fuertes: siempre consulta las condiciones antes de entrar al agua. | ? High � Constant rip | Surf: May�Nov | Intermediate surf Rip current |
Playa Herradura Garabito, Puntarenas |
6 km norte de Jac� | Bah�a protegida. Oleaje bajo. Sede de la marina Los Sue�os. Muy popular para pesca deportiva. Arena oscura. | ? Low | Year-round | Sport fishing Families |
Playa Hermosa (P. Central) Garabito, Puntarenas (? Guanacaste) |
4 km sur de Jac� | Sede del Campeonato Internacional de Surf Quicksilver y uno de los destinos de surf m�s respetados de Centroam�rica. Beach break muy constante y potente. Solo para surfistas expertos: no recomendada para nado recreativo. | ? Extreme � Expert surf | Surf: May�Nov (peak) | Expert surf |
Playa Manuel Antonio Quepos, Puntarenas |
PN Manuel Antonio (entrada �) | Dentro del Parque Nacional. Arena blanca, aguas turquesas. Monos capuchinos y perezosos en los �rboles. Una de las m�s bellas del pa�s. Acceso mar�dom 7am�4pm. | ? Moderate | Dec�Apr (peak) | P.N. Manuel Antonio Families Snorkel |
Playa Biesanz Quepos, Puntarenas |
1 km sur de Manuel Antonio pueblo | Peque�a y muy escondida. Aguas muy calmadas ideales para snorkel y kayak. Una de las m�s seguras del Pac�fico Central. | ? None | Year-round | Snorkel Families |
Santa Teresa Cobano, Nicoya (Pac�fico) |
Extremo suroeste de Nicoya | Olas constantes ideales para todos los niveles de surf. Comunidad art�stica y bohemia. Atardeceres espectaculares. | ? Moderate | Surf: year-round. Swim: Dec�Apr | Surf all levels |
Playa Montezuma Cobano, Nicoya |
Extremo sur de Nicoya | Playa resguardada, aguas relativamente calmadas. Ambiente bohemio �nico. Cascadas cercanas en la selva. F�cil acceso en ferry desde Puntarenas. | ? Low | Dec�Apr | Snorkel Families |
Playa Tambor Paquera, Nicoya (Golfo) |
Bah�a Ballena, Pen�nsula de Nicoya | Dentro del Golfo de Nicoya. Aguas muy tranquilas. Arena oscura. Playa larga y poco concurrida. Ideal para caminar y nadar. | ? None | Year-round | Families |
Cabo Blanco Cobano, Nicoya |
Reserva Absoluta Cabo Blanco (SINAC) | Playa virgen dentro de la primera �rea protegida de Costa Rica. Acceso tras 2h de senderismo. Arena blanca con rocas. Abierta solo mi�dom. | ? Moderate | Dec�Apr | Absolute reserve SINAC |
Zone 03
South Pacific � Dominical, Osa & Golfo Dulce
The most remote and unexplored region of the country, stretching from Dominical to the Panama border, including the Osa Peninsula and Golfo Dulce. The rainiest zone of the Pacific, with extraordinary biodiversity. Many beaches are only accessible by 4x4 or boat.
?? Dry: Dec�Apr | ??? Rainy (intense): May�Nov | ??? 26�34 �C| Beach | Location | Description | Danger | Best season | Activities / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Playa Dominical Osa, Puntarenas |
3.5h de San Jos� por Ruta 34 | Uno de los destinos de surf experto m�s reconocidos de Costa Rica, rodeado de selva exuberante y un ambiente bohemio relajado. Sus olas potentes atraen surfistas de todo el mundo. No apta para nado recreativo: corrientes fuertes durante todo el a�o. | ? Extreme � Do not swim | Surf: May�Nov | Expert surf Deadly currents |
Playa Dominicalito Osa, Puntarenas |
800m sur de Dominical | Bah�a peque�a y resguardada. Completamente diferente a su vecina. Ideal para aprender surf o para familias. Oleaje suave comparativo. | ? Low | Year-round | Beginner surf Families |
Playa Uvita Osa, Puntarenas |
PN Marino Ballena, Uvita | El banco de arena en forma de "cola de ballena" es el atractivo principal. Sin olas en la cola. Avistamiento de ballenas jorobadas jul�oct y ene�mar. | ? None (whale tail sandbar) | Year-round. Whales: Jul�Oct / Jan�Mar | Families Kayak P.N. Marino Ballena |
Playa Ventanas Osa, Puntarenas |
Sur de PN Marino Ballena | Famosa por sus cuevas y t�neles que se pueden explorar con marea baja. Impresionante formaci�n geol�gica. No nadar dentro de las cuevas. | ? Moderate | Dec�Apr (low tide) | Caves at low tide |
Bah�a Drake Osa, Puntarenas |
Punta Drake, acceso v�a a�rea o bote | Punto de acceso al PN Corcovado. Ecoturismo de alta gama. Avistamiento de delfines y ballenas. Poca infraestructura. | ? High | Surf: year-round | Surf Snorkel/buceo Boat/plane only |
Playa Pavones Golfito, Puntarenas |
Golfo Dulce, frontera Panam� | Sede de la segunda ola izquierda m�s larga del mundo, con rides de hasta 3 minutos. Un destino legendario donde todo el pueblo gira en torno a la cultura del surf. Solo para surfistas expertos. | ? Extreme � Experts only | Surf: May�Nov (peak) | Expert surf ??? |
Playa Zancudo Golfito, Puntarenas |
Golfo Dulce, 50 km SO de Golfito | Aguas muy calmadas dentro del Golfo Dulce. Perfecta para nadar. Pesca deportiva de clase mundial. Ambiente tranquilo y aut�ntico. | ? None | Year-round | Sport fishing Families |
Zone 04
Caribbean Coast � Lim�n
The Caribbean coast has a completely different character: vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture, tropical jungle reaching to the shore, generally turquoise water, and a more relaxed pace of life. Its rainfall pattern is opposite to the Pacific, making it the ideal destination when the Pacific is in its rainy season.
?? Best: Sep�Oct and Feb�Mar | ??? Rainy: Nov�Jan and Apr�Aug | ?? Humidity up to 90%| Beach | Location | Description | Danger | Best season | Activities / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tortuguero Pococ�, Lim�n (solo bote/avi�n) |
P.N. Tortuguero, Caribe Norte | Principal playa de anidaci�n de tortuga verde del hemisferio occidental. Acceso SOLO acu�tico o a�reo. La playa tiene oleaje y corrientes: NO apta para nado. | ? Do not swim | Green turtles: Jul�Oct. Leatherback: Feb�Jul | Tortuga verde ??? P.N. Tortuguero Boat/plane only |
Playa Cahuita (Blanca) Cahuita, Lim�n |
P.N. Cahuita, dentro del parque | Arena blanca, aguas turquesas. El arrecife de coral m�s grande del Caribe costarricense (600 ha). Snorkel obligatorio solo con tour y gu�a. | ? Low | Feb�Mar and Sep�Oct | Guided snorkel P.N. Cahuita Families |
Salsa Brava Puerto Viejo, Talamanca, Lim�n |
Frente al pueblo de Puerto Viejo | La ola m�s poderosa y famosa de Costa Rica, conocida mundialmente en los c�rculos del surf de �lite. Rompe directamente sobre arrecife de coral frente al pueblo de Puerto Viejo. Exclusiva para surfistas de �lite: quienes no surfean no deben entrar al agua aqu�. | ? Extreme � Elite only | Surf: Dec�Mar (peak) | Elite surf ??? |
Playa Cocles Puerto Viejo, Talamanca, Lim�n |
2 km sur de Puerto Viejo | Playa larga y hermosa. Olas de buen tama�o ideales para surf intermedio. Entorno de selva densa hasta la orilla. Ambiente muy relajado. | ? High | Surf: Dec�Mar and Sep�Oct | Intermediate surf |
Punta Uva Talamanca, Lim�n |
6 km sur de Puerto Viejo | Una de las m�s bellas del Caribe. Aguas muy tranquilas, turquesas y c�lidas. Arrecife de coral para snorkel. Sendero a una cueva con mirador espectacular. | ? None | Feb�Mar and Sep�Oct | Snorkel Buceo Families |
Manzanillo Talamanca, Lim�n |
Refugio V.S. Gandoca-Manzanillo | Aguas muy claras y tranquilas. Mezcla perfecta de selva y mar. Delfines frecuentes en la bah�a. Sendero costero impresionante. | ? None | Feb�Mar and Sep�Oct | Snorkel Families Sea turtles |
?? Sea Turtle Nesting Guide
Costa Rica protects 5 of the 7 sea turtle species in the world. Nesting beaches have intense rip currents by design � turtles prefer them because they drive away predators. Never swim in nesting zones. Always visit with a certified guide.
Green Sea Turtle
Chelonia mydas
Beaches: Tortuguero (Caribbean, world's #1), Guanacaste and Osa (Pacific).
Caribbean: June�October (peak: Jul�Aug).
Pacific: Year-round, peak Dec�Mar.
Caribbean: June�October (peak: Jul�Aug).
Pacific: Year-round, peak Dec�Mar.
Olive Ridley Turtle
Lepidochelys olivacea
Beaches: Ostional (world's #1 ???), Nancite, Camaronal.
Season: Year-round. Peak: Aug�Dec.
Mass arrivals of up to 200,000 turtles in Ostional � a unique phenomenon on Earth. Only with a guide from ADIO.
Season: Year-round. Peak: Aug�Dec.
Mass arrivals of up to 200,000 turtles in Ostional � a unique phenomenon on Earth. Only with a guide from ADIO.
Leatherback Turtle � ENDANGERED
Dermochelys coriacea
Pacific beaches: Playa Grande, Langosta (PN Las Baulas). Oct�Feb.
Caribbean beaches: Gandoca-Manzanillo, Parismina. Feb�July.
The largest turtle in the world (up to 680 kg). Critically endangered.
Caribbean beaches: Gandoca-Manzanillo, Parismina. Feb�July.
The largest turtle in the world (up to 680 kg). Critically endangered.
Hawksbill Turtle � CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
Eretmochelys imbricata
Beaches: Both coasts year-round. Mainly Tortuguero and Manzanillo (Caribbean), Playa Grande and Osa (Pacific).
One of the most commercially exploited turtles in history. Its trade is now illegal worldwide.
One of the most commercially exploited turtles in history. Its trade is now illegal worldwide.
Black Sea Turtle
Chelonia mydas agassizii
Beaches: Tortuguero, Playa Minas (Lim�n).
Season: Jul�Feb Pacific, Jun�Nov Caribbean.
Season: Jul�Feb Pacific, Jun�Nov Caribbean.
?? Safety Rules for Expats and Visitors
01
Rip currents are the greatest threat. If caught, do not fight it: swim parallel to the shore until you escape the current. Costa Rica has dozens of rip current deaths each year.
02
Most beaches have no permanent lifeguards. Always check sea conditions before entering the water. Red flags mean an absolute ban on swimming.
03
Sea turtle nesting beaches have extreme currents by design. Turtles choose them for that reason. Never swim in zones like Ostional, Nancite, Playa Grande, or Tortuguero.
04
Drowning peaks in Costa Rica occur during Easter Week, New Year's, and July. Playa Jac� and Playa Hermosa (Central Pacific) historically concentrate the most incidents.
05
The Caribbean is perfect in September�October, when the Pacific is in heavy rainy season. Beaches like Punta Uva and Manzanillo are among the safest in the country.
06
Beaches inside National Parks and Wildlife Refuges have entry fees and hours. Always check SINAC before visiting: sinac.go.cr. Many are open Tuesday�Sunday only.
Before you read
This article was prepared based on research conducted from publicly available sources (see Sources below). If any data is incorrect, please inform us with supporting documentation and this page will correct it and thank you. We do not claim authorship of the laws or regulations cited, and therefore we are excluded from any lawsuits or damages by those who read this article and apply it without first having verified with the competent institutions as of the date, since everything changes and especially the laws.
Data compiled from the ICT (Beach Atlas), SINAC, the International Institute of the Ocean � National University (UNA), and the UCR � CIMAR. Last updated: 2025�2026. For sea emergencies: 911 or Cruz Roja: 128.