Costa Rica Beaches

Beaches in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, I personally see the beaches divided into three main areas:
the Caribbean coast, the North Pacific (Guanacaste), and the Central & South Pacific.

Even though Costa Rica looks small on the map, distances between these areas can be longer than expected. Because of that, I highly recommend choosing one or two regions and organizing your trip around them, instead of trying to see everything.

🌴 Caribbean Coast

Here you’ll find places like Punta Uva, Puerto Viejo, and Manzanillo.

This area has a very unique vibe. It still feels like a small Caribbean town, with colorful houses, small hotels, and a strong local culture. The beaches are beautiful, the water is usually calm, and the whole experience feels very authentic and relaxed.

If you want to experience a different side of Costa Rica, this is the place.

☀️ North Pacific (Guanacaste)

In Guanacaste, you’ll find larger beaches, luxury hotels, and more developed areas.

The beaches here are more open and expansive, and the landscapes are a bit drier compared to the rest of the country. This is a great option if you’re looking for comfort, accessibility, and a mix of beach + amenities.

🌿 Central & South Pacific

This is personally one of my favorite regions because of the variety.

Here you’ll find everything—from long beaches with darker sand to smaller, more hidden and tropical beaches. The vibe still feels local in many areas, but with more diversity in landscapes and experiences.

Places like Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Uvita are great examples of this region.

⚠️ My personal advice (very important)

You might hear about places like Jacó or Puntarenas, mainly because they are closer to San José and very easy to access.

But as a local, my honest recommendation is:
if you can, go a little further.

These places are popular because of convenience, not because they are the most beautiful.

For example, from Jacó to Manuel Antonio is only about 1 hour more, but the difference in beaches and overall experience is huge.

First, I would choose the Caribbean coast. The beaches there are truly beautiful, and the local vibe is something very special.

I would spend a few days in Puerto Viejo, exploring nearby beaches like Punta Uva and Manzanillo, and really taking my time to enjoy the area. Then, I would dedicate at least 2 days to Tortuguero (you can find more details in my Tortuguero guide).
Trust me, you’ll love it—Tortuguero feels like being deep in the jungle, surrounded by pure nature.

Second, I would go to the Central & South Pacific coast. In this area, you’ll find a wide variety of beautiful beaches and incredible landscapes.

Make sure to visit Manuel Antonio and Marino Ballena National Park, two of the most special places along this coastline.

Another personal recommendation:
If possible, try to plan your beach days during the weekdays.

Beaches are some of the most visited places in Costa Rica, even by locals, so weekends can get quite crowded. Visiting during the week will give you a much more peaceful and enjoyable experience.

✨ Final thought

Costa Rica has some incredible beaches, but the key is choosing the right area for your trip.

Don’t rush it, don’t try to see everything, and if you can go a little further… you’ll be rewarded with much better experiences.