Explore Costa Rica

Best Beaches in Costa Rica – Top 10 Must-Visit

Discover Costa Rica’s top 10 most beautiful beaches—with crystal-clear water, perfect sand, and Instagram-worthy views.

Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches offer crystal-clear water and unforgettable beauty. Let's dive into my list of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica you must-visit.

Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal, located just outside the town of Brasilito, offers some of the clearest turquoise water and most unique sand in Costa Rica. The beach is made up of millions of crushed seashells, which shimmer under the sun and give the shore a pale, glowing look. It’s known for its calm, swimmable water, perfect for snorkeling and floating.

Playa Conchal Highlights

Crushed-shell sand that glistens in the sun
Calm, clear turquoise water great for snorkeling
Gentle waves and family-friendly atmosphere
Lined with palms and eco-lodges nearby
Public access maintained since 2018

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Playa Flamingo

Playa Flamingo, on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast, offers pristine white sand and deep-blue water tucked into a protected bay. With a marina nearby, it’s perfect for diving excursions to the Catalina Islands and comes with an upscale, vacation-resort vibe. The beach is spacious but never overcrowded, and the sunsets here are spectacular.

Playa Flamingo Highlights

Soft white sand and deep-blue bay
Marina access for scuba diving trips
Calm water ideal for swimming
Upscale lodging and amenities
Stunning sunset views

Playa Tamarindo

Panoramic aerial view of Tamarindo, Costa Rica, showing a wide sandy beach with gentle surf, surrounded by green hills and scattered coastal buildings.

Playa Tamarindo, in Guanacaste, is a long stretch of golden sand known for consistent waves and a bustling surf-town atmosphere. The beachfront is lined with shops, restaurants, and surf schools, making it perfect for those who want beach beauty plus energy and convenience.

Playa Tamarindo Highlights

Wide golden-sand beach with surf
Reliable waves and surf lessons
Lively beachfront community
Dining, bars, and nightlife
Sunrises and sunsets on the sand

Playa Grande

Playa Grande, just north of Tamarindo, is a protected nesting site for leatherback turtles. The long golden-sand beach offers powerful waves, minimal crowds, and a wildlife-rich environment within Las Baulas Marine National Park.

Playa Grande Highlights

Leatherback turtle nesting site (Oct–Mar)
Consistent surf and uncrowded sands
Located within a marine national park
Adjacent to mangroves and wildlife
Rugged, untouched coastal feel

Playa Nosara

Playa Nosara, also known as Playa Guiones, offers wide, white-sand shores with gentle surf ideal for surfing beginners and beach yoga lovers. It’s surrounded by eco-conscious lodges, wellness retreats, and lush jungle backdrop.

Playa Nosara Highlights

Expansive white-sand beach
Gentle surf and yoga community
Eco-friendly resorts and lodges
Gorgeous sunsets over the water
Peaceful, wellness-focused atmosphere

Playa Samara

Playa Samara is a calm bay with soft white sand and shallow water, ideal for families and swimmers. The town is charming, with colorful restaurants, kayak and snorkeling rentals, and a laid-back, safe vibe.

Playa Samara Highlights

Gentle bay perfect for swimming
Soft sand and calm waters
Beachfront eateries and artisan shops
Kayak and snorkeling opportunities
Friendly, family-focused setting

Playa Carrillo

Playa Carrillo, lying just south of Samara, features wide, palm-lined sands and clear, tranquil waters. The beach is eco-certified, empty, and stands out for its natural setting—perfect for swimming, picnicking, or relaxing in the shade.

Playa Carrillo Highlights

Eco-certified and unspoiled
Smooth, white sandy beach
Calm, clear water ideal for relaxation
Palm-tree shade and picnic spots
Excellent snorkeling nearby

Punta Uva

Punta Uva, on the Caribbean coast, is a stunning palm-fringed cove with shallow, turquoise water and abundant coral reefs. The beach vibes exude Afro‑Caribbean culture, with laid-back food spots and serene natural surroundings.

Punta Uva Highlights

Turquoise Caribbean bay
Snorkeling reefs in clear water
Palm-lined shore with jungle backdrop
Local Caribbean food and culture
Peaceful, idyllic setting

Playa Tortuga (Tortuga Island)

Vibrant tropical beach scene at Playa Tortuga, Costa Rica, with anchored boats and tourists swimming in turquoise waters beside white sandy shores lined with blue umbrellas and palm trees.

Playa Tortuga, on Tortuga Island in the Nicoya Gulf, is a day-trip paradise with brilliant white sand, palm-tree dunes, and some of the clearest water in Costa Rica. Reached by boat from places like Jaco, it’s perfect for snorkeling and island relaxation.

Playa Tortuga Highlights

Remote island beach with white sand
Exceptional snorkeling water
Tall palm dunes and tropical vibes
Quiet and off-season friendly
Ideal for a day-trip escape

Playa Negra

Playa Negra, along Guanacaste’s coast, is famous for its thrilling right-point surf break and dramatic black volcanic sand. The rugged, undeveloped shoreline is a must-visit for serious surfers and adventure seekers.

Playa Negra Highlights

Legendary right-point surf break
Black volcanic sand coastline
Consistent waves year-round
Raw, natural beach environment