Costa Rica’s entire coastline is breathtaking, so deciding on the “best beaches” is a nearly impossible feat! A lot depends on if you’re looking for seclusion, wildlife, activities or lounging, for example. The temperature remains pretty much unvaried throughout the year at a very comfortable 81ºF (27ºC), and the main difference throughout the year is the amount of rainfall.

But if it’s of any help, here’s a list of the most popular beaches, and we’ll leave it up to you to send us a picture with your favorite!

Playa Samara and Carillo: What’s great about Samara is the calm waters that make it perfect for swimming. Carillo is a calmer end of Samara with beautiful white sand to enjoy the sunset from.

Playa Conchal: Conchal could loosely be translated into “Shell World”. This beautiful beach gets its name from the finely crushed shells that it’s made of. The ocean here is fit for both swimming and snorkeling, and there are also many other activities, like sailing, jet skiing and golfing. To access Conchal, just enter Playa Brasilito and take a short walk, or enter directly through Westin Golf Resort & Spa Hotel.

Playa Tamarindo: (Playa Langosta, Playa Avellanas, and Playa Grande): The Tamarindo area is known for its white-sand beaches and great vibe with a activities to suit everyone, from restaurants to spas, surfing and of course, beautiful Pacific Sunsets.

Playa Malpaís and Santa Teresa: Surfing for every level of experience, gorgeous beaches and delicious restaurants. This area has something magnetic about it. You won’t want to leave!

Playa Montezuma: Near Malpaís and Santa Teresa, with more craft shops and diving shops included. Its beaches have white sands and rocky inlets perfect for photos and little tide pools to soak in at low tide.

Playa Manuel Antonio: Besides having beautiful white sand beaches, Manuel Antonio is teeming with wildlife! So much so that you have to protect your things from the mischievous White Faced monkeys! The nearby town has a great craft shop for souvenirs.

Playa Dominical & Dominicalito: Enjoy colorful sunsets form each, great surfing in the first and comfortable lounging on the sand in the second. Nearby there are great restaurants and shops to enjoy.

Playa Carate: Carate is a long white sand beach bordering Corcovado National Park. Wildlife in the area is unmatched compared to the rest of the country and to most rainforests in the world!

Playa Cahuita: Do not miss the tranquil, beautiful Caribbean beach of Cahuita. Go for a stroll under the trees along the ocean through Cahuita National Park and you’re almost guaranteed to see sloths! Just don’t forget to take a guide to spot them for you!

Playa Punta Uva: Only a twenty minute drive from the laid back, reggae town of Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva is a secluded, calm water beach perfect for relaxing and enjoying a coconut fresh off of the palm.