Costa Rica beaches, Best beach destinations in Costa Rica

The beaches of Costa Rica may be the very finest attractions in all of Costa Rica, and so many flock to the coasts each year to relax and play in the sun.

A Large Variety of Beaches

A breath of that fresh ocean breeze will leave all your troubles behind and make you wish you could stay. One of the greatest treasures you will find during your vacations will be the Costa Rica beaches. Alluring and enchanting views of the ocean surrounded by a vast green vegetation, this country’s coastline comes in all colors, shapes and sizes, you just need to take your pick.

With almost 300 beach destinations spread on both of Costa Rica’s coasts, each of the beaches in Costa Rica have a uniqueness, that certain something that distinguishes it from the others. The color of the sand can vary and be brown, black or white. Some even have a bed of shells right on top of the sand or scattered rock where the water makes an amazing show when it crashes into them.

Many visitors come to Costa Rica to enjoy its great biodiversity, supreme jungles and rainforests that have the natural background music of birds, insects, trees and rivers following the same symphony in unison. Following the stream of rivers and mountains, travelers will eventually find themselves face to face with a stunning sight of majestic proportion as is the sea.

Hidden Gems

Many Costa Rica beaches are hidden and perfect to come and unplug from living on the fast lane, others offer a constant adrenaline rush with the humming of a jet ski or flash through the waves with your surfing board among other water sports. Costa Rica beaches have laws to protect them from any exploitation or infrastructure advancement. These laws also state that 70% of the land will remain undeveloped which is why the majority of the beaches in Costa Rica are part of protected reserves or national parks, making it possible to observe some local wildlife as you relax during your sun bath.

Being in the hundreds makes it a large list of Costa Rica beaches, but to mention a few of the most popular (by the way, playa is the Spanish word for beach):

• Playa Tamarindo, home of large community of U.S citizens.
• Playa Avellanas, its nickname is “Little Hawaii”
• Playa Gandoca-Manzanillo, part of Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.
• Playa Potrero, excellent for snorkeling and scuba diving.
• Playa Santa Teresa, a fishing village grown into a town that follows a slow pace.
• Cano Island, located on Corcovado Bay in a protected biological reserve.
• Playa Jaco, has a very active night life and loved by surfers from all around the world.
• Playa Guiones, a secluded spot preferred by beginner level surfers.
• Playa Virador, located in the Papagayo peninsula where only those who can afford the country’s most luxurious accommodation can get with no problem.
• Playa Manuel Antonio, a big part of the Manuel Antonio National Park it is one of the most popular among foreign visitors.