for the love of the shore
Soft sand, warm sun, ocean breezes and the reassuring sounds of the waves – the beach thrills us and calms us in equal measure. With oceans on two sides of the country, Costa Rica boasts about 800 miles of coastline. Surfers can find great waves all year, and every beach is open to all visitors because everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy the experience.
9 Costa Rica experiences for relaxation and rejuvenation
A couple of millennia ago, Roman philosopher Seneca said, “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” He got it partially right. Travel boosts, restores, and expands not just the mind, but also our bodies and our senses.
In search of a sunset in San Juanillo
If a visit San Juanillo is on your bucket list, you've made the right choice, but if it isn't, allow us to change your mind.
Paradise Waterfall awaits you!
Grecia conjures images of coffee production, sugarcane, its famous car sales and the temple of Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, which is a part of the architectural heritage of the country. But the truth is Grecia has much more to offer.
Five Costa Rican beaches to enjoy with your family
If you’re looking for places to visit where your family can enjoy some peace and quiet, check out these five recommendations that should be on your list.
Five hidden-away beaches you have to see
If you like more intimate getaways, or just want to fill your Instagram feed with photos that are sure to impress your friends, you have to check out these five beaches. Are you up for it?
10 Waterfalls You Have to See
Our country is home to impressive waterfalls that are a preferred destination for many. It’s a common practice to get together with friends on the weekend to explore a new one.chase the waves
about costa rica's beaches
No matter what draws you to the beach, you’ll find an ideal spot to enjoy it. We share the coast with the wildlife that lives there, so please help us keep these stunning locations clean and trash free. And, of course, don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen.
guanacaste
The beaches located in the Guanacaste region offer adventure, recreation and a wide variety of activities. Sunbathers enjoy radiant sunshine almost all year round. If you prefer something more secluded, there are small boutique hotels near Santa Elena Peninsula, or larger hotel compounds located near the Gulf of Papagayo.
central and mid pacific
Visitors have their choice of perfect beaches for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, sailing or just enjoying walking through the forest. The Central region also features fun places like Puntarenas, with its giant cruise ships on the pier and famous seafood, including dishes like cevichea–delicious dish made from fresh raw fish marinated in citrus juices.
The Mid Pacific offers exuberant landscapes where sun, beach and forests combine in national parks such as Manuel Antonio and Marino Ballena. If you’re looking for excitement, the beaches of Jaco and Hermosa have ideal conditions for surfing.
south pacific
This region of Costa Rica combines everything you like about the beach, including the pristine vegetation and coral reefs of the island of Caño, perfect for snorkeling and diving. You should also make time to discover the breathtaking beaches of Golfo Dulce and the Osa Peninsula, protected by biological reserves and the National Park of Corcovado. Perfect for fishing, surfing or just admiring wildlife like the marvelous macaw, these beaches are easily accessible thanks to local flights originating from Golfito and Puerto Jiménez.
south caribbean
Accessible by land, beautiful beaches await you in this region of Costa Rica. The contrast of the white- and black-sand beaches of Cahuita and Puerto Viejo is unforgettable, whether surfing, fishing or diving through spectacularly colorful coral reef.
A rich and strong Afro Caribbean influence welcomes visitors to learn about the particular culture and architecture of the region, the vibrant spirit of its people, and the wonderful, authentic flavor of dishes such as rice and beans, pati, plantinta, chicken with coconut and rondon.
costa rica's main beaches
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Have you always wanted to fly? We’ll show you how to do it
Maybe when you were little you longed to be able to fly, to open your arms and feel the air on your face - this could cease to be a dream and become a reality. Paragliding makes you feel like a soaring bird and it could be the next adventure you’re looking for.
Travelling in Nosara, Guiones and Ostional
Make your arrival in the land of surfing, yoga and good smoothies. Guanacaste is a true paradise!
Welcome to Miravalles National Park
This marvel of nature was designated as a national park to commemorate World Environment Day on June 5, 2019. It is a tribute to one of the country’s great advocates for the conservation of natural spaces, and a driving force behind national parks.
Explore the Isla Guayabo Biological Reserve
This reserve is part of the Tempisque Conservation Area, along with Isla Negritos Biological Reserve (covering the two islands) and Los Pájaros Biological Reserve. They are located in the Gulf of Nicoya facing Playa Naranjo, and can be seen from on board the Puntarenas ferry on its way to and from P...
The Charm of Witch's Rock
Playa Naranjo, also known as Witch's Rock, is a destination that you cannot miss and that you should put on your list of upcoming places to visit.FAQs and tips
You can see sea turtles in Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean Coast or Las Baulas National Marine Park on the Pacific Coast.
- Keep your belongings somewhere safe while enjoying the sea or leave them somewhere they can be watched.
- Always use reef-safe sunscreen to avoid sunburns.
- When possible, don’t swim on your own.
- Consult the authorities about the current beach conditions.
- Be aware of warning flags on the beach.
- Do not enter the ocean if you don’t know how to swim. If you’re surfing as a beginner, stay under the supervision of a qualified instructor.
We’d love it! Anyone getting married here must be 18 or older. Nonresidents need the following documents to get married here: original birth certificates, affidavit of single status, police record, valid passport and a divorce decree (if applicable). These documents must follow the authentication procedure before you bring them to Costa Rica.
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