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.
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9 Costa Rica experiences for relaxation and rejuvenation
Sure, you’ve heard the phrase “pura vida” thrown around in regards to Costa Rica, but you might not fully get it…yet. Translated directly from Spanish, it means “pure life,” but there’s a lot more contained in these two little words than that. Every Tico (aka, Costa Rican) you’ll meet will have a...
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.
We were touring the beautiful province of Guanacaste and we just had to see for ourselves why San Juanillo beach is so spectacular.
Obviously, we went for a delicious...
Paradise Waterfall awaits you!
For a lot of us, when we think about Grecia, what comes to mind are 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.
We se...
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 if they aren’t already.
Of course, when we’re travelling with our loved ones, one thing we all want is for everyone to feel comfortable an...
Five hidden-away beaches you have to see in 2022
If one of your resolutions this year was to discover new corners of Costa Rica, this information might be just what you’re looking for.
Costa Rica’s land area may be just 51,100 km² but it can still hide away a surprise or two, a paradise you haven’t seen yet. If you like more intimate geta...
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. So without further ado, here’s part two of our list of waterfalls to inspire you to get out there and explore Costa Rica...
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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Admission Fees and Hours at Costa Rica’s National Parks
Plan your next getaway!
We want to make it as easy as possible to check new destinations off your list and see what our country has to offer. This list provides a full review of national parks, monuments, reserves and refuges that will help you plan your next trip in a snap.
All that’...
15 amazing experiences to have in Costa Rica before you die
If you have even a passing interest in travel, Costa Rica is most likely already on your radar. And for so many good reasons, not least of which are that it’s one of the most biodiverse places in the world and one of the most peaceful places on the planet, in more ways than one. It abolished its ...
9 Costa Rica experiences for relaxation and rejuvenation
Sure, you’ve heard the phrase “pura vida” thrown around in regards to Costa Rica, but you might not fully get it…yet. Translated directly from Spanish, it means “pure life,” but there’s a lot more contained in these two little words than that. Every Tico (aka, Costa Rican) you’ll meet will have a...
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. So without further ado, here’s part two of our list of waterfalls to inspire you to get out there and explore Costa Rica...
Discover the History of Isla San Lucas National Park
Welcome to a national park that’s infused with history, which didn’t gain its designation as a national park until September 2020, since it used to be one of the country’s wildlife refuges.
Isla San Lucas is known for its history as a prison, a role the island served from 1873 and 1991. Aft...
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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No two trips to Costa Rica are the same. Share your beautiful moments with us and with everyone who connects with pura vida.
