Snorkelers can also catch sight of stingrays and angelfish. Does it have ample parking? The Best Costa Rica Beaches - TripSavvy The beach is set under a lush tropical cliff, full of fauna such as sloths, monkeys, porcupines, and many species of birds. No two people will agree on which Costa Rican beach is the most beautiful. Berti Benbanaste via Unsplash. 7 Beautiful Costa Rica Beach Resorts for Surfing, Swimming, and Sunbathing, The 15 Best Beach Destinations to Visit in January, 17 of the Best Beach Resorts for Families, This Under-the-radar Costa Rican Beach Town Now Has a Chic Hotel Perfect for Digital Nomads, This Crescent-shaped Beach Was Named the Best in the U.S. and It's 3 Miles Long, 10 Beach Destinations for Your Next Girls Trip, 10 Beach Destinations Perfect for a Mother-daughter Vacation, 29 Best Tropical Vacations Around the World, The 15 Best Beaches in Africa for Snorkeling, Surfing, and Remote Relaxation, 50 Best Romantic Getaways for a Couples Trip, This Laid-back Beach Town in Costa Rica Has Beautiful Beaches, World-class Surfing, and Stunning Sunsets. The surrounding jungle is home to monkeys, birds, and lizards you wont find on most beach vacations. Playa Jaco is a two-and-a-half-mile stretch of immaculate powder-fine sand on the Costa Rican Central Pacific coast, which is surrounded by a deep jungle full of wildlife. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The beach is also popular among people looking for a great sunset view. Since Jaco Beach is near San Jose, the beach is always busy on weekends. 1. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 1. 15 Best Beaches in Costa Rica - Selina At Playa Hermosa, there are many things to do; visitors can also snorkel, fish, and scuba dive. Among all the tropical beaches in Costa Rica you will find white sand beaches, pink sand beaches, black sand beaches, clear water beaches, surfing beaches, swimming beaches, snorkeling beaches and more. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. For more information on our advertisers and how we make money, see our advertising policy here. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica All Inclusive, Related: Best All Inclusive Family Resorts in Costa Rica, Also See:Beaches in BelizeBest Beaches in BrazilDominican Republic Beaches, Punta Uva, Costa Rica(506) 2750-0147Visit WebsiteTripadvisorOpen in Google Maps. Unlike some of the countrys top beaches, Playa Punta Uva has superb swimming conditions with warm, clear and calm Caribbean waters. 3. Yes, its a bit more complicated to access the sandy crescents that are backed by hotels and fronted by the ocean, but with so many incredible spots to spread out a towel and take a dip, that doesnt matter much. Lined with lush green trees, the beach feels like a true getaway spot. On both sides of the beach, steep cliffs covered in lush vegetation surround it. Famous for its consistent and strong waves, Jaco will surely put surfing connoisseurus on cloud nine. Luckily, the photos were accurate. You can relax on the beach or wade in the water for hours to fully unwind and connect with nature. Playa Conchal DEA/V. The water here is quite clean, allowing for excellent snorkeling, making it one of the best swimming beaches in Costa Rica. The beach lies inside Manuel Antonio National Park on the country's Pacific Ocean coastline. The water is shallow and gradually gets deeper, so kids can splash around while you relax on the sand. Home to a variety of fauna and flora, this refuge is a refreshing adventure, especially if you want to take a break from the salty fun. Parking at the little settlement of Brasilito Beach is 800 meters from the beach (nominal cost). It is possible to observe hills and cliffs from your peaceful beach chair. The sand is lined with crushed shells, but you can find a few whole specimens as well if you look hard enough. Apart from swimming, the beaches in Playa Tamarindo allow divers, snorkelers, fishermen, surfers, beachgoers, and turtle-watchers to explore the water. And I can confidently say that Manuel Antonio Beach is the best of the bunch. In fact, its beaches are some of the main reasons why the country sees so many tourists every year. Therefore it is some of the best beaches in Costa Rica for swimming. You might encounter a wild horse strolling around near the water, or a group of surfers hanging around on their boards in the water. And the waters were invitingly calm, perfect for snorkeling with my children. Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste, on the other hand, has gentle waves and is great for swimming and snorkeling. At night, head to Microbar and sample some of the finest craft beer in Guanacaste. Satisfy your taste buds with a smorgasbord of treats like tacos and pizza at Lo Que Hay. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Makanda by The Sea Hotel, Puntarenas Province, Costa RicaVisit WebsiteTripadvisorOpen in Google Maps. However, the Caribbean coast also has warm water. South Pointe Park Pier. 10 Best Beaches in Costa Rica (with Map) - Touropia The beach is a great option if you dont want to have to worry about anything once your trip is in full swing. Flamingo Beach 10. The coastline is a relaxing haven thats far away from the bustle of the city. Santa Teresa is now a renowned tourist destination thanks to its scenic beaches. Located in Guanacaste, this upscale beach town has all the ingredients of a tropical paradise. Theres no better way to kick-start a Costa Rica vacation than to visit Manuel Antonio Beach. Playa Tamarindo is located off of Route 152, south of Marino las Baulas National Park. 17 Best Beaches in Costa Rica Top Public Beach Spots! Why not lie on the beach and enjoy the sunset while riding horses? Near one of Costa Rica's most gorgeous pink sand beaches is a little settlement known as Flamingo Town, which is home to numerous restaurants, shops, and hotels dedicated to tourists. It does not store any personal data. I use these questions to evaluate the accessibility of every beach. If youre visiting Costa Rica with your whole family, consider spending your beach days at Playa Hermosa. However, its also just off the towns main street, so youre never far from shops and restaurants, and its perfectly placed to just step on the sand for a short walk. Whether the goal is surfing, snorkeling, exploring tidal pools, or simply soaking up the sunshine, theres a Costa Rica beach well, likely many thats sure to live up to your idealized version of a palm-fringed paradise. Finding your own piece of the beach with no other people in sight is as simple as going to the beach. The Pacific coast is nicknamed the "gold coast" thanks to its warm water temperatures. For years, the beach has been a go-to destination spot for surfers and divers, thanks to its exciting waves and underwater wonders. Parque Nacional Tortuguero Image Credit: Etienne Delorieux va Unsplash If you want to combine your beach vacation with remarkable experiences you can't replicate anywhere else, you should plan to visit Parque Nacional Tortuguero. Re: Beaches with calm water and nice lodging. If youre searching for the best beach spots in Costa Rica for families, look no further than Playa Samara. From Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti to the Post Ranch Inn, here are the top infinity pools with the world's best views. It is the biggest beach town in the area, and it's an ideal beach for surfing, swimming and people watching. Surfing is at its best between December and March. 15 Best Restaurants in Conshohocken, PA Top-Rated Places to Eat! The area is also curved, giving the beach a unique look that helps maximize the space it has. Playa Samara Nicoya Best swimming beach Costa Rica This is considered to be one of the safest beaches in the country so that is why families with kids found this place perfect for their holiday. Nosara Beach 7. Playa Nacascolo 8. Playa Manuel Antonio [SEE MAP] With towering palm trees overlooking its alluring golden sands and shimmering turquoise waters, Manuel Antonio is one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, and consequently, one of its most popular. Minimal tourist traffic means this stunning bay region remains serene. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. With its consistently warm water, gentle waves and otherworldly coral seascape, its truly the best place to swim and snorkel in the area. 9 Best Beaches in Costa Rica for Surfing, Snorkeling, and - Twitter So you can even let young swimmers run around carefree. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. You can have as relaxing or as adventurous of a vacation as youd like and do everything from tanning on the beach to hitting the waves or exploring the areas colorful underwater world. Samara beach is surrounded by beautiful hills covered with lush forests and an impressive variety of exotic plants and beautiful animals. The park is a mixed wildlife preserve that aims to protect animals in their natural habitats. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. A long, lovely beach rests in a huge bay surrounded by clear water. If you want to steer clear of the crowds, visit the beach on a weekday. Beaches with calm water and nice lodging - Costa Rica Forum Playa Conchal isnt the biggest beach, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty. Playa Biesanz, enveloped by a verdant rainforest, entralls visitors with its unbelievably clear water and creamy fine sands. Bottom Line: The waves at this beach are consistent but not too strong, so veteran and rookie surfers can test their skills. It is also wonderful for swimmers and is one of the few beaches monitored by lifeguards provided by the local community. Of course, good surf isnt guaranteed, but the currents and layout of the beach are the right combinations to have consistent waves all year. All you can see for kilometers is pure white coral sand, shadowed by trees, shrubs, and mangroves. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Re: Beaches with calm water and nice lodging. To ensure that my recommendations align with your familys interests and preferences, I studied every beach, including factors like family-friendliness, safety, water quality, and accessibility. See tours 2023 2. Due to the beach's isolation, you nearly always have the entire area to yourself. THE 10 BEST Costa Rica Beaches (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor 4020 Virginia Beach Dr, Miami, FL 33149, USA. Visitors get a chance to explore some of the most pristine examples of the countrys wilderness via its thick, beautiful jungles, diverse flora and fauna, and, of course, its beaches. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The majority of Costa Rica's beaches are stunning due to their smooth sand, blue waters, and proximity to the jungle, but Playa Flamingo stands out. You can walk up and down the soft sand and get close to the water to watch the dolphins breach to your hearts content. I have explored the best beaches in Costa Rica. 3. For those who want to relax, commune with nature, teach kids to swim, snorkel on the reefs, or stroll through the surrounding jungle, the beach is the perfect place. Whether youre craving heart-pounding ATV rides across the wilderness or going on exhilarating rainforest treks, Costa Rica has it all. You can even do a snorkeling excursion since the area is full of colorful fish to see. An easy walk from the Manuel Antonio National Park entrance gives way to the splendor of Playa Manuel Antonio. Recommended for Beaches because: Camping . The water is very clean and has a brilliant blue hue, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Lummus Park Beach is an urban park and coastline, spanning roughly 74 acres. You dont have to worry about planning how to get anywhere or where to go to have a safe beach day. Heavy tourism: The high tourist density can lead to crowded conditions, which may not appeal to those seeking a more secluded beach experience. With a hippie and bohemian feel, the beach also lures and captivates backpackers. The only exception for the crowds is weekends when more locals typically decide to hit the sand while youre there. During the day, it offers great waves, and in the early evening, locals and visitors gather on the sand to watch the sunset over the water. Read also: 14 Best Beaches In Pennsylvania For A Perfect Summer Day. Featured Image Credit: Rough Guide to the best beaches in Costa Rica in 2023 Playa Conchal The sparkling white stand of Playa Conchal, just north of Tamarindo, wraps around a turquoise bay that's perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Jaco Beach 11. It is definitely one of the 16 Best Swimming Beaches in Costa Rica. Playa Manuel Antonio has become one of the countrys premier vacation spots both for Costa Ricans and foreigners. Liberia, Papagayo PeninsulaGuanacaste, Costa RicaTripadvisorOpen in Google Maps. Meanwhile, scuba divers can uncover the depths as they look for spinner dolphins, stingrays and sunken ships. The effort and sure-footedness required to navigate the dense vegetation, hill, and pebbly terrain does make the payoff in this case, arriving at a tranquil secret beach with sun in the morning and shade for afternoon naps that much sweeter. Best Beaches In Costa Rica Compared 1. Beaches, clear waters, and numerous cafes and beach stores ensure that this place is a great place to visit. Young groms and older brah's alike will agree that the best Costa Rican beaches are those with gnarly waves . If you'd like to add a comment to this article and share your valuable feedback and opinions, please click here to leave your comment. However, what you consider nice is subjective to you and what you want. If you are not into surfing, you may also enjoy swimming, hiking, snorkeling, sailing, and fishing at the beach. When it came to selecting the best beach spots in Costa Rica for you, I relied on a combination of personal experience and extensive research. Without a direct road connection to the beach, which is only accessible by multiple trails, the beach is kept hidden. Accessibility: This measures how accessible the beach is for visitors. Nature and animal lovers will adore the Refugio Nacional Gandoca and have to add it to their vacation bucket list. Tamarindo Beach. Registration confirmation will be emailed to you. Laya Barrigona, a rare jewel that has remained unexplored and untouched due to its remote location on the Nicoya Peninsula, is located approximately one hour north of Samara. Costa Rica is home to multiple national parks, but Parque Nacional Cahuita is one of the most memorable. For a more secluded and tranquil beach experience, Conchal Beach is the place to go. The combination of quiet ambiance and calm, warm water makes up for what's lacking on the coastline. The crown jewel of the small, laid-back town of Santa Teresa on Costa Ricas Nicoya Peninsula, Playa Santa Teresa is an off-the-beaten-path gem thats favored by surfers and vacationers alike. 25 Best Things to Do in The Dominican Republic Top Activities & Places to Go! Its also edged by a handful of chill beach hotels and restaurants. There are many great things to do in Playa Ocotal. Swimming, lengthy walks, and a range of water activities are all fantastic on the beach. The Best Beaches in Costa Rica for your family vacation! It not only has some of the most beautiful white sand mixed with shells, but the sea water is also very calm and has crystal clear water. 1. Breathtaking natural beauty: Manuel Antonio Beach is known for its stunning scenery, with turquoise waters, lush greenery, and white sand. The full-service resort provides accommodations in the form of bungalows and luxury villas. With gentle waves and shallow warm waters, its even the safest beach for kids in Costa Rica. While wading through Conchas crystalline water in pursuit of an Insta-worthy shot, pause for a while and admire its heavenly beauty. Underwater, there is a fascinating rock formation to investigate. If you do, this beach can be accessed from one of the first stops on most routes. Its lined with tropical palm trees that help maintain its natural feel. Turtles arent the only wild animals youll be able to find on and near the beaches, however. Playa Punta Uva 9. (305) 673-7730. Meanwhile, beachgoers seeking more seclusion can head to the quiet shores of Gemelas. This is a country with high eco-standards and a sense of adventure. What are the other safety measures at the beach? A Blue Flag-awarded destination, its particularly well-suited for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Playa Negra As its name implies, this much-loved beach near the reggae-fueled town of Cahuita is covered in dark black sand that positively shines on a sunny day. For the most part, it is the powdery thin white coral beach and a clear blue sea. (3400 NE 163rd St., North Miami Beach, 305/919-1846) Oleta River State Park is Florida's largest urban park, encompassing 1,043 acres. For years, this beach has been drawing families with narrow pristine, white sands and calm waters. Its pink-sand Flamingo Beach is among the region's most attractive pink-sand beaches. This wave is mild and the beach is ideal for swimming. It offers the best of both worlds as far as Costa Ricas beaches are concerned. 27 Jun 2023 20:44:27 TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Sand is pale golden in color and as fine as powder. Limited accessibility: The access road to the beach can be rough and challenging, especially during the rainy season. Best Beaches of Miami: The Top 16 Listed from North to South Recommended Hotel Nearby: Wyndham Tamarindo, Playa ConchalGuanacaste, Costa RicaVisit WebsiteTripadvisorOpen in Google Maps. Costa Ballena, Whale Bay Even the beaches are widely varied in this beguiling country. Amar was born and raised in England and sadly didnt catch his bout of wanderlust until his early twenties. Next on my Costa Rican adventure was Tamarindo Beach, a lively destination offering a taste of local culture. Its lovely white sand beach displays pink hues in a certain light, which is why it is dubbed Flamingo beach. Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. Despite its name, you wont see flamingos frolicking on this majestic beach. Whether its spending the day admiring the local atmosphere, splashing in the crystalline waters, or watching local fisherman in the bay, you really cant go wrong, says Patane Moss. This resort is on the beach, and it is all-inclusive.