Summers are intrinsically linked with beaches and for a good reason. Its calm, crystal-clear waters instantly bring back pleasant memories. Beaches provide something for everyone, from enjoying nature’s beauty to engaging in fun sports and delectable seafood. And anyone interested in nature and willing to see some of Central America’s most beautiful beaches should check out Costa Rican Beaches.
Here are our top four suggestions of the best beaches in Costa Rica for you to pick from if you love beaches and are up for a luxurious vacation.
1. Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca, with its beautiful waters, gentle waves, and immense beauty, is situated near Tarcoles, Puntarenas, in the Punta Leona neighborhood. In addition to the Almendro trees and white sand that surround this tiny yet paradisiacal spot, it’s ideal for swimming or practicing snorkeling in the coral reef, right there on the beach.
It would be best if you strolled along Mantas Beach’s edge until you reach this area of white sand, preferably during low tide.
2. Isla Tortuga
Just off the southeast coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, Tortuga Island is famous for its white beaches, blue waters, and welcoming beach chairs. No lodging is accessible on the island because it comprises of 120 hectares of protected flora and wildlife. The island preserves the balance of nature and makes it a place to relax or choose from activities like snorkeling, nature hikes, jet-skiing, banana boats, paddle boards, and kayaking.
At Villa Firenze, we provide easy access to Heli tours to visit the island. Also, we can help you to rent a boat to explore a private part of Tortuga Island. We can set up a beautiful picnic for you and your friends or family and provide drinks, cocktails, and food to go, perfect for an excellent time on the island.
Some popular things to do on Isla Tortuga, apart from the fishing trip, are:
- Scuba Diving – You can find three diving locations on Tortuga Island, where marine life is abundant and there are notable shipwrecks. Both experts and novice divers can use the island’s dive sites.
- Swimming and Snorkeling – At Tortuga, you can swim and snorkel if scuba diving isn’t your thing. The island’s white sand beach provides the ideal setting for your own tropical experience.
- Sea Kayaking – Kayaking is a peaceful activity where you mainly glide through a network of canals that allow you to see the wildlife that lives in mangroves and lakes up close. Sea kayaking is one of the best activities on Tortuga Island.
- Hiking – There is more to Tortuga Island than just playing in the sand and diving off the coast. The island’s forested hills are accessible for an intermediate-intensity hike. They provide the habitat for numerous wildlife species for which Costa Rica is well-known.
- Picnic – You can have the best private picnic experience with us. Just sit on a nice chair, and the Villa Firenze staff will serve your favorite drink and snack while you enjoy a great view and spend time hunting treasures, read a good book, and take a sunbath.
3. Esterrillos Oeste
One of those beaches you will never regret visiting is Playa Esterillos in the Puntarenas region. With bright green palm trees, almond trees, and coconut trees as far as the eye can see, the silky brown sand appears to go on forever. Esterillos is a fantastic beach for surfing and just taking in the view. The current waves are the ideal place to spend the day for more seasoned surfers.
Here are some of the highlights of fun activities in and near this fascinating beach to help you plan a day out.
- Surfing – Costa Rica’s Esterillos is the place to go surfing! Surfing is a solitary and isolated activity in Esterillos Este. Only at high tide does the beach break occur. Esterillos Oeste is a more popular location for surfing, drawing visitors from Jaco and Hermosa.
- Visiting Beaches Nearby – There are various beautiful beaches not too far from Esterillos. Visit Jaco if you want a popular tourist destination with lively nightlife or visit Playa Hermosa if surfing is your priority.
- Carara National Park – Beautiful rainforest and a well-known bird watching location, the Carara National Park is ideal for tracking down exotic bird species, including the scarlet macaw, toucans, and trogons. Crocodiles, sloths, and other creatures all call it home.
- Esterillos Centro – Another peaceful beach village in North Puntarenas is Esterillos Centro. It is a favorite among those looking to escape the frantic Jaco tourist scene. It’s conveniently close to two national parks and a fantastic location for outdoor adventures like canopy tours and hiking.
- Explore More – If mingling with the crowds is your thing, take to the streets on foot to get to know the neighborhood better. Discover the ideal memento at a little boutique or rediscover a hidden gem at a gallery.
4. Manuel Antonio
On Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, just south of Quepos, Puntarenas, is the little Manuel Antonio National Park, also known as Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio. It is part of the Central Pacific Conservation Area and is the smallest national park in Costa Rica. Close to 150,000 people visit the park each year, and it is well renowned for its stunning beaches and hiking trails, including routes for easy wheelchair access. Rated by Forbes in the past as one of the top 12 national parks in the world, Manuel Antonio still retains all its beauty.
Here are the six best things to do in Manuel Antonio during your visit.
- Visit Manuel Antonio Beach – Espadilla Sur Beach and Manuel Antonio Beach, the park’s two main beaches, are about a 30-minute stroll away from the entrance. The most notable feature of Playa Manuel Antonio is its breathtaking view, but if you want to avoid the crowds, head farther down the main road to Playa Espadilla Sur.
- Discover Rainforest Wildlife – Despite being Costa Rica’s smallest park, Manuel Antonio is teeming with wildlife. The park’s most friendly animals include the capuchin, howler, and squirrel monkeys.
- Hike – Throughout your visit to the Manuel Antonio region, you’re sure to witness plenty of wildlife, but trekking the trails in Manuel Antonio National Park will put you near many rainforest creatures.
- Explore Quepos Town – One could think of Quepos as the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park. Quepos has a wide variety of eateries, bars, and gift shops. With a variety of local stores, markets, and cafes, Quepos’ streets are pleasant to explore.
- Visit Espadilla Beach – Espadilla Beach, Manuel Antonio’s main beach, is a perfect combination of green rainforest and the beauty of white sand, ideal for spending quality time in Costa Rica.
- Explore Marina Pez Vela – It is the perfect place to go for lunch after visiting Manuel Antonio National Park. You can easily find coffee shops and commercial centers in the Marina.
All the beaches and attractions we’ve mentioned will add to your vacation experience. Whether you like to mingle with the local population or avoid crowds, there’s a perfect place for everyone on this list. Pick one, or better yet, visit all of them and you are good to go to spend an unforgettable time with family and friends.
