Last updated on January 30th, 2021 at 07:42 pm EST
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Our master list of Costa Rica beaches
If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica that includes time spent at a beach, you’re probably overwhelmed by the sheer volume of Costa Rica beaches there are to choose from. Fortunately, our master Costa Rica beach list below can help. Not only does our list include most of the Costa Rica beaches we’ve visited firsthand, but it displays a few of our own photos of each beach so you can envision what your visit will look like. We also include information about where the various beaches are located in Costa Rica, so you know which area to travel to if a particular beach catches your eye. For your convenience, we use the following key to identify in which region the beach can be found:
- (C) Caribbean Beaches
- (G) Northern Pacific / Guanacaste Beaches
- (NP) Nicoya Peninsula Beaches
- (CP) Central Pacific Beaches
- (OP) Osa Peninsula Beaches
Have a question about one of the Costa Rica beaches we list below? Leave us a comment at the bottom of this page and we’ll do our best to answer it. ?
Playa Arrecife (C)
Playa Arrecife is located in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica. It sits east of the coastal community of Punta Uva, Costa Rica. To learn more about Playa Arrecife, including beach details, development, safety, access, parking, and more, see our related blog post: Photos of Playa Arrecife Costa Rica (Caribbean) From Our Own Personal Collection.
Playa Avellanas (G)
Playa Avellanas is located in the Northern Pacific / Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It sits south of the coastal community of Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
Playa Blanca (C)
Playa Blanca is located in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Cahuita, Costa Rica, and falls within the boundary of the Cahuita National Park. You must pay the national park entrance fee to access this beach.
Playa Blanca (CP)
Playa Blanca is located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. It sits south of the coastal community of Tarcoles, Costa Rica.
Playa Blanca (G)
Playa Blanca is located in the Northern Pacific / Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It sits south of the coastal community of Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
Playa Buena Vista (NP)
Playa Buena Vista is located in the Nicoya Peninsula region of Costa Rica. It sits west of the coastal community of Samara, Costa Rica.
Playa Cabuya (NP)
Playa Cabuya is located in the Nicoya Peninsula region of Costa Rica. It sits south of the coastal community of Montezuma, Costa Rica.
Playa Cangrejal (NP)
Playa Cangrejal is located in the Nicoya Peninsula region of Costa Rica. It sits west of the coastal community of Samara, Costa Rica. To learn more about Playa Cangrejal, including beach details, development, safety, access, parking, and more, see our related blog post: Photos of Playa Cangrejal Costa Rica (Nicoya Peninsula) From Our Own Personal Collection.
Playa Carrillo (NP)
Playa Carillo is located in the Nicoya Peninsula region of Costa Rica. It sits east of the coastal community of Samara, Costa Rica.
Playa Chiquita (C)
Playa Chiquita is located in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica. It sits west of the coastal community of Punta Uva, Costa Rica.
Playa Cocles (C)
Playa Cocles is located in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica. It sits east of the coastal community of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica.
Playa del Coco (G)
Playa del Coco is located in the Northern Pacific / Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Playas del Coco, Costa Rica.
Playa Colorada
Playa Colorada is located in the Osa Peninsula region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Agujitas (a subset of Drake Bay), Costa Rica.
Playa Conchal (G)
Playa Conchal is located in the Northern Pacific / Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It sits south of the coastal community of Brasilito, Costa Rica.
Playa Curu (NP)
Playa Curu is located in the Nicoya Peninsula region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach within the boundary of the Curu National Wildlife Refuge. You must pay the refuge entrance fee to access this beach. To learn more about Playa Curu, including beach details, development, safety, access, parking, and more, see our related blog post: Photos of Playa Curu Costa Rica (Nicoya Peninsula) From Our Own Personal Collection.
Playa Danta (G)
Playa Danta is located in the Northern Pacific / Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Las Catalinas, Costa Rica. To learn more about Playa Danta, including beach details, development, safety, access, parking, and more, see our related blog post: Photos of Playa Danta Costa Rica (Guanacaste) From Our Own Personal Collection.
Playa Dantita (G)
Playa Dantita is located in the Northern Pacific / Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It sits north of the coastal community of Las Catalinas, Costa Rica. To learn more about Playa Dantita, including beach details, development, safety, access, parking, and more, see our related blog post: Photos of Playa Dantita Costa Rica (Guanacaste) From Our Own Personal Collection.
Playa Dominical (CP)
Playa Dominical is located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Dominical, Costa Rica. To learn more about Playa Dominical, including beach details, development, safety, access, parking, and more, see our related blog post: Photos of Playa Dominical Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Own Personal Collection.
Playa Espadilla Norte (CP)
Playa Espadilla Norte is located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
Playa Espadilla Sur (CP)
Playa Espadilla Sur is located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. It sits south of the coastal community of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, and falls within the boundary of the Manuel Antonio National Park. You must pay the national park entrance fee to access this beach.
Playa Esterillos Este (CP)
Playa Esterillos Este is located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. It sits east of the coastal community of Esterillos Oeste, Costa Rica.
Playa Esterillos Centro (CP)
Playa Esterillos Centro is located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. It sits east of the coastal community of Esterillos Oeste, Costa Rica.
Playa Esterillos Oeste (CP)
Playa Esterillos Oeste is located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Esterillos Oeste, Costa Rica.
Playa Flamingo (G)
Playa Flamingo is located in the Northern Pacific / Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica.
Playa Garza (NP)
Playa Garza is located in the Nicoya Peninsula region of Costa Rica. It sits south of the coastal community of Nosara (Guiones), Costa Rica.
Playa Grande (G)
Playa Grande is located in the Northern Pacific / Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Playa Grande, Costa Rica, and falls within the boundary of the Marino Las Baulas National Park. Payment of a national park entrance fee is not required to access this beach, unless your visit is part of an authorized turtle nesting / turtle observation tour.
Playa Guiones (NP)
Playa Guiones is located in the Nicoya Peninsula region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Guiones, Costa Rica (a subset of the inland community of Nosara, Costa Rica).
Playa Hermosa (G)
Playa Hermosa is located in the Northern Pacific / Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. To learn more about Playa Hermosa, including beach details, development, safety, access, parking, and more, see our related blog post: Photos of Playa Hermosa Costa Rica (Guanacaste) From Our Own Personal Collection.
Playa Hermosa (CP)
Playa Hermosa is located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. It sits south of the coastal community of Jaco, Costa Rica. .
Playa Herradura (CP)
Playa Herradura is located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. It sits north of the coastal community of Jaco, Costa Rica.
Playa Jaco (CP)
Playa Jaco is located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Jaco, Costa Rica. To learn more about Playa Jaco, including beach details, development, safety, access, parking, and more, see our related blog post: Photos of Playa Jaco Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Own Personal Collection.
Playa Junquillal (G)
Playa Junquillal is located in the Northern Pacific / Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It sits south of the coastal community of Tamarindo, Costa Rica. To learn more about Playa Junquillal, including beach details, development, safety, access, parking, and more, see our related blog post: Photos of Playa Junquillal Costa Rica (Guanacaste) From Our Own Personal Collection.
Playa Las Manchas (NP)
Playa Las Manchas is located in the Nicoya Peninsula region of Costa Rica. It sits south of the coastal community of Montezuma, Costa Rica. To learn more about Playa Las Manchas, including beach details, development, safety, access, parking, and more, see our related blog post: Photos of Playa Las Manchas Costa Rica (Nicoya Peninsula) From Our Own Personal Collection.
Playa Los Suecos (NP)
Playa Los Suecos is located in the Nicoya Peninsula region of Costa Rica. It sits south of the coastal community of Mal Pais, Costa Rica.
Playa Mal Pais
Playa Mal Pais is located in the Nicoya Peninsula region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Mal Pais, Costa Rica.
Playa Mantas (CP)
Playa Mantas is located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. It sits south of the coastal community of Tarcoles, Costa Rica. To learn more about Playa Mantas, including beach details, development, safety, access, parking, and more, see our related blog post: Photos of Playa Mantas Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Own Personal Collection.
Playa Manuel Antonio (CP)
Playa Manuel Antonio is located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. It sits south of the coastal community of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, and falls within the boundary of the Manuel Antonio National Park. You must pay the national park entrance fee to access this beach. To learn more about Playa Manuel Antonio, including beach details, development, safety, access, parking, and more, see our related blog post: Photos of Playa Manuel Antonio Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Own Personal Collection.
Playa Manzanillo (C)
Playa Manzanillo (also referred to as Playa Grande) is located in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Manzanillo, Costa Rica. To learn more about Playa Manzanillo, including beach details, development, safety, access, parking, and more, see our related blog post: Photos of Playa Manzanillo Costa Rica (Caribbean) From Our Own Personal Collection.
Playa Matapalo (G)
Playa Matapalo is located in the Northern Pacific / Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It sits west of the coastal community of Playas del Coco, Costa Rica.
Playa Montezuma (NP)
Playa Montezuma is located in the Nicoya Peninsula region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Montezuma, Costa Rica.
Playa Nacascolo (G)
Playa Nacascolo is located in the Northern Pacific / Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It sits on the east side of Costa Rica’s Papagayo Peninsula. To learn more about Playa Nacascolo, including beach details, development, safety, access, parking, and more, see our related blog post: Photos of Playa Nacascolo Costa Rica (Guanacaste) From Our Own Personal Collection.
Playa Negra (C)
Playa Negra is located in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica. It sits west of the coastal community of Cahuita, Costa Rica.
Playa Negra (C)
Playa Negra is located in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica. It sits west of the coastal community of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica.
Playa Negra (G)
Playa Negra is located in the Northern Pacific / Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It sits south of the coastal community of Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
Playa Ocotal (G)
Playa Ocotal is located in the Northern Pacific / Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It sits west of the coastal community of Playas del Coco, Costa Rica.
Playa Ostional (NP)
Playa Ostional is located in the Nicoya Peninsula region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Ostional, Costa Rica, and falls within the boundary of the Ostional Wildlife Refuge. Payment of a refuge entrance fee is not required to access this beach, unless your visit is part of an authorized turtle nesting / turtle observation tour.
Playa Panama (G)
Playa Panama is located in the Northern Pacific / Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It sits north of the coastal community of Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica.
Playa Potrero (G)
Playa Potrero is located in the Northern Pacific / Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Potrero, Costa Rica.
Playa Preciosa / Playa Platanares (OP)
Playa Preciosa (also called Playa Platanares) is located in the Osa Peninsula region of Costa Rica. It sits east of the coastal community of Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica. To learn more about Playa Preciosa, including beach details, development, safety, access, parking, and more, see our related blog post: Photos of Playa Preciosa Costa Rica (Osa Peninsula) From Our Own Personal Collection.
Playa Puerto Viejo (C)
Playa Puerto Viejo is located in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica.
Playa Puerto Viejo (G)
Playa Puerto Viejo is located in the Northern Pacific / Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It sits west of the coastal community of Brasilito, Costa Rica. To learn more about Playa Puerto Viejo, including beach details, development, safety, access, parking, and more, see our related blog post: Photos of Playa Puerto Viejo Costa Rica (Guanacaste) From Our Own Personal Collection.
Playa Puntarenas (CP)
Playa Puntarenas is located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
Playa Punta Uva (C)
Playa Punta Uva is located in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Punta Uva, Costa Rica.
Playa Quesera (NP)
Playa Quesera is located in the Nicoya Peninsula region of Costa Rica. It sits east of the inland community of Paquera, Costa Rica, and falls within the boundary of the Curu National Wildlife Refuge. You must pay the refuge entrance fee to access this beach. To learn more about Playa Quesera, including beach details, development, safety, access, parking, and more, see our related blog post: Photos of Playa Quesera Costa Rica (Nicoya Peninsula) From Our Own Personal Collection.
Playa Quizales (NP)
Playa Quizales is located in the Nicoya Peninsula region of Costa Rica. It sits south of the coastal community of Tambor, Costa Rica.
Playa Real (G)
Playa Real is located in the Northern Pacific / Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It sits west of the coastal community of Brasilito, Costa Rica.
Playa Samara (NP)
Playa Samara is located in the Nicoya Peninsula region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Samara, Costa Rica. To learn more about Playa Samara, including beach details, development, safety, access, parking, and more, see our related blog post: Photos of Playa Samara Costa Rica (Nicoya Peninsula) From Our Own Personal Collection.
Playa Santa Teresa (NP)
Playa Santa Teresa is located in the Nicoya Peninsula region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. To learn more about Playa Santa Teresa, including beach details, development, safety, access, parking, and more, see our related blog post: Photos of Playa Santa Teresa Costa Rica (Nicoya Peninsula) From Our Own Personal Collection.
Playa Tamarindo (G)
Playa Tamarindo is located in the Northern Pacific / Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Tamarindo, Costa Rica. To learn more about Playa Tamarindo, including beach details, development, safety, access, parking, and more, see our related blog post: Photos of Playa Tamarindo Costa Rica (Guanacaste) From Our Own Personal Collection.
Playa Tambor (NP)
Playa Tambor is located in the Nicoya Peninsula region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Tambor, Costa Rica.
Playa Tortuguero (C)
Playa Tortuguero is located in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Tortuguero, Costa Rica.
Playa Tropical (NP)
Playa Tropical is located on Costa Rica’s Tortuga Island. It is the second most popular beach that’s visited during Isla Tortuga day tours.
Playa Uvita (CP)
Playa Uvita is located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. It is the main beach that fronts the coastal community of Bahia, Costa Rica (a subset of the inland community of Uvita, Costa Rica). To learn more about Playa Uvita, including beach details, development, safety, access, parking, and more, see our related blog post: Photos of Playa Uvita Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Own Personal Collection.
Playa Ventanas (CP)
Playa Ventanas is located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. It sits west of the inland community of Ojochal, Costa Rica. To learn more about Playa Ventanas, including beach details, development, safety, access, parking, and more, see our related blog post: Photos of Playa Ventanas Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Own Personal Collection.
Playa Ventanas (G)
Playa Ventanas is located in the Northern Pacific / Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It sits north of the coastal community of Playa Grande, Costa Rica.
Playa Virador (G)
Playa Virador is located in the Northern Pacific / Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It sits on the west side of Costa Rica’s Papagayo Peninsula. To learn more about Playa Virador, including beach details, development, safety, access, parking, and more, see our related blog post: Photos of Playa Virador Costa Rica (Guanacaste) From Our Own Personal Collection.
QUESTION TO COMMENT ON: Have you visited any Costa Rica beaches? If so, which Costa Rica beaches were your favorite and why?
Pura vida!
Summary
Article Name
66 Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them
Description
See our master list of Costa Rica beaches for photos of 66 beaches in Costa Rica to help you decide which one(s) to visit!
Author
Nikki Solano
Publisher Name
The Official Costa Rica Travel Blog
Publisher Logo
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