Beaches & Resorts in Costa RicaCosta Rica is a small country, still it has a lot of beaches because there are more than 700 miles of coastline on the Pacific side and around 130 miles on the Caribbean side. The weather is warm and humid year-round in the coastal areas and as result there can be spend great holidays in all inclusive resorts in Costa Rica in almost any month!
Tourists who intend to spend beach vacations in Costa Rica are advised to take trips to the Pacific side in the dry season (between December and March), while to the Caribbean coast can go anytime because there is a specific micro-climate, this meaning that there are short tropical rains year-round! The driest months on the Caribbean side are August and September.
Beach Vacations in Costa Rica: Surfing BeachesTamarindo
The surfing capital of Costa Rica is considered Tamarindo, located in the northwestern Pacific region. Tamarindo is a beach resort with many young surfers enjoying the sun and the waves year-round. In the town are numerous surfing schools and camps for beginners.
Playa Grande
Playa Grande is settled just north to Tamarindo and is recommended for experienced surfers only. A large number of secluded beaches are present in this area and therefore holiday makers can spend there vacations into a more relaxed atmosphere.
Playa Naranjo
Playa Naranjo, also known as "Witches Rock", allows excellent surfing due to the huge waves present there usually. Located nearby to south is Playa Negra, a volcanic black-sand beach offering also great surfing conditions.
Malpais
Located in the southern region of Nicoya Peninsula, this area provides fantastic surfing without the crowded and commercial environment present in Tamarindo. The sandy bottom of the sea and the great waves provides excellent surfing conditions both for beginners and experts.
Playa Santa Teresa
Playa Santa Teresa is nowadays a very popular surfing area. The beach provides budget and high class accommodation, consequently each traveler find convenient lodging.
Playa Jaco
Settled in the central region of the Pacific coast, Jaco provides great surfing amenities, features good instructors and offers the most lively nightlife on the entire coastline of Costa Rica!
Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa, located south to Jaco, includes miles and miles of awesome sandy beaches!
Playa Pavones and Zancudo
The southern Pacific region includes many beaches in Golfo Dulce and Osa Peninsula. Zancudo and Pavones are top vacation spots in this area, but are not recommended for beginner surfers.
Many travelers combine a visit to Volcano Arenal or excursion in a rain forest with beach holidays. Usually, a perfect vacation in Costa Rica features a few outdoor activities followed by several days of relaxation in one of the many luxury resort hotels in Costa Rica.
Beach Vacations in Costa Rica: Snorkeling BeachesAlmost all beaches in Costa Rica have very good conditions for surfing, featuring strong tides and high waves, but allow also great snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking. Many small to medium sized coves and protected beaches provide safe and calm water, all this places being perfect for spending holidays and enjoying aquatic sports.
Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste
In Costa Rica are three beaches with this name. The best one for snorkeling is located in Guanacaste, a province in the northwestern region. It is a beautiful spot with blue water and colored sand covering a beautiful beach. Playa Hermosa can be reached with ease, being located at just 35 minutes car drive to the international airport in Liberia. Kayaking and sailing is also wonderful. In Hermosa isn't any accommodation estate, but Playas del Coco is located at only 8 kilometers and there are available affordable lodging units, restaurants, banks, shopping areas and small bars.
Playa Ocotal
Located just 2 kilometers south to Playas del Coco, Playa Ocotal is a small beautiful cove, excellent for snorkeling. This place has calm blue waters and a dark-sand beach which is overlooked by a resort with the same name, situated on a hill.
Playa Conchal
This is one of the most popular beaches in Costa Rica. The sand is very light, while the water is turquoise and extremely calm.
Punta Uva and Manzanillo
On the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, Punta Uva and Manzanillo consist of several secluded beaches and feature fantastic wildlife because there is located the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. This area provides less infrastructure than the Pacific side and there aren't luxury accommodation facilities. Still, budget- to mid-range hotels are plentiful. Manzanillo is a fishing village located at short distance to the Panama border and the entire area is considered a tourist paradise!
Isla del Cano
In the southern Pacific region, easily accessible from Osa Peninsula, lies Isla del Cano. The island is not inhabited, but it includes a ranger station and a small beach area with white sand and clear blue waters, being considered the best snorkeling and scuba diving spot in the entire country!
Ballena National Park
Ballena means whale in Spanish. The park provides excellent snorkeling and other nice water activities in the northern section. Whales and dolphins visit frequently this area and can be seen year-round, especially between August and March.
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