Pacific Coast Beaches

1. Playa Conchal (Guanacaste)

Famous for its crushed-shell shoreline that shimmers in the sun, Playa Conchal offers calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Often named one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

2. Playa Flamingo (Guanacaste)

A soft-sand white beach with gentle waves and a calm, upscale vibe. Great for sunset views, casual swimming, and relaxing away from crowds.

3. Playa Tamarindo (Guanacaste)

One of Costa Rica’s most popular surf towns. Long beaches, warm water, beginner-friendly waves, and a lively food and nightlife scene steps from the sand.

4. Playa Avellanas (Guanacaste)

A local favorite for surfing and nature lovers. Quiet, rustic, and framed by mangroves — home to the famous beach restaurant “Lola’s.”

5. Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste)

Not to be confused with the Jacó-area Hermosa, this northern version is peaceful and perfect for families. Calm bay waters make it great for swimming and paddleboarding.

6. Playa Panamá (Gulf of Papagayo)

Wide, tranquil, and rarely crowded. Ideal for couples and families who want calm water, picnics, and wildlife.

7. Playa Samara (Nicoya Peninsula)

Shallow waters and gentle waves make this one of Costa Rica’s most family-friendly beaches. Local shops and cafés line the shore for easy, walkable exploring.

8. Playa Carrillo (Nicoya Peninsula)

Just south of Samara, this pristine palm-fringed beach feels untouched and dreamy. Great for photography, quiet afternoons, and swimming.

9. Playa Santa Teresa (Nicoya Peninsula)

Trendy, bohemian, and absolutely beautiful. Popular with surfers, digital nomads, and luxury villa travelers. Incredible sunsets every evening.

10. Playa Mal País (Nicoya Peninsula)

Wild and rugged coastline perfect for tide-pools, exploring rocky outcrops, and escaping crowds. A photographer’s dream at sunset.

11. Playa Jacó (Central Pacific)

One of the country’s most accessible beaches, known for fun waves, surf schools, and easy access to restaurants and shops.

12. Playa Hermosa (Jacó area)

A world-famous surf break with powerful waves. Best for experienced surfers and those who love watching pro-level surfing in action.

13. Playa Esterillos (Central Pacific)

A long, empty stretch of beach with soft sands and gentle waves. Quiet, underrated, and full of charm — great for walking and shell hunting.

14. Playa Dominical (South Pacific)

Known for big waves and a cool, laid-back surf-town culture. The Dominical vibe is artsy, wellness-focused, and wonderfully relaxed.

15. Playa Dominicalito (South Pacific)

Just south of Dominical, this calm-water cove is great for swimming, paddleboarding, and family beach days.

16. Playa Uvita – Marino Ballena (South Pacific)

Home to the iconic Whale’s Tail sandbar — one of Costa Rica’s most impressive natural formations. Great for swimming, strolling, and spotting humpback whales in season.

17. Playa Ventanas (Ojochal area)

A stunning cove lined with sea caves (“ventanas”) that you can explore during low tide. A true hidden gem.

Caribbean Coast Beaches

18. Playa Cocles (Puerto Viejo)

Golden sand, lush jungle backdrop, and Caribbean vibes. Great for surfing, sunbathing, and beach bars.

19. Playa Chiquita (Puerto Viejo)

Quiet and picturesque, with small coves and calm water pockets. Ideal for couples, snorkeling days, and relaxing away from crowds.

20. Playa Punta Uva (Caribbean South)

A postcard-perfect beach with bright turquoise water and natural shade. Often ranked among Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches.

21. Playa Manzanillo (Gandoca-Manzanillo Reserve)

Located inside a wildlife refuge, this beach is serene, scenic, and surrounded by jungle trails full of wildlife.

22. Playa Negra (Puerto Viejo)

Known for its unique dark volcanic sand and mellow atmosphere. Great for photos, long walks, and wildlife spotting.

23. Playa Cahuita (Near Cahuita National Park)

Soft sand, calm waters, and easy access to Cahuita National Park’s coral reef and wildlife trails. Perfect for snorkeling and wildlife lovers.

How Your iCruiseApp Travel Agent Builds the Perfect Costa Rica Beach Itinerary

Your iCruiseApp Travel & Tours agent helps you:

• Choose the best beach for your travel style (relaxation, surfing, nightlife, family, honeymoon).
• Mix Pacific + Caribbean for a diverse experience.
• Coordinate transfers (rental car, private driver, shared shuttle).
• Combine beaches with volcano, rainforest, or cloud forest stays.
• Book beachfront hotels, eco-lodges, villas, or group accommodations.
• Add tours: ziplining, hot springs, whale watching, wildlife treks, ATVs, catamaran cruises, etc.
• Plan national park tickets around your beach days.
• Build group travel packages including rooms, transfers, events, tours, and payments.

Costa Rica’s beaches are dreamy — but logistics, seasons, transportation, and lodging options can be complex. Your iCruiseApp Travel & Tours agent turns that complexity into a smooth, customized, budget-smart itinerary.