Sunning and Surfing on Costa Rica beaches
Costa Rica is a small country but includes more than 700 miles
of coastline on the Pacific side and around 130 miles on the
Caribbean side. The weather is hot and humid in coastal areas
all year long.
Dry season is from December through March (many times April is
dry) on the Pacific side but the Caribbean has it's own
micro-climate meaning it can rain most any time. Typically,
mornings are bright and sunny with short but strong rain storms
building in the afternoon during wet season. The driest months
on the Caribbean side are typically December through March,
August, and September.
Snorkeling, Kayaking, and Chilling
The majority of Costa Rica's beaches are surfing oriented with
strong rip tides and pumping wave action. Small to medium sized
coves and protected beach areas due to offshore islands provide
safe calm water beaches more suitable for families, snorkeling,
and kayaking.
Playa
Hermosa
There are three beaches with this name. This one is in the
Guanacaste province in the northwestern Pacific region. A
beautiful picturesque spot with pretty blue water, coral colored
sand, and a beach with a gently sloping bottom, Hermosa is a
short 35 minute ride from Liberia's International airport.
Snorkeling is average here. Kayaking and sailing is wonderful.
Hermosa does not sport an actual town but Playas del Coco is a
short 8 km ride which includes restaurants, banks, shopping, and
small local bars. Moderate to resort style hotels are present,
including beach front hotels.
Playa Ocotal
Just south of Playas del Coco 2 km is the small beautiful cove
known as Playa Ocotal. This cove includes rocky headlands on
both sides and is a little better for snorkeling. The cove
includes calm blue waters and a darker than coral beach. This
cove is dominated by one resort of the same name, situated on a
steep hill. Playa Ocotal is a short 30 minute ride from
Liberia's International airport too.
Playa Conchal
This is one of my favorite beaches in Costa Rica. The sand is
very light coral in color, water is turquoise and extremely
calm. The beach includes pretty trees for shade and picnic
lunches. The only beach front accommodation is the ultra
expensive Paradisus Playa Conchal. Access to the beach for
Paradisus guests is easy but for others reaching the beach
involves driving across the Brasilito beach, fording a small
stream, and climbing a small but steep rocky hill (requires a
4x4).
Punta Uva & Manzanillo
On the Caribbean side of the country, Punta Uva and the
Manzanillo beaches are a wonderland of secluded beaches and
fantastic wildlife due to the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
that butts right up to the beach areas. This area provides less
infrastructure than the Pacific side and does not include big
resort options. Budget to mid-range hotel options are plentiful.
Manzanillo is a fishing village a short distance from the
Panamanian border in the southern Caribbean. This area is an
eco-tourists paradise. Monkey's, sloth, birds and other wildlife
can be seen a rocks throw from pristine secluded and beautiful
beaches. A best kept secret of Costa Rica.
Isla del Cano
In the southern Pacific, easily accessible from the Osa
peninsula lies Cano Island. This island is not inhabited but
does include a ranger station and small beach area with light
coral sand and pretty blue waters. This is the best snorkeling
and diving area in the country. A day trip here can be arranged
from Ballena National Park described below.
Ballena National Park
Ballena means whale in Spanish. The park gets its name from the
whale tail shaped sand bar which provides excellent snorkeling
and nice beach enjoyment in the northern section of the park.
Whale and dolphin frequent this area and are often spotted
especially August through March each year.
Surfing
Tam
arindo
The surf capital of Costa Rica is Tamarindo in the northwestern
Pacific region. Tamarindo is a party town with many young surfer
types enjoying sun and fun year round. Tamarindo provides
numerous surf schools and surf camps for beginners and soft
sandy bottom beaches with small enough surf to allow safe
wipeouts.
Playa Grande is just north of Tamarindo and includes strong surf
for thrilling action for more accomplished surfers. A great
number of secluded beaches can be found in this area to get away
from the crowd for more intimate beach vacations.
To the north Playa Naranjo, also known as Witches Rock, provides
the ultimate in wilderness surfing and huge waves, and to the
south Playa Negra provides a hollow right break on a volcanic
black sand beach. The filming of Endless Summer II included the
surf in these locations.
Malpais
On the southern tip of the Nicoya peninsula this area provides a
funky offbeat environment with fantastic surfing action without
the crowded and commercialized environment found in Tamarindo.
Pumping surf and sandy bottoms provide great options for
beginners and expert surfers.
Playa Santa Teresa has risen from offbeat obscurity to
popularity and is located a short distance away. The area now
provides budget and resort options to accommodate any travelers
needs.
Playa Jaco
In the central Pacific region, Jaco provides sandy bottom
surfing options, decent swells for instruction and is the most
lively nightlife town on the entire Costa Rican coastline. The
southern beach area is preferred for quieter nights if you enjoy
sleeping after a hard day of surfing.
Playa Hermosa, just south of Jaco, includes miles of deserted
pumping surf for better surfers.
Playa Pavones and Zancudo
The far southern Pacific region includes many beaches in the
Golfo Dulce and Osa peninsula area. Zancudo and Pavones stand
out for their fast and long left break. On a decent day the
break is nearly one kilometer long making it one of the longest
breaks in the entire world. Not a place for beginners however.
The most beautiful beaches
I am often asked where the best white sand beach is in Costa
Rica. My response is that compared to the powder white beaches
in Siesta Key, Florida there are no white sand beaches in Costa
Rica. Most of the beaches can be characterized as secluded,
wild, and ruggedly beautiful. That said, many beaches do sport
very light tan colored sand but most are darker volcanic sand,
some black as coal. Here is my top 10 most beautiful beaches in
Costa Rica.
Gandoca-Manzanillo beaches including Punta Uva
Playa Conchal
Playa Manuel Antonio
Playa Flamingo
Playa Guiones
Playa Grande
Many eco-tourists combine a visit to Arenal volcano or a cloud
forest with their beach vacation. The most fun vacations in
Costa Rica usually involve adventure activities followed by
relaxation at one of Costa Rica's nature beaches. Have fun
deciding which one!