I came to Costa Rica was last year as a tourist. Now, I’m living here and plan to stay at least until the end of the year. I’ve visited a wide variety of beaches in Costa Rica, and I still have many more to explore. But for now, here are my absolute top picks. If you’re looking for surfing beaches, my list won’t suit you. These beaches are perfect for family vacations, relaxing holidays, and comfortable swimming.
- Playa Negra, Talamanca
Playa Negra absolutely lives up to its name, with its pristine black volcanic sand, clear water with a silver tint, and moderate waves. this beach is completely deserted, like most beaches in Costa Rica, despite its proximity to a popular tourist hotspot on the Caribbean side of the country. While you won’t find the breathtaking sunsets typical of the Pacific coast, it is still very nice to cool off in the evening and very beautiful.
2. Playa Arco, Puntarenas Province
In fact, this beach should be first on the list. After my first visit, I thought that if I moved to Costa Rica, I would stay in Uvita just to visit Playa Arco every day. The beach is almost wild, and often I found myself completely alone there. Its lack of crowds is likely due to its difficult accessibility. While there are signs pointing the way, you can only reach it through the neighboring Playa Ballena beach by finding a path along the shore. After following this path, you’ll arrive at a small bay. Here, you need to wait for low tide if you’re unlucky enough to arrive at high tide. Once the water recedes, you can move on to this wonderful beach. Playa Arco is protected on all sides by hills, and a small waterfall descends from one of them, offering a perfect spot to cool off after a swim in the ocean.
3. Playa Uvita, Puntarenas Province
I won’t say much about Manuel Antonio Beach, as it’s featured in almost every travel guide about Costa Rica. However, I fully agree that it’s a must-visit. Strolling along this beach and breathing in the fresh air is a true delight. If you have the chance, try your luck at spotting the whales that swim nearby. The likelihood of seeing them is quite high since the tour operators specifically scout for whales before taking tourists out.
4. Playa Conchal, Santa Cruz
Playa Conchal might not be the most obvious choice, as it’s located quite far from typical tourist spots. We were fortunate to rent a house just a 15-minute drive from the beach. To me, this beach felt like one of the most comfortable places for long swims, with calm waves and crystal-clear water in a truly enchanting color. Another huge plus is the abundance of trees along the shore, providing plenty of shade to escape the sun.
5. Playa Ocotal, Guanacaste Province
Playa Ocotal is last on my list because I only recently discovered it. The sand here is mostly black, blending with the lighter sand we’re all accustomed to. The water is quite deep, but the waves remain moderate throughout the day, unlike the neighboring beaches, which are a surfer’s paradise. If you’re looking for a quiet swim and happen to be nearby, Playa Ocotal is definitely worth a visit.