A Roundup of The Top 6 Beaches in Costa Rica 

Putting together this list of the top 6 beaches in Costa Rica was probably 1 of the most difficult blog posts I’ve written. 

The country is blessed with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and choosing the pick of the bunch was no easy task. 

While island nations such as Hawaii and the Maldives usually spring to mind when you think of paradise, in my view, Costa Rica is right up there too. 

In this guide I give you my selection of the best beaches in Costa Rica. Read on to discover my top picks and why you should carve out time on your trip to visit them, along with accommodation recommendations for each. 

The top 6 beaches in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a small country but it boasts over 1,200 km of coastline and more than 300 different beaches. Both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts are blessed with amazing strips of sand dotted all along their lengths. 

1. Cahuita National Park

The most difficult thing about writing this post was choosing my favourite beach. But after some thought, I have to go with the 2 beaches within Cahuita National Park: Playa Blanca and Puerto Vargas.

These white sand beaches are absolutely stunning. They are completely virgin, man hasn’t changed them in any way, and sit against a backdrop of lush green jungle. 

Now, not only are these 2 of the best Costa Rican beaches, but Cahuita National Park is also a great place to spot wildlife.  

Here you can see animals such as coatis, lizards, various bird species, a range of monkey species, snakes and turtles – to name but a few. Although they’re uncommon to see, there are sting rays at Cahuita National Park too, so keep an eye out when swimming. 

It’s this combination of being able to hang out on pristine beaches and see exotic wildlife that puts Playa Blanca and Puerto Vargas atop my list. What’s more, entry to Cahuita National Park is donation based. 

Unlike many of the other national parks in Costa Rica which usually charge foreign adults $15 US, at Cahuita you can give as much or as little as you like. However, a good minimum donation is a few dollars per person to support the locally-managed conservation efforts. 

Where to stay to visit Cahuita National Park

Most people base themselves in Puerto Viejo, which has more accommodation variety, while others stay in Cahuita town, making getting to Cahuita National Park way easier. 

• Pagalú Hostel: a modern, well-located, budget-friendly and clean hostel with good facilities just a 5-min walk to Puerto Viejo beachfront 
• La Casa de Rolando: a budget, family-run hotel with cheap private rooms and kitchen access. It’s just 2 blocks away from the main street in Puerto Viejo
• Hotel Sunshine Caribe: the hotel is located just a 5-min walk from Playa Negra and Playa Chino in Puerto Viejo and rooms have a TV and kitchenette
• Secret Garden: a quirky hostel with shared dorms and more comfortable private rooms a stone’s throw from Cahuita National Park. There’s a shared kitchen for guests. 
• Cabinas Cahuita: a well-located hotel close to the entrance of Cahuita National Park and Cahuita main street, where you’ll find restaurants and shops  

Here’s my full guide to Cahuita National Park for more information.

2. Playa San Josecito

If we’re rating the best Costa Rican beaches purely on how beautiful the scenery is, then Playa San Josecito would top my list. The palm-tree lined playa and blue water create an idyllic atmosphere and, close to the shoreline, the sand is covered in small, intricate shells. 

The beach sits on the northern coast of the Osa Peninsula about 10 km from Drake Bay and is the point I recommend you turn around at when walking the Drake Bay Trail. 

After tackling the sweaty but fun Drake Bay Trail, you’ll be keen to take a dip in the inviting Pacific water, making Playa San Josecito 1 of the best beaches for swimming in Costa Rica. 

I absolutely love Playa San Josecito and rate it as 1 of the most special places in the country. And as getting to this secluded beach means walking the lengthy Drake Bay Trail, there’s a good chance you’ll have it to yourself.

Where to stay to visit Playa Playa San Josecito

While a stay at Playa San Josecito brings you much closer to nature and, of course, the beach, you’re far from the amenities of Drake Bay. For this reason, I recommend staying in Drake Bay and walking to the beach along the coastal trail. 

• Sukia Hostel: tucked away in the rainforest away from the main road, just a 5-min walk into town. There are shared dorms and private rooms, a communal kitchen and free coffee
• Mariposa Drake: accommodation with private double rooms and a communal kitchen. The location is great just a 3-min walk to the beach
• Sunrise: a short drive from Drake Bay, rooms are private with on suites and there’s a garden to relax in. You can eat at the on-site restaurant and can include breakfast as an add-on

Here’s my full guide to the Drake Bay Trail with all the info for getting to Playa San Josecito. 

3. Playa Manzanillo

This is my favourite beach on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica if only considering the beach itself. Like Playa San Josecito, it’s another of the few places on earth where I’ve experienced such a peaceful atmosphere that completely clears your mind.

Playa Manzanillo lies 13 km east of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca towards the border with Panama. Despite being so close to the popular beach town and being such a beautiful spot, it’s still a lesser-known beach. In fact, during my visit I was the only person here. 

But it’s not just the great scenery making Playa Manzanillo 1 of the top beaches in Costa Rica, it’s the interesting shipwreck here too. 

The Yicel was a small cargo boat intentionally run aground at Playa Manzanillo by her captain in 2017. On that day, cracks in the ship’s hull allowed in too much water causing the internal pump system to break down. 

Slowly sinking and transporting over 1,000 gallons of petrol, the captain headed for shore to avoid an environmental disaster. 

Graffiti artists have since turned the wreck into a creative display and you can get up close and touch the ship. 

Where to stay to visit Playa Manzanillo

You can stay in Manzanillo town just off the beach, but most people stay in Puerto Viejo; here there’s more accommodation options and amenities. 

• Pagalú Hostel: a modern, well-located, budget-friendly and clean hostel with good facilities just a 5-min walk to Puerto Viejo beachfront 
• La Casa de Rolando: a budget, family-run hotel with cheap but comfortable private rooms and kitchen access. It’s just 2 blocks away from the main street in Puerto Viejo
• Hotel Sunshine Caribe: the hotel is located a 5-min walk to Playa Negra and Playa Chino in Puerto Viejo and rooms have a TV and kitchenette

Here’s the full guide to Playa Manzanillo. 

4. Playa Cocalito

This is another beach along the Drake Bay Trail and another of my favourites in Costa Rica.  Playa Cocalito has all the ingredients of a virgin paradise: palm trees, rocks, golden sand and clear, blue water. 

While I recommend spending more time at Playa San Josecito when hiking the Drake Bay Trail, you should definitely factor in a quick stop at Playa Cocalito too. 

The great thing about Playa Cocalito is that you can easily return here during your time in Drake Bay. The beach is just 2 km from Drake Bay town (Agujitas) and walking here takes roughly 25 mins.

Playa Cocalito is a quick, secluded escape and I recommend taking lunch so you can spend a few hours here.  

Where to stay to visit Playa Playa Cocalito

I recommend staying in Drake Bay and walking to Playa Cocalito along the Drake Bay Trail. 

• Sukia Hostel: tucked away in the rainforest away from the main road, just a 5-min walk into town. There are shared dorms and private rooms, a communal kitchen and free coffee.
• Mariposa Drake: accommodation with private double rooms and a communal kitchen. The location is great just a 3-min walk to the beach. 
• Sunrise: a short drive from Drake Bay, rooms are private with on suites and there’s a garden to relax in. You can eat at the on-site restaurant and breakfast is an add-on 

5. Playa Buena Vista

This huge stretch of sand is 1 of the top beaches along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast and is an excellent escape from the busy Playa Sámara. Although you’ll likely be based in bustling Sámara, you can get to Playa Buena Vista in just 40 min walking or 20 min with a bike. 

Playa Buena Vista is massive and walking from 1 end to the other is the best way to experience it. If you’re coming from Sámara, then at the far end of the beach is Punta Buena Vista, a shaded spot with stone tables and chairs great for a spot of lunch. 

But before you visit this beach, there are 3 important things to know.

First off, there are rip tides – strong currents that can quickly pull you out to sea – so I don’t recommend swimming out of your depth.

Secondly, aside from Punta Buena Vista, there isn’t much shade here and you can burn very quickly, so I recommend slapping on sunscreen. 

And finally, the river separating the entrance to the beach and the start of the sand is home to crocodiles. Therefore, don’t cross the river at the deeper points, walk to where it is shallow. 

Where to stay to visit Playa Playa Buena Vista

If you want something budget friendly, then you’ll have to stay in Sámara. But for a more secluded, luxury spot, then stay at 1 of the hotels just off Playa Buena Vista.

• Hotel Casa Buenavista: this adult-only hotel has the highest of ratings and is just a 10-min walk from the beach. There’s an open-air pool and breakfast is an add-on
• Cabañas Lamaite – minimum 2-night stay:  a luxurious yet rustic looking property with a wooden interior just 15 min walking from Playa Buena Vista. 
• Spirit of the Jungle Lodge: a beautiful property nestled among palm trees a 10-min walk from Punta Buena Vista. The hotel has a large open-air pool and plenty of outdoor seating

Here’s my full guide to Playa Buena Vista near Sámara. 

6. Playa Sámara

Last but certainly not least on my list of the top 6 beaches in Costa Rica is Playa Sámara. This is the main beach in front of the town of Sámara and the 1 where everyone goes.

But don’t let this put you off. Playa Sámara is still a beautiful spot with its own charm and there are many things I like about it. 

While in the town you’re never more than a stone’s throw from this beach. Its gentle waves are great for beginner surfers and the sunsets here cast a mystical golden colour across the sky. Also, local performers regularly put on fire displays at 1 of the many beachfront bars and restaurants. 

Playa Sàmara gives you a bit of everything: relaxing sands, beautiful scenery and options for food and drink. It’s the best beach on this list if you just want to rock up and enjoy the day without lifting a finger. 

Where to stay to visit Playa Playa Sámara

• La Aldea Hostel: an ultra-budget hostel with shared dorm rooms, a communal kitchen and free WIFI. Playa Samara is a 3-min walk away and 2 supermarkets are on the same road
• Argdivan Beach Hostel: you can camp, or sleep in a shared dorm or private room here. There’s a garden, lounge, outdoor fireplace, and outdoor seating area, a shared kitchen and a picnic area
• Hotel Belvedere: the property has 2 outdoor swimming pools and a hot tub, and the beach is only 500 m away. The air-conditioned rooms have a TV, a work desk and a fridge. Restaurants and supermarkets are close by in Sámara town.

Here’s a complete guide to Sámara with all my suggestions of what to do here. 

More beautiful beaches in Costa Rica

There are plenty more great Costa Rican beaches to visit. Check out these next suggestions. 

• The best beach in Costa Rica for snorkelling: Isla del Caño close to Drake Bay 
• The best black sand beach in Costa Rica: Playa Hermosa near Jaco
• The best beach for surfing in Costa Rica: Playa Tamarindo in Guanacaste Province
• The best beach in Costa Rica for interesting landscapes: Costa Ballena 

Which part of Costa Rica has the best beaches?

Both the Pacific and Caribbean Coasts of Costa Rica have special beaches, but the area with the best beaches depends on what you’re looking for.

If you want to swim in crystal-clear blue water and prefer warmer temperatures, then the Caribbean Coast, particularly the Puerto Viejo area, has some of the best beaches in Costa Rica. 

However, if you want to surf or to explore a wider variety of beaches, such as black sand beaches, white sand beaches and beaches with interesting scenery, then the Pacific Coast is better.

Where is the most beautiful water in Costa Rica?

The Caribbean side of Costa Rica is known for its clear water teaming with sea life. While several beaches along this coast boast such beautiful scenes, 1 place in particular is Cahuita National Park. There are 2 beaches here: Playa Blanca and Puerto Vargas and the water is a bright turquoise colour home to many kinds of animal species.

Enjoy my pick of the top 6 beaches in Costa Rica

There’s an unreal number of beaches in this country and you’d need months just to scratch the surface. But you can start with my list of the best beaches in Costa Rica and, who knows, during your time here perhaps you’ll find other beaches which, for you, trump my picks.

You can find all of my travel guides to Costa Rica here. Or if you want more specific suggestions, check out these next destinations and hiking guides.

• Things to do in Orosi Valley Costa Rica: Complete Guide
• The 10 Best Things to do in San Josè, Costa Rica | City Guide
• Ultimate 7-day Costa Rica Itinerary for Adventure Travelers
• A Complete Travel Guide to La Fortuna in Costa Rica
• 12 Amazing Hikes in Costa Rica You Can’t Miss