• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Playa Chiquita ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© Courtesy of Simon Dannhauer - Fotolia.com

2. Playa Santa Teresa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© Courtesy of traveltelly - Fotolia.com

3. Samara Beach, Costa Rica

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of vividflowstudio - Fotolia.com

4. Nicoya Peninsula

© Courtesy of picturist - Fotolia.com

5. Punta Uva Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of Simon Dannhauer - Fotolia.com

6. Playa Hermosa

© Courtesy of Simon Dannhauer - Fotolia.com

7. Uvita Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of alexanderkonsta - Fotolia.com

8. Playa Cocles

© Courtesy of gloriaclares - Fotolia.com

9. Parque Nacional Marino Ballena

© Courtesy of alexanderkonsta - Fotolia.com

10. Nosara Beach, Costa Rica

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of lightphoto2 - Fotolia.com

11. Playa Carmen

© Courtesy of Eugene Kalenkovich - Fotolia.com

12. La Playita

© Courtesy of erikkellison - Fotolia.com

13. Playa Espadilla Norte

© Courtesy of hullam - Fotolia.com

14. Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of Mihai Bogdan Lazar - Fotolia.com

15. Playa Avellana

© Courtesy of supercake - Fotolia.com

16. Playa Conchal

© Courtesy of lightphoto2 - Fotolia.com

17. Playa Biesanz

© Courtesy of mikeccross - Fotolia.com

18. Puerto Viejo Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of piccaya - Fotolia.com

19. Jaco Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of Simon Dannhauer - Fotolia.com

20. Barrigona Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of William Giakas - Fotolia.com

21. Potrero Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Larry G./stock.adobe.com

22. Playa Matapalo

© Courtesy of piccaya - Fotolia.com

23. Playa Bejuco

© Roberto/stock.adobe.com

24. Puerto Carrillo

© Ramses/stock.adobe.com

25. San Juanillo Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Julian Monge/Wirestock/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • If you ask visitors which Costa Rican beach is the most beautiful, no two people would agree.
  • From sandy Caribbean beaches on the edge of coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling and diving, to magnificent enormous beaches pounded by the waves, there is a beach in Costa Rica to suit any taste.
  • Some are fashionable and full of amenities, like those in Samara or Manuel Antonio.
  • Others are wild and undiscovered like those on the south Pacific coast.

Map:


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