Loading Page...

Are there beaches on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica?

Costa Rica's Caribbean coast has some of the country's best beaches. The southern Caribbean — Cahuita to Manzanillo — boasts beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise water and pristine coral reefs.



People Also Ask

Exploring the entire coast would make an excellent itinerary and take a good week or ideally two. If this is your first trip and you're wondering where to go in Costa Rica, the Caribbean coast would be a good intro to the lush ecosystem and wildlife Costa Rica is known for.

MORE DETAILS

Visit Costa Rica's Caribbean beaches, which get a break from the rainy season in September and October. Go scuba diving! In places like the Cocos or Tortuga Islands, you'll have the best conditions and visibility from June through September.

MORE DETAILS

The Pacific beaches in Costa Rica are some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. With a much longer coastline than the Caribbean, the Pacific coast offers more of a variety of beautiful beaches. The Pacific coasts are the Guanacaste and Puntarenas provinces.

MORE DETAILS

Choosing between the two coasts is not easy. Both coasts are amazing and we especially like the Central and Southern Pacific Coast. The South Caribbean Coast is best for those looking for a bit of fun under the sun a bit off the beaten path. So, the answer really depends on various factors.

MORE DETAILS

Tourism in Costa Rica causes problems with in the habitats of animals and plants living there. Because of tourism half of Costa Rica's monkey population is gone. And rain forests are growing smaller.

MORE DETAILS

Choosing between the two coasts is not easy. Both coasts are amazing and we especially like the Central and Southern Pacific Coast. The South Caribbean Coast is best for those looking for a bit of fun under the sun a bit off the beaten path. So, the answer really depends on various factors.

MORE DETAILS

Costa Rica is considered to be safer than Mexico, with lower crime rates and political stability. Mexico, unfortunately, still gets a lot of violence due to drug cartels. However with that being said, it is still a safe place, you just have to be a little bit more cautious.

MORE DETAILS

Most Beautiful Places in Costa Rica
  • Rio Celeste Waterfalls, Tenorio Volcano National Park.
  • Corcovado National Park.
  • Pacuare River Rafting.
  • Arenal Volcano.
  • Cahuita National Park.
  • Punta Uva Beach.


MORE DETAILS

The Gulf of Papagayo has the most amount of white sand beaches in Costa Rica since the Gulf is made up of many little bays.

MORE DETAILS

The Nicoya Peninsula is home to several of the most relaxing beaches in Costa Rica: Santa Teresa Beach. Samara Beach. San Juanillo Beach.

MORE DETAILS

Be very cautious when you go into any body of water in the country as tides and rip currents can be strong. Also, as much of the country is considered the rainforest, the weather can change dramatically on very short notice.

MORE DETAILS

While Costa Rica beaches are a beautiful places to relax, soak up the sun and watch local surfers - be very careful of riptides if you decide to go for a swim. Every year many tourists and locals drown in CR due to riptides and heavy surf.

MORE DETAILS

Costa Rica Luxury Resorts
  • Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa. Show prices. ...
  • Tulemar Resort. Show prices. ...
  • The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort. Show prices. ...
  • Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel. ...
  • Parador Resort & Spa. ...
  • Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica. ...
  • The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa. ...
  • Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica.


MORE DETAILS

The safest places to stay in Costa Rica are:
  • Drake Bay – a good family destination.
  • Tamarindo – great for an all-encompassing beach experience.
  • Puerto Viejo – a romantic destination.
  • Liberia – near the wonderful Nicoya peninsula.
  • Jaco* – rich in expat communities (see notes)


MORE DETAILS

  • Violent crime, including carjackings and 'express kidnappings', is increasingly common in Costa Rica. Criminals often target tourist areas, resorts, transport hubs and public transport. ...
  • Petty crime is common. ...
  • Credit card fraud is a risk. ...
  • Nationwide strikes and roadblocks have occurred.


MORE DETAILS

It's more affordable While Costa Rica is generally not a cheap destination, the Caribbean coast is somewhat less expensive than the Pacific, partially due to the lack of luxury accommodations and dining options you can find on the Pacific side.

MORE DETAILS