Is it safe to swim on the Pacific side of Costa Rica?

With the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea pounding the other side, Costa Rica's beaches are famous for having big waves and fast currents. These are perfect for surfing, but not so much for gentle, safe swimming.



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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)


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Any talk of the best beaches in Costa Rica inevitably involves Manuel Antonio on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. With 4 white sand beaches inside the famous national park and 1 outside, you will be left in awe of its beauty. It's clear why Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica!

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On the Caribbean coast, the Puerto Viejo area has some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Costa Rica! One of those is Playa Cocles in the Southern Caribbean Coast, 4 kilometers from Puerto Viejo.

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Go to the beach at night Most beaches aren't well lit and provide criminals with the perfect cover to rob or attack unaware nighttime beach goers. While this doesn't happen all the time, robberies, rapes, and assaults have taken place on the beaches of Costa Rica at night.

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If you're wondering “Is Costa Rica expensive?”, the answer is yes and no. Compared to other Central American countries like Nicaragua or El Salvador, Costa Rica is generally more on the expensive side. It's pretty well-developed and has a thriving tourism industry, so things do cost more.

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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.


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The Papagayo Peninsula — on Costa Rica's Pacific coast — is the best place to stay in Costa Rica if you're looking for an upscale resort experience.

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September and October are Costa Rica's rainiest months, with rainfall lasting nearly all day. If you happen to book a trip during these months, not to worry: These are the most beautiful months along Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. Plan to head to Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, or Tortuguero.

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