Which side of Costa Rica has the best beaches?

Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches are located in northwest Costa Rica (Guanacaste, the Nicoya Peninsula) and the southern Caribbean (Puerto Viejo, Cahuita). In both regions you’ll find light sand, warm tropical water, and — when conditions are right — great surfing.

Which side of Costa Rica has clear water?

south Caribbean
Unless a big hurricane swell moves in, Manzanillo to almost Punta Mona on the south Caribbean coast will offer the clearest waters in Costa Rica for the next few months. For the rest of the year, the clear is to be found offshore in the Pacific.

Is the Pacific or Atlantic side better in Costa Rica?

Most travelers visiting Costa Rica think the Pacific side of the country is the better coast to visit. The remote Osa Peninsula, the monkey-filled area of Manuel Antonio, the surfing near Santa Theres, and the touristy Nicoya coast make it the superior choice.

Which side of Costa Rica is warmer?

Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast, near the border with Nicaragua, is popular for those seeking a beach lifestyle and warm climate. This region receives the least rainfall and has more sunny days than anywhere else in the country.

What is the nicest part of Costa Rica?

The Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica

1. Puerto Viejo. Located on the Caribbean coast near Panama, Puerto Viejo is popular with young people and backpackers because of its great beaches, surfing, and party atmosphere.
2. Cahuita.
3. Tortuguero.
4. Corcovado.
5. Arenal.
6. Manuel Antonio.
7. Monteverde.
8. Poas Volcano.

What is the prettiest beach in Costa Rica?

13 Top-Rated Beaches in Costa Rica

1. The Beach of Manuel Antonio. Manuel Antonio National Park.
2. Santa Teresa Beach. Santa Teresa Beach.
3. Whale Tail Beach (Uvita) Whale Tail Beach.
4. Playa Tamarindo. Tamarindo Beach.
5. Playa Conchal. Playa Conchal.
6. Playa Flamingo. Playa Flamingo.
7. Montezuma Beach.
8. Playa Carrillo.

Does Costa Rica have black sand beaches?

Playa Negra is located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast in the region of Limon, and perhaps is the best example of the country’s black-sand beaches. The sand here truly is black, and can reach high temperatures during the summer — so wearing sandals is a must.

Can you swim in the Pacific Ocean in Costa Rica?

4. Safest Beaches in Costa Rica: Where Can You Swim? 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.

Is San Jose or Liberia Costa Rica better?

Liberia is closer to some of the best surfing beaches in the country but flights can be more expensive. San Jose is closer to nature activities and the hustle and bustle of the capital city with generally cheaper flights, but has more expensive local transportation.

Where should I stay in Costa Rica for the first time?

Places for First-Time Visitors to Go in Costa Rica

• Santa Elena Nat.
• Corcovado National Park Sunset.
• Palm thatched roof in front of the surf break at Santa Teresa.
• Palms on Montezuma Beach.
• Beautiful Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste.
• Chairs & umbrella on a empty beach in Tamarindo.
• Beautiful Jaco Beach from the sky.

Which side is the Caribbean side of Costa Rica?

Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast (the right-hand or eastern side when looking at a map) might be higher in humidity and have more rainfall, but what it loses in weather it makes up for with its diverse abundance of flora and fauna.

Is the beach water warm in Costa Rica?

Now in all beaches in Costa Rica, the water is very warm and comfortable for swimming. The water temperature in Costa Rica tends to decrease, its value has decreased both over the last 10 days and over the month. Today the warmest water in Costa Rica is recorded in Limon.

How long does it take to drive from one side of Costa Rica to the other?

The travel time can vary significantly between destinations, but a general rule of thumb is 30 mph (50 km/hour). Thus, if the distance between destinations is 125 miles (200 km), you should plan on it taking about four hours to get from one place to another.

What should I avoid in Costa Rica?

Things You Should Never Do While Visiting Costa Rica

• Leave valuables unattended. Unfortunately, one of the most common crimes in Costa Rica is theft.
• Go to the beach at night.
• Buy drugs.
• Speed.
• Swim in front of a surf break.
• Take a dip in the river.
• Think you can get a base tan.
• Skip out on mosquito repellent.

Where do most American expats live in Costa Rica?

Central Pacific Coast
The most popular expat places here would be Playa Herradura, where there is a large upscale development called Los Sueños, Playa Jaco, Esterillos, and down the coast to Quepos and Manuel Antonio. The Central Pacific coast is the most established in the country.

Where is the safest place in Costa Rica?

Tamarindo
Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo and Drake Bay are the safest areas in Costa Rica. You’ll hardly find any crime here apart from the typical pickpocketing.

Does Costa Rica have white sand beaches?

The Central and South Pacific coast of Costa Rica doesn’t have many white sand beaches compared to the Caribbean and North Pacific. However, there is a dazzling white sand beach near Jaco called Playa Blanca. There are only two ways to get to Playa Blanca: through the Punta Leona resort or crossing Playa Mantas.

Where are the best waves in Costa Rica?

7 Best Surfing Spots in Costa Rica

• Tamarindo Beach | Guanacaste.
• Jaco Beach | Central Pacific Coast.
• Hermosa Beach | Central Pacific Coast.
• Dominical Beach | South Pacific Coast.
• Cabo Matapalo & Playa Pavones | Osa Peninsula.
• Salsa Brava & Playa Cocles | Puerto Viejo, Caribbean Coast.
• Take Costa Rica Surf Lessons.

Can you swim at Jaco Beach Costa Rica?

The main beach in town isn’t one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful, but its convenient location makes up for it.Jaco Beach isn’t the best for swimming, but luckily there are plenty more beautiful beaches in the area to explore.

Where are the pink sand beaches in Costa Rica?

The most beautiful pink sand beach Costa Rica, Playa Flamingo is located in Guanacaste province, in the Nicoya Peninsula, 4 and a half hours drive from the capital of the country, San Jose.

Does Costa Rica have blue water?

Costa Rica beaches: Playa Conchal
And also, the turquoise blue water and calm environment offer you great snorkeling experiences as well. Because of that reason, most of the locals, tourists attracted to Playa Conchal annually.