Costa Rica has enchanted yogis for years with its natural beauty and peaceful serenity. In fact, many came and decided to establish professional yoga centers to bring world-class yoga to the secluded beach towns. It’s no wonder that today Costa Rica is home to some of the best yoga centers in the world offering inspiring, often life-changing retreats.
With a plethora of yoga centers in the country, how does one choose the best place in Costa Rica for a retreat? We’ve compiled a list of the most professional studios in some of the most peaceful, beautiful places in the country.
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Nosara
Nosara is undoubtedly the town that put Costa Rica on the map for yoga and wellness tourism. In fact the Nicoya Peninsula, where Nosara lies, is one of five places in the world considered a Blue Zone. Blue Zones are areas where people tend to live longer, past 100, more than anywhere else in the world. The town of Nosara is quiet and tranquil with a solid expat community, great surf, and stunningly beautiful sunsets. As the most popular place to practice yoga in Costa Rica, it hosts many yoga retreats throughout the year from a variety of centers. The two most reputable are Nosara Yoga Institute and Blue Spirit.
Nosara Yoga Institute
As one of the first yoga studios in Costa Rica, Nosara Yoga Institute paved the way for the many yoga centers throughout the country. High on a hill in the woods on the outskirts of Playa Guiones it is a very peaceful place to practice. The Nosara Yoga Institute is widely known for its exceptional yoga teacher trainings, which offer an interdisciplinary approach far beyond asana. They strive to deepen students’ inner voice and awareness and emphasize non-judgment and non-authority in their teaching to allow all students to explore their individual yogic path.
Those looking for non-teacher accredited retreats can find them at Nosara Yoga Institute, but they are offered by teachers from other institutions. The instruction and experience is consistently high quality.
Viva El Momento
Blue Spirit
Started by the same holistic physician who founded the Omega Institue in Rhinebeck, NY, Blue Spirit is one of the most famous places in the country to study yoga. The center overlooks the ocean on a long white sand beach that is a protected turtle refuge and has a lovely koi pond and salt water infinity pool. Yoga teacher trainings are done through the globally respected Yoga Works association which combines East and West philosophy in its curriculum.
They also host many retreats throughout the year covering a wide variety of topics and style including Yin and Vinyasa. The retreats are led by reputable instructors from all over the world. Teacher trainings and retreats include accommodation and three delicious vegetarian meals.
The Osa Peninsula
Those who have had the pleasure of visiting the wild Osa Peninsula understand why National Geographic called it the most biologically intense place on Earth. You immediately feel transported to another world, a world before modern development, when you enter the rainforest jungle of the Osa Peninsula. Scarlet macaws squawk over your head, monkeys swing from trees, and if you’re lucky you might see a jaguar or a tapir. Completely removed from the rest of the world, you can really disconnect from the modern world and connect deeper with yourself.
Blue Osa
With an onsite eco-resort, restaurant, and yoga studio, Blue Osa is a luxurious all-inclusive retreat center in the remote Osa Peninsula. They strive to run a completely sustainable facility with recycled waste and water, organic produce that comes directly from their own garden, environmentally friendly landscaping, and a completely self-sustaining micro grid for all of their power and sewage. In fact their center that comfortably accommodates 30 guests and 20 staff members uses the same amount of energy as a typical four-person home in the U.S.
They host teacher trainings as well as week-long retreats offering anything from shamanic journeys to life coaching in conjunction with incredible yoga offered by teachers and healers from all over the world. The founder’s intention in creating this center was to create a space that removes people from the distractions of life and awakens their innermost selves.
Mihaela Vorvoreanu
Pavones
At the very southern Pacific tip of Costa Rica lies the small, authentic surf town of Pavones. The black sand beaches with volcanic rock stretch for miles and the surf is some of the best in the world. In an untouched remote part of Costa Rica, the town of Pavones is teeming with wildlife and offers a unique view of true Costa Rican culture. The town may be small but it hosts one of the top teacher training centers in the country, the Pavones Yoga Center.
Pavones Yoga Center
Built on top of the hill overlooking the Pacific ocean and the town of Pavones, the Pavones Yoga Center is a breathtaking place to practice asana. The founder and lead instructor Indira grew up on the South Pacific of Costa Rica as a child. After studying yoga across the globe she worked as a teacher training instructor at the famous Nosara Yoga Institute before opening her own center in Pavones. The center hosts several teacher trainings a year, from one week to one month, but also hosts retreats. Their surf and yoga retreat held annually combines yoga classes with private surf lessons.
Trainings and retreats include accommodation in their beautiful center along with healthy delicious meals. The onsite spa offers a wide variety of body work as well as body wraps, scrubs, and other skin treatments.
The Yoga Farm
The Yoga Farm offers a highly affordable alternative to typical retreats. It is situated up in the hills overlooking completely deserted beaches in Pavones. The farm is covered in fruit trees and grows much of the produce that the kitchen prepares for guests. With packages starting at $260 per week for daily yoga and vegetarian meals, the Yoga Farm is a great option for those on a budget. They also have a work trade and volunteer program for those who intend to stay long term.
The South Caribbean
A different world from the rest of Costa Rica, the South Caribbean is becoming a yoga destination in its own right. With abundant wildlife, live coral reef, golden sand beaches, sparkling turquoise water, and world-renowned surf, it is an incredibly beautiful place to deepen your yoga practice. Two of the country’s most beautiful national parks sit on the Caribbean: The Cahuita National Park and The Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. The beaches here are nearly deserted and consistently listed as some of the most beautiful in the world.
Culturally the Caribbean has a diverse mix of indigenous people as well as Afro Caribbean descendants who bring Calypso and Reggae music and spicy coconut-flavored cuisine. There are also plenty of international transplants from all over the world.
Samasati
The South Caribbean now hosts many yoga studios, but Samasati was the first to open and is one of the only studios offering retreats and teacher trainings. The center is high in the mountains on a secluded property with stunning views of the ocean. Samasati was built with the intention of creating a sustainable retreat center that contributes to the community. The space was built with minimal environmental impact and employs local residents exclusively. They aim to promote an alternative way of life through their practice of asana, serving local organic vegetarian meals, operating with energy efficiency, and giving back to the community.
Retreats offered cover a wide spectrum from yoga teacher trainings to wildlife adventures. Their yoga retreats are offered year round and include meditation, asana, pranayama, and daily shuttle service to the nearby Caribbean beaches of Puerto Viejo. Packages include accommodation and delicious vegetarian meals. They also offer tour packages to explore the wilderness and culture of the region.
Punta Mona
Deep in the Caribbean jungle in the Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge lies Punta Mona, or Monkey Point. Animals run wild, the beaches are deserted and gorgeous, and it’s not unusual to see dolphins swimming offshore. When the sea is calm it makes for incredible snorkeling. Entirely self-sustaining and isolated, the Punta Mona Center for Sustainable Living and Education is so remote it can only be accessed by foot, small boat, or horseback. The center is most famous for its permaculture design courses but it also offers tours for day-trippers as well as retreats and yoga teacher trainings.
Retreats consist of asana practice as well as guided meditations, underwater adventures, jungle explorations, medicinal plant ceremonies, natural mud baths, and many creative hands-on activities like cooking and arts and crafts. Lodging is included at the onside eco-center as well as three organic vegetarian meals a day sourced primarily from their own land. The Punta Mona Center is unique in that it also offers retreats for children of all ages led by Cirque de Soleil veterans. These retreats incorporate yoga, music, and dance and also teach children about permaculture and sustainability.
If you’re thinking about emigrating to the Latin tropics in order to get closer to nature, you’ll want to choose a destination where preservation is key. Though most of Latin America boasts gorgeous landscapes, some areas offer just that little bit extra. One of those areas is Nosara in Costa Rica.
Nosara is situated on the Pacific Coast in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. It is one of the oldest expat communities in the country, and due to the hard work of the city’s civic association, it offers a wonderful quality of life to newcomers.
The History of Nosara
Historically, Nosara is best known for its beautiful rural surroundings. The area was predominantly used for fishing and agricultural purposes, and was not very highly populated.
In the twentieth century the pastures in the area were used for cattle pastures, and the deforestation that happened as a result of this began to threaten the area’s natural beauty.
Luckily, in the 1970s, help arrived in the form of a group of expats. This group moved to the area and founded the Nosara Civic Association. Together, they worked to make reforestation a priority for the area, and they began to instigate other regulations to make sure the area would stay beautiful for a long time to come.
The Role of the Nosara Civic Association
From their creation in the 1970s, the Nosara Civic Association have worked hard not only to make Nosara a wonderful place to live, but also to preserve the natural beauty of the area and its wildlife. They introduced ‘green zones’ that are not able to be built on by law. The land within these zones covers around 170 acres, and is all under the guardianship of the association.
In addition to the green zone initiative and reforestation, the Nosara Civic Association have also worked to prevent pollution. Because of their hard work, Nosara has the cleanest water table in the whole of Costa Rica and pristine beaches with no dumping. The association has also been instrumental in preserving the habitats of wildlife native to the area. They have been a huge support to the Ostional Turtle Refuge that covers a large area beside Nosara.
The association have also initiated policies to improve quality of life for the people living in the area. Thanks to them there is regular trash collection in the area, as well as excellent water, health, and education facilities.
The work the Nosara Civic Association have done in the area over the past five decades hasn’t always been easy. The positive changes they’ve made in the area have sometimes been an uphill struggle, and the success they’ve had is testament to just how passionate they are about the welfare of their community.
What Is Life Like in Nosara Today?
Today, Nosara is a haven for expats. It’s well accepted as one of the most beautiful natural areas in the whole of Costa Rica, and there are large areas of forest around the town development.
In the time since the 1970s, the Nosara Civic Association have done brilliant work planning and developing the city in a thoroughly responsible way. There are a large number of homes and facilities in the area, but it still feels like a well-preserved, natural environment.
The health, education and general facilities in the city have also been well developed over the years. There are a large number of local businesses and services in the area, and it has the only free lending library in the whole of the peninsula. For those who like their technological comforts, Sky TV, internet connections and smartphone 3G are all available!
Nature lovers will fall in love with the Ostional Turtle Refuge just beside the city. The refuge covers 21 kilometers of coastline, and ensures that the turtles native to the area are well looked after and protected. Because of the refuge, up to a hundred thousand turtles lay eggs in the area on any one night. The preservation of this refuge means that there are almost no developments on Nosara’s beaches. This is rare for a developed area, and is something Nosara Civic Association can be very proud of.
If you are thinking about emigrating to Costa Rica, Nosara is a city that is well worth considering. Not only is this a place where nature is cherished and appreciated, you can also be sure that you are choosing a city with a strong community and a bright future.
Situated in the northwestern province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Nosara is the kind of place you dream about at your desk while plucking away at your computer keyboard. And the beaches in Nosara are certain to be a part of that dream.
The lifestyle is relaxed, where you can fill your day with yoga, surfing, or visit one of the four beaches which emulate this laid-back, you-can-do-it-tomorrow lifestyle.
1. Playa Guiones
JP Clover
Playa Guiones is the main beach in Nosara and is known as the best place to surf. No one can really tell you when the surfers started to come, but it is clear this group can be credited for getting Nosara known, and help set the tone of the place, that it is far less about touristy activities and more about the simplicity of a beautiful beach and nearly perfect waves.
2. Playa Pelada
Mark LoCastro
Want to take a great walk on the beach and hunt for seashells? Then Playa Pelada is the place. A rocky reef protects Playa Pelada, just north of the point, making it the local swimming hole and it’s the only other beach in town for swimming.
3. Playa Ostional
Organization for Tropical Studies
Playa Ostional is another of Nosara’s long and beautiful dark sand beaches. This is the place surfers come to ride the big, powerful and often hollow waves, but Ostional is probablay best known as one of Costa Rica’s most important turtle nesting sites.
4. Playa Garza
Micheal Banino
Take in the view under a shady palm tree, of white sandy beaches and calm blue waters at Playa Garza. If you get tired of lounging on the beach, take your chances with an activity on the water, as the beach is the main spot for sport fishing and boat trips.
What Are Your Favorite Beaches in Nosara?
Know of another great activity to do at one of the beaches in Nosara? Leave us a comment in the section below!
Nosara is famed for its incredible yoga classes, retreats, and teacher trainings, epic surf breaks, and jaw-dropping sunsets. But what else can you do in Nosara? Here is our list of some lesser known, though extremely worthy, things to do when in Nosara, Costa Rica.
Take an Off Road Adventure
Photo: Howling Monkey Adventures
Howling Monkey Adventures leads groups on tours of Nosara’s hidden beaches, jungle wildlife, and mountain terrain… from behind the wheel of a TOMCAR. You drive the vehicle yourself for some adrenaline pumping adventure, along with tour guides who lead you to the best places. Custom tours can be designed for groups, and they provide a wide variety of options.
Nature excursions lead you deep into the jungle to spot howler monkeys and other wildlife, surf tours take you to the best surf spots on the Pacific Coast like Witch’s Rock, Playa Hermosa, and Pavones, and sunset tours go in the mountains for expansive views and night jungle observation.
Go on a Canopy Tour
KP Tice
There is no denying that canopy tours are one of the most popular activities in Costa Rica. Monteverde and Arenal are among the most famous places in the country to fly through the trees on a zipline, but Miss Sky Canopy Tours in Nosara actually has the longest tour of its kind in the world with over 11km of line.
It’s also likely the safest in Costa Rica as all lines are doubled which goes beyond the national safety standards. Enjoy wildlife and sweeping views of waterfalls, rivers, and the ocean while getting some thrills high above ground. The tour includes 21 runs, a stop at a waterfall for a cool swim, and a final stop on the top of a five story building with a disco bar at the top.
Paddle Boarding in Mangroves
ST Flight
The biological diversity of mangrove forests is truly magical. They support marine life by feeding fish with their dried leaves, house land animals like birds and crabs, filter toxins with their roots to protect deep seawater from contamination, and stabilize soil to prevent land erosion.
Nosara is home to many stunning mangroves and stand up paddle board tours make it possible to explore on water at your own pace. Experience Nosara has tours that run along the Rio Montana and Rio Nosara through mangrove tunnels and hidden trails that lead to Playa Nosara. You will spot amazing wildlife while essentially walking on water around the mangrove’s watery perimeter.
Explore the Rio Nosara in a Kayak
Chris Goldberg
Experience one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful rivers deep in the jungle inside of a kayak. Wander through mangroves, observe wildlife, and possibly spot some crocodiles. Guided tours allow you to see animals up close and personal while getting some great exercise. Drifter Kayaking leads 3-4 hour long tours where they take you down the Rio Nosara identifying wildlife along the way.
Help Baby Turtles at the Ostional Turtle Refuge
Liz
Imagine watching thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands, of baby turtles scamper from their nests towards the ocean as an important right of passage. Year round, turtles come out from the sea to lay their eggs on the sandy shore of Playa Ostional, a couple of miles from Nosara. About a month and a half later the eggs hatch and baby turtles run to the ocean to begin their lives as turtles.
This incredible sight is called an “arribada”. While you can watch turtle nesting year round, the peak season coincides with the rainy season from July to December. Observers can come to simply marvel in the incredible spectacle, or volunteer to help the turtles make it to shore by protecting the hatchlings from vultures and dogs.
The ranger station is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and guided tours are available with park employees. However, the best time to observe is often in the middle of the night between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. a few days before the new moon. Flash photography is prohibited so stay as the sun comes up. Contact the Asociacion de Desarollo de Ostional for more information.
Take a Nature Walk in the Nosara Biological Reserve
Bob Cotton
Explore the beautiful flora and fauna in the Nosara Biological Reserve on a self-guided hike. On this 35 hectare private reserve on the southern side of the Rio Nosara, it is possible to spot monkeys, coatis, armadillos, deer, wildcats, and 270 species of birds. The hike takes about two hours and early in the morning is the best time for bird sightings.
Arden
When many expats think of Costa Rica climate, the first thing that comes to mind is tropical. Costa Rica is warm and tropical, and while this is true in many regions of Costa Rica, the climate in this small country is very diverse and varies from region to region.
It may be surprising that such a small country is made up of so many micro-climates, but if you have been planning on making a move down to Costa Rica, it’s good to know a little more about the different climate zones before you commit to a spot.
Costa Rica climate
Costa Rica is located close to the equator and sits between 8°-11° North latitude, providing it with the ideal weather that attracts more expats each year. While the Costa Rica climate is known to be like ‘eternal spring’ with the average temperature ranging between 21.7°C (71°F) and 28°C (81°F), the country’s climate will change drastically as you move throughout the regions, so take the time to experience as many as possible before you take the plunge.
Rainy season vs. dry season
Like many tropical countries, the Costa Rica climate is split into two seasons, rainy and dry. The dry season or summer (named ‘verano’ by Spanish colonizers) generally runs from December to April, while the rainy season or winter (‘invierno’) spans from May to November.
Yet even the dry and rainy season will vary slightly from region to region and the distinct topography of each place will have an influence on the climate.
The sweeping mountain ranges that spread from northwest to southwest split Costa Rica into two regions, the Caribbean slope and the Pacific slope. And the rainy and dry season differs on each slope.
Along the Caribbean slope the rainy season spans from late April through to December while the Pacific slope experiences its rainy season from May to November.
But it doesn’t end there. The climate on each slope will also change according to the region. The Northern portion of the Pacific slope will experience an extreme dry season with little to no rain and the Southern half will have a shorter and less intense dry season.
So now that you know the basics of Costa Rica climate, you can begin to take a closer look at the different climate zones, a factor that will help many expats in choosing the ideal spot to call home.
Central Valley
The Central Valley of Costa Rica, that includes the capital city of San Jose, attracts many expats and tourists with its ‘eternal spring’ climate. But even in the valley the climate will change from warm and dry to chilly and humid depending on which side you choose.
When it comes to Costa Rica climate, it all depends on elevation.
The western suburb of San Jose, Pavas, sits at an elevation of 3, 280 ft. (1000 m), giving it an ideal average temperature of 71°F (22°C), while in the foothills of the Poás Volcano (located on an elevation of 6, 070 ft.) on the opposite side of Central Valley, the average temperature is a much cooler 62°F (17.4°C).
But no matter where you choose to settle, in the Central Valley, you can expect to be greeted with moderate temperatures, clear mornings, and rainy evenings, making it the perfect combination for many expats.
North Pacific
Jarle Naustvik
The gorgeous North Pacific region is the most popular region in Costa Rica due to its warm sunny weather and numerous beaches like Playa Conchal, Playa Ocotal and Playa Coco, to name a few.
Liberia, the capital city of Guanacaste can be found in the North Pacific region and boasts an average temperature of 82°F (28°C), perhaps a little too hot for some expats, but just right for others.
Central Pacific
This region of Costa Rica includes the provinces of Puntarenas and San Jose and is home to many popular expat destinations like Dominical, Uvita and Jaco.
In Puntarenas to the north, it is not uncommon for the daytime high to reach the low 90s and while this may seem a bit on the hot side, the cool breeze coming off the Pacific works wonders to help manage the heat.
South Pacific
real world photos
The South Pacific is home to some of the country’s most diverse landscapes and in this region you can enjoy both mountain ranges and majestic stretches of rainforest, including the Corcovado National Park (home of the world’s only Jaguar reserve).
As a result of this varied topography, the climate in the South Pacific bounces from hot to cold. In some higher areas the temperature can dip as low as 50°F (10°C) making a light jacket a must.
Near the coast, the average temperature remains high year round, from the low 80s to the low 90s, but a more moderate climate can be found in the Valle del General (the general valley) and the temperature here will hover around the high 70s to the low 80s.
Caribbean
Spanning the length of the Caribbean coast, the Caribbean region is quite humid, and here, heavy rainfall can sometimes last for days.
Although it rains throughout the year, you will find drier weather in September and October, which incidentally, are the wettest months in the Central Valley.
Northern Zone
In the Northern Zone, the climate will differ in accordance with the altitude. In the areas that sit at a higher elevation, the temperature can drop to the low sixties, while the lowlands remain in the high seventies to low eighties.
The Northern Zone is also home to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a breathtaking, mist covered forest that has become a popular tourist spot.
So which climate is right for you?
With cool temperatures in the highlands, eternal spring in the Central Valley and heat along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, the Costa Rica climate is extremely diverse and definitely something all expats should consider.
To make sure that you pick the right region for you, rent before you buy and experience the many different micro-climates Costa Rica has to offer until you find that perfect match and the perfect place to call home.
With hundreds of miles of pristine beach, Costa Rica is home to some of the most incredible beaches in the world. Here is our list of the best beaches in Costa Rica, which are not only some of the most beautiful, but also those with adventurous activities, wildlife, and often complete solitude.
Playa Cocles
Sean
The jungle beach town of Playa Cocles in the South Caribbean is easily one of the best places to live or visit in all of Costa Rica. The stunning jungle-backed beaches stretch for miles with barreling waves for surfers, incredible wildlife for nature lovers, and deserted patches for those seeking relaxation.
The neighborhood hosts a world class yoga studio, several spas, a Costa Rican chocolate café, and an incredible variety of international restaurants. The Caribbean flavor from nearby Puerto Viejo, a short two miles away, trickles in and it’s not uncommon to hear Reggae or eat coconut curry stew on the road.
Cocles will definitely rank as one of the best beaches in Costa Rica for those desiring true jungle immersion with a strong expat community focused on healthy living and those brave enough to surf the epic waves.
Manuel Antonio
Xiao Zhuli
Manuel Antonio may be the most popular beach in all of Costa Rica. It certainly has a reputation for being an American tourist destination, and the many expensive Americanized restaurants reflect that.
However the beautiful beaches in the national park are some of the most stunning in the country and teeming with wildlife. Spotting iguanas, coati, sloths, and all four species of monkeys is likely inside the park and often on the beach. During migration season you can see whales and dolphins offshore. Other outdoor adventures like parasailing, ziplining, and horseback riding are also available.
If you can’t stand the crowds, come during the very beginning or end of the dry season to enjoy sunny days and beautiful sunsets on relatively empty beaches.
Playa Samara
Daniel Stanberg
Playa Samara is one of the most beloved beaches in all of Costa Rica. Laid-back hotels and restaurants line the horseshoe bay, yet the shore remains empty, offering solitude and relaxation. The relatively flat sea is perfect for kayaking, fishing, paddleboarding, or learning to surf. Nearby wilderness beaches are perfect for exploration.
The town has an expat presence with sushi bars, Italian restaurants, and Canadian-owned hostels, but maintains its small town authenticity. Fishermen are everywhere selling their fresh catch on the shore. Delicious sodas (Costa Rican cafes) pile plates high with rice and beans and seared seasoned carne.
It is a great place for families, expats looking to invest in a business, vacationers, and backpackers.
Playa Guiones
Chris Gold
If you enjoy surfing and yoga, expect to arrive in Playa Guiones and never leave. The town, which is in the Nosara region of the Nicoya Peninsula, sits on a white sand horseshoe bay with excellent waves for beginner, intermediate, and advanced surfers. The many surf schools and board rentals make learning and practicing very accessible.
The Nosara Yoga Institute in Playa Guiones put Costa Rica on the yogi map and now several studios and yoga retreat centers reside in Playa Guiones and nearby beaches.
Beyond yoga and surf, there is plenty to do in Playa Guiones. The town has lovely cafes and restaurants and the expansive beach makes for great walks. Every evening at sunset the town gathers on the shore to watch the epic sunsets.
Nearby Playa Rosada and Punta Pelada are also beautiful and can be walked to from Playa Guiones.
Manzanillo
Diana
The intimate beach coves hidden in the wildlife refuge of Manzanillo are some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, if not the world. Turquoise water crashes on the golden sand, dramatic cliffs offer stunning views, and the lush jungle filled with animals spans for miles. Take a nature hike, snorkel the reef, or simply relax.
For added adventure, take a tour through the jungle spotting howler monkeys and sloths, hike to the viewpoint for amazing views of the crashing waves and nearby beach coves, then climb into the coral caves where bats seek refuge.
The town is a small distinctly Caribbean fishing village with a few local Caribbean restaurants and cabinas. Popular Puerto Viejo Limon and the many beach towns near it offer options for other restaurants and lodging and are a bike or short bus ride away.
Pavones
Arturo Sotillo
The black sand beaches in Pavones are some of the most dramatic on the Pacific Coast. Glowing frothy green sea kisses the dark shimmering black shore for an incredible contrast. The surrounding wilderness will make you feel like you’ve reached the end of the earth and the sunsets are positively spectacular.
Beyond its beauty, Pavones is famous for its long left point break. Grab a surfboard and ride the wave that put this town on the map. If you’re more of a swimmer, a cool, clear water river runs for miles from the hills down to the beach. Climb to the top and take inner tubes down, jump off the bridge with locals, or simply cool off and explore.
Restaurants and accommodations are inexpensive and locally owned and even with the influx of surfers the town maintains its Costa Rican charm.
Playa Barrigona
Massie
This beach is so beautiful, even Mel Gibson owns property here. Scenic country roads connect Playa Barrigona with nearby Samara making it an undiscovered but accessible place to visit. The sand is white with a pink hue and at low tide you can climb large stretches of sand dollar-covered rocks. Olive ridley turtles come from all over to lay their eggs on the shore during the rainy season, making it a very special place ecologically as well. The riptides are strong so take care with little ones and do not go out swimming.
San Juanillo
Enrique Balsevicius
A short drive from the popular surf beach Playa Guiones in Nosara, is the secret white sand beach of San Juanillo. Fishing boats rock on the turquoise sea and millions of shells wash up on the shore. Explore the massive rocks or float in the clear water. The town itself is quite small and authentically Costa Rican.
Playa Uvita’s “Whale Tale”
CostaRicaProperty
The area of Uvita is famous for its incredible marine life and frequent whale spottings, but few know about the secret “whale tale” beach. During high tide the shore is completely submerged, but as the tide recedes a beautiful sandy peninsula reveals itself for relaxation and exploration.
Playa Carrillo
M.Prinke
The peaceful palm tree-lined horseshoe bay of Playa Carillo on the Nicoya Peninsula might be as close to paradise as it gets. The white sand beaches and calm water makes it a perfect beach for relaxation and sunbathing. Boating and fishing are also quite popular due to the calm sea. It is also possible to spot crocodiles in the nearby river. The town has restaurants and accommodations, but travelers will find a larger community in the nearby town of Samara, which is a pleasant hike or a short bus ride away.
Best Beaches in Costa Rica?
The answer really depends on you. Do you have a favorite beach that we’ve missed?
Costa Rica’s forests cover less than 0.03% of the Earth’s surface, yet it contains nearly 5% of the planet’s plant and animal species. Clearly this tiny country is an incredible place to experience our planet at its most abundant!
1. Ballena National Marine Park – Puntarenas, Central Pacific Region
This unique park is along one of the more remote stretches of Costa Rica’s coastline, on the southern end of the Central Pacific region, and encompasses several beaches. The park gets its Spanish name for a peculiar sandbar formation at Playa Uvita beach that goes straight out toward the ocean before splitting and curving in two directions, much like a whale’s tale.
Photo Credit: David Herskovits
2. Palo Verde National Park – Guanacaste, Pacific Coast Region
This is an undiscovered jewel in the Costa Rican park system. The animal population is spectacular. The trail system leaves something to be desired, but this certainly means fewer crowds, and there are a number of areas that can be explored by boat.
Photo Credit: Rod David
3. Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge – Alajuela, Costa Rica – Nicaraguan Border
Nature cruises through these wetlands are quite popular, but don’t worry, there are thousands of acres to explore. A boat trip here or in Tortuguero, or Damas estuary is certainly the easiest and maybe the best way to see a lot of wildlife on your visit to Costa Rica.
Photo Credit: David Berkowitz
4. Manuel Antonio National Park – Quepos, Pacific Coast Region
For a tame, up-close glimpse of the rain forest and some of its more photogenic inhabitants, Manuel Antonio National Park is a favorite. Located on the central Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most visited—and smallest—national parks.
Photo Credit: Emmanuelle Bourgue
5. Monteverde Cloud Forest and Biological Reserve – Monteverde, Cordillera de Tilarán Mountain Range
Costa Rica’s most famous cloud forest reserve is packed with an astonishing variety of life: 2,500 plant species, 400 species of birds, 500 types of butterflies, and more than 100 different mammals have been catalogued so far.
Photo Credit: Jardín Botánico Nacional
Let us know where you get up-close-and-personal with nature in Costa Rica.