Travel

Discovering the Best Beach Towns of Costa Rica: A Guide to Surf, Sand, and Sun

Petrina Darrah

Posted: May 21, 2023

Costa Rica is a country renowned for its natural beauty, with pristine beaches and lush rainforests attracting millions of visitors every year. But with so many beach towns to choose from, how do you know which one to pick for your vacation? In this article, we’ll take a look at four of the best beach towns in Costa Rica, each with its own unique charm and attractions.

Manuel Antonio

We’ll start our tour of Costa Rica’s beach towns with Manuel Antonio, located on the Pacific coast. Manuel Antonio is famous for its picturesque beach, surrounded by lush rainforest and crystal-clear waters. The beach is small but perfectly formed, with plenty of space to lay out a towel and soak up the sun. For those looking for a little more activity, there are plenty of water sports on offer, including kayaking, snorkelling, and surfing.

But it’s not just the beach that makes Manuel Antonio a must-visit destination. The town is well-equipped to handle the influx of tourists, with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and activities on offer. One of the highlights of a trip to Manuel Antonio is a visit to the national park, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys and sloths. The park is a great place to go hiking, with trails winding through the rainforest and offering stunning views of the coastline.

For those looking for a more relaxing experience, there are plenty of spas and yoga studios in Manuel Antonio, offering a range of treatments and classes. And of course, no trip to Costa Rica would be complete without trying the local cuisine. Manuel Antonio has plenty of restaurants serving up traditional Costa Rican dishes, as well as international cuisine for those looking for something different.

Tamarindo

Next up on our list is Tamarindo, located on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. Tamarindo is famous for its long, sandy beach, which is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. In fact, Tamarindo is one of the best surf spots in the country, with waves suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers.

But Tamarindo is more than just a surf town. The town has a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. And for those looking for something a little more relaxing, there are plenty of water sports on offer, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.

One of the highlights of a trip to Tamarindo is taking a catamaran cruise, which takes you out to sea and offers stunning views of the coastline. And for those looking to explore the surrounding area, there are several national parks within easy reach, including Rincon de la Vieja and Santa Rosa.

Puerto Viejo

Moving to the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, we come to Puerto Viejo, a laid-back town with a strong Afro-Caribbean culture. Puerto Viejo is famous for its seafood, which is cooked with a blend of Caribbean spices and flavours. The town has a unique culinary scene, with plenty of restaurants serving up traditional dishes like rice and beans, conch ceviche, and jerk chicken.

But it’s not just the food that makes Puerto Viejo a must-visit destination. The town has some of the best surfing and snorkelling spots in the country, with crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. For those looking to get up close and personal with the local wildlife, a visit to the Jaguar Rescue Center is a must. The centre is home to a variety of animals, including sloths, monkeys, and toucans, and offers tours and volunteer opportunities.

And for those looking to experience a little more of the local culture, Puerto Viejo has plenty of opportunities to do so. The town has a lively reggae music scene, with plenty of bars and clubs playing live music. And the nearby village of Cahuita is home to the Cahuita National Park, which offers a unique opportunity to experience the culture and history of the Afro-Caribbean people.

Playa Grande

Last but not least, we come to Playa Grande, located on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. Playa Grande is a hidden gem, with a quiet, laid-back atmosphere and miles of unspoiled beaches. The town is perfect for those looking for a more secluded and peaceful vacation, away from the crowds and hustle of the more popular beach towns.

But Playa Grande is not without its attractions. The town is home to the Marino Las Baulas National Park, which is a nesting site for the endangered leatherback turtle. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park, which offers a unique opportunity to see these amazing creatures up close. And for those looking for a little more adventure, there are plenty of water sports on offer, including surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

The town has a small but thriving community, with plenty of restaurants and bars serving up delicious local cuisine. And for those looking for a little more culture, the nearby town of Tamarindo offers a range of cultural activities, including art galleries, music festivals, and theatre performances.

Volunteering Close to Costa Rica’s Best Beach Towns

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Costa Rica’s beach towns while giving back to the local community, GVI offers volunteer programs based close to Puerto Viejo and Cahuita.

By volunteering with GVI, you’ll have the opportunity to work on a range of projects, from marine conservation to community development. And in your free time, you can explore the nearby beach towns.

In conclusion, Costa Rica is home to some of the most beautiful beach towns in the world, each with its own unique charm and attractions. Whether you’re looking for surfing, snorkelling, or just a quiet beach to relax on, there’s a beach town in Costa Rica that’s perfect for you. So why not book your next vacation to one of these amazing destinations and experience all that Costa Rica has to offer?

By Petrina Darrah

Petrina Darrah is a freelance writer from New Zealand with a passion for outdoor adventure and sustainable travel. She has been writing about travel for more than five years and her work has appeared in print and digital publications including National Geographic Travel, Conde Nast Travel, Business Insider, Atlas Obscura and more. You can see more of her work at petrinadarrah.com.

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