Central Pacific Beaches

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Visiting the Central Pacific Beaches

The Central Pacific Costa Rica beaches are a short drive away from the capital city of San Jose and the country’s metropolitan Central Valley. In fact, these Central Pacific destinations tend to attract a large number of visitors.

Jaco is a popular party and Herradura has its marina. Manuel Antonio Beach too is famous for being the most beautiful beach in Central America while Punta Leona is a paradise for bird spotters. Most famously, the Central Pacific is known for its surfer beaches like Jaco, Dominical and Hermosa (not to be confused with the Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste!).

Highlights

Hermosa

Playa Hermosa Jaco 2

As part of the Puntarenas province, this beach is not to be confused with the other Playas Hermosa in Costa Rica since there are 4 of them! In Spanish, Hermosa means beautiful, and there is not much about Costa Rica that isn’t beautiful. Located close to the other famous beach destination of Jaco, Playa Hermosa is the perfect beach for the surfer who wants to escape the bustling Jaco right next door.

Jaco

Jaco Beach Aerial ViewJaco is the most developed beach town in the Central Pacific and the most popular for party goers. Surfers also enjoy frequenting this area and it is known to have some of the spectacular sunsets. Other than the nightlife and the surf, you can stop by the Tarcoles river when you can see hundreds of crocodiles just below the bridge.

Punta Leona

Toucan Punta LeonaCalling all bird watchers! There are a large number of birds to spot in this area like Toucans, Hummingbirds, Quetzals, and Macaws in Punta Leona. Punta Leona is among Costa Rica’s most important nature reserves and protects nearly 800 acres of pristine forest. It divides the dry forests of the north and the rainforests of the south. This means there are a wider variety of wildlife to be spotted in this little area.

Herradura

Herradura Costa Rica MarinaThe Marina at Los Suenos Marriott has helped transform Playa Herradura into a mecca for world-class sports fishing. The Marina boasts the largest number of fishing captains and fully equipped boats in Costa Rica and hosts sports fishing competitions every year. Herradura is famous for the record number of Dorado and Tuna caught in the nearby waters. Another town with world-renowned marina, is Quepos.

Manuel Antonio

Sloth Manuel AntonioNot sure which beach to visit during your Costa Rica vacation? How about the one that has been called the most beautiful one in the whole country? Manuel Antonio beach has that reputation as well as a glorious national park tied to it. Go for a hike and spot birds, sloths, monkeys, coatis and many more. Take a canopy tour and admire the flora and fauna in this region of Costa Rica. At the beach, you can relax and take in the scenery or surf, go scuba diving or snorkeling, horseback riding take a catamaran tour or even go parasailing.

Dominical

Dominical Costa RicaDominical is a quiet little fishing village that has slowly transformed itself over the years into a surfing, expat community. You’ll find about 700 residents, hotels, restaurants and resorts, several different surfing schools and waves for beginner-advanced surfers. Dominical isn’t only for surfers, either. Come to Dominical to explore the lush rainforests surrounding the small village, go scuba diving off the coast, horseback riding to the Nauyaca Waterfalls and take a day trip to Caño Island.

Tips

Visit between December and March: This is the Costa Rica dry season and your best chance for the long, sunny days Costa Rica is known for.

Explore the Central Pacific area: The Central Pacific is known for its surfer beaches like Jaco, Hermosa and Dominical, but it also houses the stunning Manuel Antonio. Make sure to pay a visit to Kids Saving the Rainforest!

Watch out for riptides: You have to be careful for riptides. It is a good beach for surfing but not for swimming. Should you get caught in a riptide, make sure you swim parallel to the beach until you can free yourself.

Getting there

Closest International Airport: Juan Santamaria, San Jose  (SJO)

private transfer welcomeThe Central Pacific is quite easy to reach from San Jose. Shuttles are available as are car rental agencies. With the latter you will be able to enjoy the freedom of cruising the Central Pacific and maybe even more. So this one we recommend for those looking to explore more than just one beach.

Dining

Gallo Pinto VegetarianLocal as well as international flavors can be savored all along the Central Pacific. For a real cultural experience, visit a soda and try a Casado for lunch or Gallo Pinto for breakfast. If you favor more international cuisine, you will find plenty of restaurants that cater to each pallet, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. Especially in Manuel Antonio, Quepos and Jaco!

Where to stay

Tulemar Resort Pool and OceanFrom Los Suenos at Herradura to Tulemar Resort at Manuel Antonio, the Central Pacific lays claim to some of the most iconic hotels and resorts in the whole of Costa Rica. Have a look at our top selection on the right and contact us with any questions you may have!

Central Pacific Beaches - Get Info

Central Pacific Beaches Map

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Central Pacific Beaches Vacation Packages

Costa Rica’s Top Three Destinations

Costa Rica’s Top Three Destinations

SJO
$1500-$2000 p.p.
Luxury Family Getaway with Hacienda AltaGracia

Luxury Family Getaway with Hacienda AltaGracia

7
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Caribbean Dream with Manuel Antonio

Caribbean Dream with Manuel Antonio

12
SJO
$1500-$2000 p.p.
Caribbean Dream Extended Stay

Caribbean Dream Extended Stay

16
SJO
Best of Costa Rica with Peace Lodge (4 Star)

Best of Costa Rica with Peace Lodge (4 Star)

7
SJO
$1000-$1500 p.p.
Perfect Combination with Corcovado

Perfect Combination with Corcovado

SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Coast to Coast

Coast to Coast

SJO
Extended Stay

Extended Stay

13
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Nature & Wildlife in Costa Rica!

Nature & Wildlife in Costa Rica!

SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Coast to Coast with Puerto Viejo

Coast to Coast with Puerto Viejo

12
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Complete Costa Rica Extended

Complete Costa Rica Extended

SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Birding in Costa Rica’s Top Three Destinations

Birding in Costa Rica’s Top Three Destinations

SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Costa Rica’s Seventh Heaven

Costa Rica’s Seventh Heaven

7
SJO
$1000-$1500 p.p.
Pacific & Caribbean Combo

Pacific & Caribbean Combo

10
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Extended Costa Rica Highlights

Extended Costa Rica Highlights

20
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Best of Costa Rica

Best of Costa Rica

7
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Extended Costa Rica Southern Package

Extended Costa Rica Southern Package

SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Costa Ballena Exploration

Costa Ballena Exploration

9
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Two Oceans & A Volcano

Two Oceans & A Volcano

$1000-$1500 p.p.
Where the Wild Things Are

Where the Wild Things Are

7
SJO
$1500-$2000 p.p.
Escape to Nature

Escape to Nature

SJO
$1500-$2000 p.p.
Luxury Getaway

Luxury Getaway

7
SJO
Less than $1000 p.p.

Central Pacific Beaches Hotels

La Mansion Inn

La Mansion Inn

5
2
From: $125 - $200
Hotel Si Como No

Hotel Si Como No

4
5
From: $200 - $300
Hotel El Parador

Hotel El Parador

4
5
From: $200 - $300
Gaia Hotel and Reserve

Gaia Hotel and Reserve

5
4
From: $200 - $300
Hotel San Bada

Hotel San Bada

4
5
From: $200 - $300
Arenas Del Mar

Arenas Del Mar

5
5
From: $200 - $300
Hotel La Mariposa

Hotel La Mariposa

4
From: $125 - $200
Hotel Costa Verde

Hotel Costa Verde

3
2
From: $125 - $200
Hotel Playa Espadilla

Hotel Playa Espadilla

3
3
From: $125 - $200
Espadilla Gardens

Espadilla Gardens

3
From: $200 - $300
Makanda by the Sea

Makanda by the Sea

5
From: Over $300
Santa Juana Lodge

Santa Juana Lodge

3
5
From: $125 - $200
Tulemar Resort

Tulemar Resort

5
From: $200 - $300
Hotel Shana

Hotel Shana

5
From: $200 - $300
Plaza Yara

Plaza Yara

3
From: Under $125
Hotel Karahe

Hotel Karahe

3
From: $125 - $200

Central Pacific Beaches Tours

Parasailing Tour Costa Rica Adventure

Parasailing Tour Costa Rica Adventure

From: $75 - $100
Catamaran Adventure Tour with Planet Dolphin

Catamaran Adventure Tour with Planet Dolphin

Surf Lesson with MASS (Manuel Antonio Surf School and Camp)

Surf Lesson with MASS (Manuel Antonio Surf School and Camp)

Jungle Tubing Savegre River

Jungle Tubing Savegre River

From: Under $50
Manuel Antonio National Park tour with Tucanes Tours

Manuel Antonio National Park tour with Tucanes Tours

Savegre River White Water Rafting with Tucanes Tours

Savegre River White Water Rafting with Tucanes Tours

Horseback Riding Tour with Tucanes Tours

Horseback Riding Tour with Tucanes Tours

Damas Island Estuary Mangrove Tour with Tucanes Tours

Damas Island Estuary Mangrove Tour with Tucanes Tours

Santa Juana Rural Mountain Adventure Tour

Santa Juana Rural Mountain Adventure Tour

From: $75 - $100
Ocean Kayaking & Snorkeling with Tucanes Tours

Ocean Kayaking & Snorkeling with Tucanes Tours

Kids Saving the Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary Tour

Kids Saving the Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary Tour

Horseback Riding in Mulguri with San Bada

Horseback Riding in Mulguri with San Bada

Santa Juana Rural Mountain Adventure Tour with Si Como No

Santa Juana Rural Mountain Adventure Tour with Si Como No

ATV Rainforest Adventure in Manuel Antonio

ATV Rainforest Adventure in Manuel Antonio

From: $75 - $100
Canopy Tour with Canopy Safari

Canopy Tour with Canopy Safari

Coast Jet Ski – Manuel Antonio Adventure

Coast Jet Ski – Manuel Antonio Adventure

From: Over $100
Canopy & ATV Tours at Safari Adventures

Canopy & ATV Tours at Safari Adventures

From: $50 - $75
Manuel Antonio National Park Tour with Expediciones Tropicales

Manuel Antonio National Park Tour with Expediciones Tropicales

Scuba Diving Tour Costa Rica Adventure

Scuba Diving Tour Costa Rica Adventure

From: $75 - $100
Manuel Antonio National Park Tour

Manuel Antonio National Park Tour

From: Under $50
Kids Saving the Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary

Kids Saving the Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary

From: Under $50
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