Guanacaste Beaches

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Visiting the Guanacaste Beaches

Guanacaste Beaches resonate of fun, sun, surfing, swimming, fishing, diving and other adventures. The province of Guanacaste is known for its beautiful sands and blue skies as well as having the least amount of rainfall in the whole country. Guanacaste can also boast about its renovated Daniel Oduber International Airport in its capital, Liberia (LIR) and impressive infrastructure catering to tourists from all over the world. All inclusive vacation packages that prioritize a sunny beach will be on this side of Costa Rica. Many cater to high-end visitors looking for breathtaking golf courses and sunset views from their five-star hotel balconies. The Papagayo Gulf All-Inclusive Resorts are the finest ones in the Guanacaste Province known for having stellar facilities as well as a focus on respecting its natural surroundings. It is also the coastline that is closest to the international airport. You can be there within an hour after you land!

Highlights

The Gulf of Papagayo

Bird on Playa PanamaThe best family beaches will be in the North of the Guanacaste Province as part of the Peninsula Papagayo. Beaches like Playa Hermosa and Playa Panama are ideal for a family vacation mainly due to the calm waters. Especially Playa Panama almost feels like you are dipping into a large swimming pool. This will give you some peace of mind while your children run around exploring and swimming.

Playas del Coco

Playas del Coco

Playas del Coco is not the quiet fishing village it once was. Hosting a large expat community, Coco is now famous for its nightlife – especially around New Year. When you aren’t busy going out and enjoying yourself, you will thoroughly enjoy the activities you can do in and around the beach. One of the best ones is without a doubt the Diamante Eco Adventure Park. Next to its animal sanctuary, you can also experience the longest superman zip line in the country with ocean views!

Tamarindo

Tamarindo Dreams SunsetTamarindo, or Tamagringo for the locals, is without a doubt the most popular tourist beach in Guanacaste. With plenty of fine accommodations and fun activities like surfing, clubbing, sailing, sports fishing and sunbathing as well as countless restaurants and bars, this is the place to be for some fun.

Playa Grande

Playa Grande Costa Rica BeachPlaya Grande is Tamarindo’s lesser known neighbor is the place to be when you are a bit more confident on your board. There is one surf shop a while away from the beach and there are a couple of hotels, bars and restaurant but not a whole many. This is mainly because the beach is also home to the Las Baulas National Park. As a host to these giant, leatherback turtles, the beach has to remain a tranquil haven rather than a party place.

The Nicoya Peninsula

Samara Costa Rica horseSamara is another fun beach with a fun crowd but at a slightly slower pace. This beach is also located near other great beaches and surfing spots but lacks the high-end resort accommodations of Tamarindo. Samara feels more of an authentic Costa Rica beach town and that is where it holds its real charm. Like Tamarindo, Samara is a great beach for the beginner.

Nosara is a beach where the confident surfer can get a bit of a challenge. Additionally, Nosara is also known for its world-renowned Yoga Resorts with some classes catering to surfer especially.

If you are looking for a real thrill far away from the tourist crowds, you will definitely want to visit the beaches at the most southern tip of Nicoya. These are the beaches of Mal Pais and Santa Teresa! For more remote surfing, you can visit Playa Negra and Playa Avellanas!

Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal Hotels and Beach

With its piercing white beach full of crushed shells, Conchal is without a doubt one of the most beautiful beaches on the list. It can get a little busy during high season but you can always find a quiet spot under the palm trees. Playa Conchal is also home to the famous Reserva Conchal Beach Resort!

Playa Ocotal

Playa Ocotal ViewPlaya Ocotal is a less visited gem that boast a stunning coastline. One of the most interesting things about Playa Ocotal, is that the sea air is tinged with a white mist that is said to possess healing properties. This gives this beautiful beach a rather mysterious atmosphere. The rocky formations flanking the beach make Ocotal a wonderful place for snorkeling and scuba diving. You may have to travel further to the famous Catalina Island for a bigger chance to spot Manta Rays, turtles and sharks. But you will be rewarded by large schools of colorful fish in beautiful, clear waters.

Ostional Wildlife Refuge

Sea turtles

Ostional is not one of the most beautiful beaches because of the perfect white sand of blue skies, but because of its visitors. As one of the most famous nesting beaches, you will get a chance to see the Olive Ridley Turtle laying its eggs. In the morning, you can even see the eggs hatch and watch the baby turtles make their first big journey to the ocean! Feel free to help some of them by keeping the vultures away.

Playa Junquillal

Playa JunquillalJust 1 hour South of Tamarindo, you will find the tranquil Playa Junquillal. Tamarindo is well known as one of Costa Rica’s most visited and most densely populated beaches. Playa Junquillal, on the other hand, is one of the most remote and pristine beaches of Guanacaste. It is perfectly possible to find yourself wandering the beach alone for most of the day! It is also a paradise for the solo surfer.

Avellanas Beach

Playa JunquillalPlaya Avellanas is also known as a remote surfing area. Additionally, it is perfectly in harmony with the beautiful natural surroundings with incredible flora and fauna. While you are there, look out for Lola, the pig that has lived there for as long as everyone can remember and who seems to rather enjoy swimming and taking a stroll on the beach. There is even a restaurant named after her! Take long walks along the mighty Pacific Ocean and do not miss the spectacular sunsets. Other animals you might spot from the beach include birds and monkeys like the famous Howler Monkeys.

Playa Negra

Hotel playa negra Surfing the wavePart of the tropical dry forest ecosystem, Playa Negra has woods that comes right down to the sand. It is home to many animal species including howler monkeys, coatis, and many others.  Several types of sea turtles like las baulas as well as over two hundred different species of birds inhabit this area. Playa Negra translates as black beach and it is this volcanic black sand that adds to the mystical nature of this stunning beach.

Costa Rica is full of amazing beaches!

Tips

Visit between January and May: This is Costa Rica’s dry season and so the best time to visit the beaches.

Explore all the beaches in the area: No one beach is the same and it would be a shame to focus on one beach only. Hermosa, Ocotal, Panama, … Visit as many as you can!

Rent a car: If you want to get the most out of your trip and explore other beaches as well, you should definitely consider renting a car to make it easier on yourself.

Experience tranquility and solitude: Not all beaches have to be overrun by tourists! Take a private boating tour and see some of the Pacific Coast’s hidden gems.

Getting there

Closest International Airport: Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR)

sansa airline costa rica flightsGenerally the beaches of Guanacaste are very easy to reach. The further south you go, however, the more remote the beaches and the rougher the roads. If you plan on renting a car and visiting places like Mal Pais and Santa Teresa, a 4-wheel drive would benefit you most. There are domestic airports located at Tambor and Tamarindo.

Dining

Gallo Pinto VegetarianThe dining options along the Guanacaste coast are varied from high end cuisine in beach towns like Tamarindo and Playas del Coco to local sodas where you can sample local dishes such as gallo pinto and casado. Take your pick!

Where to stay

Tropicana Tamarindo DiriaEqually varied are the lodging options. We offer everything between 3 and 5 star accommodations with something for everyone from rentals to charming retreats and resorts. Guanacaste, the Gulf of Papagayo in particular, is the perfect destination for those who crave an all-inclusive resort experience and world class style and comfort.

Guanacaste Beaches - Get Info

Guanacaste Beaches Vacation Packages

Best of Guanacaste – All Inclusive

Best of Guanacaste – All Inclusive

LIR
$1000-$1500 p.p.
Pampered in Papagayo Package

Pampered in Papagayo Package

Less than $1000 p.p.
In Perfect Harmony

In Perfect Harmony

7
LIR
$1000-$1500 p.p.
Perfect Playa Conchal

Perfect Playa Conchal

LIR
Less than $1000 p.p.
Active Family Adventure – Family Vacation to Costa Rica

Active Family Adventure – Family Vacation to Costa Rica

7
SJO
Less than $1000 p.p.
Extended Costa Rica Highlights

Extended Costa Rica Highlights

20
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Fishing Adventure Package

Fishing Adventure Package

5
LIR
More than $2000 p.p.
Romantic Beach Getaway

Romantic Beach Getaway

LIR
$1000-$1500 p.p.
Unforgettable Costa Rica

Unforgettable Costa Rica

7
SJO
Less than $1000 p.p.
Best of Costa Rica – All Inclusive

Best of Costa Rica – All Inclusive

LIR
$1000-$1500 p.p.

Beaches

Playa Grande

Playa Grande

Visiting Playa Grande Located just north of Tamarindo in Guanacaste, is the charming beach community of Playa Grande. Play...

Bahia Salinas

Bahia Salinas

Visiting Bahia Salinas Bahia Salinas is part of the of the Guanacaste province and has one unique feature. It is blessed w...

Tamarindo

Tamarindo

Visiting Tamarindo Beach Tamarindo is located in the Guanacaste Province along the Pacific Coast and is one the most popul...

Playa Flamingo

Playa Flamingo

Visiting Playa Flamingo Costa Rica beaches are infamously beautiful, but Playa Flamingo is the kind of beach that stars in...

Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal

Visiting Playa Conchal We tend to choose our beaches based on what activities they offer or what culinary treats they are ...

Playa Hermosa Costa Rica

Playa Hermosa Costa Rica

Visiting Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica Playa Hermosa is one fo the most beautiful beaches in the Gulf of Papagayo as part of t...

Playa Ocotal

Playa Ocotal

Visiting Playa Ocotal Playa Ocotal is located at the entrance of the beautiful and highly developed Gulf of Papagayo in th...

Playa Potrero Costa Rica

Playa Potrero Costa Rica

Visiting Potrero Located in Guanacaste, on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, just south of Playa Flamingo and Marina. Playa...

Langosta Beach

Langosta Beach

Visiting Playa Langosta, Guanacaste Playa Langosta is located in the northern Pacific province of Guanacaste just south of...

Playa Junquillal

Playa Junquillal

Visiting Playa Junquillal The magic of Costa Rica is most apparent in how you can find completely different worlds even wi...

Avellanas Beach

Avellanas Beach

Visiting Playa Avellanas The little town of Playa Avellanas in Guanacaste consists mainly of hotels and cabins, a few rest...

Playa Negra

Playa Negra

Visiting Playa Negra Guanacaste Located in the Northern Costa Rica Guanacaste province, Playa Negra Costa Rica enjoys the ...

Playa Panama

Playa Panama

Visiting Playa Panama Playa Panama is one of the more secluded and serene beaches of Guanacaste. This beach is located in ...

Playas del Coco

Playas del Coco

Visiting Playas del Coco The small but far from sleepy town of Playas del Coco is located in the Gulf of Papagayo. Costa R...

Cities

Liberia

Liberia

Visiting Liberia, Capital of Guanacaste The city of Liberia, the charming capital of Guanacaste is often used as the jumpi...

Volcanoes

Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano

Visiting the Arenal Volcano  The Arenal Volcano is one of our top recommended destinations and one of the most visited pla...

Rincon de la Vieja

Rincon de la Vieja

Visiting Rincon de la Vieja When planning a vacation to Costa Rica, it is difficult to decide which activities to choose. ...

National Parks

Palo Verde National Park

Palo Verde National Park

Visiting Palo Verde National Park Palo Verde National Park is located on the banks of the Tempisque River, in the Nicoya P...

Barra Honda National Park

Barra Honda National Park

Visiting Barra Honda National Park When we think about Costa Rica, the first things that come to mind are beaches, jungles...

Santa Rosa National Park

Santa Rosa National Park

Visiting Santa Rosa National Park Santa Rosa is one of Costa Rica’s first National Parks. This has effectively prese...

Guanacaste Beaches Hotels

JW Marriott Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Resort & Spa

5
From: $125 - $200
El Mangroove

El Mangroove

5
From: Over $300
El Jardin del Eden

El Jardin del Eden

4
From: $125 - $200
Planet Hollywood

Planet Hollywood

5
5
From: Over $300
Occidental Tamarindo

Occidental Tamarindo

4
4
From: $200 - $300
Canyon de la Vieja Lodge

Canyon de la Vieja Lodge

3
From: Under $125
Blue River Resort & Hot Springs

Blue River Resort & Hot Springs

3
1
From: Under $125
Borinquen Resort

Borinquen Resort

4
2
From: $200 - $300
Los Altos de Eros

Los Altos de Eros

5
From: Over $300
Margaritaville Beach Resort

Margaritaville Beach Resort

4
4
From: $200 - $300
Tamarindo Diria

Tamarindo Diria

4
From: $200 - $300
Hacienda Guachipelin

Hacienda Guachipelin

3
3
From: $125 - $200
Azul Ocean Club

Azul Ocean Club

5
From: $200 - $300
Westin Golf Resort & Spa

Westin Golf Resort & Spa

5
5
From: Over $300
Esplendor

Esplendor

5
From: $125 - $200
Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas

Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas

5
From: Over $300
Hotel Pasatiempo

Hotel Pasatiempo

3
From: Under $125
Buena Vista del Rincon

Buena Vista del Rincon

3
4
From: $125 - $200
Hotel Sugar Beach

Hotel Sugar Beach

3
4
From: $125 - $200
Dreams Las Mareas

Dreams Las Mareas

5
From: Over $300
Hotel Bahia del Sol

Hotel Bahia del Sol

4
4
From: $125 - $200
W Costa Rica

W Costa Rica

5
From: Over $300
Hotel Capitan Suizo

Hotel Capitan Suizo

4
5
From: $200 - $300
Rio Perdido

Rio Perdido

4
From: $125 - $200
Paradise Flamingo Beach Hotel & Casino

Paradise Flamingo Beach Hotel & Casino

4
From: $125 - $200
Hilton Garden Inn

Hilton Garden Inn

4
3
From: Under $125
Hotel & Villas Cala Luna

Hotel & Villas Cala Luna

4
From: $200 - $300
Rancho Humo Estancia

Rancho Humo Estancia

3
From: $125 - $200

Guanacaste Beaches Tours

Buena Vista Day Experience

Buena Vista Day Experience

Palo Verde National Park Boat Tour

Palo Verde National Park Boat Tour

From: $75 - $100
River Rafting on Rio Tenorio with RCR Rafting

River Rafting on Rio Tenorio with RCR Rafting

River Rafting on Rio Tenorio with Desafio

River Rafting on Rio Tenorio with Desafio

Hiking in Rincon de la Vieja National Park & Oropendula Waterfall with Hacienda Guachipelin

Hiking in Rincon de la Vieja National Park & Oropendula Waterfall with Hacienda Guachipelin

Hiking in Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Las Pailas Trail with Hacienda Guachipelin

Hiking in Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Las Pailas Trail with Hacienda Guachipelin

Adventure Pass with Hacienda Guachipelin

Adventure Pass with Hacienda Guachipelin

One Day Nature Pass with Hacienda Guachipelin

One Day Nature Pass with Hacienda Guachipelin

Borinquen Adventure Day (Horseback Riding, Zip Lines & Hot Springs) with Jacamar

Borinquen Adventure Day (Horseback Riding, Zip Lines & Hot Springs) with Jacamar

Borinquen Adventure Day (ATV, Horseback Riding, Zip Lines & Hot Springs) with Jacamar

Borinquen Adventure Day (ATV, Horseback Riding, Zip Lines & Hot Springs) with Jacamar

Buena Vista Mega Combo Adventure with Jacamar

Buena Vista Mega Combo Adventure with Jacamar

Rancho Humo Tour Wetlands Experience

Rancho Humo Tour Wetlands Experience

From: Over $100
Canopy Tour Papagayo with Jacamar

Canopy Tour Papagayo with Jacamar

Early Birdwatching Tour with Jacamar

Early Birdwatching Tour with Jacamar

Horseback Riding Tour with Jacamar

Horseback Riding Tour with Jacamar

One Day Adventure Combo at Hacienda Guachipelin with Jacamar

One Day Adventure Combo at Hacienda Guachipelin with Jacamar

One Day Nature Combo at Hacienda Guachipelin with Jacamar

One Day Nature Combo at Hacienda Guachipelin with Jacamar

ATV Tour Adventure with Jacamar

ATV Tour Adventure with Jacamar

Palo Verde National Park Boat Tour with Jacamar

Palo Verde National Park Boat Tour with Jacamar

Safari Float Tour on Corobicí River with Jacamar

Safari Float Tour on Corobicí River with Jacamar

Surf Lesson at Tamarindo Beach with Jacamar

Surf Lesson at Tamarindo Beach with Jacamar

Pacific Green Turtle Nesting Tour at Night with Jacamar

Pacific Green Turtle Nesting Tour at Night with Jacamar

Rincon de la Vieja Waterfall Hike with Jacamar

Rincon de la Vieja Waterfall Hike with Jacamar

Rincón de la Vieja National Park Guided Hike & Liberia City Tour with Jacamar

Rincón de la Vieja National Park Guided Hike & Liberia City Tour with Jacamar

Santa Rosa National Park & Liberia City Tour with Jacamar

Santa Rosa National Park & Liberia City Tour with Jacamar

Tamarindo Mangrove & Estuary Tour on Kayaks with Jacamar

Tamarindo Mangrove & Estuary Tour on Kayaks with Jacamar

Tamarindo Mangrove & Estuary Tour by Boat with Jacamar

Tamarindo Mangrove & Estuary Tour by Boat with Jacamar

Waterfalls Summer Day with Jacamar

Waterfalls Summer Day with Jacamar

ATV Golden Coast Tour with Arenas Adventures

ATV Golden Coast Tour with Arenas Adventures

Diamante Eco Adventure Park

Diamante Eco Adventure Park

From: $75 - $100
Sportfishing Angelica IV 29′ Feet Boat

Sportfishing Angelica IV 29′ Feet Boat

From: Over $100
Rio Ora Kayak Tour

Rio Ora Kayak Tour

From: $75 - $100
ATV Tour Azul Ocean Club

ATV Tour Azul Ocean Club

Kayak Snorkeling in Tamarindo with Arenas Adventures

Kayak Snorkeling in Tamarindo with Arenas Adventures

Surf Lesson with Arenas Adventures

Surf Lesson with Arenas Adventures

Discovery Pass with Diamante Eco Adventure Park

Discovery Pass with Diamante Eco Adventure Park

Sportfishing Angelica IV 29′ Feet Sportfisher

Sportfishing Angelica IV 29′ Feet Sportfisher

Sportfishing Bernacle II 36′ Feet Ocean Boat

Sportfishing Bernacle II 36′ Feet Ocean Boat

Adventure Pass with Diamante Eco Adventure Park

Adventure Pass with Diamante Eco Adventure Park

Sportfishing BrindisiToo 50′ Feet Bertram Boat

Sportfishing BrindisiToo 50′ Feet Bertram Boat

Sportfishing Bushwacker 42′ Feet Bertram Boat

Sportfishing Bushwacker 42′ Feet Bertram Boat

Sportfishing Circle Hooker 29′ Feet Pursuit Boat

Sportfishing Circle Hooker 29′ Feet Pursuit Boat

ATV Tour with Diamante Eco Adventure Park

ATV Tour with Diamante Eco Adventure Park

Sportfishing Navigator 32′ Feet Gamefisherman Boat

Sportfishing Navigator 32′ Feet Gamefisherman Boat

Sunset Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise Tamarindo

Sunset Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise Tamarindo

From: $75 - $100
Sportfishing Scorpion 58′ Feet Bertram Boat

Sportfishing Scorpion 58′ Feet Bertram Boat

Sportfishing Wetass II 31′ Feet Boat

Sportfishing Wetass II 31′ Feet Boat

Horseback Riding with Diamante Eco Adventure Park

Horseback Riding with Diamante Eco Adventure Park

Sunset Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise with Panache Sailing

Sunset Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise with Panache Sailing

Sunset Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise in Papagayo with Marlin del Rey

Sunset Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise in Papagayo with Marlin del Rey

Sunset Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise in Tamarindo with Marlin del Rey

Sunset Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise in Tamarindo with Marlin del Rey

Zip Line & Tarzan Swing by Horseback Riding with Blue River Resort

Zip Line & Tarzan Swing by Horseback Riding with Blue River Resort

ATV Mountain Trip Tamarindo

ATV Mountain Trip Tamarindo

From: $75 - $100
Costa Rica Regions and Destinations Map

Southern Zone

Why Visit?

Costa Rica’s Southern Zone is where you’ll find the tallest mountains, pristine cloud forest areas, and a virtually unexplored paradise. Find a large variety of birds and just an endless array of biodiversity.  


Things to Do

Top Destinations

Central Valley

Why Visit?

Costa Rica’s Central Valley is home to the capital of San José and the Juan Santamaría International Airport. Steeped in History & Culture, many people use the capital as the jumping off point for their vacations.


Things to Do

Top Destinations

Northern Zone

Why Visit?

Costa Rica’s Northern Zone is home to the country’s most famous Volcano and Cloud Forest Areas.

You will be amazed at the wildlife and all the biodiversity.


Things to Do

Top Destinations

Osa Peninsula

Why Visit?

The Osa Peninsula is truly an unexplored paradise and a must see for nature lovers. If you are looking to get off the beaten path and explore – this is the spot for you.


Things to Do

Top Destinations

Guanacaste

Why Visit?

Guanacaste is home to Costa Rica’s most popular beach destinations and all-inclusive resorts. If you are looking for a beach vacation, this is your destination for sun, sand, and surf.


Things to Do

Top Destinations

Nicoya Peninsula

Why Visit?

The Nicoya Peninsula is still largely undeveloped and home to some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches. Known for it’s laid back surfer vibe and boutique beach resorts.


Things to Do

Top Destinations

Central Pacific

Why Visit?

Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast is home to some of the closest beaches from the capital of San José, which are easily accessible from the highway.


Things to Do

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Caribbean

Why Visit?

Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast is a rich cultural area offering a laid back tropical atmosphere. Experience what Tico Time truly is on this Afro-Caribbean influenced area.


Things to Do

Top Destinations

Nicaragua

Why Visit?

Nicaragua is a unique country full of culture and historical parts. You can see a lot of the old part of the colonial age including the cobblestone streets and old forts.


Top Destinations

Panama

Why Visit?

Panama is a totally different level of destination. It has so much to offer. You can experience history and modern architecture all in one in Panama City with skyscrapers and the old part of the city.


Top Destinations

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