Costa Rica's Top 9 Beaches for Surfing, Snorkeling, and Seeing Wildlife

Santa Teresa is a small, laid-back town on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. Playa Santa Teresa is its crown jewel and a hidden gem that surfers and holidaymakers love. Great waves are available during the day, and in the early evening, people from all over come to the beach to watch the sun go down over the lake. Along its periphery are a few laid-back beach cafés and hotels.

Playa Conchal, located on the Gold Coast in northern Guanacaste, is among the most gorgeous and adaptable beaches in Costa Rica, according to Black Tomato travel specialist Carly Patane Moss. "The golden sand mixes with tiny shells that seem to glisten alongside the turquoise tides." This beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling with tropical fish and stingrays, and having picnics by the water, so it's not only for surfers.

Playa Hermosa, meaning "beautiful beach" in Spanish, is a stunning coastal site in the Gulf of Papagayo, Guanacaste province, Nicaragua. It stands out among many other stunning coastal spots with its black sand and pure blue ocean. It is an ideal location for water sports including swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, and it has been given the Blue Flag. Also, the sunsets and sunrises in the mornings are very breathtaking.

Looking for the authentic joie de vivre? Located on the Nicoya Peninsula, Playa Garza is a crescent-shaped length of powdery beach that is south of Nosara, a popular destination for surfers and yoga practitioners. A day spent taking in the local culture, swimming in the clear waters, or seeing the bay's fisherman is sure to be a memorable one, according to Patane Moss.

There are beaches that are perfect for surfing and swimming, and then there are beaches that are incredible environments full of natural beauty. The Nicoya Peninsula's Playa del Ostional is an example of the latter. It is well-known as a nesting site for the olive ridley sea turtle, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. The sight of hundreds of verdant hatchlings making their way to the sea is truly remarkable. Surfers travel great distances to ride the swells.

The beauty of Playa Manuel Antonio is just a short stroll away from the park's entrance in Manuel Antonio National Park. Patane Moss says that tourists should be on the lookout for monkeys and cute sloths. "When coming up to the Pacific Ocean, you’ll be greeted by unparalleled views of ivory sand, palm trees, and endless natural beauty," according to her.

The Manuel Antonio beach of Playa Biesanz isn't exactly easy to get to; it's tucked away at the end of a jungle track that begins close to Parador Resort & Spa. A peaceful "secret" beach where you may enjoy the sun in the morning and shade for afternoon naps is the reward for the work and agility needed to traverse the hilly, verdant, and pebbly terrain.

Playa Tortuguero is a paradise for turtle watchers, as the name suggests. Flop on the golden sand and cool yourself in the pristine waves while you watch the gorgeous creatures lay eggs and run around – an experience that Patane Moss compares to stumbling into a David Attenborough video.

In the Nosara region, you'll find Playa Guiones, a four-mile paradise with sugar-fine sand and perfect waves for surfing. Still another selling feature? It's usually quite empty. Without hordes of tourists crowding the shore, the natural beauty can truly shine. Potential sightings? Oceanside yogis, runners, and surfers doing downward dog.