Surfing, Snorkeling, and Wildlife Viewing at Costa Rica's Top 9 Beaches

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. A small number of laid-back beach restaurants and hotels border it as well.

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." Swimming, snorkeling with tropical fish and stingrays, and seaside picnics are all great activities here, so it's not just 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. Sunsets and sunrises in the early morning are breathtaking as well.

In search of authentic "pura vida"? 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. Patane Moss adds, "You really can't go wrong" whether you spend the day savoring the local environment, splashing in the beautiful waters, or watching local fisherman in the bay.

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

Playa Manuel Antonio, a stunning beach, is just a short stroll from the park's entrance. 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.

It may not be simple to reach Manuel Antonio's Playa Biesanz, since it is tucked away at the end of a trail that begins near Parador Resort & Spa and winds its way through the jungle. The reward, a peaceful "secret" beach with early light and afternoon shade, is all the more satisfying for the exertion and agility needed to traverse the hilly, verdant, and pebbly terrain.

It may not be simple to reach Manuel Antonio's Playa Biesanz, since it is tucked away at the end of a trail that begins near Parador Resort & Spa and winds its way through the jungle. The reward, a peaceful "secret" beach with early light and afternoon shade, is all the more satisfying for the exertion and agility needed to traverse the hilly, verdant, and pebbly terrain.

You could have guessed from the name that Playa Tortuguero is a great place to see turtles. 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.

Playa Guiones is a four-mile paradise in the Nosara region that offers excellent surfing conditions on long expanses of powdery white sand. Still another good thing? It's usually quite empty. Because of this, the natural beauty may shine through without being overrun by tourists. Potential sightings? People doing yoga, running, and surfing along the water.