The Top 9 Costa Rican Beaches for Surfing, Snorkeling, and Seeing Wildlife

Playa Santa Teresa is a hidden treasure that surfers and tourists love, and it is the jewel in the crown of the small, relaxed town of Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. 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 travel specialist Carly Patane Moss. "The golden sand mixes with tiny shells that seem to glisten alongside the turquoise tides." Great for swimming, snorkeling with tropical fish and stingrays, and beachside picnics—perfect for individuals who aren't completely crazy with surfing.

With its dark sand and pure, blue water, Playa Hermosa (meaning "beautiful beach" in Spanish) stands out among a sea of stunning coastal places in the Gulf of Papagayo, a part of the Guanacaste region. 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. 

Aiming for the genuine "pura vida" experience? 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. According to Patane Moss, "you really can't go wrong" whether you spend the day taking in the local culture, refreshing yourself in the crystal clear waters, or observing the local fishermen at work 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 Nicoya Peninsula's Playa del Ostional is an example of the second type. The olive ridley sea turtle nests here, making it a wildlife lover's dream come true. Thousands of green baby turtles making their way to the ocean is an amazing sight to behold. Surfers travel great distances to ride the swells.

You can reach the breathtaking Playa Manuel Antonio just a short stroll from the park's gate. Wildlife, including cute sloths and inquisitive monkeys, can be seen wherever, according to Patane Moss. "When coming up to the Pacific Ocean, you’ll be greeted by unparalleled views of ivory sand, palm trees, and endless natural beauty," she points out.  

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. 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.

In the Nosara region, you'll find Playa Guiones, a four-mile paradise with sugar-fine sand and perfect waves for surfing. But there's more! It's usually quite empty. Because of this, the natural beauty may shine through without being overrun by tourists. Potential sightings? At the beach, you can see surfers, runners, and yogis doing downward dog.