Costa Rica may only be a small country, but with some 300 beaches, it punches well above its weight for sea and surf. There’s a huge variety of beach environments and activities to choose from, so whether you want a hidden cove to yourself, or a surfer’s paradise with a lively nightlife, Journeysmiths has plenty of recommendations for you.
The entirety of Cocos Island, situated 550 km offshore, is a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a wetland of international importance, and the incredibly rich marine life justifies its claim to be one of the 10 best scuba diving destinations in the world. When Jacques Cousteau visited, he described it as “the most beautiful island in the world”.
You don’t have to travel this far afield for sun kissed sands, however, as many of Costa Rica’s beaches are easily combined with rainforest adventures on the mainland. Playa Hermosa is an idyllic spot for swimming, and you can’t beat Santa Teresa for surfing or the Cahuita National Park for snorkeling. And when it comes to remote beaches for romantic walks hand in hand along the shore, it doesn’t get any better than Caba Matapalo.
