Costa Rica is located between the Pacific Ocean and the shorelines of the Caribbean Beach. Costa Rica is almost 19,700 square miles of white sandy beaches, black volcanic sandy beaches, or tropical rainforests that surround rugged beach coves. Costa Rica offers a variety of beaches to satisfy the desires of every tourist.
Costa Rica is a favorite destination for tourists. Not only does Costa Rica offer beaches and rainforests, but there is also the opportunity to witness wildlife in its natural habitat. The many rainforests offer the chance to see monkeys and other fauna and flora, and the beaches and reefs offer the chance to see tropical fish as well as dolphins. The area is teeming with activity!
Climate In Southern Costa Rica
The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season. This season is from mid-December to April. Visiting during the dry season is more expensive, but it is worth it. There is plenty of sunshine which is ideal for relaxing on the many beaches or exploring the many rainforests. Of course, any time is nice to visit Costa Rica. During the summer months, even though there may be rain, it’s less expensive to go visit this beautiful area and all it has to offer. The reduced rates at this time lend themselves to a budget-friendly vacation.
During the dry season, the migrant birds from the north are flocking south and joining the tropical birds. This is also the time of year when tourists can experience humpback whales having their young and sea turtles enjoying the sun by relaxing on the shore.
Beaches In Southern Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to some of the best beaches in the world. The beaches are popular for surfing with the light sand and warm tropical water. There are beaches for both beginners and experienced surfers, but not all beaches are suitable for all levels so it’s important to research to determine which is best suited.
The beaches are not only for surfing. Some of the beaches are the perfect spots for yoga as well as soaking up the sun or swimming. Whatever activity tourists are looking to do, the beach that fits best can be found in Costa Rica.
Cahuita
Cahuita offers a black sandy beach at Playa Negra. Cahuita is a popular destination for tourists seeking a laid-back adventure where motorized vehicles are not needed. Tourists use bikes to visit restaurants that offer cuisine with strong Caribbean flavors which are spicy-sweet and infused with coconut flavors.
The Cahuita National Park is a favorite stop among tourists. Tourists have so many options of things to do whether it’s a guided tour, snorkel, white water rafting, or horseback riding. There are 123 species of fish and at least 35 species of coral that can be seen when snorkeling or scuba diving. It’s easy to see why the Cahuita National Park is a favorite among tourists as well as locals.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is in southeastern Costa Rica. The small downtown, where many of the area restaurants, bars, and shops are concentrated, is conveniently located next to the beach. Playa Cocles is a popular beach to the south for surfing. Another popular beach for surfers is Puerto Viejo with the huge swells that surfers seek. It may not be a good beach for swimming because of the rip currents but it is a good beach to relax at. A popular beach for tourists is Playa Punta Uva with its inviting sand and aquamarine water.
A favorite among tourists is a chocolate tour. The tour leads people through a cacao forest while explaining how chocolate is made from beans to chocolate bars using local cacao. During the tour, samples provide a mouth-watering experience of different flavors.
Playa Cocles
Playa Cocles is a place for tourists to visit for a peaceful time away from the crowds. The beach is lined with palm trees and because of the surfing conditions, there are plenty of surfers to watch. The beach town doesn’t offer much for places to stay but there are restaurants that serve amazing traditional food. Bikes are traditionally used to get around Playa Cocles which tourists can rent from their hotel. Visiting Playa Cocles gives a small-town experience where you can enjoy a relaxing time on the beach and a quieter atmosphere.
Manzanillo
Manzanillo has great weather all year long and is one of the most scenic beaches to visit. This beach is known for its amazing cuisine, especially the seafood. The markets and restaurants are a significant draw in Manzanillo. Tourists enjoy going on dolphin tours in hope of seeing one of the three species in the area or enjoying a hike to Monkey Point to watch several of the species in the area. Where the lush forests and the beach meet offer plenty of places for tourists to set up an area to relax and enjoy the quiet, private beach areas.
Where To Stay
Costa Rica offers a variety of places to stay. Whether tourists want to stay in a tent, a lodge, or adults all-inclusive, there are plenty of options. Wherever tourists decide to stay, the scenery is amazing to view. It comes down to what experience tourists are looking to enjoy.
- Rafiki Safari Tent Camp: Stay in a safari tent in 750 acres of the jungle - starts at $168/night
- La Cusinga Lodge: Rainforest Eco Lodge where a trip through the rainforest leads to the beach - starts at $220/night
- Hotel Three Sixty: An Adult only hotel with amazing views of the beaches, rainforest, and islands - starts at $448/night
- Hotel Luz de la Luna: Includes breakfast and budget-friendly - starts at $60/night
Costa Rica has so much to offer for those people looking for a sunny vacation. Whether people want to spend time in the water, relaxing on the beach, or hiking through the rainforests, Costa Rica fits those needs. Why wait another minute to plan a trip to somewhere that offers everything a person could want on vacation? The beaches of Costa Rica await!