Costarica
Beaches
have warm waters year-round, an unparalleled tourism infrastructure,
and limitless attractions spanning two coasts are the reasons
Costa Rica beache's rank among the best in the world. And
nearly two thirds of Costa Rica borders are coastline.
Nicoya
Peninsula
Okay, obviously Nicoya isn't a single beach. But Costa Rica's
largest peninsula is ringed by so many blissful strips of
sand, it deserves a top ten list of its own. Besides livelier
beach cities like Montezuma, Tamarindo, and Mal Pais, Nicoya
boasts many Pacific beaches that are far more remote and
relaxing: Playas Hermosa, Samara, Flamingo, Conchal (pictured
at right), and Playa Grande.
Manuel Antonio
View Full-SizeManuel
Antonio is not only one of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches,
but one of the most beautiful in the entire world. Imagine:
perfect horseshoe bays bordered by soft white sands, dazzling
blue-green waters, and hilltops piled with jungle and streaming
waterfalls. Dive, snorkel, surf, kayak, hike, or zipline
but don't forget to relax and enjoy the unforgettable views.
Montezuma
Located on the inner base of the Nicoya peninsula, Montezuma
is a gathering place for Costa Rica's most idiosyncratic
locals and travelers. Dreadlocked Rastafarians, tattooed
bohemians, sun-kissed surfers, and other examples of exceptional
beauty are the norm at this picturesque little beach, which
also boasts tide pools, forested waterfalls, and wildlife
(Capuchin monkeys! Crocodiles!) viewing.
Tortuguero
At the helm of Costa Rica's Caribbean side, Tortuguero is
a eco-tourist's fantasy. Travelers can experience any number
of exotic attractions: tours down jungle canals in dugout
canoes, scenic hiking trails, guided safaris. Sixteen of
Costa Rica's endangered animal species live in the Tortuguero
National Park, like tapirs, ocelots, manatees, and green
sea turtles, after which the region is named. To top it
all off, Tortugero's beaches are perfect for sunbathing.
Playa Tamarindo
While Playa Tamarindo offers world-class shopping, dining,
and coastal amusements, budget travelers might find themselves
priced out (when I traveled there in college, I grocery
shopped and cooked in a communal kitchen). But Tamarindo's
natural perks make the splurge worth it on the beautiful
beaches adjacent to Tamarindo, giant leatherback turtles
(and others) annually clamber ashore to lay their eggs.
Corcovado
Corcovado is the jewel of Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. Its
beaches are windswept beauties, with dark sands shaded by
towering palms, while the mountainous inland jungles of
Corcovado National Park are home to some of the country's
most distinctive wildlife. No trip to Corcovado is complete
without a boat excursion to the nearby Isla del Caño,
which offers fantastic diving as well as the opportunity
to examine the island's ancient stone spheres.
Mal Pais
Surf culture is the principle philosophy in Mal Pais and
its coastal neighbor, Santa Teresa. If you're not a wave-worshiper,
book a boat tour and watch dolphins, manta rays, and other
creatures thriving in the area's protected waters. Travelers
can also hike to the Montezuma waterfalls and take a flying
leap, or conquer the 4-hour trek through the Cabo Blanco
Nature Reserve to its pristine, white sand beach. However,
Mal Pais's own beaches are even better for stringing up
a hammock and swaying in the sun.
South of Limon
South of the port city of Limon (towards the Panama border),
a number of stunning beaches are the personification of
the low-key Caribbean lifestyle. The Cahuita National Park
is an excellent place to camp if you don't mind waking to
the sound of monkey chatter! Travel farther down the coast
and enjoy dramatic sunrises at Puerto Viejo. Or head straight
to Manzanillo, a protected area with tropical rainforest,
palm swamps, coral reefs, and of course, idyllic Caribbean
beaches.
Jaco
Right in the center of Costa Rica's Pacific coasts lies
Jaco Beach, a surfer's mecca with no shortage of attractions
for travelers. Jaco is in such close proximity to San Jose
(2 hours by car), it flourishes with nightlife, international
dining options, and even casinos. But because of the budget
surf crowd, accommodations and amenities span the entire
price spectrum at Jaco, no one is left out.
Tambor
Northeast of Montezuma, Tambor's crescent-shaped bay (called
Bahia Ballena) was once frequented by whales. Now, it's
frequented by travelers enough to keep the gentle giants
out at sea, but not enough to drive them away completely.
The bay's mild waters make it one of Costa Rica's best beaches
for swimming and snorkeling. Tambor's inland areas are fun
to explore on horseback, while its pinkish-gray beaches
are perfect for a barefoot stroll. Boats also launch from
Tambor to the Tortuga Island, home to immaculate beaches
and unparalleled Scuba diving.
|
