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Costa Rica most visited beaches
Costa Rica is a country hidden between the coasts of the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, whose distance between both coasts is only 5 hours of travel by car.
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With such an extensive coastline, Costa Rica's beaches are diverse, with unique and varied personalities. All beach lovers will find something fascinating: a beautiful paradise of white sand lined with palm trees, volcanic black sand or naturally rugged beach coves surrounded by tropical rainforest. From mega beach resorts to pristine shores, there is an ideal beach setting for everyone. But with so many options, how is it possible for you to choose? Our experts can help you decide.
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Manuel Antonio is located in the Pacific Coast, know as one of three stunning beaches on this idyllic coastline. The main public beach is Espadilla, it has decent waves for surfing at its northern end and smaller waves ideal for swimming and body surfing to the south. Playa Biesanz, an ideal spot for snorkeling at certain times of the year, is the northernmost beach, while the heavenly Manuel Antonio Beach lies within the national park.
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Three main trails wind their way through Manuel Antonio National Park, offering unique opportunities for bird watching and viewing the rainforest wildlife. Although none of these trails are strenuous or menacing, a guide is recommended for those who seek detailed knowledge about the rainforest and the creatures that live there. No more than 600 visitors are allowed inside the park per day, so if you visit during peak season starting in December, make sure to arrive early in the morning.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is located in southeastern, close to the Panama border. The small downtown, where many of the area restaurants, bars, and shops are concentrated, is conveniently located next to the beach. The road out of town paralleling the coast leads to several smaller communities like Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, Playa Punta Uva, and Manzanillo. These towns each have their own restaurants, beaches, and other amenities.
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The biggest draw in Puerto Viejo is its beautiful beaches. Along the road that runs to Manzanillo are smaller dirt roads that lead to secluded beaches, each with their own distinct feel. Playa Cocles to the south is a surfing beach that, while not the best for swimming due to rip currents, is a great place to relax on the sand and people watch. Playa Punta Uva is by far our favorite. Its clean ivory sand, aquamarine water, and tall palms make this cove the perfect place to waste away the day.
Tortuguero is one of the wildest and most remote destinations in Costa Rica. The town is located along the Caribbean coast north of the city of Limon in the Limon province. This area is best known for being a primary nesting spot for the Green Sea Turtle between mid-July and mid-October. Though many visitors come for the turtles, the area is home many species of wildlife such as jaguars, manatees, monkeys, sloths and many crocodiles. The main attraction is the turtles. Green Sea Turtles , leatherback and Hawksbill turtles nest on the beaches here.
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​To access Tortuguero you either have to go by boat or plane as there are no roads due to the canals and mangroves. This adds to the overall experience as visitors are able to observe wildlife in their true, undisturbed environment. Once in the area, most Tortuguero lodges are located along the canals and require boat access.
Uvita is one of the fastest growing towns in the Southern Puntarenas province. It is the primary entrance to the incredibly beautiful Marino Ballena National Park which protects both coast line and sea. The park is most well-known for the Humpback Whales that migrate here annually to rear their young. Visitors are becoming more and more aware of the beautiful beaches in the area creating a year round flow of tourists versus just during whale season.
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The back drop for the area is just as spectacular with towering lush green mountains shrouded in clouds that quickly descend to sea level. Marino Ballena National Park was created to protect the dolphins and whales, which can be observed most of the year, with the exception of May and June. In town, there are small shops, grocery stores, banks and pharmacies. Though not a popular destination for nightlife, there are several bar and restaurant options.
Tamarindo is one of the most beautiful and modern beach destinations in Costa Rica. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that all can enjoy. The weather is almost always ideal, so one can enjoy the blue waters and white sand beaches nearly year round. The pueblo is focused on accommodating tourists with plenty of restaurants, shops and night life to go with the beautiful beaches.
During the past 10 years, Tamarindo has become very well known as a favorite surfing spot and beach party townDuring the past 10 years, Tamarindo has become very well known as a favorite surfing spot and beach party town. During the day, the beach is full of people enjoying the sun, swimming, and of course surfing. At night, the town comes alive with a number of different local surf bars with a laid-back atmosphere and energetic night clubs. But Tamarindo is not only an awesome beach destination for swimming, surfing and all around fun, but it is also surrounded by national park, estuary and wildlife reserve.
With a skyline that is rapidly approaching Miami Beach levels, Jaco is a mini-city where fast food restaurants, high-rise condos, casinos and bars are continuously sprouting up. Its consistent breaks have always been a magnet for surfers from around the world, and its nightlife knows no bounds. There are scores of surf schools and board rentals to choose from in town and right on the beach. Because there is no shortage of restaurants in town, it’s a good idea to branch out and try something new every day.
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If surfing is not your thing, scores of tours and activities can be arranged in Jaco, including ATV tours, horseback riding, kayaking and sport fishing. The more adrenaline hungry might enjoy a scenic paragliding adventure over land and water, canopy ziplining, scuba diving at nearby dive sites or bungee jumping