Travel + Leisure, an international tourism magazine based in New York, USA, listed the best Costa Rican beaches for surfing, snorkeling and wildlife spotting.

With 763 miles of oceanfront real estate on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, Costa Rica is a dream world for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing, according to the report.

According to Travel + Leisure, nine of the best beaches in Costa Rica are: Santa Teresa, Hermosa, Garza, Ostional, Guiones, and Conchal in Guanacaste. While on the Pacific Coast it is recommended to visit Manuel Antonio and Biesanz. On the Caribbean Coast, the article highlights Tortuguero Beach.

The crown jewel of the small, laid-back town of Santa Teresa Beach on the Nicoya Peninsula, is an off-the-beaten-path gem that’s favored by surfers and vacationers alike. During the day, it offers great waves, and in the early evening, locals and visitors gather on the sand to watch the sunset over the water. It’s also edged by a handful of chill beach hotels and restaurants, the article reads.

“Situated on the Gold Coast in the north of Guanacaste, Playa Conchal is one of the most versatile and photogenic beaches in Costa Rica," said Carly Patane Moss, travel expert at Black Tomato. "The golden sand mixes with tiny shells that seem to glisten alongside the turquoise tides.”

It’s a great spot for swimming, snorkeling with tropical fish and stingrays, and seaside picnics.

According to the article, Hermosa Beach is a standout among a sea of gorgeous coastal spots in the Gulf of Papagayo, part of the Guanacaste province. "It shows off dark sand and clear, blue water. A Blue Flag-awarded destination, it’s particularly well-suited for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Plus, the early morning sunrises and sunsets really wow," they said. 

Experts described Garza Beach as a crescent-shaped stretch of soft sand south of the popular yoga and surf town of Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula. “Whether it’s spending the day admiring the local atmosphere, splashing in the crystalline waters, or watching local fisherman in the bay, you really can’t go wrong,” Moss said.

"It’s also worth noting that all beaches are public, so travelers truly have an endless array of options," the magazine states in its article. "Yes, it’s a bit more complicated to access the sandy crescents that are backed by hotels and fronted by the ocean, but with so many incredible spots to spread out a towel and take a dip, that doesn’t matter much."

 

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