10 Best Beaches in Costa Rica-Southern Zone VistaDelFuegoCostaRica.com
Costa Rica, the new beach destination for travelers, has just recently become easily accessible with the new highway (2010) and an increased number of flights to San Jose, Costa Rica. The task of finding the beach that is best for your purpose may be daunting if you are not familiar with the area. After exploring each beach and asking many locals, I have narrowed the number to my favorite 10.
#1 Dominical Beach--Best for surfing and boogie boarding. As you make the turn to Dominical, you will be instantly entranced with the laid back atmosphere. The new culture of "hip" surfers relax in Cafe Mono Congo after waking early to catch the best and most consistent waves, friendly vendors sell unique souvenirs and beach clothes, seasoned surfers recommend board rentals and lessons. You may choose to eat at one of the many outstanding eateries or bring an ice chest with your favorite snacks, sandwiches and drinks. After a few hours in the sun, indulge in a massage while listening to the roar of the surf.
Directions: From Vista del Fuego (VistaDelFuegoCostaRica.com), drive down the mountain to highway 34, turn left (south) and drive 10.6 miles (17 km). Make a right turn and travel through town to the beach.
#2 Playa Uvita--Otherwise known as "Whale's Tale", this beach is pristine and the favorite for tourists as it is a prime whale watching destination. Costa Rica has the enviable distinction of more months with humpbacks in residence than anywhere else in the world! The temperate waters and the protected coastline are the perfect humpback breeding ground and to rear young. Read more...(costa-rica-guide.com/nature/wildlife/whale-watching/)
In Bahia Uvita, boats launch right from the beaches of Marino Ballena National Park (the National Whale Marine Park). Whale watching tours out of Uvita are done on smaller boats, holding about 15-25 passengers, and cost around $80-100. The focus of these tours is on whales, but you’re likely to spot dolphins, sea turtles, rays, and other marine life while out on the water as well. These tours also typically include some time for snorkeling.
Directions: From Vista del Fuego (VistaDelFuegoCostaRica.com), drive down the mountain to highway 34, turn left and drive south 25 miles (40 km). The beach is one mile down the road.
#3 Playa Biesanz--Hands down our favorite for relaxing, snorkeling opportunities and the luxury of having drinks and food brought to you as you enjoy the beautiful white beaches and mountains in the background. This is a must-see beach for our guests at VistaDelFuegoCostaRica.com. Use WAZE to find this beach in the Manuel Antonio area.
#4 Playa Ventanas--This gorgeous expansive beach, surrounded by graceful mountains, gets its name for its caves. At low tide, walk through the caves and watch the waves as they break inside the caves. During high tide the powerful waves spray from the mouth of the cave. Cost for entrance is $3 per carload.
Directions: From Vista del Fuego (VistaDelFuegoCostaRica.com), drive down the mountain to highway 34, turn left and drive south 32.1 miles (51.65 km) and turn right.
#5 Manuel Antonio/Playa Espadilla Sur--
Directions: From Vista del Fuego (VistaDelFuegoCostaRica.com), drive down the mountain to highway 34, turn right and use WAZE to find directions.
#6 Playa Piñuela--Locals turned us onto this beach for snorkeling and seclusion. Light grey sands meet the calming waters at Playa Pinuela. This small cove has moderate surf, but is more appropriate for swimming and snorkeling. With Isla Ballena in sight, beachgoers can settle into a relaxing day beside a backdrop of lush green forests on this well-maintained beach. In the distance, it is also possible to see Three Sisters rocks, or Las Rocas Tres Hermanas. Depending on the time of travel, distant sounds and sights of whales breaking may be the norm.
Directions: From Vista del Fuego (VistaDelFuegoCostaRica.com), drive down the mountain to highway 34, turn left and drive 31 miles (50 km) turn right.
#7 Playa Dominicalito--This sister beach to Playa Dominical, 2.2 miles south, is the favorite for those just learning to surf. The waves are consistent but not as strong as Dominical. Bring your food and drinks as this beach has no food vendors but you may buy fresh shellfish directly from the fishermen as they bring their catches to shore.
Directions: From Vista del Fuego (VistaDelFuegoCostaRica.com), drive down the mountain to highway 34, turn left and drive 12.9 miles (20.76 km) turn right.
#8 Playa Matapalo/Linda--THIS IS A SECRET! Best for walking, skim boarding, and boogie boarding. Untouched, walkable and private are the best descriptors for this exquisite beach. Only 3 miles down the road from vistadelfuegocostarica.com, visitors to this beach can often see groups of white-faced capuchin monkeys climbing through the vegetation. Two-toed and three-toed sloths can also be spotted moving slowly through the trees.
Directions: From Vista del Fuego (VistaDelFuegoCostaRica.com), drive down the mountain to highway 34, turn left and drive 3.4 miles (5.5 km). You will see two cell towers at your right turn.
#9 Playa Hermosa (Osa)--The stretch of coastline between Dominical and Ojochal holds some of the most beautiful beaches in the country and none is more impressive than Playa Hermosa with its almond and palm tree lined shores, golden sand, consistent waves, and gorgeous sunsets. The waves are usually about a foot smaller than Dominical and less powerful, but the wind is usually more gentle making for cleaner surf. Hermosa can hold waves up to about 8 feet before closing out. Look inland while you are in the water and all you will see is a jungle covered mountains.
Directions: From Vista del Fuego (VistaDelFuegoCostaRica.com), drive down the mountain to highway 34, turn left and drive south 18.2 miles (29.3 km) turn right.
#10 Playa Tortuga--Playa Tortuga, which means "Turtle Beach" in Spanish, is located a short way away from Ojochal, an idyllic town that has remained largely untouched by the influences of tourism. In this small hamlet, travelers can enjoy an authentic reflection of the experience of everyday life in Costa Rica, as the villagers will happily welcome guests with open arms. Ojochal is also a great place to grab a bite to eat, as it is home to a wide array of restaurants serving different kinds of international cuisines.
Directions: From Vista del Fuego (VistaDelFuegoCostaRica.com), drive down the mountain to highway 34, turn left and drive 33.8 miles (54.4 km) turn right.
