Wondering what the best beach in Costa Rica is? Well, at Not in the Guidebooks, we have some strong opinions on beaches and, more specifically, which beach is the best.
As Not in the Guidebooks tourists, we prefer adventure and excitement to lounging around and getting a tan (though, if you find us on the beach with a book, don’t hold us to it). So, when it comes to the best beaches in Costa Rica, we’re looking for fun activities and, ideally, a bit of adventure, as you probably can tell from our most recent fam trip. But, also if you’re looking for a bit of your time or some wellness, these beaches also have a lot to offer. Costa Rica means ‘rich coast’, so if you can get to at least one beach on your trip there – make it one of these:
1. Marino Ballena National Park
If you’re looking for adventure and a truly unique beach, then the Marino Ballena National Park beach is the one for you. Often overlooked by tourists, this park offers some unique opportunities like whale watching, snorkelling, and surfing. What makes this beach truly special is its shape; you’ll be watching whales from a beach shaped like a whale’s tail!
2. Rio Perdido
While not technically a beach, this beautiful body of water is definitely worth a visit! Rio Perdido means ‘lost river’ and it earned that name from being hidden by the surrounding dwarf forests. The river is connected to dozens of geothermal pools heated by the nearby Miravalles Volcano. If you’re looking to go rafting, sit under a waterfall, or maybe even zipline across a forest, this is the place for you.
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3. Gulf of Nicoya
The good news is, this stunning beach offers some truly once-in-a-lifetime views as well as exhilarating activities. The bad news is, in some spots the rip tide is so strong it makes swimming quite unsafe. But why swim when you can ride a horse along the beach, take a boat out to see the islands, or just enjoy the peace and quiet of a beautiful beach? What really makes this beach special is that on some nights when the sun is setting and the plankton bloom, you can see the most beautiful bioluminescence fill the sea – a true wonder of the world.
4. Manuel Antonio Beach
We can’t forget Manuel Antonio Beach. Located within Manuel Antonio National Park, this beach offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. With its pristine white sand and turquoise waters, it’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. But what sets it apart is the surrounding wildlife-rich rainforest, so get back to nature. You can spot monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds right from your beach towel! For the more adventurous, there are hiking trails, kayaking opportunities, and snorkelling spots teeming with marine life. It’s the ideal place for those who want to experience Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity alongside its stunning coastline.
5. Playa Junquillal
To round out this list, we have Playa Junquillal – a proper beach in every sense, except that it’s much less crowded than other beaches along the Costa Rican coast. This beach has the same crystal-clear waters and sandy shores that are perfect for lounging – the kind of beach a Not in the Guidebooks tourist would love.
22/08/2022 
