Costa Rica » Pacific Beaches Guide

There are many beautiful beaches spanning Costa Rica’s Pacific coast with some quite spectacular hotels.

Rather than concentrate on the larger resorts of Jaco and Tamarindo, the following are some of our favourite beach destinations, which still retain their character and are not too touristy.

The laid-back villages of Nosara and Samara on the Pacific coast provide a welcome antidote to the busier resorts further north.

Once nothing more than small fishing hamlets, both have grown to include a good selection of hotels, beachfront cafes and restaurants, but still retain a peaceful, local atmosphere.

The beaches here are some of the best in the country and are fringed by tropical forest or mangroves. Surfing, horse riding along the beach, nature walks and mountain biking are all on offer if you want to be active.

As there is little development down here it’s best to have your own hire car to give you the freedom to explore should the mood take you.