| Unlike many resort areas in Mexico and Latin America,
Costa Rica's beautiful tropical beaches and 767 miles of coastline
stretching along two oceans are virtually unspoiled. Water
temperatures are very warm so you can stay in the water all
day.
There are many white-and dark-sand beaches and numerous resorts
along the west coast.
In the northern Guanacaste area, the best beaches include:
Playa Naranjo, Playa Panama, Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco
(a favorite gringo hangout), Ocotal, Bahía Pez Vela,
Playa Potrero, Playa Flamingo, Playa Brasilito, Conchal, Playa
Grande, Playa Tamarindo, Playa Avellanas and Playa Junquillal.
As we move south, the following beaches are scattered along
the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula: Playa Azul, Playa Nosara,
Playa Sámara, Playa Carrillo, Playa Coyote. Playa Montezuma,
on the southeastern tip of Nicoya, is a nice beach.
Moving even farther south, along the central
Pacific and southern
Pacific coast are Puntarenas (Costa Rica's main port),
Boca Barranca (good surfing beach), Mata Limón, Playa
Tivives, Playa Tárcoles, Playa Escondida, Playa Herradura,
Playa Jacó, Playa Hermosa, Esterillos, Quepos, Manuel
Antonio (considered by many to be the most beautiful beach
in Costa Rica), Playa Dominical and the beaches around the
towns of Uvita and Ojochal.
On the Atlantic side, some beautiful beaches are: Playa Bonita
(Portete), Punta Cahuita (beautiful beach), Puerto Viejo,
Punta Uva and Playa Manzanillo.
Beach safety is very important in Costa Rica. Inexperienced
swimmers should only wade in the water. You should also be
careful around surfers. Never swim alone. Be aware of rip-tides.
If caught in a rip tide, don't panic! Swim parallel to the
shore until you are clear of the current. If you cannot break
free, let the current take you beyond the breakers. Then swim
diagonally toward the shore. Never try to swim against the
current.
Do not leave your belongings unattended. If you need to leave
your things, ask someone you know to watch them until you
return.
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