Exploring the Beautiful Coast of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is strategically situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, making it home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world! The country’s dual coastline impacts its climate, biodiversity, and the economy. While the Caribbean coast has a unique ecosystem and a thriving cultural scene, the Costa Rica Pacific Coast is known for its surf beaches and coastal tourism. Keep reading if you want to learn more about the best beaches on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica!

Top Reasons to Visit the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica

The coast of Costa Rica is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. However, sun-seekers will tell you that you can find the best beaches on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. One of the main reasons why is that the Pacific Coast has a much longer coastline than the Caribbean side, which offers a greater variety of beautiful beaches for both tourists and locals to enjoy.

The Costa Rica Pacific Coast is more popular to visit than the Caribbean side for surfing enthusiasts because it has calmer waves for surfing and boating. It’s also home to the famous Manuel Antonio National Park, which has many outdoor activities for adventure seekers to enjoy. Two of the top reasons travelers prefer the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica are simple: most beaches on the Pacific Coast are close to the region’s international airport and there are more beach towns, hotels, activities, national parks, snorkeling spots, and surfing spots on the Pacific Coastline!

Six Main Regions of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast

Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is divided into six sections: North Guanacaste, South Guanacaste, the Nicoya Peninsula, Central Pacific, South Pacific, and the Osa Peninsula. Each section offers visitors a slightly different experience from the other, so it is worth visiting them all during your trip to Costa Rica!

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Pacific Coast?

The Costa Rica Pacific Coast follows the typical rainy and dry tropical season of many equatorial countries. The rainy season runs from the end of April to the beginning of December and the dry season runs from the beginning of May to the end of November. The rainiest months are usually September and October, which would not be a good time to visit if you’re interested in outdoor activities. However, the hottest months on the Pacific Coast are March and April. If you want to explore the best beaches on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, visiting during March and April might be your best bet.

Get Outside: Ecotourism Adventures in Costa Rica

You can find the country’s best beaches on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, but outdoor adventure seekers can also enjoy activities (and adventures) suited to all skill and comfort levels. If you plan your trip with a tour company like Gondwana Ecotours, they can help you find activities that follow the principles of ecotourism to build environmental and cultural awareness and respect. Keep reading for a short list of fun activities you’ll find on the Costa Rica Pacific Coast.

• Zip-lining: Zip-lining is a bucket-list item for tourists in Costa Rica! Imagine flying through the forest canopy at more than 60 miles per hour, with breathtaking coastal views beneath you. If you’re looking for an activity to get your heart racing, zip-lining is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Costa Rica.
• Visit an animal sanctuary: Costa Rica is home to so many species of exotic animals that roam freely throughout the tropical forests on the coast of Costa Rica. Try booking a guided tour so that your guide can help you spot animals that are endemic to the region you’re visiting. Or, if you want to see Costa Rica’s animals in one place, visit an animal sanctuary for rescued animals. One of the most popular animal sanctuaries on the Pacific Coast is located at Diamante Eco Adventure Park. If you visit the park, you can see sloths, capuchin monkeys, marmosets, spider monkeys, jaguars, toucans, crocodiles, birds, iguanas, snakes, frogs, butterflies, and more.
• Chase a waterfall: There are so many beautiful waterfalls throughout the country of Costa Rica. While some require strenuous hiking to reach, others are just a few minutes down an accessible path – suitable for all fitness levels. One of the most popular (and easiest to reach) waterfalls on the Costa Rica Pacific Coast is Llanos de Cortez waterfall, which is only a 30-minute drive from the airport, right off the interstate!
• Aim for the clouds (literally): Costa Rica is famous for its cloud forests, but Monteverde is the most famous one of all. This incredible spot sits at the eastern edge of the Guanacaste province and attracts thousands of visitors every year. The reserve that houses the cloud forest is teeming with biodiversity, and the tropical forest is covered in clouds. Visitors can hike through the rainforest and walk over suspended bridges through the clouds for an otherworldly experience.
• Hike through a national park: Costa Rica has an incredible number of national parks, with just as many hiking trails. One of the best national parks in the Guanacaste Province is Rincon de la Vieja. This park covers 34,800 acres and has active volcanoes, waterfalls, dwarf cloud forests, and many diverse ecosystems. Other parks to visit include Manuel Antonio National Park, Carara National Park, Palo Verde National Park, and Arenal Volcano National Park. Keep an eye out for iguanas, sloths, pumas, tapirs, monkeys, snakes, and spiders during your wanderings.

Saving the Best for Last: Costa Rica Pacific Coast Beaches

Costa Rica is known for its stunning beaches, but you can find the best beaches on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Whether you want to soak in the sun or snorkel through crystal clear water to see local marine life, the top beaches in Guanacaste Province include Tamarindo, Playa Hermosa, Playa Ocotal, Playas del Coco, Playa Panama, Playa Flamingo, and Playa Grande. If you’re looking to relax and soak in the Pura Vida vibe of the locals, Matapalo Beach is a good option. This gorgeous beach also has incredible views and resident monkeys swinging through the trees on the edge of the beach, which makes for a fun and unusual visit.

Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is a truly jaw-dropping place to visit, so book now with Gondwana Ecotours and start planning your travel itinerary. Sun, sand, and surf – what more could you want? It’s time to hit the beach and enjoy a little bit of paradise on the coast of Costa Rica.