Costa Rica is a popular destination for wildlife and nature lovers and its beaches are attractive spots for them as well as for pure sun-worshippers. Along the whole coastline, much of the hotel accommodation – frequently secluded in a bit of natural paradise - is first rate, ranging from simple tented camps through jungle lodges to top quality resorts satisfying the most demanding visitors.
The volcanic little country forms a land barrier between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and the shoreline, beaches and tourist infrastructure differ markedly from coast to coast.
The Pacific coast carves a jagged route indented with many coves and rugged headlands, with broad sweeping beaches popular among surfers but sometimes with dangerous rip tides.
The northern and southern extremities are defined by two peninsulas: The sandy beaches on the tropical dry forest covered Nicoya Peninsula, in the north, are relatively isolated: many of the roads are unpaved, the area is scantily populated, and there isn’t much to do except lay back and enjoy the sun.
The wetter southern Osa Peninsula is shrouded in rainforest-covered protected national parks, (notably Corcovado) brimming with wildlife which plunge down the coastal hills to the shoreline. Between them there are further exuberant nature parks with top quality hotels nearby. At popular Manuel Antonio, monkeys sometimes come down to play on the beach at dusk.
Much of the smooth Caribbean coast is mantled in mangrove forest and has narrower, volcanic beaches and a gentler sea. Some of the country’s best wildlife viewing is possible in the north around Tortuguero although this is not a beach destination as such. The south, populated by the descendants of English-speaking Jamaicans, has a distinctive Caribbean culture.
Long isolated from and neglected by the rest of the country it has more modest communications and tourist infrastructures. Cahuita is a pleasant little resort in a national park with coastal rainforest, a coral reef and white and black sand beaches, for decades a favourite among backpackers.
Nicoya Peninsula: Latitude 10
Nicoya Peninsula: Florblanca Resort
Nicoya Peninsula: Hotel Punta Islita
Nicoya Peninsula: Tango Mar
Nicoya Peninsula: Capitán Suizo
Nicoya Peninsula: The Harmony
Manuel Antonio: Tulemar Bungalows
Manuel Antonio: Arenas del Mar
Manuel Antonio area: Xandari by the Pacific
Osa Peninsula: La Leona Ecolodge
Osa Peninsula: Casa Corcovado
Osa Peninsula: Lapa Rios
Caribbean Coast: Cariblue
| |  Harmony Hotel
 The beach at la Leona
 The beach at Capitán Suizo
View more images |