Costa Rica Beaches

Central America's Pacific coast delivers year-round warm-water surf from Costa Rica's heavy beach breaks to El Salvador's uncrowded points and Panama's remote reefs, with daily costs starting at $30 and water temperature that never requires a wetsuit.

Beach travel across six Central American countries on $20 to $70 per day — with daily budgets, hostel names, local food costs, border crossing tips, and chicken bus logistics for Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and Costa Rica.

A guide to Costa Rica's best beach resorts, from the Four Seasons on Papagayo to Lapa Rios on the Osa Peninsula — with sustainability ratings, rainy season pricing, and the Pacific-vs-Caribbean divide.

The best beaches in Costa Rica for surfing and relaxation, covering Pacific coast favorites like Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, Nosara, Manuel Antonio, and Dominical plus Caribbean gems Puerto Viejo and Cahuita with wave conditions, wildlife, costs, and seasonal advice.

Costa Rica's best beach towns organized by what you're looking for: world-class surf at Santa Teresa and Pavones, family-friendly Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio, budget backpacking in Puerto Viejo, and luxury at Peninsula Papagayo. Real prices and transport details for each.

Discover the top beaches worldwide for sea turtle watching, including Tortuguero, Akumal, Barbados, and Oman, with nesting seasons, tour prices, and responsible viewing tips.