Puntarenas is Costa Rica's largest province, stretching along most of the country's Pacific coastline from the Gulf of Nicoya south to the Panama border. It serves as the gateway to surf towns, national parks such as Manuel Antonio and Corcovado, and island reserves reached by ferry from Puntarenas city.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Puntarenas.
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Playa Manuel Antonio
One of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches — a white-sand crescent bay protected within the national park. Calm, clear water ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Surrounded by jungle with monkeys and wildlife on the shore.
Editor’s tip. Book park entry online. Arrive at park opening (7 AM) for best wildlife and fewer crowds. No food or drink vendors inside park — bring your own.
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Playa Jacó
Costa Rica's most famous and developed beach town — a long 3 km stretch of dark volcanic sand with reliable surf breaks at both ends. The town behind the beach is lively with restaurants, nightlife, and activities.
Editor’s tip. Swim between lifeguard flags only. Rip currents are serious — do not underestimate. Better suited to surfing than swimming.
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Playa Hermosa (Central Pacific)
A powerful, world-class surf beach that has hosted ISA World Surfing Games. Heavy beach break attracts serious surfers but is dangerous for swimming. More tranquil and natural than Jacó, just 10 minutes away.
Editor’s tip. Not for beginner swimmers or surfers. Sea turtle nesting at night Jul–Nov — guided tours available. Sunrise is spectacular here.
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Playa Biesanz
A small, relatively hidden white-sand cove near the major Manuel Antonio hotels. Calm, clear turquoise water in a sheltered bay, excellent for snorkeling. Far fewer visitors than the national park beaches.
Editor’s tip. Ask hotel staff or locals for the path — not well signposted. Bring your own snorkel gear. Best visited at low tide.
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Playa Espadilla Norte
The main public beach just outside the Manuel Antonio National Park gate. Good for swimming and beginner surfing. More facilities than inside the park. Lively atmosphere with beach vendors and restaurants.
Editor’s tip. Free — no need to enter the park to enjoy this beach. Busy but fun atmosphere. Monkeys sometimes visit from the park edge.
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Playa Dominical
A wild, rugged Pacific beach with powerful surf and strong rip currents. It is not safe for swimming. The beach has a surf village atmosphere and serves as a base for exploring Nauyaca Waterfalls and Marino Ballena NP.
Editor’s tip. Never swim at Dominical — the rip currents are dangerous. Red flags fly often. Head to Uvita (30 min south) for safer swimming.
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Playa Uvita / Whale Tail
Home to the famous Whale Tail sandbar — a natural formation visible at low tide. The park also protects coral reef and is one of the best places to swim with good visibility in the south Pacific. Humpback whales are spotted offshore seasonally.
Editor’s tip. Visit at low tide for the Whale Tail formation. Combine with a whale watching boat tour (Jul–Oct and Dec–Apr). Sunset here is extraordinary.
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Playa Santa Teresa
One of the most beautiful and trendy beach destinations in Costa Rica — Santa Teresa combines stunning golden-sand beaches with world-class surf, bohemian style, high-end boutique hotels, and excellent restaurants. A complete lifestyle destination.
Editor’s tip. Rent an ATV or motorbike — the unpaved road requires it. High season is December to April. ATMs are limited — bring cash from the city.
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Playa Montezuma
A charming small beach in the bohemian village of Montezuma. Beautiful golden sand, warm water, and a relaxed backpacker atmosphere. The nearby three-tiered waterfall is the main draw.
Editor’s tip. Combine beach time with a visit to the famous Montezuma waterfall (20-min walk along river trail). Very popular with budget travellers.
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Playa Bejuco
A long, pristine, almost completely undeveloped beach with virtually no tourists. Sea turtles nest here, scarlet macaws visit the palms, and the solitude is extraordinary. A true hidden gem.
Editor’s tip. Bring all supplies — no facilities whatsoever. Only reachable by rental car. An incredible place to be completely alone on a wild Pacific beach.
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Playa Isla del Caño
The beach at Isla del Caño Biological Reserve is one of Costa Rica's finest — white sand, clear turquoise water, and exceptional snorkeling over pristine coral reefs. Day tours from Drake Bay.
Editor’s tip. Only accessible by boat tour from Drake Bay (Dec–Apr for best visibility). One of the best snorkeling/diving sites in the country.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.