Best Beaches in Central Pacific

Costa Rica is famous for its beautiful, white sand beaches and world-class surfing. In fact, the first wave of foreign travellers came to Costa Rica mainly for its near perfect weather and fantastic surf.

Here’s a description of the some of the best beaches in the Central Pacific area:

Jaco

The closest beach to San Jose and one of the best surf destinations in the country. Surfers, sun worshipers and eco-adventurists alike flock to Jaco each year for its breathtaking beaches, happening town and proximity to the airport all make it an ideal spot to land for foreign visitors.

Puntarenas

A popular youth hangout. It’s the capital and largest city in the Province of Puntarenas off Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. A popular stopover point for tourists traveling to Monteverde, this area includes the beautiful Golfo Islands and comprises 1517 square miles.

Matapalo

Just off the beaten track and possessing the all the wondrous natural beauty Costa Rica is known for, it’s the perfect escape from your usual tourist destination. A laid back atmosphere creates the ideal locale to take in your surroundings. A great place for horseback riding, fishing, swimming, sunbathing, or just watching a magnificent sunset. This quaint coastal getaway is located just off a dirt road, and the town is surrounded by two smaller villages. Nearby is also the National Wildlife Refuge of Hacienda Buru and Uvita.

Playa Hermosa

Just three miles south of Jaco, one of the best surf destinations in the country. This popular beach town and beachfront resort is a laid back epicenter of ongoing beach development with large hotels at the northern end and more relaxed at the southern end. The town has an abundance of restaurants, shopping, bars and outdoor activities. The area is also known for its incredible marine fauna, snorkeling, sport fishing, and scuba diving. There also a number of national parks such as Palo Verde National Park and Santa Rosa National Park nearby.

Playa Herradura

Small beach located on the central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Formerly a sleepy village, it’s now home to the prestigious Marriott Los Suenos hotel with a popular marina and golf course. This beach town is also an excellent spot for sport fishing. Its close proximity to San Jose makes it easily accessible to an airport and major urban amenities too. The tranquil waters define this town as one of the best spots for swimming and for nature enthusiasts, also nearby is Carara National Park for eco-adventures.

Playa Esterillos Defined by no crowds, chocolate covered beaches and great surf, it’s the place to escape for the cool kids. Here waves consistently break head high; it’s one of the cleanest and most consistent breaks for surfers. At low tide the size of the beach increases dramatically exposing the a vast dark sand loved by beachcombers. Surrounded by lush hills and dense forests makes the area a little refuge adored by many.