If you’re visiting Costa Rica this year, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches. The happiest country in the world boasts over 300 beaches, all of them with their own unique attributes and personalities. This beautiful Central American country borders the Caribbean and Pacific oceans, providing unrivaled coastal areas. The Pacific beaches enjoy beautiful sunsets and those on the Caribbean side are surrounded with stunning coral.

For many, Costa Rica is another world and somewhere they can only dream of visiting. However, there are many travel options to suit all pockets. Many people, young and old, volunteer in Costa Rica. This provides them with a safe base and the opportunity to give something back as they enjoy their time away.

People visit Costa Rica from all over the globe. They know that they will be assured a warm and friendly welcome and that their experience will be unrivaled. Expect to meet a wide range of travelers including surfers, yogis, scuba divers, and nature lovers; all gathering to discover a peaceful country teeming with wildlife and populated by some of the world’s happiest people.

Now, back to the beaches.

Playa Conchal

If you enjoy swimming and snorkeling, Playa Conchal with its white sand and turquoise waters is the beach for you. As there is only one hotel close by, this beach is often overlooked by tourists. But it provides a little paradise for those in the know.

Playa Avellanas

Playa Avellanas is a haven for surfers. Its nickname is Little Hawaii due to its surf culture and waves of up to 18 feet. Look out for Lola’s Beach Bar, named after the owner’s pet pig, who enjoys paddling at the water’s edge.

Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio often appears in best beach guides, and it’s easy to see way. The water here is mainly calm, making it an ideal choice for swimming and for families with young children. The surrounding rainforest is teeming with wildlife. Expect to see an abundance of monkeys, including the endangered squirrel monkeys, sloths, and iguanas.

Playa Flamingo

Another great family beach is Playa Flamingo. Extend your stay into the evening to enjoy the stunning sunsets. This area is ideal for scuba diving, sailing, and fishing. It is surrounded by hotels serving delicious local cuisine to help you stay healthy during your travels.

Playa Montezuma

This individual beach is popular with backpackers, yogis and UFO seekers. As such, expect to find yoga classes and vegetarian restaurants. You can also book canopy tours in the surrounding jungle. The beach stretches for miles, and there are plenty of opportunities to find a hidden nook to while away a few hours. Don’t miss the breathtaking waterfalls.

Punta Uva & Manzanillo

On the Caribbean side, this scenic beach boasts turquoise waters, coral reefs, and palm-lined sandy beaches. The tall coconut palms provide shade for those spending the day there. This is a quiet beach, and its calm waters are ideal for swimming.

With over 300 beaches in this beautiful part of the world, it’s not possible to list them all here. But hopefully, this gives you a taster.