Costa Rica boasts glorious beaches. Only a few, however, are of the frost-white variety silvering the shore like confectioners’ sugar. Such diamond-dust beaches are found along sections of Nicoya, plus Manuel Antonio National Park (the most radiantly white are Playa Conchal and Playa Flamingo). The vast majority are of taupe color, many with the texture of potting soil, the result of sediments washed down from the mountains by rivers. Several beaches are almost black. Virtually all are backed by jungly forest, with slender coconut palms tilting over the shore, so that you can sunbathe in view of sloths and monkeys; it is not unusual to discover jaguar prints in the sand. Miles-long and dramatically scenic, the nation’s beaches are an integral part of the nature experience, made more so by the sheer number that serve as nesting sites for marine turtles.

Dozens of beaches are favored by surfers drawn by tubular waves conjured by the breeze from the warm, often murky, water. Swimming requires caution, however, as many unsheltered beaches are known for rip-tides, dangerous undertows that every year kill dozens of swimmers and surfers. Many beaches are at least seasonally littered with tree trunks and driftwood.

DAY 1:
Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport; transfer to a hotel in or near San José.

DAYS 2–3:
This morning, transfer to Playa Conchal or Playa Flamingo for two nights, perhaps with time for sportfishing and even scuba diving.

DAYS 4–5:
Today, continue to Tamarindo for two nights. Surfers will want to spend time hitting the waves. Active travelers might try their hand at catching the big one on a half-day sportfishing excursion. Spend the rest of the day sunning on the beach or by the pool. This evening, head to Playa Grande to witness marine turtles laying eggs (in season).

DAYS 6–7:
Continue south to Nosara for two days to enjoy tidepooling, and view ridley turtles (in season) at nearby Playa Ostional.

DAYS 8–9:
This morning, head south to Manuel Antonio for two nights; enjoying wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and/or surfing at Manuel Antonio National Park.

DAY 10:
Today, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Best Surfing Beaches
Caribbean: Cocles
Guanacaste: Playa Naranjo and Potrero Grande (Santa Elena National Park)
Nicoya: Grande; Tamarindo; Langosta; Avellana; Negra; Bejuco; Manzanillo; Santa Teresa
Central Pacific: Jacó; Dominical; Ballena
Southern Pacific: Pavones

Best Wildlife Beaches
Caribbean: Tortuguero; Cahuita; Gandoca-Manzanillo
Guanacaste: Naranjo
Nicoya: Grande; Ostional;
Montezuma
Central Pacific: Manuel Antonio; Barú; Ballena; Piñuela
Southern Pacific: San Josecito; Corcovado; Carate; Platanares; Cativo

Most Beautiful Beaches
Caribbean: Gandoca-Manzanillo
Guanacaste: Blanca
Nicoya: Flamingo; Conchal; Grande; Guiones; Montezuma; Santa Teresa
Central Pacific: Manuel Antonio; Esterillos; Ballena
Southern Pacific: Zancudo