Costa Rica is home to some of the Pacific’s most beautiful beaches – framed by lush jungle, warm seas, and golden sand.
With TourCompass, you can choose between a beach holiday in Manuel Antonio, Playa Sámara, or Tamarindo – but which one is right for you?
We guide you through our three beach holiday destinations so you can (hopefully) find the perfect match.
|
|
Manuel Antonio |
Playa Sámara |
Tamarindo |
|
Atmosphere |
Scenic and popular |
Relaxed and authentic |
Lively and energetic |
|
Type of beach |
Picture-perfect beaches surrounded by rainforest |
Wide, palm-fringed beach in a calm bay |
Long sandy beach with great waves |
|
Who is it for? |
Nature lovers and couples |
Families and travellers seeking tranquillity |
Active travellers and surfers |
|
Food & city life |
Good selection and lively atmosphere |
Smaller selection and laid-back |
Plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafés |
In Manuel Antonio, you’ll enjoy a beach holiday surrounded by Costa Rica’s extraordinary nature and wildlife. Here, the rainforest meets the ocean in Manuel Antonio National Park, where lush, green landscapes stretch right down to the white sandy beaches.
The national park is home to some of the country’s most iconic stretches of coastline. The most famous is Playa Manuel Antonio, tucked away in a protected bay within the park itself, while the broad Playa Espadilla lies just outside the park entrance. Both beaches are renowned for their beauty and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and the calm bays often offer great opportunities for snorkelling among tropical fish.
If you choose a beach holiday in Manuel Antonio, you’ll also be right in the midst of nature and the many fascinating species that inhabit the national park. As you wander through the dense green rainforest towards the coast, you might catch sight of sloths, coatis, and colourful birds such as toucans and hummingbirds. From the beaches, you could even be lucky enough to spot migrating dolphins, whales, or sea turtles.
As Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica’s absolute must-see attractions, it’s also very popular. This means you’ll be sharing the experience with plenty of other nature lovers, creating a lively atmosphere – especially during the high season.
If you’re dreaming of a peaceful and authentic beach holiday, then Playa Sámara is the place for you. The long, wide beach stretches alongside the small, charming seaside town of Sámara on the west coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
The beach is fringed by gently swaying palm trees, and the atmosphere is far more relaxed than in the country’s larger cities. A natural coral reef just off the coast shelters the bay, making the water at Playa Sámara relatively calm and shallow. Playa Sámara is therefore a favourite destination for a beach holiday, including for families travelling with children.
The town is characterised by small, charming hotels, and local restaurants. This is where you can truly experience the famous Costa Rican philosophy of pura vida – the pure, simple life. If you’re after a completely unspoilt beach experience, you can upgrade to one of our hotels near the nearby beach of Playa Carrillo. Here, you can truly unwind and slow down amidst idyllic tropical surroundings.
By choosing a beach holiday at Playa Sámara, you’ll enjoy a peaceful and authentic beach experience where life moves at a slower pace and relaxation takes centre stage.
If you’d like to combine your relaxing beach holiday with a vibrant atmosphere, activities, and excursions, Tamarindo is an ideal choice.
The wide, golden sandy beach of Playa Tamarindo stretches along an open bay, where the Pacific Ocean’s waves roll gently towards the shore. Although it’s a popular spot, the beach is so large that it rarely feels crowded, leaving plenty of space to enjoy a refreshing swim in the Pacific. The water isn’t as calm as at Playa Sámara, which is part of Tamarindo’s charm, as the waves attract surfers of all levels – from seasoned experts to complete beginners.
Tamarindo is one of the most popular beach destinations in Costa Rica, and the lively pulse of the town reflects that. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of international restaurants, cafés, and vibrant nightlife, all contributing to the town’s energetic atmosphere. Compared with Manuel Antonio and Sámara, the vibe here is less local and more international, making it easy to find whatever your heart desires when evening falls and it’s time to dine out.
Tamarindo is also the perfect base for adventure. From here, you’ll have easy access to excursions in the nearby mangrove forests of Las Baulas National Park, sunset boat trips, or visits to protected areas where you can watch sea turtles laying their eggs. In short, Tamarindo is ideal if you wish to combine your beach holiday with exciting activities.
There are plenty of ways to round off your Costa Rican adventure with an unforgettable beach holiday.
If you’d like to be surrounded by nature and beaches edged with lush jungle, Manuel Antonio is a superb choice. Prefer calm waters and leisurely days in a sheltered bay? Then Playa Sámara is the place for you. But if you want to feel the power of the waves and enjoy a spirited atmosphere, Tamarindo is the ideal option.
Still unsure where to spend your beach holiday?
Get in touch with our experienced travel specialists, who’ve felt the sand between their toes on Costa Rica’s stunning beaches and are ready to guide you towards your perfect beach holiday in this tropical paradise.
TourCompass – From tourist to traveller
Get right up close to Costa Rica’s stunning scenery and wildlife in Tortuguero National Park, at Arenal Volcano and in Monteverde Cloud Forest, and end the tour at Playa Sámara’s beautiful beach.
Enjoy Costa Rica’s unique nature and diverse wildlife in Tortuguero, at Arenal volcano, in Rincón de la Vieja and in Monteverde Cloud Forest. Discover lovely beaches in Sámara and Manuel Antonio.
Look forward to unique unspoilt nature and wildlife in Costa Rica’s national parks with less visitors: Cahuita and Corcovado. Round it all off at Manuel Antonio’s wonderful beaches.
Discover Costa Rica’s breathtaking scenery and wildlife on a visit to Tortuguero National Park, the Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest, and relax on Manuel Antonio’s beautiful beaches.
Discover Costa Rica’s unique nature and exciting wildlife at Arenal Volcano and in Monteverde’s Cloud Forest. Round off the tour with relaxation at Manuel Antonio’s stunning beaches.
Experience Costa Rica’s breathtaking nature and abundant wildlife, from the verdant waterways of Tortuguero National Park to Arenal Volcano’s dramatic landscapes and Monteverde’s enchanting cloud forest. The tour rounds off with time on Tamarindo’s golden sands.
Explore Costa Rica’s magical landscapes in your own car, taking in Tortuguero National Park, the iconic Arenal volcano, Monteverde’s cloud forest and Playa Sámara’s idyllic beach.
Experience the highlights of Costa Rica on this self-drive holiday to Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Manuel Antonio’s stunning beaches.
Experience the striking contrast between the modern skyline of Panama City and Costa Rica’s fascinating nature and abundant wildlife.
Get right up close to Costa Rica’s stunning scenery and wildlife in Tortuguero National Park, at Arenal Volcano and in Monteverde Cloud Forest, and end the tour at Playa Sámara’s beautiful beach.
Enjoy Costa Rica’s unique nature and diverse wildlife in Tortuguero, at Arenal volcano, in Rincón de la Vieja and in Monteverde Cloud Forest. Discover lovely beaches in Sámara and Manuel Antonio.
Look forward to unique unspoilt nature and wildlife in Costa Rica’s national parks with less visitors: Cahuita and Corcovado. Round it all off at Manuel Antonio’s wonderful beaches.
Discover Costa Rica’s breathtaking scenery and wildlife on a visit to Tortuguero National Park, the Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest, and relax on Manuel Antonio’s beautiful beaches.
Discover Costa Rica’s unique nature and exciting wildlife at Arenal Volcano and in Monteverde’s Cloud Forest. Round off the tour with relaxation at Manuel Antonio’s stunning beaches.
Experience Costa Rica’s breathtaking nature and abundant wildlife, from the verdant waterways of Tortuguero National Park to Arenal Volcano’s dramatic landscapes and Monteverde’s enchanting cloud forest. The tour rounds off with time on Tamarindo’s golden sands.
Explore Costa Rica’s magical landscapes in your own car, taking in Tortuguero National Park, the iconic Arenal volcano, Monteverde’s cloud forest and Playa Sámara’s idyllic beach.
Experience the highlights of Costa Rica on this self-drive holiday to Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Manuel Antonio’s stunning beaches.
Experience the striking contrast between the modern skyline of Panama City and Costa Rica’s fascinating nature and abundant wildlife.
