Best Beach in Costa Rica?

Question

I want to stay at a touristy beach in Costa Rica like Jaco or Tamarindo, however, I want to know what has the bluest water, and the whitest sand. Also, whatever beach has lots of activities like snorkeling nice restaurants, stuff like that. Please dont post tourist sites, I want to know from personal experience.

Thank you!

Answer 1

The soil is so rich in Costa Rica so the sand is darker then most. Domincal is a beautiful area with great beaches  and blue water. It is known as a surfer town and is more of a village then a city. Quepos is touristy but not as nice. Good luck and Pura Vida!!! I have been to Dominical three times in the last 4 months and I am in love with it, the restaurants are great and the people are amazing. You might want to try to stay at the Necochea Inn a bed and Breakfast there in Dominical, Ivonne is the BEST!!! Tamarindo is know by the ticos (locals) as tamagringo because it has been flooded by Americans, if you want to experience the real country stay away from the resort cities.

Answer 2

On the Pacific coast:

Playa Conchal, Playa Grande, Montezuma

On the Caribbean coast:

Punta Uva, Manzanillo, Cocles

Answer 3

Personally I favor Tamarindo but Quepos with the Manuel Antonio Beach right around the corner and about 15 minutes away is a very close second.

I go to both every year when I visit Costa Rica for the American 4th of July Celebration -  and have yet to be dissatisfied.

Answer 4

I think the best beaches depend on how willing and capable you are of "roughing it".  Jaco is more of a surfing destination.  If you're looking for a relaxing soak in the water, look elsewhere.  The water has some serious undertow that will catch you if you're not careful.  I didn't make it over to Tamarindo while I was there but had some friends that really enjoyed it.  For a good eco-tourism friendly spot, check out Manuel Antonio National Park.  It has good beaches and some really neat nature walks and canopy tours.  Hotels there are decent, but you won't find anything 5-star.  For nice restaurants and the like, you're best bet is checking out an all-inclusive spot, like the 5-Seasons Resort.

After spending 6 weeks in Costa Rica, I would most like to go back to Curu (On the Pacific side).  It's a privately owned nature reserve with a private beach.  They've been building an artificial reef there for the sealife for the past 10 years or so, so snorkling should be good.  They have the coolest little cottages right on the beach that they rent for only about $20 per night (no electricity, though).

As I said, It depends on how willing you are to rough it.  If you're looking for a resort-type atmosphere, check out the all-inclusives, although you won't really get the true Costa Rican experience.  Keep in mind that the sportier beaches for surfing are going to be on the pacific side, and the best beaches for snorkling, clear water and white sand will be on the Atlantic Side.  Good luck!