Costa Rica has the privilege of enjoying the charms and wonders of both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The northern, central and southern Pacific boast miles of volcanic sand beaches. The North Pacific includes Guanacaste and the Peninsula de Nicoya, characteristic for its dry coastal forest, influencing the weather to be dry and hot, with a short rainy season. All these conditions gather a crowd of sun worshippers, surfers and  sport fisherman. Close proximity to San Jose, (4 to 5 hours) make these beaches quite popular. Some of the most popular beaches are Tamarindo and Conchal. Tamarindo is a long, broad beach, with a growing town offering an array of boutique hotels and gourmet restaurants run by Europeans and North Americans. Conchal’s white and amber, crushed-shell beach and turquoise waters is a little treasure along this long coast. Its sand is formed of fragmented shells that tickle your feet when you walk over it.

The Central Pacific beaches are about 2 to 3 hours away, attracting fishermen, nice swimming, surfing and partying. While Jacó beach is not the cleanest, nor most beautiful Pacific beach, its happy town, with restaurants, bars, bazaar-like stores and street vendors makes it a popular destination, especially among surfers and Ticos who like it as a weekend getaway. Watch out for  strong rip tides. Manuel Antonio National Park lies south from Jacó Its half moon cream sand beaches, touch emerald colored waters. Deep shades of green forest hug the three beaches that compose the park. Wildlife, especially spider monkeys and iguanas are easy to see. 

The mysteries of Costa Rica’s last frontier are unraveled at the southern Osa Peninsula, where nature prevails and you are her visitor. The Corcovado National Park protects most of the peninsula’s precious rainforest.