Costa Rica: The paradise for the sun lovers

By Essential Costa Rica

Costa Rica's beaches are surrounded by forests, and have great natural diversity. Many contain beautiful coral reefs, perfect for diving and exploring.

Depending on the beach, complementary activities may include hikes to mangroves, diving, surfing, sport fishing, hiking on trails or horseback rides.

“Costa Rica occupies a privileged spot in the heart of Central America. While its territory of 19,652 square miles touches both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, the country is surprisingly accessible – it only takes three hours to travel from coast to coast by car (or 45 minutes by plane)..”

Costa Rica's beaches offer the perfect escape from noisy cities. Whether you’re travelling with friends, family, or that special someone, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay. From big hotels with comfortable facilities to ultra-posh boutique hotels, there’s something for everyone. Besides great accommodations, Costa Rica is increasingly renowned for its widely varied and delicious foods distinct to each region. One thing they all share in common is their excellent taste.

With easy access to many beaches, you can make the most out of both coasts. Most have warm water throughout the year, so they can be enjoyed year round. If it's variety you're interested in, each coast offers different shades and textures of sand. White, yellow, gray and black beaches are the result of the constant crashing of varied seashells on coral reefs.

The Caribbean region of Costa Rica stands out for its variety of aquatic ecosystems, and its beautiful white and black sand beaches provide an ideal backdrop for activities such as sport fishing, snorkeling, and sun bathing. The Pacific coast beaches of Esterillos, Jaco, Hermosa, and Boca Barranca are very popular for surfing. In the Golfito region, near the Marino Ballena National Park, surfing fans can find the famous "long lefthander wave."

The beaches located in the Guanacaste area offer adventure,recreation, and a wide variety of activities. Sunbathers enjoy radiant sunshine almost all year round. If you prefer something more secluded, , there are small boutique hotels near Santa Elena Peninsula, or larger hotel compounds located near the Gulf of Papagayo.

Visitors have their choice of beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, or just peacefully taking in the surrounding rainforests. The central region also features fun places, like puntarenas, with its giant cruise ships on the pier, and famous seafood, including dishes like ceviche, a delicious dish made from fresh raw fish marinated in citrus juices.

The middle pacific offers exuberant landscapes where sun, beach and forests combine in national parks such as manuel antonio and marino ballena. If you’re looking for excitement, the beaches of jaco and hermosa have ideal conditions for surfing.

In the evening, the fun continues late into the night and all the beaches have comfortable accommodations available.

Accessible by land, beautiful beaches await you in this region of Costa Rica. The contrast of the white and black sand beaches of Cahuita and Puerto Viejo are unforgettable, whether surfing, fishing, or diving on spectacularly colorful coral reef.

A rich and strong afro-caribbean influence welcomes visitors to learn about the particular culture and architecture of the region, the vibrant spirit of its people, and the wonderful, authentic flavor of dishes such as rice and beans, pati, plantinta, chicken with coconut, and rondon.

Costa Rica combines everything you love about the beach, includingthe pristine vegetation and coral reefs of Caño Island, perfect for diving and snorkeling. You should also make time to discover the breath-taking beaches of Golfo Dulce and the Osa Peninsula, protected by Biological Reserves and the National Park of Corcovado. Perfect for fishing, surfing or just admiring wildlife like the marvelous macaw, these beaches are easily accessible thanks to local flights originating from Golfito and Puerto Jimenez.

Every year, from June to October, witness the unforgettable experience of green turtles' spawning at the beaches of the National Park of Tortuguero. Also, enjoy fishing for shad and snook at Barra del Colorado.

Located 330 miles from costa rican territory, coco island is full of natural beauty and ideal for diving or hiking. The boat trip takes approximately 36 hours and is the only way to reach the island. Coco island has incredible marine life, including whale sharks, white-tip sharks, tuna fish, parrotfish, corals, mollusks and the hammerhead shark.

Another popular island is tortuga. Besides the beach, there are plenty of aquatic sports to choose from. There is also caño island, which is full of pre-columbian history and has crystal-clear waters perfect for diving. Also, the islands of the gulf of nicoya are famous for diving and excellent fishing.

There are tours available to each island.