Central American beaches have a justifiable reputation for being terrific and many folks describe the beaches in Costa Rica as being simply fantastic. In a world with lots of great beaches, Costa Rica has some of the very best. On two oceans. With clean waters. Tropical waters. White sand. Brown sand. Black sand. Coral beaches.
The Caribbean beaches were first discovered and explored by Christopher Columbus, who was so taken that he named his discovery Costa Rica, the rich coast. The Spanish were soon followed by English sea captains like Sir Francis Drake (he is the same fellow who defeated the Spanish Armada in 1588). Indeed, Drake Bay along the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica is named for this captain who docked there on his explorations.
Despite the passage of centuries, there is still a lot for visitors to discover. The Caribbean coast is far less developed and has a very different ambience from the Pacific. Think reggae and Bob Marley. Tortuguero National Park is a remote, world famous nesting site for green sea turtles. Sportsman from around the world come here for some of the best tarpon (and other) fishing on the globe. The Pacific Coast is far more popular with tourists and expats alike and an enormous number of attractions keep people coming year after year.
Costa Rica is famous for having one of the more dynamic tourism infrastructures found anywhere. The weather is perfect for all-year-round tourism and both coastlines have warm, clear waters. Besides the beaches, you will also find a nearly limitless number of attractions like, rafting, surfing, fishing, ecotourism, rappelling, horseback riding and, of course, its famous adult nightlife.
Though it would probably take a lifetime to discover the beauty of every single beach in Costa Rica, most visitors only have a few days to take in Costa Rica’s splendor. Many first time visitors find the Nicoya Peninsula along the north Pacific coast the best place to see. Remember, you can always come back again and visit somewhere else.
One beach (of hundreds) is called Playa Grande, located just 30 minutes away from another great beach, Montezuma. Some claim that, in addition to nude sunbathers, the beach is haunted by the ghosts of its ancient burial ground. I cannot speak to that but I can tell you that this is one place that is a favorite of surfers from around the world.
It is impossible to name or describe all the wonderful beaches in Costa Rica. This little country is dedicated to sustainable development and takes pride in what it calls its Blue Flag beaches. In a country filled with great beaches these are the cleanest, most pristine of them all. For those who like to be alone on the beach, Playa Grande, Mal Pais, Bahia Ballena, and Hermosa (not to mention hundreds more) beckon like a siren. For those who like the beach and an active adult nightlife, Jaco and Tamarindo are very popular.
Regardless of which beach you choose, whether Tamarindo, Flamingo, Conchal, Tambor, or some beach without a name, if you enjoy beach life, a wonderful experience is awaiting you. Some of the beaches are easy to reach by car or bus. Others require more unconventional means, like flying into nearby areas or boating or even hiking. But the trouble of getting to them makes the stay all that much more worthwhile.
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