Beaches - Central Pacific Region

Playa Hermosa is host to one of the most consistent and powerful waves in Costa Rica and is the epitome of Costa Rica surf town.  Although very popular and sometimes crowded, the waves are so consistent that you can easily find a break all to yourself along the 3.5 mile black sand beach. There are many hotels and cafes along the beach.

Playa Esterillos is one of our favorite beaches because of it's consistent surf and friendly locals. The 6 kilometer long beach is cut into 3 sections known as Esterillos Oeste, Esterillos Este and Esterillos Central. The chocolate colored sand and backdrop of rolling hills are picture perfect and make for a ideal setting. The town has full services along most of the beach with little restaurants and small cafes lining the shore. 

Playa Manuel Antonio is a busy beach drawing crowds from all over the world to see the magnificent bay and nature that overflows from the Manuel Antonio national park and surrounds the beach. The calm crystal blue water and luxurious sand, make for great swimming and snorkeling but there is also a wave that sneaks past the protective outer reefs  for the surfers in your group. The town is well established and has all service including some of the best restaurants in all of Costa Rica. Visit our  Manuel Antonio page for more information.

Playa Matapalo sits halfway between Manuel Antonio and Playa Dominical and is usually uncrowded offering a great escape for those off the beaten path. The surf is not always great here but the fishing is epic, the scenery profound and the sunsets breathtaking. The small town sits in the beach with most necessary services including internet, restaurants, hotels and bars.

Playa Dominical  is a funky surf town with a great vibe, good restaurants and some of the most consistent waves in all of Costa Rica. The black sand and almond tree lined beach stretches between the Baru River to the north and Playa Dominicalito to the south. The powerful waves and strong rip tides have lead the community to support a team of full time lifeguards that patrol the beach. For more information see our Dominical page.

Playa Dominicalito is a protected cove just south of Dominical and is where local fishermen launch their pongas (boats).  The gentle rolling waves make it a perfect spot to learn how to surf making it a favorite of the local surf schools. The bay is as beautiful as it is serene with a few large trees growing on the natural rock barrier between rougher ocean waters and the calmness of the bay. There are no services at the beach but you can get great prices on fresh fish from the locals or walk to one of the restaurants near here.