Beaches - North Pacific Region

This coastal area of the North Pacific Region has been named the "gold coast" because it also enjoys roughly 200 days of warm sunshine each year.  Travel to bustling resort towns or search out secluded coves with white sand and crystal blue water. Guanacaste Province has something for every traveler looking for sun and fun. We have listed some of the most popular beaches here but we highly recommend searching out some of the less visited beaches for a truly unique experience.  

Playa Panama is a picturesque grey sand and clear water beach located along the Culebra Bay. The tranquil currents and lack of sizable waves in the bay make this a great swimming beach. The services in hotel and restaurants around Playa Panama are plentiful and first class. The locals are some of the friendliest you will encounter on your travels.  

Playa Hermosa has been awarded a "Blue Flag" for its commitment to high environmental standards and is a beautifully maintained beach. The water is crystal blue and the crescent shaped beach is around 2 miles long with the town reaching into the grey sand, offering every type of accommodation, adventurous tours and restaurants one could want.

Playa del Coco is one of the more populated and developed beaches in the province of Guanacaste. The beach is crescent shaped with grey sand, lined with rugged mountains and enjoys relaxed seas. You can find most services in Playas del Coco including great restaurants, bars, casinos, hotels and a variety of shops.

Playa Grande was incorporated into Marino Las Baulas National Park in 1990 and is a nesting ground for the for the endangered leatherback sea turtles.The beach enjoys powerful waves for surfing on the south end and a more relaxing sea to the north. Getting to Playa Grande is a little difficult but it is possible to cross the river at the north end of Playa Tamarindo. There are a few hotels and restaurants.

Playa Tamarindo is one of the fastest growing and most popular beach towns of Costa Rica because of the spectacular beach, amazing surroundings, and ease of access. The water is crystal blue with waves to surf  fit for any skill level. There are services including beachfront resorts and restaurants to fit any budget.

Playa Langosta is just south of Tamarindo and is a much quieter setting to enjoy the waves or long strolls along the beach. The water like most beaches along the north pacific coast is clear blue and the natural setting invites birds and monkeys to the shoreline. There are services including restaurants and stores near the beach.

Playa Avellanas is called little Hawaii by the locals because of its large powerful waves. The beach has strong currents so swimming is only recommended for strong, smart swimmers. There are services near the beach including bars, restaurants and stores.

Playa Negra was featured in the original Endless Summer because it has some of the most consistent and best breaking waves along the north pacific coast.  The beautiful blue water and black sand beach enjoys all necessary services.

Playa Junquillal is another beautiful and uncrowded beach along the coast of Guanacaste. The waves are very powerful so swim at your own risk. The town of Junquillal is a short walk away and has all standard services including accommodations and good restaurants.

The beaches of the North Pacific Region are some of the most beautiful in the country. If you get tired of enjoying sun and sand and are looking for accommodationsadventure tours or amazing food, this site should be very helpful. Enjoy!

Photo Credits: By VanTucky (Own work) [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC-BY-SA-2.5-2.0-1.0], via Wikimedia Commons., By Mariordo Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons, "Sunset, Playa Flamingo" by Arjen Toet under CC licenseBy VanTucky (Own work) [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC-BY-SA-2.5-2.0-1.0], via Wikimedia Commons