Central Coast Beaches
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is know for its amazingly beautiful and uncrowded beaches. Our local beaches, all within 5-20 min of the homes, are all renowned spots for surfing in Costa Rica. They offer miles and miles of beach break and several reefs, from the heavy beach break of the renown popular Playa Hermosa, to the mellow longboard waves of Esterillos Oeste and the miles of uncrowded beach breaks and river-mouths to the south.
While they are lovely, it is very important, especially while there is a swell, to make sure that, regardless of how good of a swimmer or surfer you are, that you and your family are well educated about the potential dangers of the beaches here and how to avoid them.
Whether you are interested in joining us for some surf lessons as a beginner in the ocean, or are an experienced surfer looking for great waves, we will be able to help point you in the right direction.
When you check in we will help guide to the best beaches suited for you and your family and what are the best times and tides to visit them so you will be able to have as much fun as possible. The American Red Cross and several other sites have some beach safety tips and steps you can take to make sure you and your family remain safe.
Please click the link blow before visiting any of these beautiful beaches:
Bejuco
Playa Bejuco is a beautiful Black sand beach located only about 5 min from Del Pacifico Estate.
Bejuco is know for being a local spot and is a very peaceful place to get away to relax and read. There are no crowds here.
Bejuco's Palm Lined roads and smooth sand make it a favorite for locals for beach walks and shell collecting.
It is also the perfect place to take out the Del Pacifico Horses and enjoy riding along the waters edge.
Playa Bejuco also has great surf and is a popular spot for both the novice and the expert. Please contact us about setting up a Surfing lesson on our Activities Page.
This Beach while very fun and enjoyable on the correct tide and swell can have strong rip currents at other times. In such case, it is not advised to swim there. It is safe to get your feet wet but not for swimming in the waves. Please also check the local tide charts and weather and abide by all local placards and signs.
Esterillos Oeste
Esterillos Oeste is a beautiful Black sand beach located only about 10 min from Del Pacifico Estate and 5 min from Del Pacifico.
Esterillos is know for being a local spot for weekenders from the inland areas of Costa Rica. It has also become a very popular spot for vacationers due to the proximity to amenities while maintaing the charm of a small fishing village.
One of Esterillos' main attractions for visitors is the Large Bronze mermaid statue that adorns the reef. On a high tide she is just visible above the waves but at low tide you can walk out on the reef and see her up close.
This reef is also wonderful for swimmers and families as during a medium tide the reef creates several very large protected tide pools that are very popular for floating and relaxing or for allowing kids time to play in the water without the danger of waves.
Esterillos also has several great great surf breaks and is also a popular spot for learning. Please contact us about setting up a Surfing lesson on our Activities Page.
Hermosa
Considered as having one of the best surf breaks, the Playa Hermosa on the Central Pacific is a great destination for the avid surfer! As part of the Puntarenas province, this beach is not to be confused with the other Playas Hermosa in Costa Rica since there are 4 of them! In Spanish, Hermosa means beautiful, and there is not much about Costa Rica that isn’t beautiful. Located close to the other famous beach destination of Jaco, Playa Hermosa is the perfect beach for the surfer who also loves a party.
Playa Hermosa near Jaco is perfect for a romantic getaway as well as an active family vacation. While surfing is great in Hermosa, swimming is potentially dangerous due to the high currents that are always present. Surfers should also be careful. Most beginners are usually directed to Jaco beach or Esterillos where the waves are more manageable or can even take their very first surfing lessons with us there. Let us know of you would like to schedule a Lesson.
Jaco
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is a one of Costa Ricas most famous beaches due to the unique way that the jungle reaches over the powder white sand.
It is truly a unique and special place visited year round by both locals and tourists. Manuel Antonio is particularly famous for its National Park making it a perfect place for visitors to come and enjoy Guided or Self Guided tour to see many different and unique tropical animals. Some of the most popular animals you will see include: monkeys, sloths, frogs, bats, lizards, snakes, butterflies, spiders, raccoons, armadillos, and many types of tropical birds.
Manuel Antonio is also famous for its stunning white sand beaches and fun restaurants. We recommend to go on a guided tour then to pack lunch and your suites and stay all afternoon (park closes @ 4) enjoying the stunning beaches there. After it is nice to visit one one the many wonderful restaurants. Manuel and all it has to offer are about 50 min.
Playa Biesaenz
Hidden down a rugged jungle trail, deep in the heart of Manuel Antonio, you will find a beautiful protected cove that harbors some of the area's most pristine beaches. Playa Biesanz is one of the top beaches in the Manuel Antonio area and a great beach for calmer waters and beautiful views. This small cove beach isn't super easy to get to but for those who make the journey, it is well worth the trip.
Arriving at the entrance to the trailhead, visitors are normally met by street parking guards who pledge to guard vehicles for a couple thousand colones. While these guys are not official government employees, they can be trusted to keep an eye on your car. From the parking area, Playa Biesanz is just a short hike away. This beach is the best beach in the area for snorkeling. Rent or bring your own snorkel and fins and swim out to a rocky area off the coast where visibility is best and fish are prevalent. This is the best beach for small children and calm waters as it is a protected cove with small waves.
Adrian Espinoza - Adventures Playa Biesaenz:
View WhatsApp Catalog
Punta Leonas:
Playa Manta & Playa Blanca
Playa Mantas is located about 15 minutes north of the tourism hotspot, Jaco. It is not far off Highway 34 and can easily be visited on a day trip from Jaco. Playa Mantas is one of the closest scenic beaches to San Jose and is very popular among locals. Costa Ricans from the capital city and elsewhere flock to this beach on weekends.
Punta Leona also has direct beach access to the neighboring Playa Blanca. Since all beaches in Costa Rica are public, you can access Playa Mantas and Playa Blanca even if you’re not staying at the resort. Playa Mantas is a wide cove, flanked by a rocky outcropping on one end and a vegetated point on the other. The sand is a pretty gray color. The waves are gentle and perfect for swimming, even with young kids.
Crossing Over to Playa Blanca Low to meduim tides only! For those wanting to experience Playa Blanca, you’ll have to walk a few minutes south to a point. Playa Blanca lies just on the other side of the point. At lower tides, you can climb along the small rocks near the middle of the point. This is the easiest way as it’s fairly flat. At higher tides, you’ll have to maneuver up a steeper embankment.
Note: Playa Blanca is best accessed at low and mid tides. Once you make to the other side, you’ll be well rewarded. With fluffy white sand, clear turquoise water, lofty palm trees, and even Scarlet Macaw parrots flying overhead, Playa Blanca is the epitome of tropical paradise.
Herradura
