Costa Rica Beach Tours
Costa Rica's biodiversity is genuinely mind-blowing, and it’s something you have to see to believe. Picture yourself admiring Arenal's perfect cone-shaped wonder, sharing white-sand beaches with sun-bathing monkeys (yes, really), and discovering sloths, frogs and spectacular birdlife everywhere you look. You could even search for beautiful quetzal birds in cloud forest reserves. Nature is literally everywhere here and it will blow your mind.
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Denise • traveled in August
This tour was the best balance of activities at the start to make the most of the natural beauty and wildlife of the rainforest and cloud forest followed by several days at the beach with optional excursions. I don’t think we would have seen and done all we did if we planned it on our own.
Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension - K
Kristina • traveled in March
The team were very helpful over e-mail and the accommodation was lovely. I've had a great trip.
Puerto Viejo Beach, Short Break - A
Allan • traveled in November, 2024
Excellent. Connections were on time and everyone in the loop knew exactly what was happening on each step of the tour
The Costa Rican Caribbean Adventure
Our traveler's Moments
10 best Beach holiday packages in Costa Rica
Compiled by
SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
- Puerto Viejo Beach, Short Break
- The Costa Rican Caribbean Adventure
- Wellness Costa Rica
- Tropical Costa Rica (San Jose to Guanacaste) (2026)
- Natural Wonders of Costa Rica with Guanacaste
- Landscapes of Costa Rica - 10 days
- Costa Rica Escape
- Discover Costa Rica – Coastal Edition
- Uvita Beach, Short Break
Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Nature can be fickle and without my dSLR camera zoom lens I wouldn't have got half the beautiful photos I have.”
Lisa, traveled in January
Manuel Antonio's three stunning beaches merge tropical forest with Pacific waters. Guided walks reveal beach-dwelling iguanas and capuchin monkeys, while catamaran tours offer spectacular sunset views over the Pacific.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Sarchi, Grecia, Poas Volcano National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From $2,370
12% Off- US$2,090You save $280
Puerto Viejo Beach, Short Break
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The accommodation was lovely. I've had a great trip.”
Kristina, traveled in March
Costa Rica's Caribbean coast invites swims at Playa Blanca and guided walks in Cahuita National Park. Le Caméleón or Villas del Caribe provide oceanfront stays, surrounded by turquoise waters and palm-fringed beaches.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $851
15% Off- US$723You save $128
The Costa Rican Caribbean Adventure
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We loved him. He is sooo energetic, with lots of experiences and deep knowledge.”
Tae, traveled in September
Caribbean beaches stretch from Playa Cahuita to Puerto Viejo's Playa Cocles. Beachfront Cariblu provides access to turtle nesting at Tortuguero (July-October) and jungle-lined shores. Guided beach walks and water activities earn 4.0/5 rating.
Duration 7 days Destinations Alajuela, San Jose, Guapiles, Tortuguero, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Green World Adventures From
15% Off- US$1,528
Wellness Costa Rica
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We saw some beautiful locations in Costa Rica and had a great group of fellow travelers.”
Kathleen, traveled in February
Pristine Playa Carrillo provides an unspoiled setting for sunset yoga and surfing lessons. Golden sands and peaceful waters offer meditation spaces, far from commercial development and tourist crowds.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Playa Carrillo Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $2,099
25% Off- US$1,574You save $525
Tropical Costa Rica (San Jose to Guanacaste) (2026)
205 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We really enjoyed this country, the people, the vegetation, the animals, the food.”
Elena, traveled in March
Playa Carrillo showcases Costa Rica's coastal beauty with two nights at Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows. Samara town's local charm complements stunning Pacific sunsets and pristine sandy beaches, creating a perfect base for nearby adventures.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal, Monteverde, Samara, Guanacaste National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Collette From $2,299
11% Off- US$2,049You save $250
Natural Wonders of Costa Rica with Guanacaste
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The tour itself was great; this was very upsetting to pay a lot of money to miss things that the other travelers were experiencing.”
Cindy, traveled in January
Three nights at Guanacaste's ocean-front resort showcase pristine Pacific beaches and water activities. The journey includes Ecotermales Hot Springs near Arenal and Tortuguero's Caribbean coastline.
Duration 11 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero, Sarapiquí, Arenal, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Santa Elena Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From $3,589
7% Off- US$3,339You save $250
Kayak the reef-protected turquoise waters of Punta Uva, gliding past sea caves and coastal cliffs where monkeys and sloths inhabit the beachfront rainforest. Spend two full days relaxing on Tamarindo's golden Pacific beaches with optional surfing lessons, jet ski tours, or deep sea fishing.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Pacuare River, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Cahuita, La Fortuna, Liberia, Playa Tamarindo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From
7% Off- US$3,755
What our customers ask about Costa Rica Beach Tours
Which are the must-visit beaches in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica's coastlines feature diverse beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean sides. The quiet Playa Carrillo in Guanacaste draws visitors with its undeveloped shoreline and white sand while Manuel Antonio pairs beach access with wildlife encounters. Tamarindo Beach has earned a reputation among surfers and swimmers. A TourRadar traveler notes: "Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort was beautiful with plenty of places to sit in the sun or shade several swimming pools and easy beach access." On the Caribbean side Puerto Viejo offers a relaxed atmosphere with snorkeling spots near the Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort.
What kind of accommodation can I expect at Costa Rica's beaches?
Beach lodging spans from simple eco-lodges to upscale resorts. Tamarindo provides options at different price points including the 3-star Hotel Pasatiempo the 4-star Wyndham Tamarindo and the 5-star Tamarindo Diría. Manuel Antonio features properties like the mid-range Villa Bosque and high-end Parador Resort. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The Parador Resort in Manuel Antonio offered stunning ocean views and excellent access to both the beach and national park."
How accessible are Costa Rica's beaches from major airports?
The main beach areas connect well to international airports. Reaching Tamarindo takes about 4 hours from San José International Airport or 1 hour from Liberia Airport. Manuel Antonio requires a 4-hour drive from San José with shared or private transfer options. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The transfers were well-organized and comfortable though some roads to beach destinations can be winding." Caribbean destinations like Puerto Viejo need 4-5 hours from San José using public or private transport.
How do I choose between Pacific and Caribbean coast beaches?
Each coast offers distinct experiences. The Pacific side including Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio features more tourist amenities and reliable weather during dry season. The Caribbean coast around Puerto Viejo delivers authentic Afro-Caribbean culture and better snorkeling conditions. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The Caribbean coast offers a laid-back vibe with the Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort providing easy access to white sand beaches and tropical gardens." Pacific waves suit surfing while Caribbean waters tend to be calmer.
What wildlife can I see at Costa Rica's beaches?
The coastal waters host diverse marine life. Caño Island near Uvita offers sightings of various fish species sea turtles stingrays and white-tip reef sharks. Guanacaste's coast attracts seasonal whales and nesting turtles. A TourRadar traveler reports from Manuel Antonio: "We saw dolphins whales during migration season and countless tropical fish while snorkeling."
What activities are available at Costa Rica's beaches?
Beach activities range from water sports to nature experiences. Playa Samara provides horseback riding stand-up paddleboarding and yoga sessions. Guanacaste appeals to sport fishing enthusiasts and surfers with some of the world's top surfing locations. A TourRadar guest at Bosque del Mar Hotel shares: "The variety of water activities and beautiful surroundings made our beach stay unforgettable."