Feeling like your social feed is lacking inspiration? We challenge you to refresh your feed in Costa Rica. Not only will you go home feeling refreshed too, you’ll have treated your followers to a case of FOMO (fear of missing out), giving them a reason to stop scrolling to ‘like’ each of your travel photos.
For the best-of-places to photograph, this is the ultimate list of Instagram-worthy beaches in Costa Rica.
1. Playa Manuel Antonio:
Playa Manuel Antonio is located in a beautiful coastal town and national park located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The national park is one of the most popular attractions in the area. The park is home to various species of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and a wide variety of birds. There are hiking trails within the park, leading to beautiful viewpoints and the pristine beach of Manuel Antonio.
With its white sand, clear blue waters, abundant wildlife and lush green surroundings, this beach offers great photo opportunities, especially with the backdrop of the nearby national park. Thigs to know:
- Purchasing tickets to enter the Manuel Antonio National Park is only online (there is not a physical office to buy the tickets).
- Ticket Price : Park tickets for Costa Rican and resident: Adult: 1808 Costa Rican Colones
- Costa Rican children aged 6 to 12: 565 Costa Rican Colones
- Adult (no resident): USD $18,08
- Children (no resident) under 12: USD $5,65
- I know is the best way to get a great camara capture with a cute monkey but please do not feed the animals in the park.
2. Santa Teresa Beach:
Santa Teresa Beach is another stunning destination in Costa Rica, known for its beautiful coastline, excellent surf conditions, and laid-back atmosphere. You might find this place to be a great spot for sharing captivating visuals and stories, all perfect for your Instagram feed. Here’s some information about Santa Teresa Beach:
Surfing: Santa Teresa is a renowned surf spot on the Nicoya Peninsula. It offers consistent waves year-round, making it a haven for surfers of all levels. You can take surf lessons or simply watch experienced surfers ride the waves.
Yoga and Wellness: Santa Teresa has a strong yoga and wellness community. You’ll find many yoga studios and retreat centers where you can participate in classes and workshops, perfect for creating engaging content for social media.
Nature and Wildlife: The lush jungle surroundings are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including howler monkeys, iguanas, and various bird species. Nature lovers will have plenty of photo opportunities.
Nightlife: While Santa Teresa is relatively quiet during the day, it comes to life at night with vibrant bars, restaurants, and live music venues. It’s a great place to capture the nightlife scene for your social media followers.
Sustainability: Like Manuel Antonio, Santa Teresa also emphasizes sustainability and eco-friendly practices, which can be a compelling aspect to highlight on your social media platforms.
3. Conchal Beach:
Playa Conchal is a breathtaking beach located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, and it’s known for its unique feature – instead of fine sand, its shoreline is made up of millions of tiny crushed seashells, giving it a distinctive appearance which creates a visually appealing and distinctive texture in photos. For you social media, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to capture the beauty of this beach. Here’s what you should know:
Shell Beach: The most distinctive feature of Playa Conchal is its “sand” made of crushed seashells. The beach got its name from the Spanish word “conchal,” which means “shell.” It’s a great spot for unique beachcombing and photography.
Crystal-Clear Waters: The beach boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters that are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. You can spot colorful marine life and coral reefs while snorkeling.
Golf: For golf enthusiasts, there’s the Reserva Conchal Golf Course, an 18-hole championship golf course located nearby. You can capture the beauty of the course and the surrounding landscape.
Luxury Resorts: The beach is adjacent to upscale resorts like the Westin Golf Resort & Spa and The W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal, which provide luxurious settings and amenities for a relaxing stay.
4. Tamarindo Beach: With its vibrant nightlife, water sports, and beautiful sunsets, Tamarindo offers a mix of lively and serene settings for Instagram shots.
Tamarindo Beach is another fantastic coastal destination in Costa Rica, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant surf culture, and a lively atmosphere. Here , you’ll find plenty of content opportunities, a mix of lively and serene settings for Instagram shots such as:
Surfing: Tamarindo is famous for its consistent surf breaks, making it a haven for surfers of all levels. You can document your surfing experiences or showcase the local surf culture, including surf schools and shops.
Tamarindo Estuary: This estuary is a unique natural attraction where you can take boat tours or kayak through mangrove forests. It’s an excellent opportunity for nature photography and spotting wildlife like crocodiles and various bird species.
Nightlife: Tamarindo comes alive at night with a vibrant nightlife scene. Document your experiences at beachfront bars, live music venues, and beach parties.
Sunsets: Tamarindo is famous for its stunning sunsets. Capture the colorful skies over the Pacific Ocean and share these breathtaking moments with your followers.
5. Cahuita Beach: This beach is part of Cahuita National Park and is known for its calm waters, rich marine life, and relaxed atmosphere – ideal for capturing the beauty of nature and the vibrance of the Afro-Caribbean culture .
Cahuita is a charming coastal town located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, known for its beautiful beaches, lush tropical surroundings, and Afro-Caribbean culture. If you’re a social media manager, you’ll find plenty of captivating content opportunities in Cahuita. Here’s what you should know:
Cahuita National Park: This national park is a major attraction in the area, offering hiking trails along the coastline and through the rainforest. It’s an ideal place to spot wildlife, including howler monkeys, sloths, and various bird species. Document your adventures in the park and share your encounters with these creatures.
Coral Reefs: Cahuita is renowned for its coral reefs, making it a fantastic destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. The underwater world here is colorful and teeming with marine life. Consider sharing underwater photos and videos from your diving experiences.
Afro-Caribbean Culture: The town of Cahuita has a unique Afro-Caribbean culture, which is reflected in its music, dance, and cuisine. You can showcase local musicians, artists, and traditional dishes in your posts.
Reggae Music: Reggae music is popular in Cahuita, and you can find live music events and bars playing reggae tunes. Capture the vibrant music scene in your content.
6. Playa Flamingo:
With its pristine sandy shores and clear turquoise waters, Playa Flamingo is a picturesque spot that can add a touch of luxury to your Instagram feed.
Playa Flamingo, also known as Flamingo Beach, is a picturesque beach located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It’s known for its pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters, and stunning sunsets. Playa Flamingo is a picturesque spot that can add a touch of luxury to your Instagram feed. Here’s what you should know:
Beach Bliss: Playa Flamingo is a classic tropical beach destination. Share stunning photos of the palm-lined shore, the inviting turquoise waters, and the soft, white sands. It’s perfect for captivating your audience with the essence of a tropical paradise.
Sunsets: The sunsets at Playa Flamingo are legendary. The golden hues reflecting off the water make for incredible photo opportunities. Consider sharing time-lapse videos or series of photos to showcase the sunset’s changing colors.
Water Activities: The beach offers various water sports and activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and sailing. Share your underwater adventures or boating experiences with your followers.
Marina: Playa Flamingo has a marina where you can find opportunities for boating tours, especially sportfishing. Highlight the marina’s offerings and the excitement of catching big fish.
6. Dominical Beach:
Dominical Beach is a beautiful and laid-back coastal destination located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It’s known for its excellent surf, stunning natural surroundings, and a relaxed atmosphere that can make for captivating photos.:
Surfing: Dominical is famous for its consistent surf breaks, making it a favorite spot for surfers. Document surf sessions, surf schools, and the surf culture that thrives in this area.
Beach Beauty: Share photos and videos of the stunning beach with its wide shoreline, golden sands, and crashing waves. Capture the essence of a tropical beach paradise.
Sunsets: Dominical Beach offers spectacular sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. Capture these breathtaking moments to engage your audience and showcase the natural beauty of the area.
Waterfalls: Nearby, you’ll find Nauyaca Waterfalls, a popular attraction. Document your hike to these impressive waterfalls and the lush rainforest surroundings.
Whale Watching: Dominical is a great place for whale watching during certain seasons. Share photos and videos of these majestic marine mammals.
Wildlife: The rainforests around Dominical are home to diverse wildlife, including howler monkeys, sloths, and toucans. Wildlife photography can be a captivating aspect of your content.
7. Montezuma Beach:
Montezuma is a charming town located on the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. It’s known for its bohemian atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and lush tropical surroundings. This bohemian beach town offers a mix of waterfalls, tide pools, and stunning ocean views that can make your Instagram posts stand out. If you’re focusing on travel or lifestyle content, Montezuma can be a fantastic topic to feature on your social media platforms. Consider sharing stunning photos of Montezuma’s beaches, waterfalls, and wildlife. You can also create travel guides, share personal experiences, or collaborate with local businesses to promote this unique destination to your audience.
- Waterfalls: If your travel plans include a visit to Montezuma on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, it’s highly likely that you’ll want to explore the Montezuma Waterfalls during your trip. This trio of cascading waterfalls stands out as one of the region’s top attractions, and it’s not hard to see why. Not only are the waterfalls themselves a sight to behold, but they also offer the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in their pristine pools and, for the adventurous souls, the chance to leap from some of them.
- Cabuya Island : Cabuya is a petite island situated just offshore from the charming fishing village of Cabuya, which lies a short distance to the south of Montezuma. Its proximity to the mainland is such that during low tide, you can even walk to it! The notable feature of Isla de Cabuya is its cemetery, offering a truly exceptional and spiritual experience for visitors. As you approach, your journey begins beneath a distinctive whitewashed archway marking the entrance. As you traverse the island, you’ll encounter a poignant sight: rows of agave plants and seashells thoughtfully adorning the graves, creating a poignant and peaceful atmosphere.
- Tortuga Island: One of the highly sought-after excursions departing from Montezuma is Tortuga Island, commonly known as Isla Tortuga. This island is roughly an hour’s boat ride away and boasts volcanic rock formations that provide ideal conditions for snorkeling enthusiasts. Additionally, you’ll discover a pristine white sand beach, a favored stop for most tour operators, where they arrange a delightful BBQ lunch. The boat journey to the island is an adventure in its own right, offering breathtaking views of the scenic coastline. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins, turtles, or other marine creatures from the boat, adding to the thrill of the journey.
8. Playa San Juanillo:
While Costa Rica boasts an abundance of breathtaking beaches, there’s one gem in Guanacaste that truly stands out: Playa San Juanillo. This idyllic beach is a haven with its powdery white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a mesmerizing viewpoint. What sets it apart is its tranquility – it’s not as heavily frequented by tourists, nestled in a small town within a rural area. This makes it the perfect choice for those seeking a more authentic, local experience in the Guanacaste region.
Peaceful environment : If you’re a beach enthusiast who prefers the serenity of a less crowded shoreline and desires to explore a more untouched side of Costa Rica, then Playa San Juanillo deserves a top spot on your must-visit list. It’s unquestionably one of our cherished local gems!
Miradores (Viewpoints)
There are two viewpoints in each side of the beach . The most popular is the one at the point where the beaches converge, you’ll find a modest hill, and there’s a brief trail leading to a breathtaking vista. On Google Maps, it’s referred to as “Mirador Playa San Juanillo.” Indeed, this spot, with its stunning coastal views and the backdrop of the Costa Rican flag, is a perfect addition to your Instagram feed.
On the opposite side of the beach, there’s another concealed viewpoint that you can reach on foot, but it’s typically known only to the locals. Not to worry, though – Costa Ricans, known as Ticos, are incredibly friendly and are more than willing to guide you there with a warm smile.
Remember to check the latest travel information, accommodations, and any local regulations or guidelines, especially if you plan to visit Santa Teresa Beach for work or leisure. It’s a fantastic destination to explore and share with your online audience.
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