Beaches in Costa Rica Overview
Posted in Beaches in Costa Rica, Costa Rica, Hotels on Nov 7th, 2008
I’m posting this article primarily for people who are looking for beaches to go swimming at, enjoy the scenery, sunbathe, etc. I’ll make a couple of suggestions for surfers at the end.
The best and prettiest beaches are on the Pacific side, hands down. The Pacific side also has much nicer weather. The Atlantic/Caribbean side is HOT. It is hot even at night. AC is a must unless you’re hardcore. The Pacific side cools down at night and you can sleep with a fan or a light beer buzz(the two together work pretty well). The Pacific side has more dramatic coasts. There are many interesting rock formations. They are similar to what you’ll see in California but with a rain forest and mountains.
You’ll find big resorts in the Northern Pacific area around places like Playa Flamingo. They are building more all the time. I like the Southern Pacific area because it is not as developed and full of the smaller jungle-outpost-type hotels I prefer. There are also some large hotels there offering a full range of amenities and pampering. Do not dismiss the smaller hotels. I stayed at Villas Gaia and had a great time. The cabins are in the rain forest and you can wake up to a group of Howler monkeys hanging out on the tree in front of your cabin. The food was great and the staff was very nice (most Costa Ricans are really nice, sweet people). I forget the name of the Hotel next door. It wasn’t as charming as Gaia but it was clean, safe and my room had a great Pacific breeze so I slept like a baby.
Surfers will find Puerto Viejo on the Atlantic side worth the trip and the heat. The Salsa Brava wave is well known and a major draw. You will find many cheap places to stay in that area. Reservations really aren’t necessary unless its Christmas or Easter. Dominical is located on the Pacific side and is a big surfer locale as well.
I usually don’t make reservations when I go to the beach. I stay in hotels or cabinas that are less than $100 a night. They have been clean, quiet and safe. I’ve stayed in a few pricier places as well. They’re not worth the money to me because all I do at a hotel is sleep during the night and shower. I’m up early and I’m out all day. If you like to lounge around the hotel pool or read books on the hotel balcony then a higher end resort may be the best choice for you. I prefer to be outdoors and exploring so my accommodation needs are pretty lean.
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