Top 5 Swimming Locations in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a tropical paradise with stunning landscapes and exceptional views to keep you coming back for more. There are many reasons to visit Costa Rica, but part of the appeal comes from the many beaches along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. You’re greeted with a wide variety of activities, and the natural beauty of the country provides a stunning backdrop to your vacation.
With so many swimming beaches in Costa Rica to choose from, it can be hard to pick just one. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to swim in Costa Rica and their benefits, all within close distance of Villa Punto De Vista.
Where Are the Best Beaches in Costa Rica?
Near Villa Punto De Vista, you can explore some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, whether you’re looking to surf the waves or lay out in the sun to tan. Many of these beaches are within a short walk or driving distance to the resort. Each boasts the natural beauty of Costa Rica with the added fun of intermingling with wildlife.
1. Playitas Beach
Located just South of Villa Punto De Vista and a short walk away, Playitas Beach is known for its natural beauty and intimate setting. However, you’re still within walking distance of a few shops and restaurants, such as Playitas Beachfront Restaurant, where you can enjoy a nice lunch with authentic Costa Rican cuisine.
Generally, this beach is less crowded than others, so it’s the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowd. There is no fee to enter the beach, so it’s the perfect destination for the spontaneous. Take your family to enjoy a relaxing afternoon swimming in the clear waters or explore what Playitas Beach has to offer with a group of friends.
Things to Do
Playitas Beach is just a short distance away from Villa Punto De Vista, and there is more to do than take in the natural ambiance, of which it has plenty. Here are just a few things you can plan for when visiting this beach:
- Surf the waves: For surfers, Playitas Beach is the perfect location if you’re just starting out and want to hone your skills. The waves on this beach are typically smaller, so they’re ideal for new surfers trying to learn the ropes.
- Take a swim: The smaller waves also make this beach a suitable location for children swimming. Just be sure to keep an eye on the time so you know when high tide is rolling in.
- Sit back and relax: There is plenty of room to kick back with the expansive shoreline of Playitas Beach. Lounge on the sand or bring your own beach chair to catch that perfect tan. Breathe in the splendor of the surrounding landscape and its natural beauty. The lush green backdrop and stunningly blue waters will captivate your senses and calm the mind.
- Plan stunning photoshoots: This beach makes for the perfect backdrop for all of your photos, whether you’re taking a selfie to post to Instagram or looking to take some extraordinary photos of the water. The intimate setting of the beach will ensure that no strangers appear in the background of your vacation photos.
Keep in mind that the beach closes for two hours before and after high tide since the waves block the entrance to the shoreline. You’ll want to check when the tide is rolling in so you can plan your visit around it and stay safe.
2. Espadilla Beach
After you spend some time hanging out on the sandy shore of Playitas Beach, you can head a short distance over to Espadilla Beach, just a short distance from Villa Punto De Vista. This beach is perfect for those who enjoy being social — tourists and locals alike visit the shore to spend some time on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
While many people visit this beach and the surrounding shops, there is plenty of room for everyone to soak up the sun. You can even rent lounge chairs so you can kick back and relax as the waves roll in. The public nature of the beach also means that you can conveniently park your car nearby for a small fee, saving you from having to travel on foot.
The beauty of Espadilla Beach is hard to beat with the Manuel Antonio National Park located nearby. The natural charm of the park is only elevated by the exotic wildlife found in the surrounding area. You can immerse yourself in nature and observe Costa Rica’s unique wildlife as they interact with their natural habitat.
Things to Do
Espadilla Beach is a popular location among tourists and locals, so there is plenty to do, such as:
- Surfing: Espadilla Beach is also an excellent spot for surfers looking for some thrilling waves to ride. Be aware that riptide is possible at this location, and take all safety precautions necessary. Follow any posted signage and be cautious when entering the water.
- Horseback riding: Even with little experience, you can still enjoy a picturesque tour down the coastline of the beach. Remember to take photos because this will be a moment you’ll never want to forget!
- Parasailing: If you’re looking for more of a thrill, parasailing might be for you. Soak in even more of Costa Rica’s natural beauty as you climb over the crystal clear water and feel the crisp warm wind kiss your cheeks.
- Banana boat rides: Get up close and personal with the waters of Espadilla Beach and take a journey on a banana boat. If you’re lucky, you may even get to interact with some of the marine wildlife as you travel along the coastline.
If you’re looking for something more grounded in nature, you can travel to Espadilla South Beach, located inside the national park. Keep in mind that the park charges an entrance fee, so you will need to account for this expense if you plan to visit the southern beach.
Since this beach is located within the national park, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife. Hiking trails connect this beach to other locations in the park. Children will love interacting with the native species of Costa Rica, and you can turn the trip into an educational moment. There’s plenty for adults to enjoy as well, such as scenic views and a stimulating trek through the jungle.
3. Manuel Antonio Beach
Another popular beach in Costa Rica, this shoreline is located in the Manuel Antonio National Park. Despite being popular among tourists, the beach isn’t as crowded as some other beaches in Costa Rica. The lack of a crowd allows you to soak in the beauty of the national park, the bright sandy beach and the sparkling ocean water.
The area boasts a rich biome of flora and fauna. You can travel through the jungle by its interconnected hiking trails and watch sloths, monkeys, crabs and many more species interact with their natural environment.
There is a fee to get into the park of $18.08 for adults and $5.95 for children between the ages of 2-11. There are also locations where you can park, or you can take a taxi to the entrance. The beach is a short 9-minute drive from Villa Punto De Vista.
Things to Do
Manuel Antonio National Park is a popular tourist destination with a rich local culture, so there are plenty of things to do while you’re at the beach, including:
- Sunbathing: The calm waters of Manuel Antonio Beach are perfect for sunbathers who are looking to bask in the sunlight. Kick back, relax and enjoy the sound of the waves rolling in and the ambiance of the national park surrounding you.
- Swimming: Since the waters are so calm at Manuel Antonio Beach, it’s one of the best swimming beaches in Costa Rica. Take your family or friends out to the water and soak in the shallows. Or, if you’re more adventurous, you can take a kayak tour or hop on one of the boat tours to explore the blue ocean.
- Guided tours: Manuel Antonio National Park has many guided tours to take you through the park, and some of them take you on and around the beach. Tours are an excellent option for groups, and you have the advantage of having a professional guide walk you through the charm of the park’s natural beauty.
- Hike: You can also choose to explore on your own if guided tours aren’t your thing. The interconnected system of hiking trails is excellent for those who want to engage with the native wildlife, but they also offer a scenic route between beaches. There are a few beaches within the Manuel Antonio National Park, each with its own unique appeal.
Like with many beaches, keep an eye on the tide as it ebbs and flows. A slack tide is the best for swimmers as the water is at its calmest. Slack tides occur in the hour before and after a high or low tide. Keep track of tide times and plan your beach trip accordingly.
4. Escondido Beach
Escondido Beach is another stunning locale to visit when you come to Costa Rica. This beach is also located inside the Manuel Antonio National Park, so you will have to pay a fee to enter. However, you’ll be able to walk through the hiking trails to reach other beaches inside the park, such as Manuel Antonio Beach and Espadilla South Beach.
The luscious jungle surrounds the beach and provides visitors with privacy and seclusion. The 35-minute drive from Villa Punto De Vista is rewarded with a magnificent, encapsulating view.
Things to Do
- Sunbathing: Escondido Beach is perfect for sunbathers since there isn’t a large crowd. You’ll be able to relax in peace and enjoy the warm rays, the water lapping at the shore and the sounds from the nearby jungle.
- Swimming: The calm waters of Escondido Beach make it ideal for swimming. Take a dip in the blue water to soak and let out a sigh of relief as all of your tensions fade away.
- Exploring: The jungle of Manuel Antonio National Park is known for its ethereal beauty and diverse biome. Hike through the jungle in a small group or travel with a tour guide to learn more about the park and its inhabitants.
You can also include a visit to Escondido Beach during your tour or hike as you travel from Manuel Antonio Beach. Stay on top of checking the tide here, though. The high tide will hide the beauty of this beach, so plan to travel here when the tide is low.
5. Biesanz Beach
On the other side of Villa Punto De Vista is the beautiful Biesanz Beach. This beach is secluded from the others, hiding away just northwest of Villa Punto De Vista. The 20-minute drive will take you to a beach surrounded by lively greenery and high cliffs. The calm waters are perfect for lounging on the shore and taking a moment to relax and live in the moment.
Things to Do
- Catamaran tours: Near the shore, you can find a catamaran tour to take you out on the water where you can get up close and personal with the marine life in the Pacific. The beach itself is secluded, with calm waters cascading up the shore.
- Kayaking: Get even closer to the marine life and hop inside a kayak. You can explore the cove and enjoy an intimate experience with friends and family.
- Snorkeling: Dive even deeper into the clear water or Biesanz Beach and get acquainted with exotic marine life.
- Photography: The natural landscape of Biesanz Beach provides a beautiful backdrop to take breathtaking photographs that will last a lifetime. Make memories with your friends and use the scenic views to elevate your engagement or wedding photos.
The beach will get smaller during high tide, so you’ll have to account for this during your visit. You can look up a tide table and how to read one and adjust your itinerary so you visit Biesanz beach at the ideal time.
Book Today and Live in Luxury
Traveling to Costa Rica and immersing yourself in the vibrant culture and striking scenery is an experience of a lifetime, and our goal is to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Explore the rainforest to view wildlife or take a dip in the ocean to swim your worries away. No matter how you choose to adventure, you’ll have a comfortable bed and excellent service waiting for you at Villa Punto De Vista.
We offer beach access to our private beach for your convenience and leisure. When you’ve experienced all the beach has to offer, the double-edged infinity pools at our villa are the perfect getaway where you can relax with your friends and family. Our full-service staff can accommodate your needs and make your stay with us as comfortable as possible.
If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, expect comfort and care at Villa Punto De Vista. Start your journey today and check out our villa availability and rates.
