Best Beaches in Cobano

Playa Carmen is a beautiful beach located in Cóbano, Costa Rica. This beach is approximately 2 km long with soft, golden sand.

The beach at the small town of Montezuma in Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica was only a remote fishing village until the 1980s when budget-minded visitors discovered its beauty. Still a relatively quiet village on the southern tip of the famous Nicoya Peninsula, Montezuma and the nearby Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve draw backpackers and eco-tourists to its rivers, beaches, and waterfalls and is considered somewhat bohemian with its funky international guests and open-minded locals. The beach here is especially well-suited for snorkeling because in the dry season the water is very transparent and the rock formations are teeming with fish, Moray eels, sea turtles, and octopi.

Costa Rica has gained international prominence as a surfing destination, and Montezuma boasts exceptionally important surf spots such as Playa Grande, Los Cedros, and Rio Lajas. Anamaya Surf Camp is a luxury retreat center, and La Escula del Sol Surf School is an all-inclusive school that teaches surfing, fire dancing, yoga, and the Spanish language. The beach town has an active nightlife, numerous diverse restaurants, and a plethora of arts and crafts galleries as well as artists selling their goods along the streets.

Playa Manzanillo is a captivating Caribbean beach located in the Limon Province of Costa Rica, near the town of Manzanillo. Renowned for its pristine natural beauty, this beach is nestled within a wildlife refuge, offering visitors an immersive experience amidst lush tropical surroundings and diverse marine life. The atmosphere here is relaxed and welcoming, with a blend of tranquil and vibrant energy, making it a favored destination for both nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Visitors to Playa Manzanillo can enjoy golden sands framed by dense rainforest, with gentle waves that invite swimming and snorkeling. The area’s unique features include its proximity to protected coral reefs and abundant wildlife, contributing to its status as a Blue Flag beach recognized for ecological standards. The beach’s vibe is both peaceful and lively, featuring diverse visitors including families, solo travelers, and the LGBTQ+ community, all drawn by the welcoming, eco-conscious spirit of the locale.
With easy access to walking paths, boat ramps, and local cultural sites, Playa Manzanillo offers a blend of relaxation and exploration. It is an ideal spot for those looking to connect with nature while enjoying amenities and local hospitality that capture the true essence of Costa Rican Caribbean coast living.

Malpais (or Mal Pais) Beach, situated on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica just south of Santa Teresa, is a beautiful, relaxing beach that’s sandy, long, and at times rocky but is sprinkled with sandy, shady, secluded areas perfect for private relaxing. Be careful not to confuse Malpais, a larger, much busier beach area that includes Santa Teresa and Playa Carmen, with the small, tranquil neighborhood of Malpais. The neighborhood of Malpais is laid-back and has few accommodations and no shops. As part of the famed Nicoya Peninsula, Malpais has activities to please everyone and has recently become a destination for the younger, more enthusiastic crowds. Of course, visitors come to Malpais Beach for the surf as its waves can accommodate on most days throughout the year any level of surfer from the beginner to the advanced levels. Surfing, however, is not the only attraction to Malpais. Try snorkeling, sport fishing, scuba diving, seashell collecting, and sunset watching, all within steps of your lodging. The town has a small port where you can catch a tour boat or rent a stand-up paddle board; its maritime sanctuary Cabo Blanco protects many species of sea life, and the area is excellent for bird watching.

One of the worst kept secrets of the area is Playa Cuevas in the adjacent Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, locally known as “the secret beach.” This exquisite white-sand cove is perfect for snorkeling at low tide and can be accessed from Maipais.

Ironically, Malpais means “bad land” in Spanish, but ask anyone who has visited the area and they will quickly tell you that it’s incorrectly named. The land here is anything but bad!

Playa Las Piedras Mar Azul, located in Cobano, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, is a picturesque beach known for its serene atmosphere and natural beauty. The area is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers a tranquil escape from bustling city life. Visitors can enjoy the beach's pristine shores, where they can relax and engage in various activities.

The beach is part of the Mar Azul region, which is gaining popularity for its laid-back vibe and stunning landscapes. It's a great spot for those seeking a peaceful beach experience, away from the crowds. The proximity to nature reserves and wildlife areas adds to its appeal, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those wanting to explore the outdoors.

Playa Las Piedras Mar Azul also offers opportunities for local exploration, with nearby towns providing a glimpse into Costa Rican culture and cuisine.

Playa Cocal, nestled in the Puntarenas Province near Cobano, Costa Rica, is a beautiful stretch of golden sand framed by lush jungle and swaying palms. This tranquil beach is renowned for its relaxed, rustic charm and is a favorite among surfers, nature lovers, and travelers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience. The gentle waves and expansive shoreline make it ideal for long walks, surf sessions, and watching breathtaking sunsets. The local community is welcoming, and the atmosphere remains peaceful even as its reputation for beauty spreads among discerning beachgoers. Whether you're here to catch waves, enjoy solitude, or connect with wild nature, Playa Cocal offers a genuine slice of Costa Rica’s famed Pura Vida lifestyle.

While not as developed as neighboring Santa Teresa, Playa Cocal retains an unspoiled appeal, making it a top pick for those who want to escape the crowds. The surrounding area is dotted with boutique lodges, surf camps, and eco-friendly hotels, blending seamlessly with the natural environment. Wildlife is abundant, and it's not uncommon to spot monkeys, iguanas, or vibrant tropical birds as you stroll the beach or relax under the trees. The beach’s remote location means fewer services, but also more privacy and a stronger sense of connection to the untamed beauty of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

Playa Ventanitas, nestled along the Pacific coast near Cobano in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, is renowned for its untouched natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. This hidden gem is situated just a short distance from the more popular Santa Teresa beaches, offering visitors a more secluded and peaceful retreat. The beach boasts pristine golden sands, dramatic rocky outcrops, and lush green backdrops, making it ideal for those seeking serenity away from bustling tourist spots. Surfers and nature lovers are drawn to Ventanitas for its uncrowded waves and rich marine life, while the laid-back vibe reflects the authentic charm of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula.

The area around Playa Ventanitas is relatively undeveloped, giving it a wild, adventurous feel. The beach is lined with native vegetation, providing ample shade and a habitat for local wildlife. Visitors often remark on the stunning sunsets and the sense of solitude found here, as well as the friendly, relaxed community that calls this stretch of coast home. Playa Ventanitas is perfect for travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature, whether through surfing, hiking, or simply unwinding in a hammock under the palms.

Playa Cuevas is a captivating beach located in the Cobano district of Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica. This serene coastal gem is known for its pristine sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere that appeals to nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and offering spectacular ocean views, the beach provides a tranquil escape from bustling city life. Its relatively untouched beauty makes it a perfect spot for relaxation and exploration, with an inviting vibe that blends natural splendor with a sense of community and eco-consciousness.

Aside from its visual allure, Playa Cuevas benefits from a variety of natural features including rocky outcrops and diverse marine life, contributing to its unique ecosystem. The beach is also recognized as LGBTQ+ friendly, enhancing its inclusive appeal for visitors from all walks of life. With a mix of calm and occasionally vibrant experiences, from peaceful sunbathing spots to active water sports, Playa Cuevas offers a well-rounded beach experience that caters to different tastes and preferences.

Playa Hermosa, located in Uvita, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, is a scenic beach known for its stunning natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. It is part of the Marino Ballena National Park, offering a protected area for wildlife and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. The beach is famous for its whale-shaped sandbar that appears during low tide, making it a popular spot for photography and relaxation. With its pristine waters and soft sand, it provides an ideal setting for beach activities, sunbathing, and nature walks.
Visitors often enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in the calm waters or simply basking in the sun. The nearby town of Uvita offers a variety of local cuisine and shopping experiences, making Playa Hermosa an excellent choice for those seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure.
The surrounding area is also great for hiking and exploring the jungle, offering a chance to experience Costa Rica's rich biodiversity.

Looking for the place where the surf is always up? Try the quintessential surf village of Santa Teresa, a small beach town where the sun is bright, the sands is sparkling, and the water is crystal clear. And while your initial lure might be the beach, you’ll be surprised by the fishing, the kite-surfing, the yoga and spas, and the gorgeous sunsets. Even though Santa Teresa has recently boomed in popularity, it has managed to resist the high-rises and still has a pristine coastline with sandy white beaches bordered by a broad strip of forests and jungle covered hills that separate the beach from the town.

Santa Teresa is a great place for novice surfers with its easy-going breaks and many surf schools and camps, but Santa Teresa is about more than surfing. Try one of the long hikes along the scenic coastline, swim and investigate interesting sea life in the tidal pools, go snorkeling or fishing, or read a book while enjoying the amazing views from any direction.

Visitors often mention the memorable sunsets at the beach where the entire town seems to gather. Watching surfers show their talents, chatting with the Ticos, enjoying the bonfires, and planning for the rest of the evening all combine to make visitors feel welcome. Don’t be surprised if the beauty and atmosphere of Santa Teresa make you think about joining the many others who have settled at Santa Teresa permanently!