Guanacaste is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Costa Rica — and knowing which ones to visit can make all the difference in your trip. Whether you’re looking for a calm bay perfect for snorkeling, a hidden cove for a horseback ride at sunset, or a long stretch of sand for doing absolutely nothing, the Nicoya Peninsula delivers.
We’re based in Sámara, so we know this coastline deeply. Here’s our honest guide to the best beaches in Guanacaste, written for travelers who want the real experience, not just the famous names.
Playa Sámara — the best all-around beach
Sámara consistently ranks among the top beaches in Costa Rica for good reason. It’s protected by a reef that keeps the waves gentle, making it ideal for families, swimmers, and anyone new to ocean activities. The beach is long, clean, and backed by a small town with great food, local bars, and no mega-resorts. This is where you can take surf lessons, paddle a kayak out to Isla Chora, or simply watch the sunset from the sand.
Playa Carrillo — the most beautiful beach near Sámara
Just 6 km south of Sámara, Playa Carrillo is one of the most photographed beaches in Costa Rica. It’s a perfect half-moon bay lined with palm trees, calm water, and almost no crowds compared to other popular beaches. Our Horseback Riding Tour in Puerto Carrillo takes you through dry forest trails before arriving on this beach — one of the best ways to experience it.
Playa Barrigona — the hidden gem
Barrigona is a private beach about 15 minutes from Sámara that requires a short hike to access. The payoff is a secluded, jungle-framed bay with turquoise water and almost no other people. During our Gyrocopter Tour, you’ll fly over the Barrigona hills and catch a bird’s-eye view of this coastline — a perspective you won’t forget.
Playa Ostional — for something unlike any other beach
Ostional isn’t famous for its swimming — it’s famous for the massive olive ridley turtle arrivals that happen here every month. During a three-day window dictated by tides and moon phases, hundreds of turtles come ashore to nest. Our Turtle Nesting Tour in Ostional takes you there at night to witness this ancient spectacle up close. It’s one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in all of Central America.
Playa Corozalito — for turtle watching on a smaller scale
A quieter alternative to Ostional, Corozalito offers a more intimate turtle nesting experience. Our Turtle Nesting Tour in Corozalito is 3.5 hours, includes round-trip transport from Sámara, and uses red-light torches to observe nesting females without disturbing them.
Planning your beach trip from Sámara
All of these beaches are within a short drive from Sámara. If you’re planning your first visit to Guanacaste and want local advice on which beaches to combine with which tours, our Free Vacation Planning service is the easiest way to get started — just tell us your dates and what you’re looking for.
Not all beaches in Guanacaste are created equal. Some are windy and rough, others are calm and perfect for kids, and a few are only accessible by boat or on foot. Knowing which is which before you arrive saves a lot of wasted travel time. That’s what we’re here for.