Beaches

Jacó Beach stretches 2.5 miles with different zones serving different purposes. The north end (toward Los Sueños) has gentler surf, fewer crowds, and better swimming conditions. The central section in front of town is surf-central: beach break peaks, surf schools, and board rentals every 50 feet. The south end near the Costanera bridge gets bigger waves and attracts more advanced surfers. The beach is fully public with multiple access points, so you can walk the entire length. Expect dark volcanic sand (it gets hot midday; bring sandals), consistent year-round waves, and a working surf beach vibe rather than pristine postcard scenery. Sunsets are spectacular viewed from beachfront bars with a cold beer.

Playa Hermosa is a long, straight, powerful beach best known for championship-level surf and olive ridley sea turtle nesting. The waves here are bigger, faster, and more hollow than Jacó. This is an intermediate-to-advanced surf beach, not a learn-to-swim destination. The beach itself is less developed, with palms backing the sand and fewer crowds even during peak season. During turtle nesting season (July-December), sections of the beach are roped off and monitored by conservation groups. The vibe is quieter and more nature-focused than Jacó's party energy. Early morning walks often reveal fresh turtle tracks from overnight nesting. Sunsets are unobstructed and cinematic.

Herradura Bay is the Central Pacific's rare calm-water beach: a crescent-shaped bay sheltered from big Pacific swells, making it ideal for swimming, paddle boarding, and families with young kids. The water is swimmable year-round without battling surf. Local Costa Rican families drive from San José on weekends specifically for this gentle water access. The beach has beachfront restaurants serving fresh fish under palapas, public facilities, and parking. It's less scenic than wild coastlines but far more functional for actual ocean swimming. The bay faces west for sunset views over the Pacific. Weekends during dry season (January-April) get crowded with Josefino families; come early for parking and shade, or visit weekdays for a quieter experience.

Santa Teresa's beaches are a 5km stretch of palm-backed coastline divided into several distinct zones by character and wave conditions. Playa Carmen in the center is the social heart: a consistent beach break with cafes and restaurants steps from the sand, and the gathering point for the town's legendary sunsets. Playa Santa Teresa to the north has more boutique hotels and villas along the beach with slightly less foot traffic. Mal País at the south end is the most raw and undeveloped, popular with experienced surfers and those seeking the area's most unspoiled feel. All beaches share warm Pacific water, dark volcanic sand (bring sandals; it gets hot midday), and west-facing orientations that deliver spectacular sunsets. Swimming requires attention to currents; these are primarily surf beaches, not calm-water destinations. For a calm swimming day, Santa Teresa is more about long beach walks, beachside yoga, and sunset gatherings than splashing in flat water.