A true tropical oasis, Costa Rica has something to suit most everyone's fancy. White sandy beaches in Montezuma offer the perfect playground for children, families and couples. The palm tree lined coast allows ample shade from Costa Rica sunshine and floating in the blue ocean is the perfect way to unwind. Sit back, relax and imagine warm, tropical breezes tickling your skin as we take you on a tour of the best beaches in Montezuma on the Nicoya Peninsula.

The 20 minute hike through jungle and beaches leads you to a long, flat and secluded stretch of beach. You’ll often feel as though you are on a private island. The long rolling waves are perfect for surfing, boogie boarding and swimming.

Playa Grande is one of the most spectacular beaches in Montezuma. This remote and secluded beach has no road access, so hiking in and out along jungle paths and beaches, is your only option to reach this expansive beach. Playa Grande has long rolling waves, perfect for surfing (both beginners and intermediate surfers), boogie boarding or swimming. The beach is lined with lush tropical forest and provides ample shade for resting.

What's Cool: There is no road access to Playa Grande, so hiking in and out is your only option! This makes for a secluded and private beach getaway.

The best way to reach Playa Cocalito is on horseback. The ride will take you through green jungle paths and long stretches of beach. Once you arrive, you’ll be met with clear blue waters, white sand, rock formations, a waterfall and a river to explore.

Playa Cocalito is an exciting hike through jungles, beaches and rivers and is very enjoyable to do on horseback. The white sand beach and clear blue waters are only part of the beauty, the real magic is the waterfall that drops from the river into the ocean, 10 meters below. This is one of only 7 waterfalls in the world that drop into the ocean.

What's Cool: Playa Cocalito includes a waterfall! This is only one of 7 waterfalls in the world that drops into the ocean.

Las Manchas beach is easily accessible by car and might be one of the most picturesque beaches in the area. The clear turquoise water is mesmerizing and perfect for wading. There are many rock formations and tide pools, perfect for young families to enjoy.

Playa Las Manchas is a picturesque beach on the outskirts of Montezuma. A favorite spot for locals due to it’s clear, turquoise waters, calm tide pools, and white sand beach. The water is perfect for wading in and cooling down and the tree lined beach is perfect to enjoy the sun or shade.

What's Cool: Playa Las Manchas is a favorite for local families to come and enjoy! You’ll often find local kids playing after school and on the weekends.

This long, expansive beach is a beach lover and surfer’s paradise. Known for it’s great surfing waves, locals and tourists gather for day time fun and to catch the gorgeous sunset.

Santa Teresa is known for it’s surfing and people come from all over the world to take advantage of the great waves. A popular beach for families, tourists and locals, everyone will enjoy the surf, sand and sun. A perfect place to explore and relax.

What's Cool: Surfing, surfing and more surfing!

Mal Pais was once a small and remote fishing village that has become a popular surf and beach hang out. You’ll still see the fishing boats coming and going from the beach, but you’ll also see surfers in the early morning and families in the evening to watch the sunset. There are great waves and tide pools to enjoy, along with a soft sand beach.

What's Cool: Mal Pais does still have a traditional fishing community. Explore the old wooden boats and watch as the fisherman come in with fresh fish. Buy one straight off the boat!

This rocky beach has a number of small tide pools to enjoy. On high tide, it can be nice for swimming. Many people come to enjoy the beautiful sunset colors. Playa Manzanillo is known for it’s beautiful rock and reef formations. It’s unique landscape creates tranquil and relaxing tide pools to enjoy. Manzanillo also provides a perfect backdrop to enjoy the sunset. Playa Manzanillo is secluded and often does not have many tourists. If you’re looking to explore an uncrowded beach, this is a great place to go!

What's Cool: Once a year in April, this beach hosts a sand castle competition!

Playa Carmen is a popular and centrally located beach with restaurants, shops and bars within walking distance. A great beach for surfing, soaking up the sun and people watching. Bars and restaurants along the beach are the perfect spot to enjoy a meal or drink while enjoying the beach activity and sunset.

What's Cool: Playa Carmen has an international vibe where many gather for the sunset and wave watching

Exactly as it sounds “Hermosa” is one of the most beautiful beaches in Montezuma. Long flat, sandy stretches lined with palm trees. A favorite spot for surfing, tide pools and sunset watching!

Playa Hermosa is known for it’s long, rolling waves, perfect for surfing. This long, flat and wide beach seems as though it goes on infinitely, especially at low tide. A quiet beach, you’ll often feel as though you have the beach to yourself. Enjoy the afternoon and a spectacular sunset.

What's Cool: Known for it’s long, rolling waves, it’s a perfect spot for beginning surfers.

A secluded beach tucked away. To reach the beach, you’ll need to wind your way through a jungle path. You’ll be rewarded with still tide pools and calm ocean waters.

Playa Suecos is not easy to find, but once you do you’ll be rewarded with a secluded cove, calm waters and a beautiful beach. Weave your way through jungle paths and along large rock formations to discover a private beach with beautiful blue waters. A favorite spot for the whole family to enjoy.

What's Cool: Large rock formations and a beautiful sunset make for a perfect photo shoot location.

A remote fishing village, Cabuya has a number of rocky beaches to explore. Very undeveloped, you can explore rivers, tide pools and a couple of good surf spots. With a number of beaches and rivers to explore, the Cabuya beaches in Montezuma are mainly reef and offer nice tide pools or rivers to swim in. If you are looking for an adventure, hike to Cabuya Cemetery Island on low tide.

What's Cool: On low tide, you can walk to an island cemetery in the middle of the ocean! Plan your trip with the low tide.

Playa Tambor is located on Tambor Bay, a calm waterfront perfect for kayaking, stand up paddle boardings, and boating. The beach is wide and offers lots of space to play in the surf. If you’re lucky, you may even glimpse a whale sighting. A great spot for families and friends to enjoy!

What's Cool: Keep your eyes open for Humpback whale sightings and Mahi Mahi.

Playa Coyote is a beautiful white sand beach, surrounded by mangroves and Costa Rica birds. Enjoy the beach or take a boat ride through the mangroves to discover Costa Rica wildlife. Not far from Montezuma, you’ll enjoy an exciting adventure to see some natural Costa Rica beauty.

What's Cool: Look out for a unique reef, perfect for snorkeling and surfing. Only accessible by walking.

At Piedra Colorada find a colorful stone beach with the mouth of the river flowing into the ocean. The river is ever changing, but often creates a large, beautiful pool for swimming. Hiking further up the river, you’ll find small waterfalls, smaller swimming pools and lots of wildlife. Piedra Colorada beach is also know for it’s colorful stone sculptures, visitors passing through are welcome to create their own colorful stone and rock sculpture to add to the collection. This is a great beach for families and kids to enjoy the river and swimming pools, to add, it's a 5 minute walk from Ylang Ylang!

What's Cool: A long standing tradition at Piedra Colorada is to build a small sculpture with the colors stones. Leave your own mark with a colorful, creative work of art!

Ylang Ylang Beach Resort has long considered one of the most scenic resorts in Costa Rica, with beachfront rooms. For over 8 years we’ve received the Certificated of Excellence by TripAdvisor, and listed on leading travel publications including Fodor’s Choice.

Relax on our beach that is nestled between a rain forest teeming with exotic life. More adventurous travelers can explore the endless activities available including; surfing,scuba-diving, zip-lining, ATV, horseback riding and even trails through the jungle!