Local Southern Pacific Beaches
You will have quite a few beaches to visit when staying at Corazon del Rio.
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CLICK HERE FOR SOUTHERN PACIFIC SURFING
Matapalo Beach (South)
Our favorite, it's beautifully lined with coconut trees and other green foliage behind a very long flat beach with mostly all sand (unlike its neighboring rocky beach in Dominical). Park on the beach at your convenience. This beach spot will seem to be private on most days, as the locals like to call it "secret beach" for that reason. So shhhhhh!

From Platanillo go down to the coastal highway at Dominical and turn right (north) towards Matapalo (away from Dominical). Before getting to the small town of Matapalo, turn left just after passing a small covered bus stop on the left, and just before a restaurant on your right. Travel the dirt road paralleled with a few cell towers. If you pass this entry and head to the beach by going through the town of Matapalo, you will be at a completely different beach, where you might get a local making friends with you, asking for money. They are not a threat, just an annoyance, this seemed to happen more often then not, but never at this secret location.  
Playa Dominical 
Playa Dominical is a four-mile long brown sand, rocky beach traditionally known as the most consistent surf spot in Costa Rica. Beware swimmers: the currents and the undertows are very strong. Be very careful and stay near the lifeguard tower! The beach is bordered by lush green forests. It's south end banks on the Baru River, the river is unsuitable for swimming as there are crocodiles, which have already eaten one or two dogs. Dominical attracts surfers from all over the world. Tourists are, however, warned that the ocean here is rather rough there is a strong cross-cross swell 1.8 km long, combined with the presence of rocks during low tide and seaboard currents make this beach dangerous for swimmers. 

Expert surfers are certain to enjoy the waves, though beginners can take lessons from one of the surf camps in the area. Depending on year and tides it can be flat when water is at low-tide or just a narrow beach of mainly rocks and driftwood. A community of people to come to watch the beautiful sunsets each evening. You can stroll along the beach front and see what the local artisans and vendors have for sale. 
A community of people to come to watch the beautiful sunsets each evening. You can stroll along the beach front and see what the local artisans and vendors have for sale. The town of Dominical stretches right down to the beach, with one restaurant (Tortilla Flats) looking onto the beach and others scattered throughout the town. Fuego Brew Co has its dinning area upstairs and has a nice view out to the pacific.
Ventana Beach
This beach is located just past Uvita, so its a bit of a drive, but very nice, small and not to crowded. Playa Ventanas gets its name for its caves (they resemble a window). During the low tide, you can walk through them, and see the waves breaking inside the cave. During the high tide, the powerful body of water will shoot spray out of the mouth of the cave. 

​The amazing caves of Playa Ventanas are natural formations; at low tide, you can explore into the wet shadowy cavern, enjoying the giant tub of whirling warm water and its alluring echo. At high tide, depending on the volume of the surge, powerful water jets are expelled from the caves with such force the water turns into a fine mist.

It has a breathtaking view, the sand is fine with enough shade under palm trees on both ends of the beach there are huge boulders covered with lush vegetation that extends to the sea. The beach is relatively safe for swimming, and moderate waves are appealing to beginner surfers.  At low tide, you can walk to the south end where the river coming from the mountain becomes a fun play area for children because of its shallow waters.
There is a parking attendant who watches over the parked cars, the fee is only a couple bucks, so well worth it!  One of our favorite beaches! Usually nice waves for bodysurfing and play. There are a few vendors there providing food and drinks on most days. Closes after sunset.
Uvita's "Whale Tale" Beach
Located 16 km south of Dominical the Marino Ballena National Park described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is known for its famous Whale's Tail Beach (Cola de Ballena), a half mile long tombolo, or sand bar, which can be accessed at low tide. It is the third largest of its kind in the world. At the end of the tombolo is a rocky reef which is good for swimming and snorkeling. It has 4 km of long beaches all located within the national park, which protects the pristine beauty of this area, but also means you are required to pay a 10USD entrance fee daily to access the beach. Very little swell, ideal for recreation, water sports, and walking. White sand and clear water. 

Some times during the year, many sand dollars can be found on your walk on the sandbar. Whale and dolphin watching tours can be booked and are launched right from the beach. Uvita is not complete without a tour to spot some of the ocean’s most beautiful and most sensitive mammals. The Humpback and Bryde whales populate these waters in pretty big numbers. Great spot to see whales from December to April and August to October.
Manual Antonio Park & Beaches
Manuel Antonio is most famous for its national park, but did you know it is also home to what they call the most beautiful beach in Costa Rica? Visit the public beach just outside of the park, and visit Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur in the park, with its stunning turqoise water and white sand. The best part of a visit to Manuel Antonio’s beaches, is that you can also have a wander through the park. You can spot large groups of monkeys, sloth, birds and generally enjoy the atmosphere of the tropical jungle. 

Manual Antonio is a must see for any visitor, an early morning hike followed by relaxation on the beach makes for one outstanding and memorable days adventure. There are two beaches inside the park, one is known to have monkeys along the beach trees, careful, they are known to be very cute thieves, taking even small backpacks into the jungle. But they are fun to see, and up close for the most part. 


​<<< To the left are photos of Manual Antonio Beach outside of the park. It can be crowded during the busy season. There are plenty of places to dine or get food across the road while you are there. So dinner and a sunset might be a great way to end your Manual Antonio experience.

From mid-December through April, Manuel Antonio is very popular and crowded. Book early because of limited availability. Year round, the best time to get to the beach is early, around 7:30, to avoid crowds and see more active wildlife. Pricing is less expensive during the rainy season, from May through November. If you’re are looking for the best bang for your buck, and are flexible on time, this is the season to come.

​Beaches of
​Costa Ballena

To the right is a map of the beaches from Dominical south, ten in all. North of Dominical are * Matapalo and * Manuel Antonio

​Below listed in order of distance from Dominical are brief descriptions and photo(s)
​of each beach.

Note: Uvita and Ventana Beaches are listed above.

We'd love to post your best photos of any of these beaches!!!
*  Playa Manuel Antonio
​​
​       *  Playa Matapalo


​Playa Dominicalito 
Dominicalito is a smaller bay located just south of Dominical. It has a beautiful beach with a huge bay. Its symbol is the “Tree Island”, this little island is mostly occupied by a formidable Higuerón tree. Early in the morning, you can see the fishermen arriving in their boats.

​Divided by the rocky La Parcela Point (which has a reasurant which has good food and an exquisite view of the ocean), the beach extends to the south following a line of flagstone rock formations; this landscape completely disappears during high tide. Great for a romantic sunset. 
Punta Achiote
For you surfers here is a place that is never crowded. Located at the north end of Playa Hermosa, (not the one by Jaco but near Uvita) almost exactly 13.5 km from Dominical and 3.5 km north of Uvita. It is hard to find and there is no marker. Look for a turnoff from the highway that is a rocky dirt road. It curves to the right (towards the beach). Follow that about 75m to a stream. Cross the stream (unless the water is really high most cars can do it). About 100m ahead and to the right you will see the point. 

It breaks best from chest high to 2-3 feet overhead. Bigger sets can close out but with the right swell it can be a solid clean double overhead. At the right tide, there is a nice right that goes about 100 meters and then left that heads into a shallow cove.  When the swell is big the takeoff point is out by the end of the point. On smaller days take off further in where you will see some rocks just off the point. Never really crowded. Six people is a crowd.
Playa Hermosa 
Playa Hermosa (which translates to beautiful beach in Spanish) will not disappoint as this is very beautiful beach! The beach is located between Uvita and Dominical, in Costa Rica’s Costa Ballena region. Be sure to visit this beach for an amazing sunset. 14 km south of Dominical before the town of Uvita. The beach is 6 km long and considerably wide with soft swell, and grayish compacted sands. It is also the location of the annual Envision Festival. 

​This local favorite is good for swimming and surfing, and lifeguards are usually on duty.
It is good for beginner to intermediate level surfers since it is usually smaller and less powerful than Dominical. It is very remote, with no development, and is never crowded. Playa Hermosa is just eight minutes north of PurUvita. The annual Envision Music Festival takes place along this beach at the end of February.
Playa Colonia/Chaman
Playa Colonia/Chaman is the closest beach to Uvita, just three minutes away. Located within Ballena National Marine Park. It is an excellent beach for swimming and surfing. Many Costa Rican families come here on vacation to camp on the beach, so it often has a nice family atmosphere; especially at night when bonfires are burning on the beach. From here you can walk north to Playa Uvita and the Whale's Tail.

​There is also a nice trail that runs parallel to the beach which is good for hiking or biking. Howler monkeys, white faced capuchin monkeys and scarlet macaws can often be seen here. There is also a nice view of Ballena Island and the Three Sisters Islands (Tres Hermanas).



​​
​Playa Pedregosa 
​A rocky hidden beach that requires a 4X4 to reach.
The waters are clear and the sand brown but due to
the rocks swimming a walking barefoot is difficult. 

​Arco Beach
Playa Arco is located within Ballena National Marine Park
a short distance south of Playa Uvita.  it has an area of ​​
close to 500 mt. Its name comes from the presence
of a rocky cave or cavern in the shape of an arch. 
Presents coastal vegetation in its environment, towns
and countryside landscapes along the road.

You can only visit this beach during low tide. To explore this
beach you will need to hike to it, but it is worth it. There is abundant
​fishing and boat rides to nearby places, such as Isla Ballena.

​​
​Playa Ballena 
​Located within Ballena National Marine Park
about 8 km south from Uvita, entrance tickets
bought at the MINAET post at Playa Uvita are
valid on the same day, too.

This is a wide beach safe for swimming. The massive
​trees near the beach give you a true jungle feel.
Chances are you’ll see wildlife here.

​
​​Playa Roca Verde
(Green Rock Beach)
Twelve minutes north of Uvita lies this rocky point
with panoramic views of the Pacific coastline.
Try the nearby Roca Verde restaurant for lunch or dinner.
Playa Pinuela 
Playa Pinuela, is seven minutes south of Uvita, and is a great beach for swimming. The water is usually quite calm here, due to offshore sandbars and reefs. Located at the south end of Marino Ballena National Park, and is about 1,300 meters long, with a small river and rocks at the south end of the beach to explore.

It is a safe beach for swimming. However, beware of the rocks, which at high tide are completely covered by water, but perfectly visible with the outgoing tide. The view of the rock formation called “Three Sisters” is quite beautiful. Camping is allowed at this National Park beach, there are showers available for after swimming and the beautiful mountain views from the beach make for a breathtaking backdrop.
Playa Tortuga
Ten minutes south of Uvita, Playa Tortuga “Turtle Beach” is named for the Olive Ridley sea turtles which come here to nest from July to January.  during turtle season you will see turtles laying eggs. The beautiful scenery and wildlife will inspire you. A great stop for travelers who want to enjoy the beach, beautiful scenery and the local wildlife Reserva Playa Tortuga, which is located on the road going down to the beach, runs rtours throughout the year. https://reservaplayatortuga.org

Reserva Playa Tortuga is a non-profit research center for sea turtle and environmental conservation in the Terraba-Sierpe basin of Costa Rica.
​Playa Garza 
​This beach is at he mouth of the longest river in Costa Rica, The Térraba River. This is the furthest beach from Corazon del Rio, about 1-1/2 hour drive, so should not be on the top of your list, and not as nice a beach as some of the others above.

One of its river mouths separates the long stretch of Isla Garza from the mainland; it has many rip currents, and it is habitat to crocodiles and sharks. Hardly, anyone ever surfs on Garza Island because the only access is by boat. Upriver the landscape opens up into a paradise, filled with mangroves, amphibians and a great variety of birds.