In Costa Rica, the never-ending Pacific Ocean faces west, so no matter which beach you decide to visit, one thing is for sure: you will be able to enjoy a spectacular sunset. For about 20 minutes, you will be able to observe the sun slowly dip straight into the horizon. But, as you can imagine, there are always many people taking their phones out in these situations, making some places overly crowded. So, what to do in situations like this? Well, it’s simple. Go to some less hectic places. But the part that is not that easy is to actually know how to pick the finest destination. If you want to make your adventure as serene as possible, here are the places you need to go.
Google can sometimes be our best friend but our worst enemy as well. So, if you are about to do your online research on the best sunsets in Costa Rica, you will get the same results as everyone else, naturally, meaning that you and hundreds of other travelers can make the same plans and head over to some of these places:
-Tamarindo. It is a fact that this place is wonderful. And sure, it is worth visiting. It is one of the country’s most hyped locations for a reason, and there are many activities you can immerse yourself in during the golden hour. So, what you can expect is the enormous beauty, but you cannot count on the solitude. (But there is one way to make your adventure here better than everyone else’s, and it includes a horseback riding tour you can take at sunset.)
-Manuel Antonio. Another place that has inspired many stories and that has been attracting people from all around the world. Here, the rainforest meets the ocean, making it a perfect backdrop for a sunset you will remember forever. Still, we need to warn you that you may spend a lot of time navigating busy national parks, and even a busier beach in the evening.
-Jacó. A destination that is absolutely breathtaking, especially during sunsets. The sky turns into colors that look unreal, and if there is one place where you can take Instagram-worthy pictures, then that is Jacó. But you may end up having to delete people from the background, since being alone here is not something that happens often.
Don’t get us wrong. The beauty of all of these spots is undeniable, and whenever you travel to Costa Rica, it is a great idea to put them on an itinerary. But our goal today is to try to help you find some places where you can not only savor the mesmerizing sunset, but where you can admire one without having to stand in a crowd to do that.
Before we take you to our absolute favorite places, let’s name just a few that fall under the category of “off-the-beaten-path beaches”. They are truly exceptional, so make sure to consider them.
At Number 1, we have the lovely Nosara. It looks like a place that has come straight from a movie, and it really has a specific vibe. Here, you can encounter some surf and yoga enthusiasts, and who knows? Maybe you can even join them and learn something new.
Coming in at Number 2 has to be Playa Sámara. It represents in the best way possible what Costa Rica is all about, especially recommended to those traveling with families. This Nicoya Peninsula gem will captivate you instantly, and yes, sunsets here are to die for.
Moving on to Number 3 on our list of places that you should definitely visit, if your schedule permits: Santa Teresa. It is a prime example of the Pura Vida lifestyle, so get ready to leave all the worries behind and simply enjoy. Nothing less, nothing more. But when the time for some action comes, make sure to check out all the activities organized by Costa Rica Horizon that you can do here in order to make your stay even more memorable.
Well, the moment we have all been waiting for is finally here, and the time has come to share with you the ultimate list of places where watching sunsets feels like stepping into a real-life fairytale.
-Playa Avellanas
Located just 40 minutes’ drive from Tamarindo, Playa Avellanas is one of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets. Its laid-back atmosphere is what makes it special, and a restaurant that has quite an interesting host: a pig named Lola. Sunsets here are some of the most magical ones we have ever experienced, and in case you want to spend a whole day here, you can consider renting a premium vehicle and organizing your time just the way you like it. This is the best way not to be in a rush, not to depend on the plans of others, and simply make sure to make the most of every minute spent in this coastal paradise.
-Dominical
This is one of those places that will instantly become a highlight of your entire journey, so no matter what, we beg you not to miss it. Many travelers skip it for one reason, and that is transportation. If you stay in some big cities nearby, it may be challenging to get to Dominical, and first-time travelers often fear driving by themselves. Luckily, there is an easy solution to this problem. Never again will you have to skip places when coming to Costa Rica because you are not sure how to reach them. Private transfers give you the flexibility to go wherever you like, whenever you like, while feeling comfortable and safe, since a skilled driver is behind the wheel.
-Pavones
Lastly, allow us to mention probably the most remote place on our list, a place where serenity can be felt in the air, the lovely Pavones. It is a dream come true for those who would like to spend some time completely off-grid, sit underneath the palm trees, and take pleasure in the enormous surrounding natural beauty. And during sunsets, everything becomes even more beautiful.
Coming to any of the places we have mentioned today means just one thing: your dreams will come true, and you will have an opportunity to explore one of the most stunning countries in the entire world. Costa Rica Horizon is here to make your adventure as effortless as possible, so get ready to have the time of your life!