The best beaches in the world
Central America, nestled between the southern Mexico border and Colombia, is a narrow strip of land, home to 41 million people in more than 325,000 square miles. All seven of the countries have rich cultures to discover, diverse landscapes, and some truly amazing beaches. With countless beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean, Central America is a beachcomber’s paradise.
The countries within Central America include Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, and Honduras. Each country has its own culture and towns and cities to explore from the jungles and beaches of Costa Rica to the ruins of Guatemala to the pristine shores of Belize. Some of the best-known cities of this region include San Jose, Costa Rica; San Salvador, El Salvador; and Panama City, Panama.
All of the countries in this part of the world are close to beaches, but some of the best are found in the country of Costa Rica, especially in the province of Guanacaste. Beaches such as Playa Conchal, Playa del Coco, and Jaco Beach are among the most popular. Almost all the beaches in Costa Rica offer a mix of white sandy shores, great surfing spots, and places at which to find deep-sea fishing charters.
Throughout Central America, adventure, culture, and amazing recreational opportunities await.
The best Costa Rica beaches are found on both coasts of this Central American country. On the Caribbean coast lie charming fishing villages that have found their new role as tourist havens. On the other side of the country, the Pacific Coast beaches long have been tourist favorites. Whatever your idea for the perfect beach, [...]
Belize has miles of coastline along the beautiful Caribbean Sea and many amazing beaches here as well. Belize is unique due to its less developed appeal—lush rainforests and jungles complement Mayan ruins here. Many of the best beach hotels in the country are found in areas such as Belize City and the lovely expanses of [...]
Flamingo Beach Costa Rica is one of the best places in the entire country to watch the sun set. Situated along the Gold Coast and the Pacific Ocean, this beach is home to an abundance of natural scenery where the white sand meets the clear-blue waters and the nearly endless skies. Nestled in the province [...]
Costa Rica Beach hotels are found in both very undeveloped areas tucked into lush jungle locales near the rainforest and waterfalls, and also near beaches that have become very developed with access to shops, dining, and nightlife. Whether you seek a completely secluded getaway or a social retreat, Costa Rica beach hotels offer it all, [...]
Playa Hermosa would look right at home on a tropical island, but it’s actually located along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. This beach has all the building blocks of paradise—a long stretch of golden sand, clear blue waters, and skies that seem to go on forever—all surrounded by towering palm trees. Actually, there are two Hermosa [...]
Ambergris Caye beaches are beautiful, but on this island only 25 miles long, you will have to do a bit of searching to find a proper beach for swimming and other such activities. Most of the beaches are thin strips of sand on the east coast. Many have seaweed and grass that make swimming difficult, [...]
Roatan Island beaches are a sight to behold, offering fine white sand set against the crystal-blue water of the Caribbean Sea. Roatan Island is the largest of the Bay Islands, which belong to Honduras. It is specifically situated 30 miles off of the north coast of Honduras. The island measures 33 miles long and four [...]
Playa del Coco is one of the closest beaches to the major airport in Guanacaste, the Costa Rican province located along the Pacific Ocean shore. It takes less than hour to travel from the airport in Liberia to this fantastic beach. With towering palm trees swaying the breeze, a wide stretch of sand, and clear-blue [...]
Playa Conchal is located along the Gold Coast of Costa Rica—one of the most scenic places along the country’s Pacific Coast. The beach’s sand is made up of shells worn down over time by the wind and the waves. Conchal Beach Costa Rica is separated from its neighboring beach, Playa Brasilito, by a rocky outcropping. [...]
Jaco Beach, a favorite with surfers and party animals, is one of the most popular beaches among Costa Rica visitors. It’s located along the central Pacific Coast, less than two hours from the country’s capital of San Jose. As the closest beach to San Jose, Jaco Beach Costa Rica in the Puntarenas Province is a perennial [...]