Nicoya Beaches

If it's privacy you seek, we suggest the beaches of Nicoya. Not as many tourists visit this part of the country, which can be reached by car, boat, or airplane.


This photo shows a small island in Nicoya Bay. It is a featured stop of the Calypso Cruise, a luxury catamaran that departs from Puntarenas.


Nicoya is south of Guanacaste and west of Puntarenas. You may drive there from San Jose or the Central Pacific towns by crossing a relatively new bridge, or taking the ferry from Puntarenas.


Once on the other side, you will discover secluded beaches and coves that are not as busy as those in other parts of this tropical paradise. Samara and Nosara are the jewels of this area. The younger crowd gravitates to the party town of Montezuma (no relation to Monty Python), which has developed a reputation for alternative lifestyle vacations.


There are a number of small islands in the Nicoya Gulf. Some are home to upscale resorts, and others are just beginning to be developed.