7 Unforgettable Black Sand Beaches in Costa Rica
Black sand beaches are some of the most stunning beaches out there. As they’re typically made from volcano materials, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of black sand beaches in Costa Rica. Whether you want to swim, snorkel, or surf, you’ll want to check out the black sand beaches on the list. Just remember to bring a thick blanket and shoes!
What Creates Black Sand Beaches?
The black sand is derived from a mix of various volcanic materials and sea currents. Volcanic materials include lava, basalt rocks, as well as other rocks and minerals. It’s all of these dark materials that help create the dark coloring to produce black sand.
These beaches are generally found close to places with volcanic activity. With over 60 volcanoes, both active and dormant, it’s no surprise why there are so many black sand beaches in Costa Rica!
Tips for Visiting Black Sand Beaches in Costa Rica
There are a few things to keep in mind when visiting Costa Rica’s black sand beaches. The first thing to know is that they are hot, hot, hot! The dark coloring absorbs the sun, making them very hot to the touch. This is especially so during the hottest part of the day.
Due to their hot sands, you’ll want to make sure you pack a few black sand beach essentials.
Make sure to pack shoes, whether that’s a solid pair of flip flops or even closed toed shoes. Your feet will thank you for not getting burned. Even if you plan on getting in the water, it’s wise to wear your shoes as close to the wet sand as possible as you can burn the bottoms of your feet just running across the sand. (Been there, done that – 10/10 do not recommend!)
Another must-have is a thick towel or blanket. While laying on the hot sand, you’ll be surprised how fast the heat goes through a thin towel. Better yet, consider packing a hammock to string up and lift your body off the beach.
The Best Black Sand Beaches in Costa Rica
Ready to hit the beach? Here are the best black sand beaches in Costa Rica, from Northern Guanacaste to the Caribbean coast!
Playa Hermosa
With a name that means beautiful beach in Spanish, it’s no surprise that Playa Hermosa is one of the best black sand beaches in Costa Rica!
Not to be confused with the Guanacaste beach, this one is located just outside Jaco on the central Pacific coast. Stretching out for 7 kilometers (4.3 miles), Hermosa Beach has black sand and not much shade.
This quiet spot has a few restaurants and beach bars that line the shore. With a laid-back vibe and epic sunsets, if you’re looking for beaches near San Jose airport, this is the one you want! However, thanks to its consistent waves, it’s not ideal for swimming.
Best For: Playa Hermosa is best for experienced surfers!
Playa Negra
One of the most famous black sand beaches in Costa Rica is Playa Negra. The beach is in the Guanacaste region and is a surfer’s paradise. It was even featured in the film The Endless Summer II.
In Spanish, Playa Negra literally means black beach. And this is a beautiful one! This wild beach is not ideal for beginner surfers but you can certainly sit back and watch the pros ride the waves.
Playa Negra is beautiful but rocky, so it’s not an ideal swim spot. Though, at low tide, you can wander the tidepools and dip your toes in.
Best For: Playa Negra in Guanacaste is best for advanced surfers.
Read More: 10 Best Costa Rica Surf Spots
Playa Negra
Another beach named for its black sands is Playa Negra. Located on the Caribbean Coast between Puerto Viejo and Cahuita, the beach stretches for 10 kms (6.2 miles).
This incredible length of coastline is flanked by lush tropical trees. It’s also much quieter than some of the other black sand beaches in Costa Rica. It does have its own soundtrack though, consisting of birds and waves!
While some consider it not as pretty as other beaches in the country, it’s perfect if you’re looking for a beach day away from the crowds. Plus, its casual waves are great for beginner surfers.
Best For: The Caribbean black sand beach of Playa Negra is best for swimming, relaxing, and novice surfers.
Pavones
An incredible off the beaten path place to enjoy a black sand beach in Costa Rica is near the town of Pavones. Located on the southwestern tip, close to the Panama border, Playa Pavones is a wild and unspoiled beach. With that said, because of its remote location, it’s more difficult to get to. But if you do, you’ll reap the rewards!
Usually uncrowded, the beach only sees people when there’s a swell hitting. Pavones Beach is another hot spot for surfing! It’s best known for its famous left break, which is the longest left-hand warm water wave in the world!
Beyond the surfing, you’ll find dense rainforest hugging the Pavones coastline. Plus, at the southern end of the beach are incredible rock outcroppings that are a must-see.
As you sit on the beach you’ll hear a wealth of wildlife, from birds overhead to sea turtles swimming off the shores.
Best For: The Pavones Beach is best for surfing and wildlife.
Playa Carbon
In the Guanacaste region, you’ll find the blackest of black sand beaches in Costa Rica. Playa Carbon is named after its carbon-black color sand. It’s a secluded beach close to the beach town of Tamarindo.
Carbon Beach is one of four different beaches that are found within the Marina Las Baulas National Park. Set in a cove, this is a special beach for many reasons. One of which is that unlike other black sand beaches that mix with lighter sand this one is very separate. On top is the beautiful black sand and if you dig down, you’ll find buried below a lovely white sand.
Another fun attribute of Playa Carbon is that its sand is actually magnetic. This is due to the rich iron oxide in it.
Best For: Spotting leatherback sea turtles that nest in the Marina Las Baulas National Park.
Playas Danta and Dantita
Near the village of Las Catalinas in Guanacaste are two more amazing black sand beaches. Each of them has something different to offer visitors.
The area is popular for diving and snorkeling. Plus, thanks to being surrounded by shade, Danta Beach does not get hot like other black sand beaches. Danta Beach is named because it looks like a danta, or tapir’s, skin.
Playa Danta is a short 2-minute walk from the parking lot and is home to a few beachfront businesses. However, Playa Dantita has no services and can be challenging to get to. At low tide you can walk along the rocky shore from Danta to Dantita. Otherwise, you’ll have to hike over uneven and hilly terrain for approximately 25 minutes to access the beach.
So, be sure to pack hiking shoes as well as snacks and water if you plan to visit Playa Dantita.
Best For: Playa Danta is best for families looking to spend time in the water and on the beach. Both beaches are also great for snorkeling.
Playa Ocotal
One of the dreamiest of Costa Rica’s black sand beaches is located 10 minutes from the popular beach town of Playas del Coco.
Playa Ocotal is a true black sand beach, more so than Coco! The beach is about a third of a mile long and sheltered by cliffs. The water is calm and the crystal blue contrasts against the dark sand.
It’s also not as busy as many of the other beaches and with only a few small businesses close by, it has a relaxed vibe. One of the best places to visit on the beach is Father Rooster. This restaurant is the perfect spot to grab lunch or watch the sunset.
Best For: Playa Ocotal is best for swimming and snorkeling.
