The best beaches near La Junglita are found along a stunning stretch of Guanacaste’s Pacific coastline — and staying here puts you within reach of three of the most rewarding, least-crowded beaches in all of Costa Rica. Tucked into the lush jungle just minutes from the water, La Junglita gives you a front-row seat to some of the region’s most spectacular ocean escapes.
This is your insider guide to the three best beaches near La Junglita — what to expect, when to go, and why each one deserves a full day of your time.
Why the Best Beaches Near La Junglita Beat the Crowds
Most visitors to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast head straight to Tamarindo. It’s a great town — but it’s also crowded, commercial, and increasingly built up. The beaches near La Junglita sit in a quieter stretch of the Guanacaste coastline where the jungle meets the ocean, the crowds are thin, and the experience still feels raw and real.
You won’t find souvenir shops on every corner here. You will find howler monkeys in the trees, pristine sand that hasn’t been trampled flat, and surf breaks that still reward the early riser with uncrowded waves. For travellers seeking an authentic Costa Rica experience, these are the best beaches near La Junglita — and they’re worth every mile of the drive.
Beach #1: Playa Marbella — Wild, Windswept, and Worth It
Playa Marbella is the closest beach to La Junglita and one of the most dramatically beautiful stretches of coastline in the region. It’s a powerful surf beach with consistent waves and a rugged, untamed character — if you’ve been craving the kind of beach that feels like it belongs to no one, this is it.
What to Expect
- Surf: Strong, consistent waves make Marbella a magnet for experienced surfers. It’s not a beginner beach — the rip currents are real — but if you know what you’re doing, the breaks here are exceptional.
- Crowds: Minimal. This is not a tourist beach. You may have the entire shoreline to yourself on a weekday.
- Facilities: Very few. Bring your own water, snacks, and sun protection. The lack of infrastructure is exactly what makes it special.
- Wildlife: Sea turtles nest here seasonally, and frigatebirds circle overhead. It’s a naturalist’s paradise.
Best Time to Visit
Early morning during the dry season (December through April) gives you glassy conditions and golden light. During the green season (May through November), the surf picks up considerably — ideal for more advanced wave riders.
Beach #2: Playa Junquillal — Calm, Remote, and Perfectly Unspoiled
Playa Junquillal is the kind of beach travel writers describe as “undiscovered” — and for once, the label fits. A long, wide arc of dark volcanic sand stretches in both directions, backed by dense tropical vegetation. The water is calm enough for swimming in the dry season, and the entire atmosphere is deeply tranquil.
What to Expect
- Swimming: Calmer than Marbella, though always check conditions — Costa Rica’s Pacific beaches can have strong currents even when they look mild.
- Crowds: Virtually nonexistent. Junquillal is one of the most peaceful beaches in all of Guanacaste.
- Facilities: There are a handful of small restaurants and a lodge nearby, but this is not a developed tourist hub. Keep your expectations appropriately rustic.
- Turtle Nesting: Olive Ridley sea turtles nest on this beach. During nesting season, you may witness one of nature’s most extraordinary events — sea turtle nesting is protected under Costa Rica’s SINAC conservation program.
Best Time to Visit
Junquillal rewards guests who visit at sunset. The long, flat beach amplifies the colours of the sky, and watching the sun sink into the Pacific is genuinely unforgettable.
Beach #3: Playa Avellanas — The Surf Scene with Soul
Playa Avellanas is the most lively of the three best beaches near La Junglita, though “lively” here is entirely relative. This is a beloved surf destination with world-class waves, a legendary beachfront café, and a relaxed local scene that draws a mix of surfers, yogis, and travellers who have wisely decided to slow down.
What to Expect
- Surf: Avellanas is home to “Little Hawaii,” a powerful reef break that attracts serious surfers from around the world. There are also more forgiving beginner and intermediate sections along the beach.
- Atmosphere: Laid-back, creative, and welcoming. This is a beach community, not a resort strip.
- Food and Drink: Lola’s on the Beach is an institution — an open-air restaurant on the sand that serves fresh ceviche, cold drinks, and the kind of casually perfect lunches you’ll be talking about for years.
- Wildlife: Avellanas sits next to a mangrove estuary teeming with birdlife. If you’re into birding or nature photography, don’t skip this spot.
Best Time to Visit
Avellanas shines year-round, but mornings during the dry season are exceptional. Arrive early, surf (or watch the surfers), then settle in for a long lunch at Lola’s as the beach fills out.
Practical Tips for Beach Days from La Junglita
A few things to keep in mind before you head out:
- Rent a 4WD: The roads to some of these beaches become challenging during the green season. A four-wheel-drive vehicle gives you access to more coastline and peace of mind on dirt roads.
- Go early: The best light, the best surf, and the fewest people are all in the first two hours after sunrise.
- Bring everything you need: Sunscreen, water, a hat, and cash. ATMs are not always nearby.
- Respect the ocean: Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is not the Caribbean. Currents can be strong even on calm-looking days. Swim where locals swim, and pay attention to flags and signage.
- Leave it as you found it: These beaches are pristine because the people who love them treat them that way. Pack out everything you bring in.
How to Get There from La Junglita
All three beaches are accessible by car. Playa Marbella is the closest, followed by Junquillal and Avellanas. None require more than a 20–30 minute drive, making it easy to visit a different beach each day of your stay — or all three in a single ambitious day.
Ask us at La Junglita for current road conditions and timing advice. We know these beaches well and are always happy to point you in the right direction.
Ready to Explore the Best Beaches Near La Junglita?
The best beaches near La Junglita in Guanacaste represent three completely different moods of the Costa Rican Pacific coast — wild and raw, quiet and pristine, and vibrant and soulful. Each one is worth your time. All three together make for a beach experience that puts the overhyped resort towns to shame.
La Junglita is your base. The jungle is your backyard. The Pacific Ocean is waiting — just a short drive away.
Book your stay at La Junglita and start planning your beach days in Guanacaste.