Costa Rica’s beaches are a legend among beaches. And, as an expat living in Costa Rica, we’re sure that you have your own favorite surfsides you’d like to share with our Yourville members. Even photos if you have ‘em. Whether it’s a quiet secluded lagoon, or a Hang-10 hideaway, let us know about your favorite boffo beach spots.

Hi Tim. I am happy to contribute my favorite beach in CR after having lived here for 15 years. I lived on a Pacific Ocean beach in Guanacaste for 6 years and the only beach I still go to is Punta Uva. It is located on the Atlantic Ocean between Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo, which is the end of the road in southeast Costa Rica. It has a couple of small hotels and restaurants, and a small residential area. Punta Uva is most known for its excellent beaches and the Punta Uva butterfly garden, which has an amazing variety of tropical butterflies. The actual point of Punta Uva is a rocky promontory which extends out over the lovely Caribbean sea. The rock is covered with lush jungle, and there is a trail leading to a great lookout point at the top. To the north-west of the point there is a sheltered cove with great swimming. One of the most popular beaches in the area, especially among the locals, this beach even offers kayak rental during the tourist season, and is a great spot for water sports and just lying around in the sun. A short access road leads down to this beach right across the main road from the Punta Uva grocery store, and there is parking right next to the beach. To the south-east of the point, the town of Punta Uva comes right down to the beach, with several beach-front houses and a restaurant or two. This region also has excellent beaches, with white sand and no reef. During the tourist season, this whole stretch of beach is usually occupied by beachgoers, and is a popular spot for barbeques and picnics. There are several access roads along this stretch of beach where you can drive right down to the beach. The Punta Uva butterfly garden is one of the premier attractions in the area, with an amazing variety of tropical butterfly species. Set back from the road on the opposite side from the beach along a dirt road that leads up into the hills, the butterfly garden is located in the midst of some of the nicest rainforest in the area. This is a great spot for nature hikes and seeing the local wildlife. With some of the nicest beaches in the area and a relaxed small-town feel, Punta Uva is definitely worth a visit, and there is good reason why it is one of the best local hangouts, as well as being my personal favorite. Check out my favorite place to stay in Punta Uva at; www.laspalmashotel.com; and some great photos at;

http://www.1-costaricalink.com/costa_rica_pictures/playa_punta_uva_beach_picture.htm

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Experienced Builder with CR residency since 94

Well, it has been since 1995 that I spent 4 days at Punta Uva, and man was it memorable.  I stayed at some cabanas run by a Dutch man married to a French woman.  Both lived numerous years in the US.  Their kids were marvilious, generous, helpful and thoughtful.  I kayaked, rested on the point near a couple of sea caves, and managed to have my contenance sketched by Sarah of Sarah's Watercolors in Monteverde. 

 It was a great time, very relaxing and the change of scenery after the drudgery of the wet season in the Valle Central.

 David

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I Shall Return, I Have Returned