Some of the beaches nearby Casa Mamaluma

PLAYA VENTANAS

Playa Ventanas is one of many amazing beaches found in Costa Ballena Costa Rica but there are a few things that make this secluded Beach extraordinary. You will often hear local say that Playa Ventanas is one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. It is located 5-7 minuts up the highway. Total 15-20 min from Casa MamaLuma. This is the beach that we have to visit when we are in the house.

Though small, this beach is surrounded by lovely scenery. Ventanas (“Windows”) gets its name from the rocky promontory at its north end featuring holes in the rock that can be explored at low tide.

On low tides,  you can walk all the way through. The acoustics are wild with the sound of swishing water and the laughter that is sure to come from within.  The beach itself is gorgeous yet untamed.  There are palm trees, coconuts, and driftwood scattered about the sand. Tons of hermit crabs run around searching for a meal and their next shell.  The palms that are standing tower about the landscape and offer shade and the occasional falling pipa. The waves at Playa Ventanas are usually small because of it’s tiny wave window and half moon shape that blocks the majority of ocean swell.  This makes Ventanas perfect for beginner surfers, snorkelers, and swimmers.  Of course,  you always have to be careful of rip tides. They beach has a lifeguard and you pay like $2-3 to park at the beach. 

PLAYA UVITA

Going for a long leisurely walk along the beach is a beloved activity for all. The waters are excellent for swimming, snorkeling and diving offshore. At low tide make sure to visit Punta Uvita to the south of town, just be sure to consult with a tide chart so that you can make it back safely.

During the months of May to October, it may be possible to witness olive Ridley and Hawksbill sea turtles coming ashore to nest. A great place to watch this occur is inside the protected area of Marino Ballena National Park, located just to the south. It is even possible to watch majestic Humpback whales migrate through the waters just offshore between the months of December and April.

Playa Uvita is a great white sand beach, perfect for swimming and surfing. Kayak tours are offered to check out the wealth of mangroves and estuaries surrounding Uvita. There are many gorgeous waterfalls nearby, some of which have been described by tourists as being the best in the country. Horseback riding, scuba diving, snorkeling and hiking finish off the list of favorite activities found here

  

Some of the beaches further away are:

PLAYA DOMINICAL

This beach’s big waves are ideal for surfing. With perhaps the most consistent waves in Costa Rica, Playa Dominical is a haven for surfers. Swimming, however, can be dangerous due to the strong riptides that are found throughout the 2.5 mile (4 km) strip of beach.

PLAYA DOMINICALITO

The moderate surf here is perfect for swimming and other water activities. At the south end of the beach lies Punta Dominical, which features a lush tropical wet forest. This, and the spectacular surrounding landscape, offer great enticement to nature-lovers.

PLAYA HERMOSA

This beach is connected to Playa Uvita to the south by a sandy tongue, or tombolo, in the shape of an anchor that can be explored at low tide, when different species of crab, fish, mollusk and algae may be observed. From this spot both beaches may be viewed, as well as the beautiful Fila Costeña mountains.

PLAYA PIÑUELA

A beautiful, small cove with moderate surf, Piñuela is great for swimming, especially at its south end. Behind the beach is a steep, mountainous slope covered with greenery. A small promontory lies north of the beach, close to which the Quebrada Piñuela empties into the sea. Isla Ballena may be viewed from here.

SIERPE

This small community lies 15 kilometers from Palmar Norte and Sur, on the banks of the river of the same name. Sierpe offers commercial services and accommodations, as well as water transportation companies that can take visitors out to sea to visit Isla del Caño, or fish or dive nearby. A good number of tourists access Corcovado National Park via the Río Sierpe, and many bird, animal and reptile species can be seen on this trip.

PLAYA DRAKE

This beach is made up of highly scenic rocky areas and coves. Frequent rains nourish a very wet tropical forest rich in biodiversity. Many sport-fishing and diving tours to Isla del Caño depart from Drake, as well as tours to Corcovado National Park. Visitors can hike or horseback ride to nearby attractions. Every February, the landing of pirate Sir Francis Drake at this spot is commemorated with official and local celebrations.

PLAYAS DE MATAPALO

At the south end of the Osa Peninsula lies Cabo Matapalo, close to which are several stunningly beautiful coves and beaches set in very wet tropical forest, home to several species of birds, monkeys and other animals. Waterfalls and other natural features make exploring the rich biodiversity a delight. Beaches popular with surfers include Matapalo, Backwash and Pan Dulce, all of which offer excellent conditions for this sport.