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Islands in Costa Rica are a gateway to adventure, diversity, and plenty of cultural experiences, just waiting to be explored. Costa Rica is famous for its dense rainforests, incredible wildlife, and the “Pura Vida” way of life. With its pleasant, friendly inhabitants and tropical climate, Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers. While mainland miracles are present, the Costa Rican islands have a haunting quality of discovery that beckons all travellers.
Top 10 Islands In Costa Rica
Just off the mainland coast, here are the islands in Costa Rica, providing isolated retreats, colourful sea life, and memories one will never forget:
1. Cocos Island
Photo: The TerraMar Project / Wikimedia Commons
Cocos Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a diver’s heaven with its breathtaking underwater landscapes and abundant sea life. Off Costa Rica’s west coast, divers and snorkellers are dazzled by hammerhead sharks, rays, and dolphins streaming through the blue water. Jungle hikes reveal waterfalls and out-of-the-way wildlife for nature enthusiasts. The island’s remoteness ensures pristine conditions and a genuine sense of adventure.
Location: Pacific Ocean, 550 km west of the Costa Rican coast
How To Reach: Puntarenas liveaboard dive boats
Best Time to Visit: June to November
Nearest Airport: Juan Santamaría International Airport, San José
2. Isla Del Caño
Photo: Peter Andersen / Wikimedia Commons
Isla del Caño, a nature reserve, is one of Costa Rica’s top snorkelling and dive sites. Its coral reefs are rich and support tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays, and the visitors will have a show they will never forget underwater. Day boat trips from Drake Bay explore marine life and the island’s mysterious pre-Columbian stone spheres.
Location: Off the Osa Peninsula on the Pacific coast
Nearest Airport: Drake Bay Airport (12 km)
3. Tortuga Island
Photo: Federico Mata / Wikimedia Commons
Tortuga Island is one of the best Costa Rican islands for relaxation and sunshine. Its turquoise blue waters and white beaches provide the perfect atmosphere for swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities. Visitors can enjoy boat tours for banana boat rides, kayaking, snorkelling, or fresh seafood at beachside bars. The lively but peaceful atmosphere of the island makes it ideal for families, couples.
Location: Gulf of Nicoya, Pacific coast
How To Reach: Boat tour from Puntarenas or Jaco (1.5 – 2 hours)
Nearest Airport: Tambor Airport (30 km)
4. Isla Chira
Photo: Bryan Fallas / Wikimedia Commons
Isla Chira, Costa Rica’s most significant island in the Gulf of Nicoya, is an eco-tourist and authentic local culture haven. Tourists canoe along serene mangrove forests, spot bird flocks, and are greeted by the fishermen’s heritage communities. The relaxed ambience and hospitality of natives offer a peaceful refuge, and fishing excursions and kayak tours provide the essence of island living.
Location: Gulf of Nicoya, northwest Costa Rica
How To Reach: Boat from Puntarenas to Costa de Pájaros, and then to Isla Chira
Nearest Airport: Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, Liberia (80 km)
5. Isla San Lucas
Photo: Peloy (Allan H.M) / Wikimedia Commons
Isla San Lucas, formerly a penitentiary island with a shady history, is a nature reserve and cultural site today. Visitors can visit creepy prison ruins, hike through the jungle, and observe howler monkeys, deer and tropical birds. The serene beach and high diversity make Isla San Lucas a fascinating combination. This reflects a great combination of history and nature among the Islands in Costa Rica.
Location: Gulf of Nicoya, off Puntarenas
How To Reach: Puntarenas boat (30 – 40 minutes)
Nearest Airport: Juan Santamaría International Airport, San José (90 km)
6. Isla Venado
Photo: David Stanley / Wikimedia Commons
Isla Venado is a peaceful fishing island renowned for its hospitable residents and unspoiled landscapes. Visitors enjoy fresh seafood, paddle through mangrove estuaries and walk along secluded shores. Off-the-tourist-track authenticity and authentic Costa Rican culture adorn the island with hospitality. Fishing with locals or merely soaking up the views, Isla Venado is a peaceful jewel of Costa Rica’s top islands.
Location: Gulf of Nicoya, off Isla Chira
How To Reach: Boat from Jicaral of Puntarenas
Nearest Airport: Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, Liberia (85 km)
7. Isla Caballo
Photo: Tom Fisk / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Isla Caballo is a smaller, less populated island with fascinating ruins and picturesque trails. Visitors walk through bushes of old villages, hike to stunning views, and birdwatch in peaceful environments. The rural, mystical appeal of the island makes Isla Caballo an excellent place for travellers. This is especially for those who want something different among Costa Rica’s finest islands. The peaceful, unspoiled environment provides an authentic visitor experience.
Location: Gulf of Nicoya, close to Isla San Lucas
Nearest Airport: Juan Santamaría International Airport, San José (95 km)
8. Isla Bejuco
Photo: Jorge Antonio Leoni de León / Wikimedia Commons
Isla Bejuco is a peaceful haven for anyone looking to escape and relax. Travelers can stroll along quiet beaches, swim in calm waters, and witness numerous wildlife and birds. The island’s vegetation and laid-back ambience make it the perfect refuge from crowds. Whether picnicking beneath the palms or indulging in serenity, Isla Bejuco is a treasure among Costa Rican islands.
Location: Gulf of Nicoya, near Isla Venado
How To Reach: Boat from Jicaral. or Puntarenas.
Nearest Airport: Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, Liberia (90 km)
9. Isla Jesusita
Photo: Tom Fisk / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Isla Jesusita is a green, tiny island that kayakers and paddleboarders love. Its calm waters and postcard-pretty beach are ideal for water activities and nature watching. One can sleep in rustic or green cabins, so it’s an excellent hub for island-hopping through Costa Rica’s Gulf of Nicoya. The serene environment and simple outdoor access make Isla Jesusita a wonderful destination for adventure and relaxation.
Location: Gulf of Nicoya, off Isla San Lucas
Nearest Airport: Juan Santamaría International Airport, San José (92 km)
10. Isla Cedros
Photo: Lucas Bocato / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Isla Cedros is a tranquil haven with its virgin beaches and dense wildlife. The tourists can trek through forest trails, fish on the shoreline, or soak in the island’s serene beauty. Its remoteness is assured due to its far-off location. Isla Cedros continues to be popular among those who seek refuge and solitude on the best of Costa Rica’s islands. The island’s natural beauty and isolation are an exclusive visitor experience.
Location: Gulf of Nicoya, northwest of Isla Chira
How To Reach: Boat from Puntarenas or Jicaral
Nearest Airport: Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, Liberia (95 km)
The islands of Costa Rica offer a magical mix of adventure, relaxation, and nature far beyond the well-known vistas. If you dream of paddling tranquil waters, exploring secret coves, or sunbathing, Costa Rica’s islands provide memories for every guest. For a hassle-free, customised island vacation, let TripXL arrange your island getaway. Get ready for your Costa Rican holiday dream!
Cover Photo: Jake Marsee / Pexels
