Three Beaches Earn a Place Among the World’s Top Coastal Destinations in the 2026 Corona Beach 100

An International Recognition for Nature-Based Tourism

Three Costa Rican beaches have been included in the 2026 Corona Beach 100, an international list highlighting some of the world’s most remarkable coastal destinations for their natural beauty, well-preserved environments, and the quality of the visitor experience they offer.

This recognition once again showcases the country’s outstanding natural heritage and reinforces its reputation as one of the world’s leading destinations for sustainable tourism.

Beyond their breathtaking scenery, the selected beaches represent the successful balance between environmental conservation, biodiversity, and responsible nature-based experiences.

What Is the Corona Beach 100?

The Corona Beach 100 is an annual selection of one hundred beaches considered exceptional based on criteria such as natural surroundings, environmental conservation, scenic beauty, authenticity, and overall visitor experience.

The ranking aims to highlight destinations where nature remains the main attraction and where respect for the environment plays a central role in tourism.

Although it is not an official government ranking, its international visibility helps promote beaches recognized for their ecological richness and spectacular landscapes.

Beaches Celebrated for Their Natural Wealth

The Costa Rican beaches featured in this year’s selection stand out for many of the qualities that have made the country a global leader in ecotourism.

Among their most distinctive features are:

Well-preserved coastal ecosystems.
Rich marine and terrestrial biodiversity.
Nearly untouched natural landscapes.
Excellent opportunities for wildlife observation.
Recreational activities compatible with environmental conservation.
Strong commitment from local communities to sustainable tourism.

These characteristics offer visitors experiences that go far beyond traditional beach vacations.

Conservation as the Main Attraction

One of the defining strengths of many Costa Rican beaches is the country’s long-standing conservation model.

Many coastal areas are located within national parks, wildlife refuges, or protected areas managed by the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), helping preserve ecosystems of exceptional ecological value.

These protections support the conservation of mangroves, coral reefs, coastal forests, and iconic wildlife such as sea turtles, dolphins, migratory birds, and a wide variety of tropical fish.

Sustainable Tourism with International Recognition

Tourism is one of the country’s main economic drivers, and much of its international reputation has been built on the protection of its natural resources.

Programs such as the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST), developed by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT), encourage responsible practices among hotels, tour operators, and local communities.

This approach has positioned Costa Rica as one of the world’s leading examples of sustainable tourism, successfully combining economic development with environmental conservation.

Positive Benefits for Coastal Communities

International recognition also brings important opportunities for local communities.

Growing visitor interest can generate new opportunities for family-owned businesses, local guides, tour operators, restaurants, accommodations, and entrepreneurs offering recreational and cultural experiences.

When tourism develops responsibly, it also strengthens the protection of the natural resources that make these destinations so unique.

Responsible Travel Remains Essential

Environmental and tourism authorities emphasize that preserving beaches depends not only on institutions but also on the behavior of every visitor.

Simple actions such as properly disposing of waste, respecting wildlife, avoiding the removal of natural species, staying on designated trails, and supporting businesses committed to sustainability all contribute directly to protecting these natural environments.

Responsible tourism helps ensure that future generations can continue enjoying the same landscapes now receiving international recognition.

A Recognition Built on Decades of Conservation

The inclusion of three Costa Rican beaches in the 2026 Corona Beach 100 represents another international acknowledgment of the country’s long-term commitment to nature conservation and sustainable tourism.

Beyond the prestige of the recognition itself, it highlights decades of work carried out by public institutions, local communities, environmental organizations, and tourism businesses dedicated to protecting the nation’s natural heritage.

This achievement confirms that biodiversity and responsible environmental stewardship remain among Costa Rica’s greatest attractions for visitors from around the world.