When most people think of Costa Rica, they picture rainforest adventures, surfing, sloths, and breathtaking sunsets. But if you're like me, your eyes are always drawn to the shoreline—searching for the next beautiful shell waiting to be discovered.
During my travels through Costa Rica's Central Pacific Coast, I explored several incredible beaches including Esterillos, Jacó Beach, Playa Hermosa, and Manuel Antonio. While Costa Rica isn't known for the abundance of large collectible shells, it offers something just as special: wild, untouched beaches where every shell feels like a true treasure. Many of special finds were found in tide pools in Hermosa. What an adventure it was to climb the rocks and discover a hidden world of tiny creatures and bountiful shells!
At Britt's Beach, every shell tells a story, and every trip inspires future handcrafted jewelry collections.
Of all the beaches I visited, Esterillos quickly became my favorite.
Located between Jacó and Manuel Antonio, Esterillos is made up of several long stretches of beach that remain far less crowded than many other Costa Rican destinations. Miles of open shoreline make it perfect for peaceful morning walks while searching the tide line.
Because the Pacific surf is powerful, many shells arrive naturally tumbled and beautifully smoothed by the ocean. My favorite find was Turritella Shells and lots of sea glass!
Jacó is famous for its surf culture, restaurants, and lively atmosphere, but it's also worth spending a sunrise walking the beach before the crowds arrive.
While shelling isn't as productive here as Esterillos, patient beachcombers can still find:
The darker volcanic sand creates a beautiful contrast against the shells, making each find stand out.
Just south of Jacó sits Playa Hermosa, a world-famous surfing destination known for its powerful waves and natural beauty.
This beach feels wonderfully wild.
The surf can be rough, so shell collecting is best done during lower tides when fresh treasures wash onto the shore.
The scenery alone is worth the visit:
It's one of those places where you can simply enjoy slowing down and appreciating nature. This is where we found awesome tide pool treasures!
Few places combine tropical rainforest and the ocean quite like Manuel Antonio.
While visitors come to see monkeys, sloths, and scarlet macaws, don't forget to look down at the sand.
Exploring the beaches here feels like walking through a postcard where the rainforest literally meets the sea. Shells cannot be removed from this protected beach zone. But it is just as fun to snorkel and appreciate each find.
If you're planning your own shelling adventure, here are a few tips:
One of my favorite parts of traveling is seeing how every coastline has its own personality.
Florida's Gulf Coast gives me delicate miniature shells, while Costa Rica's Pacific beaches offer colorful volcanic landscapes, dramatic surf, and beautifully weathered ocean treasures.
Every destination inspires new ideas that eventually find their way into my jewelry.
At Britt's Beach, I handcraft every piece myself in my Florida Gulf Coast home studio using genuine seashells, sea glass, sterling silver, and other ocean treasures I've responsibly collected during my travels. Nothing is mass-produced or outsourced—every design is made by my own hands, inspired by beaches around the world and the memories they create.
Whether I'm shelling the emerald waters of the Gulf Coast or walking the rugged Pacific shoreline of Costa Rica, one thing never changes:
The ocean always has another story waiting to be found.
