Costa Rica is an adventure lover’s paradise. With lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, and beautiful beaches, this Central American country is blessed with natural beauty. It’s no wonder the country is home to gorgeous eco-resorts, luxury hotels, and romantic boutique properties. And while there are no true overwater bungalows in Costa Rica, there are plenty nearby. In this article, I’ve listed the top Costa Rican resorts for those seeking a bungalow experience as well as the nearest water villa resorts in the Caribbean.
My favorites are Casa Chameleon for its private pools in each room and Nayara for its volcano views!
15 Best Overwater Bungalows in Costa Rica (& Nearby)
I’ve listed the 15 best overwater bungalows in Costa Rica (and nearby) below. I’ve also included the best beachfront hotels and bungalows in Costa Rica, so you can find your perfect tropical escape. If you’re open to traveling a bit further, try my Caribbean Guide or Tahiti Guide!
Quick Picks: 3 Best Overwater Bungalows in Costa Rica (& Nearby)
Don’t have time to read the entire guide? No worries, I’ve listed the 3 Best Overwater Bungalows in Costa Rica (& nearby) below:
ACCOMMODATION COMPARISON TABLE
You’ll find the 15 best overwater bungalows in Costa Rica (& nearby) and their nightly rates below. The hotels are listed by price for a standard room in the mid/high season.
| Accommodation | Price |
|---|---|
| Hacienda AltaGracia | $2700 |
| Casa Chameleon Hotel | $2600 |
| Lapa Rios Lodge | $1500 |
| Vista del Alma Boutique | $1400 |
| Nayara Tented Camp | $1400 |
| LALOON Luxury Suites | $1400 |
| Pacuare Lodge | $1200 |
| Makanda by The Sea | $1300 |
| Hotel Nantipa | $550 |
| Nayara Bocas del Toro | $1200 |
| Azul Over-the-Water Resort | $340 |
| Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge | $300 |
| Sol Bungalows | $300 |
| Urraca Private Island | $270 |
| Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge | $110 |
Best Overwater Bungalows in Costa Rica & Nearby
Costa Rica is blessed with lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and world class adventure. For the most luxurious way to experience its natural beauty, why not choose a beach bungalow or rainforest casita? Below, you’ll find the best bungalows in the country, followed by the nearest overwater bungalows to Costa Rica. Hopefully, you’ll find the perfect stay for your foray into pura vida.
Best Bungalows in Costa Rica
Since there aren’t technically any overwater bungalows in Costa Rica, these are the next best thing. From private pool villas suspended above the rainforest to seaside escapes in Santa Teresa, these resorts are the closest things to overwater bungalows in Costa Rica.
Hacienda AltaGracia
Hacienda AltaGracia is an award-winning Auberge property nestled above the hills of Santa Teresa. While the resort isn’t seaside, its casitas and level of personalized service far surpass most overwater resorts in the Caribbean. There are 50 standalone casitas with wraparound terraces and hilltop views. The suites feature generous living spaces, with some providing a private pool with stunning views.
Beyond beautiful suites, the resort operates on an all-inclusive basis for all meals and non-alcoholic drinks. The best inclusion is the complimentary chartered flight from the international airport in San Jose. As for amenities, there’s a wellness center with a gym, the Casa de Agua Spa, and immersive treatments and retreats on offer. Guests can explore hiking trails on the 180-acre property, book zip-lining or coffee tours, or horseback riding. The resort also boasts 5 dining venues and an organic farm for endless ways to enjoy this corner of paradise. For the best alternative to overwater bungalows in Costa Rica, Hacienda AltaGracia is your best bet.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Hacienda AltaGracia
Casa Chameleon Hotel
Casa Chameleon Hotel is an intimate retreat set above the storybook town of Las Catalinas. This Relais & Châteaux property offers just 21 private villas, each with its own private saltwater pool. The well-appointed villas with their gorgeous poolside views are as close as you can get to overwater bungalows in Costa Rica. For the ultimate indulgence, I recommend the Villa Suite with Plunge Pool overlooking either the Guanacaste Coast or the Catalinas Islands.
This adult-only hideaway features five-star facilities and a full gamut of adventures to choose from. There’s a spa and wellness center with private yoga classes on offer, water sports and jungle excursions to explore the beautiful rainforest and coastline, and an award-winning restaurant and wine cellar. With additional dining venues a sunset bar, Casa Chameleon is the perfect rainforest getaway. It’s a prime substitute for overwater bungalows in Costa Rica.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Casa Chameleon
Lapa Rios Lodge
Lapa Rios Lodge is a natural wonder set on 1000 acres of pristine rainforest on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Being located in the last remaining tropical lowland rainforest in Central America, Lapa Rios is a delight for nature lovers. It’s beautiful wooden bungalows with wide verandas open out to the sounds of macaws and monkeys. The Lapa Villas in particular provide private plunge pools with views of the jungle canopy. They’re not overwater bungalows in Costa Rica, but they’re not a bad alternative!
With such beautiful surroundings, Lapa Rios is ideal for exploring through activities like hikes, ziplines, surfing, and horseback riding. As for the usual hotel amenities, there’s a spa and resort pool. Guests can enjoy fine dining, an extensive wine cellar, plant-based options, and locally sourced ingredients. Finally, guests can book a chartered flight to Lapa Rios from the international airport. With its intimate feel and unparalleled access to nature, Lapa Rios Lodge is an outstanding property. It’s one of the best alternatives to overwater bungalows in Costa Rica.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Lapa Rios Lodge
Vista del Alma Boutique
Vista del Alma is a boutique, adults-only resort in Santa Teresa. Its 9 hilltop suites are named after Caribbean gemstones, with many featuring private jacuzzis or pools with breathtaking views. Each of the villas is light and airy in design, built with natural materials and floor-to-ceiling windows. The Larimar panoramic suite is my favorite, with a wraparound veranda and private pool.
Besides beautiful bungalows, Vista del Alma offers an array of upscale amenities. Guests can unwind with in-room spa treatments, take surfing lessons, or enjoy leisurely walks through the lush gardens. Private chefs are available to cook delicious meals in the comfort of your in-villa kitchen, with cocktails and poolside snacks available to order. Considering its personalized service and gorgeous villas, it’s a great choice for those seeking overwater bungalows in Costa Rica.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Vista del Alma
Nayara Tented Camp
Nayara Tented Camp is a luxury eco-resort overlooking Arenal National Park. This tranquil oasis features luxury tents complete with private verandas with sweeping jungle canopy views. Each suite features a private pool fed by nearby hot springs, as well as a king four-poster bed and two daybeds, perfect for families. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast on their private terrace and daily laundry service.
As far as amenities go, guests can indulge in the open-air spa, enjoy complimentary yoga classes, and explore the surrounding rainforest with the resort’s in-house guides. Finally, guests at the tented camp have access to the restaurants below at Nayara Springs and Nayara Gardens, including acclaimed fine dining and local/Asian fusion cuisine. Given its exquisite private pool suites and natural beauty, Nayara Tented Camp is one of the top substitutes for guests seeking overwater bungalows in Costa Rica.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Nayara Tented Camp
LALOON Luxury Suites
LALOON Luxury Suites is an idyllic escape in nature. Located in the hills above Santa Teresa Beach, each of its suites features an expansive sundeck with a private saltwater pool. The villas define seamless indoor/outdoor living and take every advantage of the stunning scenery of Santa Teresa.
In terms of amenities, the property serves a daily breakfast, with an extensive wine list on offer. Each suite includes a wet bar, with some featuring a kitchenette. The suites themselves are only a 15-minute walk from the beach, full of colorful dining options and local eats. With its gorgeous private pool suites and picture-perfect setting, LALOON is a promising choice over Costa Rica overwater bungalows.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for LALOON Luxury Suites
Makanda by The Sea
Makanda by The Sea is an elegant adults-only escape in Manuel Antonio. This romantic retreat boasts 33 uniquely designed suites, each offering expansive living spaces and elevated design. These stylish rooms feature sweeping views, with some providing private plunge pools or jacuzzis. Regardless of which suite you choose, you can expect personalized service and an impeccable stay.
As far as amenities go, Makanda offers the exquisite Shanti Spa, an Ocean Club, and a private beach. There are a variety of excursions to adventure around the area, and dining is available in-room, at the pool terrace, or the Arbol Restaurant. All in all, Makanda presents a perfect pairing of luxury and nature. It’s a great choice for those in search of overwater bungalows in Costa Rica.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Makanda
Hotel Nantipa
Hotel Nantipa is a boutique beachfront hotel in the heart of Santa Teresa. This serene retreat offers 19 suites scattered across a beautiful stretch of beach. The rooms are sleek and spacious, with king-sized beds and private patios with outdoor seating. Three out of the four room types provide private plunge pools, hidden from the beach by lush tropical foliage.
Besides its chic rooms, Nantipa offers an array of amenities. Guests can indulge in the Numu Wellness Center for spa treatments and bespoke services, or order therapies in the privacy of their villa. As for dining, there’s the Manzú restaurant serving both traditional and international fare. It’s the perfect place for sundowner cocktails or an afternoon spent lounging on the beach. In light of its ideal location and excellent service, Hotel Nantipa is a dream holiday location. It’s more than a match for overwater bungalows in Costa Rica.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Hotel Nantipa
Overwater Bungalows Near Costa Rica
Since there aren’t any overwater bungalows in Costa Rica itself, Panama is the nearest Central American country with overwater resorts. Any of the resorts below make for a great alternative to overwater bungalows in Costa Rica.
Nayara Bocas del Toro
Nayara Bocas del Toro stands as the epitome of luxury in the Bocas del Toro region. This new resort is located on Frangipani Island, a short 20-minute water shuttle ride from Bocas Town. Being the only resort in Panama to have private pools in its overwater rooms, Nayara offers the best overwater bungalows near Costa Rica. It’s opulent overwater suites flaunt expansive glass floor panels, providing mesmerizing views of the marine life below.
Moreover, Nayara sets itself apart with its exceptional amenities, including a well-equipped fitness center, resort pool, and its unique “aerial beach” experience. As for cusine, there are a variety of dining options serving American, vegetarian, and vegan dishes. Meanwhile, the resort’s tour desk ensures guests can explore the surrounding islands with ease, adding a bit of adventure to their stay. Undoubtedly, Nayara Bocas del Toro offers the perfect fusion of luxury and Caribbean allure, making it a a great pick for those seeking overwater bungalows near Costa Rica.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Nayara Bocas del Toro
Azul Over-the-Water Resort
Azul Over-the-Water Resort offers charming overwater bungalows near Costa Rica. Also known as Azul Paradise, this laid-back retreat offers 10 cozy bungalows perched above a turquoise lagoon. Each bungalow features direct ocean access, a glass floor panel, a private sundeck, and an inviting overwater hammock. It’s an intimate choice for overwater bungalows near Costa Rica.
The resort boasts a white sandy beach with hammocks and a beachfront restaurant serving delectable seafood. Whether you’re interested in island hiking, taking a mangrove cruise to the national park, or trying your hand at paddleboarding, Azul provides the perfect island escape. We can personally attest to the magic of this place – it’s truly a postcard-perfect Caribbean getaway. It’s the ideal stand-in for overwater bungalows in Costa Rica.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Azul Paradise
Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge
For those seeking overwater bungalows near Costa Rica, Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge emerges as a top eco-conscious option in Bocas del Toro. This secluded retreat boasts spacious accommodations above crystal-clear blue waters. Each suite features locally sourced wooden interiors and a private terrace with hammocks and direct lagoon access.
The lodge places a strong emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, utilizing renewable energy and implementing on-site waste management. With a commitment to employing a completely local workforce and 98% of the grounds protected as a pristine natural reserve, guests can fully immerse themselves in their beautiful surroundings. All things considered, Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge is the perfect choice for nature lovers seeking boutique overwater bungalows near Costa Rica.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Punta Caracol Acqua
Sol Bungalows
Sol Bungalows is a charming new resort nestled in the breathtaking Bocas del Toro region of Panama. This rustic retreat offers bungalows featuring direct lagoon access, along with enticing features such as glass floor panels, outdoor showers, and overwater hammocks. Embracing the local Afro-Caribbean style, Sol infuses a fresh twist into the overwater resort experience.
As for amenities, the resort boasts a spa and offers an array of water sports activities, including surfing and snorkeling. Guests can also partake in captivating excursions such as mangrove tours, jungle hiking, and visits to nearby Bocas Town, just a short 5-minute boat ride away. With its commitment to sustainability through solar energy and rainwater catchment systems, Sol Bungalows emerges as a conscious choice for travelers. All in all, Sol Bungalows presents an idyllic destination for those seeking charming overwater bungalows near Costa Rica.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Sol Bungalows
Urraca Private Island
Urraca Private Island is a boutique eco-friendly resort nestled off a private island in Bocas del Toro. Featuring sustainably built overwater bungalows with private decks, terraces, and breathtaking views, it offers an intimate natural escape. The resort also boasts a saltwater pool and is home to over a dozen monkeys rescued from the fur trade, adding a unique touch to the experience.
Guests can immerse themselves in a variety of activities, including local fishing tours, jungle treks, snorkeling adventures, island hopping, and traditional Ngäbe cooking classes. Above all, guests praise the exceptional hospitality that sets this charming boutique resort apart. Urraca presents itself as a standout substitute for those seeking overwater bungalows in Costa Rica.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Urraca Private Island
Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge
Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge is a unique overwater resort in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. This eco-friendly lodge is built on stilts above the azure waters, offering guests a magical opportunity to immerse themselves in nature. The bungalows, crafted from locally sourced materials, boast a rustic chic design evoking a Robinson Crusoe feel. Each room features a spacious 4-poster bed and a private deck with direct access to the lagoon below.
In terms of amenities, guests can savor delicious seafood cuisine, embark on thrilling snorkeling adventures, or venture into the nearby mangroves and coral reefs. Glass floor panels allow guests to peer into the vibrant underwater world below. While it may lack the luxe amenities of traditional five-star resorts, Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge excels in its natural approach to overwater living. The lodge promises an unforgettable experience in gorgeous overwater bungalows near Costa Rica.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Eclypse de Mar Acqua
Conclusion
That’s it to my guide on the best overwater bungalows in Costa Rica (& Nearby). Hopefully you found the perfect bugalow in Costa Rica for your upcoming stay, or found a Panamanian stand in. And if you’re open to overwater bungalows outside of Central America, try my Philiippines Overwater Bungalows Guide or my Thailand Overwater Bungalows Guide! Wherever you wind up, enjoy your travels!