Indulge in a laid-Back, tropical atmosphere: the Caribbean beaches along the less populated Limon Province have an entirely different feel from its counterparts in the Pacific. This area tends to produce smaller boutique-style accommodations engraved in the local culture and evergreen tropical flora. White sand beaches can be found next to black powder ones. And the amount of flora and fauna is more abundant in the lush jungle surrounding the pristine beaches. The best hang-out beach is Puerto Viejo while Cahuita is known for its National Park and snorkeling and its stunning reef. Visit Costa Rica ‘s Caribbean Coast and combine adventure with culture and relaxation!
Highlights
Tortuguero
The Northern Caribbean beaches of Costa Rica face an open ocean and are some of the most remote in the country. They tend to have rough waves and strong currents and their black sand attracts marine turtles for their nesting grounds. That makes these beaches elemental to the marine ecosystem. Tortuguero National Park is a remote little beach town on a river in the jungle. It is most notable for its boat tours and volunteer / conservation programs to protect the green sea turtles.
Southern Caribbean Beaches
The Southern Caribbean Coast is embedded in an Afro-Caribbean culture. It thrives to coexist with nature. Nature also plays a huge role in the surroundings of Costa Rica’s prime Caribbean beaches destinations. It’s very easy to spot monkeys, birds, and sloths in the trees here, just look for the tourists pointing upwards with their fingers. The best beaches in Costa Rica’s Southern Caribbean are Cahuita, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cocles, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo. These beaches are perfect for swimming horseback riding, hiking and simply enjoying some quiet beach time.
Tips
Visit during the Caribbean dry season: All in all, an excellent time to visit this area is in September and October. But keep in mind that this is the Caribbean and even the so-called dry season can have a little rainfall so don’t be surprised if this happens during your trip.
Attend the Carnival Festival: Costa Rica has stunning nature but we shouldn’t forget the people and its traditions! With the abundance of Afro-Caribbean lifestyles, the annual Carnival Festival is definitely worth a visit.
Explore the Caribbean Coastline: From the canals of the beautiful, off the beaten path destination of Tortuguero to the laid-back party town of Puerto Viejo, explore the diversity of the Caribbean coastline!
There are two international airports in Costa Rica but the closest one can be found the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose. Most major airlines fly there. Click for more information on flights to Costa Rica. Once you’ve landed in San Jose, you have a few options to get to the Caribbean Side. You can take a domestic flight, a shuttle, private transfer or you can rent a car. Talk with one our expert Travel Agents to figure out which transportation method is best for you!
Dining
When visiting the Caribbean side, travelers explore the local dining culture in the various bars and restaurants. Like the rest of Costa Rica, you can enjoy gallo pintos and casados, but here they will flavor them a little differently. Most notably is the coconut flavored rice that accompanies most of the Caribbean dishes. Give it a try!
Where to stay
In Cahuita, visit The Goddess Garden. Here you can combine Cahuita’s natural beauty with a stunning yoga retreat. Hotel Banana Azul is a perfect hideaway near Puerto Viejo where you can enjoy beach life as it was meant to be! When staying at Tortuguero, none other than Mawamba Lodge should be on your list.
Caribbean Beaches - Get Info
Caribbean Beaches Vacation Packages
Caribbean Lowlands Birding Tour
11
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Caribbean Exploration Tour
SJO
$1500-$2000 p.p.
Caribbean Dream with Manuel Antonio
12
SJO
$1500-$2000 p.p.
Coast to Coast with Puerto Viejo
12
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Best of Birding in Costa Rica’s Caribbean
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Nature Birding Tour
10
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Pacific & Caribbean Combo
10
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Extended Costa Rica Highlights
20
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Costa Rica’s Top Birding Spots
11
SJO
Full Board Birding Trip!
8
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Caribbean Jungle Exploration
7
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Tarpon Fishing on Costa Rica’s Caribbean
6
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Yoga in the Caribbean
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Beaches
Punta Uva
Visiting Punta Uva Punta Uva is located at the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, just south of Cahuita and just north of the ...
Cahuita
Visiting Cahuita Cahuita Costa Rica is a National Park apart of the best Costa Rica beaches on the Caribbean Coast. It’s l...
Puerto Viejo
Visiting Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Located on the Southern Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica is one o...
Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Visiting The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is located near the Panama border o...
Playa Cocles
Visiting Playa Cocles Playa Cocles is a spectacular surf beach located just south of Puerto Viejo on Costa Rica’s stunning...
Cities
Limón Costa Rica
Visiting Limon Costa Rica Costa Rica’s Caribbean side has a unique atmosphere and a fascinating history. Limon is largely ...
National Parks
Tortuguero National Park
Visiting Tortuguero National Park Tortuguero National Park is an ecotourist’s dream located on the northeast Caribbe...
Bribri Indigenous Reserve Tour with Willie’s Tours
Cahuita National Park Snorkeling Tour with Willie’s Tours
Jaguar Rescue Center, Chocolate House & Waterfall Tour with Willie’s Tours
Hike to Cahuita National Park with Cahuita Tours
Sloth Sanctuary & Rescue Center Tour with Cahuita Tours
Punta Uva Sea Kayaking and Rain Forest Hike with Exploradores Outdoors
Pacuare River Rafting Adventure: Class III – IV with Exploradores Outdoors
ATV Mountain Trip / Tropical Dry Forest of Guanacaste with Arenas Adventures
BriBri Indigenous Reserve
From: $50 - $75
Hike Cahuita National Park Tour
From: Under $50
Cahuita National Park Snorkeling Tour
From: $50 - $75
Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge Day Tour
From: $50 - $75
Southern Zone
Why Visit?
Costa Rica’s Southern Zone is where you’ll find the tallest mountains, pristine cloud forest areas, and a virtually unexplored paradise. Find a large variety of birds and just an endless array of biodiversity.
Costa Rica’s Central Valley is home to the capital of San José and the Juan Santamaría International Airport. Steeped in History & Culture, many people use the capital as the jumping off point for their vacations.
The Osa Peninsula is truly an unexplored paradise and a must see for nature lovers. If you are looking to get off the beaten path and explore – this is the spot for you.
Guanacaste is home to Costa Rica’s most popular beach destinations and all-inclusive resorts. If you are looking for a beach vacation, this is your destination for sun, sand, and surf.
The Nicoya Peninsula is still largely undeveloped and home to some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches. Known for it’s laid back surfer vibe and boutique beach resorts.
Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast is a rich cultural area offering a laid back tropical atmosphere. Experience what Tico Time truly is on this Afro-Caribbean influenced area.
Nicaragua is a unique country full of culture and historical parts. You can see a lot of the old part of the colonial age including the cobblestone streets and old forts.
Panama is a totally different level of destination. It has so much to offer. You can experience history and modern architecture all in one in Panama City with skyscrapers and the old part of the city.
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