Caribbean Beaches

The laid back tropical atmosphere we all need

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Visiting the Caribbean Costa Rica Beaches

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

Turtles in TortugueroThe 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

Playa Cocles Beach ViewThe 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!

Getting there

Closest International Airport: Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)

Nature Air Domestic Flights in Costa RicaThere 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

Costa Rican Cuisine LimonadeWhen 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

Mawamba Lodge Aerial View

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

Caribbean Lowlands Birding Tour

11
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Caribbean Exploration Tour

Caribbean Exploration Tour

SJO
$1500-$2000 p.p.
Caribbean Dream with Manuel Antonio

Caribbean Dream with Manuel Antonio

12
SJO
$1500-$2000 p.p.
Coast to Coast with Puerto Viejo

Coast to Coast with Puerto Viejo

12
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Best of Birding in Costa Rica’s Caribbean

Best of Birding in Costa Rica’s Caribbean

SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Nature Birding Tour

Nature Birding Tour

10
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Pacific & Caribbean Combo

Pacific & Caribbean Combo

10
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Extended Costa Rica Highlights

Extended Costa Rica Highlights

20
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Costa Rica’s Top Birding Spots

Costa Rica’s Top Birding Spots

11
SJO
Full Board Birding Trip!

Full Board Birding Trip!

8
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Caribbean Jungle Exploration

Caribbean Jungle Exploration

7
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Tarpon Fishing on Costa Rica’s Caribbean

Tarpon Fishing on Costa Rica’s Caribbean

6
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Yoga in the Caribbean

Yoga in the Caribbean

SJO
More than $2000 p.p.

Beaches

Punta Uva

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

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

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

Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

Visiting The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is located near the Panama border o...

Playa Cocles

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

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

Tortuguero National Park

Visiting Tortuguero National Park Tortuguero National Park is an ecotourist’s dream located on the northeast Caribbe...

Caribbean Beaches Hotels

Hotel Escape Caribeño

Hotel Escape Caribeño

3
From: Under $125
Mawamba Lodge

Mawamba Lodge

3
From: $125 - $200
Aninga Lodge

Aninga Lodge

4
From: Under $125
Selva Bananito Lodge

Selva Bananito Lodge

3
5
From: $125 - $200
Shawandha Lodge

Shawandha Lodge

3
From: Under $125
Aguas Claras

Aguas Claras

3
From: Over $300
Ciudad Perdida Ecolodge

Ciudad Perdida Ecolodge

3
From: Under $125
Azania Bungalows

Azania Bungalows

3
From: Under $125
Villas del Caribe

Villas del Caribe

3
2
From: $125 - $200
Hotel Banana Azul

Hotel Banana Azul

3
From: $125 - $200
Samasati Nature Retreat

Samasati Nature Retreat

3
2
From: $125 - $200
Cariblue Bungalows

Cariblue Bungalows

3
1
From: Under $125
Hotel Le Cameleon

Hotel Le Cameleon

4
From: $200 - $300
Kenaki Lodge

Kenaki Lodge

3
From: Under $125

Caribbean Beaches Tours

Misha Yorkin Indigenous Community Cahuita

Misha Yorkin Indigenous Community Cahuita

From: Over $100
Jaguar Rescue Center

Jaguar Rescue Center

3
From: Under $50
Sarapiqui River Rafting

Sarapiqui River Rafting

From: $75 - $100
Pacuare River Rafting Adventure

Pacuare River Rafting Adventure

From: $75 - $100
Sloth Sanctuary and Rescue Center

Sloth Sanctuary and Rescue Center

Bribri Indigenous Reserve Tour with Willie’s Tours

Bribri Indigenous Reserve Tour with Willie’s Tours

Cahuita National Park Snorkeling 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

Jaguar Rescue Center, Chocolate House & Waterfall Tour with Willie’s Tours

Hike to Cahuita National Park with Cahuita Tours

Hike to Cahuita National Park with Cahuita Tours

Sloth Sanctuary & Rescue Center Tour with Cahuita Tours

Sloth Sanctuary & Rescue Center Tour with Cahuita Tours

Punta Uva Sea Kayaking and Rain Forest Hike with Exploradores Outdoors

Punta Uva Sea Kayaking and Rain Forest Hike with Exploradores Outdoors

Pacuare River Rafting Adventure: Class III – IV with Exploradores Outdoors

Pacuare River Rafting Adventure: Class III – IV with Exploradores Outdoors

ATV Mountain Trip / Tropical Dry Forest of Guanacaste with Arenas Adventures

ATV Mountain Trip / Tropical Dry Forest of Guanacaste with Arenas Adventures

BriBri  Indigenous Reserve

BriBri Indigenous Reserve

From: $50 - $75
Hike Cahuita National Park Tour

Hike Cahuita National Park Tour

From: Under $50
Cahuita National Park Snorkeling Tour

Cahuita National Park Snorkeling Tour

From: $50 - $75
Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge Day Tour

Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge Day Tour

From: $50 - $75
Costa Rica Regions and Destinations Map

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.  


Things to Do

Top Destinations

Central Valley

Why Visit?

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.


Things to Do

Top Destinations

Northern Zone

Why Visit?

Costa Rica’s Northern Zone is home to the country’s most famous Volcano and Cloud Forest Areas.

You will be amazed at the wildlife and all the biodiversity.


Things to Do

Top Destinations

Osa Peninsula

Why Visit?

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.


Things to Do

Top Destinations

Guanacaste

Why Visit?

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.


Things to Do

Top Destinations

Nicoya Peninsula

Why Visit?

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.


Things to Do

Top Destinations

Central Pacific

Why Visit?

Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast is home to some of the closest beaches from the capital of San José, which are easily accessible from the highway.


Things to Do

Top Destinations

Caribbean

Why Visit?

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.


Things to Do

Top Destinations

Nicaragua

Why Visit?

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.


Top Destinations

Panama

Why Visit?

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.


Top Destinations

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