South Caribbean

Costa Rica’s Caribbean

Even many repeat visitors to Costa Rica have missed out on the Caribbean Coast. That’s a shame. Those who do make the trip find long, wide beaches shaded by coconut palms and lapped by clear waters. The Caribbean Coast is friendly, funky, and relaxed. Think Bob Marley, hammocks, and rum. The crowds are few and the wildlife is abundant. There are no “big” real estate projects here. No gated communities or golf courses. It’s authentic and under the radar.

From surfing and snorkeling to on-demand tranquility, we rarely find ourselves leaving here without wishing we had more time. Puerto Limón is Costa Rica’s main Caribbean port and the heart of the country’s Afro-Caribbean culture.

Cahuita National Park

About an hour south of Limón, Cahuita National Park protects the country’s largest coral reef. Divers and snorkelers can enjoy crystal-clear visibility, observing manta rays, sharks, sea turtles, and more than thirty species of coral. This park’s beaches are a perfect place to laze away a day.

Playa Negra to Manzanillo

The string of beaches continues south of the park, extending 20 miles from Playa Negra to Manzanillo. The main beach town is Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, home to the powerful Salsa Brava surf swells. Waves here can reach heights of 40 feet from October to December, peaking again from June to August.

Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge

Farther south, the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge protects another six miles of beach-nesting grounds for four species of sea turtles. The refuge’s waters shelter a coral reef, West Indian manatees, and dolphins.

Our Favorite Hotels

What to do in the South Caribbean

Many visitors come to the South Caribbean for the surfing and the AfroCaribbean vibe. It’s still a place to ride bikes to the beach or around town to explore local life, its funky little cafés, Caribbean comfort food, and music. Not to mention local artisan shops and surf shops.

However, this area has so much more to offer. Visitors can also raft the Pacuare and Sixaola rivers, sport fish, zip-line, and visit a sloth sanctuary. LANDED can also help you arrange:

• Surf Classes
• Snorkeling
• Scuba Diving
• Wildlife Tours
• Visits to the Nearby National Parks and Reserves
• Biking
• Kayaking
• Visits to the BriBrí indigenous group
• Cacao Tours
• Jungle Hikes

Other area attractions include:

• Tirimbina Rainforest Center’s Cacao Plantation
• Bribri Kikoldi Iguana Project
• Jaguar Rescue Center in Playa Chiquita

Puerto Viejo is also well-known for its nightlife. From music gatherings and art fairs to fashion shows and fire dancing spectacles. There’s always something happening!

What is the Weather Like?

In Puerto Viejo, temperatures are high year-round with the warmest month being August (72°F-86°F) and the coolest January (68°F-84°F). A little rainfall can be expected throughout the year, but days on the Caribbean Coast are seldom washouts. Tropical showers come and go quickly, and help to keep Puerto Viejo’s climate pleasant. In contrast to Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, July is the wettest month in Puerto Viejo while September and October are the driest.

These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.

Getting There

Puerto Viejo is within easy reach of San José, the Panama Border, and the nesting grounds of Tortuguero. Visits to the South Caribbean can also be combined with the Osa Peninsula.

Limón can be reached by road from San Jose, which passes through the verdant mountains of Braulio Carillo National Park. This five-and-a-half-hour drive reminds us of coming over Ko’olau Range from Honolulu to Kane’ohe. En route, visitors can stop at the Rainforest Aerial Tram’s 1,200-acre private reserve.

Two additional routes reach the Southern Pacific: one through Sarapiqui and another through Turrialba.  Short regional flights also connect this region to San Jose and Bocas del Toro, Panama. Private charters and helicopter transfers can also be arranged. Limon is approximately one hour from Puerto Viejo.

Tortuguero is approximately four hours by car from Puerto Viejo.

For domestic flights within Costa Rica, you will most likely be traveling on a small aircraft which imposes weight restrictions on luggage, typically 25 pounds per person.

Start your journey today