A Detailed Look at the Best Beaches on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica

By Laura Alvarado – March 14, 2017

 

More than often it is overlooked, perhaps because of the misconception that insecurity is higher in this province (San José is actually the province with highest crime rate); or maybe because there are no huge, luxury resorts; others don’t like the drive, as the road (Route 32) is considered dangerous; whatever the reasons may be, the fact is that Limón Province and the beaches in the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica don’t have the same popularity as the beaches in the Pacific Coast (Provinces of Guanacaste and Puntarenas); it is also safe to say that many people rather this be the case, because it is precisely the fact that these beaches are not ever as crowded and the lack of huge resorts that make them the perfect vacation destination for many.

The Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica extends for about 125 miles offering everything from mangrove wetlands to lush mountains; the region has rich historic and cultural importance to the country. It was here that Christopher Columbus arrived in 1502, and it was thanks to the different objects that him and his crew received from the natives in the area, which led him to believe that the land was filled with precious metals, that this country got the name “Costa Rica” (Rich Coast), since these were the words he used to describe the “discovered” land.

Christopher Columbus may have been wrong about the precious metals, but he was right about it being a rich coast, the Atlantic Coast of Costa Rica has invaluable natural resources and incredible beauty.

When it comes to the weather, you can expect rain almost all year round, however, the best months to visit are April through October, opposite of the high-season in the Pacific Coast, during these months’ occasional showers are normal but they usually go by fast and then the sun comes out again. The average temperature is of around 26°C (79°F). The temperature of the water in the different beaches is warm and ideal, even in cloudy days, going to the beach is absolutely wonderful.

Getting to Limón can take in average 4 hours by land, Limón does have a small airport for national flights, it takes 40-45 minutes to fly from San José to Limón.

The beaches are just part of what makes this province unique, and here we will provide the reader with a quick review of the best in the area, it is important to mention that the most beautiful beaches are located in the touristic are of Southern Limón (South Caribbean), while the North has more of a “raw nature” appeal.

Playa Tortuguero

Situated in the Northwest of the Limón province, the beach of Tortuguero (Land of Turtles) is part of the Tortuguero National Park and it is a preferred destination for eco-tourists. The untouched nature and wildlife present in the area are the main attractions.

Distance from San José: 71 miles (114km) to La Pavona (almost a 3 hour drive) and 43 miles (70km) by boat to Tortuguero (30-45 minutes approximately)
Closest Town: Tortuguero
Beach Status: Public
Type of Sand: Black

Selling Points:

1. Remote location, no cars, in Tortuguero you are in the middle of the rainforest.
2. Impressive surrounding nature provides many options for eco-tourism, from navigating in the canals to witnessing the nesting of turtles in the beach.

Disadvantages:

1. Swimming conditions are not good, very strong currents.
2. It rains here, a lot, always pack a raincoat or an extra set of clothes.

Recommendations:

Getting here is complicated, you can travel by land up to La Pavona this route can take almost 3 hours (there’s a safe parking place here where you can leave your car for a reasonable daily fee), here you’ll need to take a boat to get to Tortugero. The easiest and fastest way to get here is to take a national flight, it takes only 30 min, and then of course, the boat ride.

Extra Notes:

The main attraction at Tortuguero beach is the possibility of witnessing an incredible natural phenomenon as is the nesting of the sea turtles, the best months to visit are February through August, but some of the species arrive even through October.

Playa Bonita

This is a small beach located close to the Port of Moín in Limón, due to its location its visited by many national tourists.

Distance from San José: 98 miles (158km) 3 hour drive
Closest Town: Moín / Portete
Beach Status: Public
Type of Sand: Tan

Selling Points:

1. To the south there are rock formations with diverse marine life
2. Restaurant Quimbamba right in front of the beach is a famous stop site

Disadvantages:

1. Small beach
2. Strong waves and currents

Recommendations:

This is a good place to stop on your way to Limón, but it is definitely not one of the best beaches.

Extra Notes:

The restaurants here offer good food, bathrooms and WiFi

Playa Negra (Cahuita)

This beach is to the Northeast of Cahuita National Park.

Distance from San José: 125 miles (201km) Close to 4 hour drive
Closest Town: Cahuita/Puerto Viejo
Beach Status: Public
Type of Sand: Black

Selling Points:

1. Isolated beach, likely you’ll be sharing the beach with one or two more people
2. To the North the beach has great swimming conditions, but on the western side there are good conditions for beginning surfers or boogie riders.
3. Restaurants and small hotels close to the beach

Disadvantages:
1. Although it is not a disadvantage many people don’t find the beach as attractive because of the dark sand.

Recommendations:

There are many restaurants and bars close by the beach.

Extra Notes:

Lay down on the sand and relax to the sounds of the waves, the black sand in the location is said to have a therapeutic effects.

Playa Blanca (Cahuita)

Part of the Cahuita National Park, this 3km beach is absolutely stunning.

Distance from San José: 125 miles (201km) Close to 4 hour drive
Closest Town: Cahuita
Beach Status: Public
Type of Sand: White

Selling Points:

1. Pristine water, excellent swimming (except for the first 300 meters), great snorkeling and diving near the coral reefs.
2. Good infrastructure, bathrooms and showers.
3. Camping is allowed

Disadvantages:

1. If you get here in the afternoon the tide will be high and then it’s hard to enjoy the beach to the fullest, other than that, this beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica.

Recommendations:

Bring cash for the parking lot and also because when you enter the park you have to make a donation of whatever amount you wish. Walk to the tip of the park to enjoy the impressive view of the reef.

Extra Notes:

The walk through the National Park is beautiful many howler monkeys and sloths can be

Puerto Vargas

The beach at Puerto Vargas is missed by many because it is hidden away and it has to be accessed by a natural trail from the Cahuita area.

Distance from San José: 127 miles (205km) Close to 4 hour drive
Closest Town: Cahuita
Beach Status: Public
Type of Sand: White

Selling Points:

1. Very clean, clear waters ideal for snorkeling and diving
2. Abundant wildlife

Disadvantages:

1. Although there are bathrooms in the area, that’s about all the infrastructure you will find.

Recommendations:
The walk here can take a while, make sure you are well prepared with plenty of bottled water and appropriate shoes.

Extra Notes:

Ask about the camping facilities in the area.

Playa Negra (Puerto Viejo)

Not to be confused with Playa Negra in Cahuita. This Playa Negra is located right in the center of Puerto Viejo.

Distance from San José: 135 miles (217km) A little over 4 hours of drive
Closest Town: Puerto Viejo
Beach Status: Public
Type of Sand: Black

Selling Points:

1. This is the closest beach to the surfing beach town of Puerto Viejo
2. Good surfing conditions

Disadvantages:

1. Being so close to all the commercial areas takes away some of its appeal
2. Sometimes it gets crowded

Recommendations:

Come here to enjoy the sunset and relax in one of the many restaurants close by.

Extra Notes:

Nightlife at Puerto Viejo is always vibrant. Take some safety precautions in this area, especially at night time.

Playa Cocles

Just about 10 minutes from Cahuita and South of Puerto Viejo, is the very popular Playa Cocles.

Distance from San José: 137 miles (221km) A drive of 4 hours 12 minutes
Closest Town: Puerto Viejo
Beach Status: Public
Type of Sand: White

Selling Points:

1. Beautiful scenic beach, good surfing conditions
2. Coral reef and incredible marine life.

Disadvantages:

1. Careful while swimming as currents can be strong and drag you into the ocean.

Recommendations:

Le Cameleon hotel is a great alternative in this area, they have a lounge also where you can relax and enjoy snacks and drinks

Extra Notes:

The advantage of the Southern Caribbean beaches is that they are all just a few minutes away, you can choose to spend the morning in Cahuita and then head to see the sunset at Cocles.

Playa Chiquita:

Next to Cocles Beach, Playa Chiquita has an extension of just 2km

Distance from San José: 138 miles (222km) A drive of 4 hours 14 minutes
Closest Town: Puerto Viejo
Beach Status: Public
Type of Sand: Tan/Smooth

Selling Points:

1. Perfect beach to enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by green nature
2. Because the access to the beach is somewhat hidden there’s never a lot of people

Disadvantages:

1. No infrastructure near the beach
2. Waves can be strong

Recommendations:

Take all you need with you to be able to enjoy a day disconnected from the city life.

Extra Notes:

From here you can pretty much walk to the next beach, Punta Uva.

Punta Uva

Close to 20 minutes from Puerto Viejo on the road that leads to Manzanillo is a small, quiet beach called Punta Uva, part of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife and Marine Refuge.

Distance from San José: 140 miles (226km) By land 4 hours and 30 minutes
Closest Town: Puerto Viejo
Beach Status: Public
Type of Sand: White

Selling Points:

1. Secluded beach surrounded by nature
2. Good swimming conditions most of the year
3. Simply walking on the beach you will get to see a lot of marine life, star fish, crabs, sea urchins, and small colorful fish

Disadvantages:

1. No infrastructure close to the beach

Recommendations:

Punta Uva is a great location for children to swim, but make sure to take everything you need with you since there is nothing near the beach

Extra Notes:

Many people like to travel from Puerto Viejo to Punta Uva and then to Manzanillo by bike, it is actually a short distance, the view is amazing and the street is in great conditions.

Playa Manzanillo

The last of the beaches in the South Caribbean, Manzanillo is part of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife and Marine Refuge and it is just 25 minutes away from Puerto Viejo.

Distance from San José: 143 miles (230km) Approximately a 4 hours and 41 minutes drive
Closest Town: Manzanillo / Puerto Viejo
Beach Status: Public
Type of Sand: White

Selling Points:

1. Impressive scenic blue water beach
2. Excellent conditions to swim, kayak and snorkel.
3. Surrounded by untouched nature

Disadvantages:

1.Lack of proper infrastructure (some could argue in favor of this)
2.It tends to get crowded during the high season months

Recommendations:

Walking the trail through the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refugee is a must, you will see plenty of monkeys and sloths, at one point you will get to the famous viewpoint which is absolutely breathtaking. If you want to walk further into the reserve, it is best to get a guide. If you like hiking, you might want to take the hike to Punta Mona, here you will find a small self-sustainable community hidden in the middle of the jungle, ideal for wellness and eco-tourism.

Extra Notes:
If you are traveling with kids take into consideration the only bathrooms really available here to the public are not in the best conditions, Maxi’s restaurant is the only restaurant nearby, food is really good and they usually have live Caribbean music.

As it was explained at the beginning of this article, the Caribbean cost of Costa Rica is completely different from the Pacific, the hotels here are mostly small villas or bungalows, cabins or eco-lodges. There are a limited number of boutique hotels that are more up-scale.

While visiting the Caribbean, you must be open to having a unique experience in terms of culture, food and music. For the most part the ambiance here is that of a laid-back town, colorful houses and tasty food with very different flavors.

Warning: Waking up to the sound of howler monkeys, being surrounded by green everywhere, and the vibe of the Caribbean can be absolutely addicting.