North Caribbean Tourism Region

Climate: Warm, humid and wet. See Caribbean Zone Weather Region

Average Temperature: 81°F with 87-90% humidity

Major Cities and Attractions: Barra del Colorado, Tortuguero, and Tortuguero National Park

The North Caribbean Region consists of a network of freshwater canals and wetland areas bordered by dense rainforest teeming with wildlife. The region's ninety miles of coastline are best known for nesting sea turtles and world-class sport fishing.

The port city of Limon is a historic town noted for its eclectic blend of cultures and cuisines. Afro-Caribbean, Asian, European and indigenous Costa Rican cultures mingle to create a unique atmosphere. Annual carnivals, restaurants specializing in Caribbean cooking and a distinctive blend of people make Limon an interesting stop on any journey.

Just north of Limon, the tiny village of Tortuguero is located on a narrow strip of land between the Tortuguero River and the Caribbean Sea. The village’s 22 miles of protected beaches comprise the largest nesting site of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Western Hemisphere. Each year, from July through October, Tortuguero visitors can join a guided tour to observe some of the thousands of giant reptiles nesting on the beach. Lucky travelers may also glimpse tiny hatchlings making their epic journey to the sea.

No roads lead into the village, only black water canals that are toured by boat. There is an abundance of wildlife and plant diversity in Tortuguero National Park's gallery forests and aquatic trails. More than 400 species of trees, 2200 species of plants, 375 species of birds, 125 mammal species and 124 species of reptiles are found here. Common sightings include tiger herons, green herons, great blue and little blue herons, toucans, anhingas and egrets.

Sloths, basilisk lizards, red-eyed tree frogs and caimans, as well as howler, spider and white-faced monkeys are also common. Although rarely sighted, tapirs, jaguars and manatees are native to the area.

Roughly one and a half hours by boat from Tortuguero, Barra del Colorado has been voted one of the top ten places to fish in the world. Anglers come from far and wide to fish the 600-meter wide Rio Colorado. The area’s fresh water river system forms a unique habitat that attracts monster tarpon and two species of snook. It is the only place in Costa Rica where 100-plus pound tarpon can be taken year-round.

Other than fishing, most folks associate Barra del Colorado with its wildlife refuge, a wetland area rich in biodiversity but extremely isolated and difficult to navigate. Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge is the largest refuge in Costa Rica, and includes over 50 kilometers of canals, rivers, lagoons and marshlands that connect with Nicaragua to the north and Tortuguero to the south.

The landscape is comprised of hot and humid tropical forest, fluvial islands, channels and swamp lands. Non-anglers can rent kayaks and canoes from the lodges to tour the tranquil river system and canals along the Rio Colorado.

The Northern Caribbean Zone has no distinct dry season. Typically, the driest months are February-March and September-October. However, the damp weather is what makes this region’s ecosystems so rich in biodiversity. Pack a raincoat, mosquito repellent and extra socks, and be prepared for an exhilarating experience. The weather will be the last thing on your mind.

The North Caribbean Tourism Region is Best Known For:

Turte tours, sport fishing, bird and wildlife viewing and Afro-Caribbean culture

Places to See:

Beaches: Tortuguero's beautiful yet deserted beaches. Four species of sea turtle (including the leatherback sea turtle) nest along these protected shores.

Museums: EARTH University,a tropical agricultural research center hosts students from all over Latin America. The museum has a rainforest reserve, medicinal herb garden, banana plantation and a paper recycling plant.

National Parks: Tortuguero National Park is famous for its sea turtles. The 22 miles of protected beaches are the largest nesting site of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Western Hemisphere. Out of the eight species of marine turtles in the world, four nest in Tortuguero.

Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge offers ample wildlife viewing opportunities in its network of canals, lagoons, lakes, and lowland forests. Anglers from around the world travel here to fish for record tarpon and snook in the river mouth of the Rio Colorado.

Other Protected Areas: Tortuguero Protected Zone, Dr. Archie Carr Wildlife Refuge, Cariari National Wetlands, Pacuare Matina Forest Reserve, Rio Pacuare Forest Reserve

Things to Do:

Air Activities:canopy tours

Land Activities: turtle tours, hiking, horseback riding and wildlife watching

Water Activities: sport fishing (especially for snook and tarpon), boating, kayaking and canoeing

Read our North Caribbean Travel Blogs:

Tortuguero, Barra del Colorado and North Caribbean (All)