Caribbean Coast Beaches

The Caribbean coast has an entirely different feel than the Pacific coast. Plentiful rainfall supports some of the richest and most diverse habitat in all of Costa Rica. The vast Caribbean lowlands extend inland, providing habitat for hundreds of species of plants and animals.  The beaches are almost all bordered by dense forests, and many are famous nesting sites for leatherback, loggerhead and green sea turtles.

North Caribbean Beaches from Limon north to Nicaragua:

Tortuguero: North of Limon, the coast is mostly bordered by dense raffia palm forests and freshwater canals.  The beach of Tortuguero is beautiful, and often completely deserted for as far as the eye can see. July through October, most of this beach serves as a nesting site for the green sea turtle, with less frequent sightings of loggerhead, hawksbill and leatherback turtles. The currents are strong and generally not considered safe for swimming. Learn more about Tortuguero

South Caribbean Beaches from Limon south to Panama:

The Caribbean's southern beaches are bordered by dense green vegetation all year long, providing shade for beachgoers.  From cove to cove, the sandy beaches change hues from the blackest of black to the most brilliant of white. Some of the country’s healthiest living coral reefs are offshore, and one of the best surf spots in all of Costa Rica is Salsa Brava in the town of Puerto Viejo.  The best time of year to visit the south Caribbean for snorkeling is March - May and September - November, when the waters are at their calmest.  

Playa Negra: Located just north of downtown Cahuita, this black sand beach stretches for several miles along quiet, almost deserted coastline. In addition to its striking beauty, Black Beach promises both big waves for surfers and quiet waters for swimmers – just ask at one of the beachfront restaurants or tour operators about current conditions. Horseback riding tours are common along the wide beach.

Playa Blanca: Cahuita’s famous White Beach offers fine, white sand flanked by towering coconut palms and sea almond trees. The beautiful, mile-long shore begins at the Kelly Creek entrance to Cahuita National Park and continues south to Cahuita Point – the Cahuita National Park trail parallels the beach’s curves and bends. Riptides are common for the first quarter mile after entering the park, but beyond that, White Beach offers wonderful swimming conditions.

Puerto Vargas: Playa Blanca ends at Cahuita Point, a rocky headland that juts into the Caribbean Sea, pointing to the living coral reef that lies just off the coast. Here, devious white-faced monkeys charm tourists, snorkelers discover the colorful beauty beneath the ocean’s surface, and swimmers enjoy the gentle waters protected by the coral reef. To the south of Cahuita Point, Vargas Beach stretches down the coastline, ending at the Puerto Vargas Ranger Station, about three miles south. Camping is permitted at Playa Vargas, and potable water is also available.

Playa Negra: This black sand beach is located just a few steps north of Puerto Viejo’s downtown area, past the old barge near town. Playa Negra is known as the safest swimming beach in Puerto Viejo. It is also a very popular walking beach, with soft sands and plenty of space for strolling. Salsa Brava is Puerto Viejo’s main surf break, located behind Stanford's on Playa Negra. It is renowned in the local surfing community – considered to be the best break in Costa Rica by many enthusiasts.

Playa Cocles: Just two miles south of Puerto Viejo, Playa Cocles is a beautiful yellow sand beach known for steady surfing waves. Currents are often strong, and swimmers are advised to look out for green flags used by lifeguards to mark areas safe for swimming. Playa Cocles is lined with mid-range and upscale hotels and restaurants.

Playa Chiquita: Playa Chiquita is a peaceful beach located halfway between Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo. The shore is protected by coral reefs – natural pools form at high tide that are ideal for swimming. 

Punta Uva: Many regard this beauty as the most stunning beach in the area. Its curved shore and crystal clear waters make Punta Uva perfect for walking, sunbathing and swimming.  To get here, turn off two miles before Manzanillo. The road is well marked with a black and white sign.

Playa Manzanillo: Despite the recently paved, four-mile road connecting Manzanillo to Puerto Viejo, this town’s beautiful beaches have remained pristine, tranquil and untouched by tourism in comparison other areas. Seaside almond trees bow over the sand, providing shade for reading or relaxing. The beach’s fine sand is perfect for building sandcastles and sunbathing. Snorkelers and divers can swim to coral reefs close to the shore. For an afternoon snack, grab a seafood dish at one of the local restaurants, where chefs cook up the day’s fresh catches. Read more about Manzanillo

Gandoca: Playa Gandoca is a pristine, dark sand beach on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean Coast. The shore is a stone’s throw from the Panamanian border, stretching eight miles from Punta Mona to the north to the Sixaola River to the south. Strong currents and deep waters attract nesting leatherback turtles March through July. The Marine Turtle Conservation Program studies and protects these beautiful creatures from human poaching, long line fisheries, and habitat destruction. Read more about the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge