SOUTH CARIBBEAN
Beautiful beaches are expecting you in this region of Costa Rica, inviting you to take part in surfing, fishing or diving, where you will learn about the coral reefs that protect a colorful variety of fish. There is a strong Afro-Caribbean influence in the architecture of the region, seen also in the fashions and foods: “rice and beans”, “pati” “plantinta”, chicken with coconut and “ron don”. Extending Limon to the Panama border, the region offers a unique combination of beaches, natural resources and Afro-American culture in Cahuíta, Puerto Viejo and Gandoca Manzanillo. Multi-colored beaches, coral reefs, coastal vegetation, medium-high forests, national parks and reserves enjoy world-class status.
Playa Bonita
Situated five kilometers north of the city of Limón, this easy-access beach is ideal for surfers. Concerts and surfing contests are often held here. Playa Bonita is perfect for sunbathing, walking along the beach, swimming (with caution), nature watching, beach volleyball, picnics and family fun.
Reef Diving
The natural beauty of Cahuita and Puerto Vargas’ beaches is complemented by the largest fringing coral reef in the Costa Rican Caribbean. The reefs lying off Punta Cocles, Punta Uva, Manzanillo and Punta Mona are not to be forgotten. These sites are ideal for admiring coral (brain, moose- and deer-horn, fire, rose, lettuce and more), mollusks, sea fans, crustaceans, turtles and multicolored fish.
Playa Vizcaya
Located on the highway to Cahuita, this long, grayish-sand beach on the open ocean features abundant coastal vegetation, and stands out for its many coconut palms. Great for swimming, it is very popular with locals and national tourists.
Playa Negra (CAHUITA)
“Black Beach” is the name of this dark-sand beach located north of the town of Cahuita. Long and fringed with lush tropical greenery, Playa Negra has distinct areas featuring inlets, coral platforms, coves and sandy beaches. The surf is moderate to strong. This beach is ideal for relaxing and contemplating the sea, as well as exploring on foot, horseback or mountain bike.
Playa Blanca (CAHUITA)
Named “White Beach” for the color of its sand, Playa Blanca is part of Cahuita National Park, stretching some three kilometers from the park entrance to Punta Cahuita. The initial stretch of this narrow beach features a shelf and strong surf; swimming is not recommended here. Toward its middle stretch swimming is ideal. After crossing the estuary, the presence of a fringing coral reef offshore transforms the beach into a vast lagoon. On the point, the sand is very light in color. Here the reef is close in; visitors can dive in its waters, or continue some two kilometers more to Puerto Vargas.
Puerto Vargas
This lovely beach belongs to Cahuita National Park, stretching several kilometers from Punta Cahuita to the mouth of the Río Carbón. It has three distinct areas. From north to south, the first area comprises the point up to the promontory of Puerto Vargas. Here, the water is crystalline and calm thanks to the coral reef. Extending from Puerto Vargas to the beach entrance, the second stretch features darker sand and mild to moderate surf. The third reaches from here to the mouth of the Río Carbón, and consists of an open coast with strong surf.
Playa Negra (PUERTO VIEJO)
Stretching from the town of Puerto Viejo to its entrance in the north, this beach is famous for its truly black sand, which owes its color to its high manganese content. Shaped in an attractive curve, Playa Negra features moderate to strong surf. This spot is ideal for sunbathing, swimming and leisurely strolls.
Puerto Viejo Beaches
Puerto Viejo sits on a point of coral platforms, so several areas are not suitable for swimming. Other spots with white sand and convenient cafes are ideal for enjoying the ocean. From here to the south, at a place called Punta Pirriplí, is the famous Salsa Brava wave, one of the best surf spots on the entire Caribbean coast and host to international surfing contests. Dive shops and companies offering tours to the reef can also be found in front of these beaches.
Playa Cocles
This beach has moderate to strong surf and is perfect for enjoying activities such as sunbathing, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, beach volleyball and soccer. A small coral reef lies off Punta Cocles. Along the beach there are numerous tourist services, including surfboard and bicycle rentals. Horses and motorcycles may be rented in Puerto Viejo to explore this and other beaches located to the south.
Playa Chiquita
This golden-sand beach forms a cove by the same name. Beyond this point the irregular coast continues, bordering rocky platforms. Two kilometers to the south the coastline forms a bend surrounded by calm, clear water. This stretch of coast is good for relaxation and enjoying nature, on foot, horseback or simply lying on the beach.
Punta Uva
Punta Uva is a wide, sandy ridge that stretches northeast up to the promontory at the end of Playa Chiquita. To the south the coast opens in a curve up to Manzanillo. Bordering this point is a coral reef where diving is possible. Punta Uva’s unique shape makes it ideal for walking all the way to Chiquita and Manzanillo beaches.
Playa Manzanillo
This golden-sand beach stretches north some 3.5 kilometers from the town of Manzanillo to Punta Uva. It has moderate to strong surf, an irregular, curved shape, and plentiful coastal vegetation, particularly palms. Ideal for walking, horseback riding, sunbathing and swimming, this beach also offers diving in several areas in front of the town and near Punta Manzanillo.
Playa Mona
The coastline in this area is very irregular. The forest and surrounding scenery make this stretch of coast exceptionally beautiful, especially around Punta Mona, where a small, greenery-swathed island enhances the coastal scenery, complemented by always-lush forests and patches of coral ideal for diving.
Playa Gandoca
Beyond Punta Mona the irregular coastline opens up to Gandoca. Here, the beach features gray sand and strong surf. Southward from Gandoca, the beach stretches to the mouth of the Río Sixaola, which marks the border with Panama. This last stretch of coast is just over eight kilometers long, and is highly suitable for walking and taking in the rich biodiversity of its ecosystems.