Costa Rica is a country known for its incredible biodiversity and diverse landscapes. The country is bursting with green rainforests, special animals, impressive waterfalls and volcanoes, and is surrounded by beautiful beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. No wonder that travelers return home enthusiastic after a tour of Costa Rica, fall in love with nature or simply cannot wait to go back.
About the Caribbean coast
The Caribbean coast shows you a completely different side of Costa Rica, compared to the green interior or the rugged Pacific coast. As soon as you enter this region, you are embraced by a relaxed, Caribbean atmosphere. You see people riding along the road on old bicycles, with sun-tanned skin and dreadlocks gently swaying in the wind. Time seems to pass more slowly here, and that relaxed vibe is infectious.
Also read: Costa Rica's Pacific Coast | Tips for Coco, Brasilito and more
Also read: Costa Rica's Interior | Tips for Culture and Nature
In this part of Costa Rica you will find quiet beaches, national parks full of wildlife and villages where reggae and Caribbean culture color the streets. Let me take you to this special coast, where life is all about enjoying the moment.
Puerto Viejo
My tip is to go to Puerto Viejo, where you feel the relaxed Caribbean atmosphere the strongest. Nobody seems to be in a hurry. People stroll through the colorful streets, chill on the beach or cycle along the coast at their leisure.
The village has colourful wooden houses, markets and lots of places to eat and drink. The souvenir shops sell jewellery, surf clothes and art and street musicians add to the relaxed atmosphere.
Besides enjoying the beach, surfing is very popular here. The waves are suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. Whether you are standing on a board for the first time or are already experienced, this is the place to rent a surfboard and go out on the water. Even if you don't surf yourself, it is great to watch the surfers from the beach!
What makes Puerto Viejo extra special is that you don't have to look far to spot wildlife. As you cycle through the village you might just see a sloth hanging in the trees or hear howler monkeys calling in the distance.
Cahuita National Park
The next tip is a visit to Cahuita National Park, one of the best places in Costa Rica to spot wildlife. The park is easily accessible with paved paths and a flat route along the coast. This makes it easy to walk around quietly and focus completely on nature.
At the entrance you pay an entrance fee and you can hire a guide, which is definitely worth it if you want to see more animals. As you walk along the coast through tropical rainforest, you will encounter sloths, howler monkeys and iguanas. But look carefully, because not all animals are easy to see.
Wildlife spotting
Animals are plentiful here. The larger ones are immediately noticeable: a sloth hanging in a tree, a howler monkey making itself heard, or an iguana on a branch. But the smaller animals? They are a different story. Poisonous snakes hide among the leaves and without a guide I probably would never have noticed them. Sometimes it helped to sit still and look around me – but even then I still missed a lot, until my guide pointed it out.
Daily life
The culture
Daily life on the Caribbean coast feels different from the rest of Costa Rica. Not only because of the relaxed atmosphere, but also because of the Afro-Caribbean influences that you see everywhere. Many residents have roots in the Caribbean islands. Wherever you are, you hear music: reggae, calypso and other Caribbean styles, often live or just on the street.
The cuisine on the Caribbean coast is also different from the rest of Costa Rica. Coconut milk is an important ingredient, especially in the rice and beans (gallo pinto). The food is generally spicier and more spicy. Fish and seafood are also more common on the menu. In addition to your meal, you often enjoy a tropical cocktail or a fresh coconut, with a straw of course.
Work and relaxation
People take the day as it comes and without haste. Cycling is the main means of transport, and it is quite normal to see cyclists in the village with a surfboard under their arm, on their way to the beach. Others hang around, chat or lie in a hammock.
Although life here feels relaxed, many people earn their living from tourism, fishing and crafts. Restaurants and beach bars are often family-run, and locals sell handmade jewellery and artwork at markets. Fishing also plays an important role, as does the cultivation of bananas and cocoa in the area.
The beaches
The beaches on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica have a rugged appearance. They are not endless white sandy beaches like in the Caribbean, but beaches with golden sand, surrounded by dense jungle. The ocean here is less calm than on the west coast. The waves often hit the shore hard, and the spray of the seawater sometimes hangs in the air.
On many beaches you see washed-up tree trunks and rocks sticking out of the water. The amount of driftwood and seaweed varies per season, and in the rainy season the beach can look wilder. At the same time, this makes it special. Nature is present and the jungle reaches the beach. While you are lying on the beach, you can easily spot wildlife.
Not all beaches are suitable for swimming, due to strong currents. However, there are places where the water is calmer, or where the waves are perfect for surfers. Below are a number of beaches that you should not miss:
- Black beach has black volcanic sand. Here you will find many surfers because of the powerful waves.
- Cocles Beach is the best surfing beach on this coast. Good for surfing, but less for swimming.
- Chiquita Beach is small and quiet. At low tide, natural pools can form between the rocks.
- Manzanillo Beach is a remote, peaceful place where the jungle almost reaches the sea.
- Grape Tip is often mentioned as one of the most beautiful beaches. The water here is calm, ideal for snorkeling or kayaking.
De DJI Mini 4 Pro is an impressively compact and foldable drone with numerous advanced features. It super compact size and weight in combination with sharp 4K images makes this the ultimate drone to take with you when traveling.
- Compact drone of < 249 grams
- HDR video in 4K/60fps
- Camera can be rotated for social media
Practical tips
Move along!
To truly experience the Caribbean coast, it’s not just a matter of watching, it’s a matter of participating. My tip: jump on a bike, grab a surfboard or explore the water – and feel the relaxed lifestyle take over you.
By cycling you can discover the beaches and villages along the coast at your leisure. For a bit more action you can rent a surfboard at Playa Cocles, where the waves are perfect for beginners and experienced surfers alike. Prefer to be under water rather than on it? Then go snorkeling or kayaking at Punta Uva, one of the few places with calm and clear water. Here you can spot colorful fish and maybe even a sea turtle.
Accommodation
When you stay in Puerto Viejo and the surrounding area, you have it all at your fingertips: the beaches, the jungle, and the laid-back Caribbean vibe. Here are some of the best places to stay in the area:
- Exôtico Beach Hotel – A small-scale and charming hotel right on the beach, with a tropical look and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Villas Piña (Adults only) – A peaceful and stylish adults-only retreat with luxurious villas and a swimming pool surrounded by greenery.
- Colina Secreta – Is a unique glamping experience in the middle of nature, where luxury tents and villas offer a perfect combination of comfort and adventure.
- Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel at Puerto Viejo is a stylish hotel with a tropical atmosphere within walking distance of the beach.
Choose the right travel time
As in the rest of Costa Rica, the rainy season runs from May to November. If you want a better chance of dry and sunny weather, January to March are the best months.
Note: The condition of the beaches can vary per season. During the rainy season, more driftwood and seaweed washes up, giving some beaches a wilder appearance.
When traveling during the rainy season, in some parts of the world (such as Southeast Asia) you can expect one big shower per day, after which the weather clears up. In Costa Rica, rain is often more spread out over the day, which can make the weather less predictable.
A good camera
With the jungle reaching down to the beach, you can often spot wildlife here. A camera with a zoom lens helps to capture sloths and howler monkeys up close. Keep in mind that the weather can change quickly. A rain cover for your camera and a cloth to remove condensation are not an unnecessary luxury.
The Fujifilm X-T5 with 16-80 is the ultimate all-round world travel camera† This camera has been declared several times by both the consumer association and Tweakers.net the best system camera you can buy. Even on automatic mode, you suddenly feel like a professional photographer!
- The best tested camera
- Fantastic photos
- 6.2K video
- 5 year warranty
Conclusion
The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica shows you a completely different side of the country. Here, everything revolves around relaxation and nature. The rugged beaches and tropical rainforest, combined with Afro-Caribbean influences and relaxed vibes, make this region unique.
You cycle along the coast, see surfers glide over the waves and spot animals in the middle of the jungle. Time seems to pass more slowly here and before you know it, you slow down too!
