CARIBBEAN

In the northern region, the main attractions are the nesting beaches of green sea turtles in Tortuguero National Park, and sport fishing for snook, tarpon, and other species in the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge. These are complemented by the waterway system that connects the Port of Moín with Barra del Colorado, which is both a unique attraction and at the same time the only means of transportation in the area. The Caribbean North is especially renowned for its wildlife as a world-renowned site for viewing sea turtles and birds.

The Costa Rican Caribbean extends from the San Juan River, on the northern border with Nicaragua, to the Sixaola River on the southern border with Panama. Limón, the capital of the province, is located in the center and is the main distribution point for tourism.

Barra del Colorado consists of channels, lagoons, rivers, swamps, forests, hills under 250 meters, continental and river islands. There is a rich biodiversity of plants and animals, with some endemic species. The flora is composed of three types of vegetation: humid forest, wetlands, and mangroves. The fauna includes crocodiles, alligators, endangered Trichechus manatus, tapirs, jaguars, howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys, and three-toed sloths. The area is considered a paradise for sport fishing for tarpon, snook, and gar fish, which is considered a living fossil. There are several world-class fishing grounds in these waters. To reach Barra del Colorado, you can travel by boat from Moín, Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo, or Sarapiquí, or by domestic flight from San José.

This famous national park represents one of the natural spaces with the greatest biological diversity in Costa Rica, offering one of the lushest landscapes in the country. It was primarily created to protect the nesting area of the green sea turtles. Tortuguero possesses a very humid tropical forest, as it receives between 5,000 and 6,000 mm of rainfall per year. These climatic conditions favor the existence of more than 400 species of trees and around 2,200 varieties of other plants, as well as over 400 types of birds, 60 types of amphibians, 30 species of freshwater fish, and various endangered mammals such as tapirs, monkeys, ocelots, jaguars, manatees, and sloths. The canals, lagoons, and rivers of Tortuguero represent great scenic beauty and can be navigated by boats, canoes, and kayaks to enjoy the wonderful landscapes. In addition to the green turtle, three other species of sea turtles nest on the park’s beaches; there is a visitor center that offers exhibitions, information, drinking water, restrooms, trails, and other facilities.

The beaches along the coast of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge are incredibly beautiful and perfect for hiking, sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling on coral reefs, and observing flora and fauna. The leatherback turtle is protected in the refuge. You can take a boat ride to the Gandoca Lagoon, a habitat of abundant tropical vegetation and also West Indian manatees.

En its lower stretches, the Reventazón River, one of the largest in the country, joins the Parismina River. This river, particularly the areas near the mouth, has a great reputation for remarkable fishing. There are several fishing lodges that offer everything needed for fishing in this area, which borders the north and south boundaries of Tortuguero National Park. Caño Blanco pier is the starting point for trips to this area.

This river boasts lush tropical abundance and is renowned worldwide among rafting enthusiasts and experts. With Class III-IV rapids, the Pacuare is considered by many as one of the most beautiful rivers in the world for rafting and kayaking. During a rafting trip, you can enjoy waterfalls and tributaries of the Pacuare, complemented by dense vegetation. This journey is famous for its exceptional value.

Easily accessible, Bonita Beach has strong waves, making it ideal for surfing. The beach is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, especially coconut palms that add to its scenic beauty. Due to its appeal and proximity to the city of Limón, Playa Bonita is a favorite spot for residents and tourists to enjoy the sea. There are often events such as concerts and surfing tournaments. Playa Bonita is perfect for sunbathing, hiking, swimming (with caution), nature watching, playing beach volleyball, picnics, family fun, etc.

Known for the white color of its sand, Playa Blanca is part of Cahuita National Park. A small beach, it slopes steeply with strong waves at the beginning; this section is not recommended for swimming. Towards the middle, and before reaching the mouth of the Suárez River, it is ideal for swimming. After crossing the stream, the presence of the outer reef completely transforms the coastline into a vast lagoon. Here, the sands are white and the reef is close, so you can easily swim out for snorkeling and diving.

These beaches are mainly composed of coral rock shelves; for this reason, many areas are not suitable for swimming. However, there are other places with white sand and cafes ideal for enjoying the sea. Pirripli Point is one of the best places along the entire Caribbean coast for surfing. International surfing tournaments are held here periodically.

This beach is ideal for enjoying sunbathing, swimming, walking, horseback riding, playing beach volleyball and soccer, etc. There is a small coral reef at Punta Cocles (Cocles Point). Along the beach, there are many services for tourists, including surfboard and bicycle rentals. In Puerto Viejo, you can rent horses and motorcycles to explore Cocles and other beaches further south.

It’s notorious for having truly black sand due to its high manganese content.

Yellowish sand and moderate to strong waves characterize Playa Manzanillo. It’s ideal for walking and horseback riding, as well as sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling, especially in the waters facing the village and near Manzanillo Point. The Manzanillo Community is located at the end of the road that connects all the beaches south of Puerto Viejo (about 12 km from this point). Manzanillo offers many services: equipment rental for diving and snorkeling, and excursions for dolphin watching, diving, etc.