Destination – Caribbean

The northern Caribbean Coast is long and open, which leads to strong waves and hazardous currents for swimming. However, its main attractions are the channels and lagoons that parallel the beach, offering interesting boat trips through a picturesque landscape to observe abundant wildlife.

This area is one of the country’s rainiest (5,000 to 6,000 mm annually), which contributes to its rich biodiversity. Visitors come here for this combination, exploring the extensive network of waterways in boats, canoes or kayaks. This amazing world is known for its quiet, and its unique exuberant nature. It is extremely relaxing touring these canals and admiring the exquisite green of its incredible tropical vegetation, reflected in the mirrors of water that form everywhere.

This beach is also long with strong waves and tropical vegetation. It is best suited for walks and to see the diversity of the flora and fauna of the Tortuguero National Park, which abuts the village of the same name near the beach. Along this coast is where four species of sea turtles come to nest – the most abundant is the Green sea turtle, which comes in the months of April through August; the Leatherback sea turtle, arriving from February to July; the Hawksbill sea turtle, coming between April and October; and the Loggerhead sea turtle that nests in a short season from April to May.

In its lower reaches, the Reventazón River, one of the country’s largest, joins the Parismina River. This river, particularly the areas near its mouth, has a great reputation for remarkable fishing. There are several fishing lodges that offer everything you need for fishing in this area, which adjoins the northern and the southern limits of the Tortuguero National Park. The Caño Blanco pier is the starting point for trips to this area.

This river features great tropical exuberance is world-renowned among fans and experts of whitewater rafting. With class III-IV rapids, the Pacuare is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful rivers in the world for rafting and kayaking. During a rafting tour, you can enjoy waterfalls and tributaries of the Pacuare, complemented by lush green vegetation. This trip is famous for its outstanding value.

A beautiful navigable river, the Colorado is protected by the Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge. The river is famous internationally for its phenomenal fishing for tarpon, snook and other species.

Easily accessible, Bonita Beach has strong waves that are ideal for surfing. The beach is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, especially coconut palms which give a special scenic beauty. Due to its appeal and proximity to the city of Limón, Playa Bonita is a preferred site by residents and tourists to enjoy the sea. There often are happenings such as concerts and surf tournaments. Playa Bonita is ideal for sunbathing, hiking, swimming (with caution), observing nature, playing beach volleyball, picnics, family fun, etc.

Known for the white colour of its sand, Playa Blanca is part of the Cahuita National Park. A small beach, at the outset it slopes with strong waves; this section is not recommended for swimming. Toward the middle, and before reaching the Suarez River estuary, it is ideal for swimming. After crossing the creek, the presence of the outer fringing reef completely transforms the shoreline into a vast lagoon. Here, the sands are white and the reef is close by so you can easily swim out for snorkelling and diving.

Here, the water is crystal clear and calm, due to the presence of coral reef. The other side has darker sand and mild to moderate waves.

These beaches are composed mainly of coralline rock shelves; for this reason, many areas are not suitable for swimming. However, there are other places that do have white sand and cafés ideal for enjoying the sea. Pirripli Point is one of the best places on the entire Caribbean Coast for surfing. International surf tournaments are regularly held here.

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

This is another ideal beach for sunbathing, swimming, walking, horseback riding, and playing beach volleyball and soccer.

A wide sandy spur, Punta Uva extends northwest to the promontory at the end of Chiquita Beach. Bordering this point, there is a coral reef where you can dive and snorkel.

It has the notoriety of having truly black sand, due to its high content of manganese.

This coastline is exceptionally beautiful, especially in the vicinity of Punta Mona (Mona Point), where the presence of a small island completely covered with vegetation adds great appeal. The coastal scenery is complemented by lush green forests and coral reef ideal for snorkelling and diving.

Yellowish sand and moderate to strong surf characterize Manzanillo Beach. It is ideal for walking and horseback riding, as well as for sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling/diving, especially in the waters facing the village and close to Manzanillo Point. The Manzanillo Community is located at the very end of the road that connects all of the beaches south of Puerto Viejo (about 12 km from this point). Manzanillo offers many services: equipment rental for scuba diving and snorkelling, and tours to observe dolphins, go scuba diving, etc.

Here, the beach has grey sand and strong waves. Gandoca stretches south to the mouth of the Sixaola River, which serves as the border with Panama. This last coastal stretch is a little more than 8 km, and is very suitable for walks to observe the rich biodiversity of its ecosystems. Gandoca also is ideal to see nesting Leatherback sea turtles during April to August.