Explore the Exotic Beauty of The Caribbean Side of Costa Rica

Water Sports & Exploration

Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast has a great deal to offer adventure seekers. Its colorful marine life and black sand beaches create an unforgettable experience for anyone who visits the area.

One of the favorite surfing spots is Puerto Viejo. Due to its small size, the town is easy to get around; there are beaches everywhere and plenty of good restaurants where you can eat local and international food.

While you’re here, remember to visit the Jaguar Rescue Center, a foundation dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals like jaguars and howler monkeys.

Then, you can take your adventure to Cahuita, another small town on the northern Caribbean side of the country. Here, our local guides can take you to explore the vibrant coral reefs, where you can indulge in scuba diving or snorkeling.

Also, you can visit Cahuita National Park, where you can go on exciting hiking adventures and take the chance to admire the area’s natural beauty.

Wildlife encounters

If you thought that only the country’s Pacific coast featured incredible national parks and wildlife refuges, you were wrong. On the Caribbean side, you can also find more national parks to explore.

As previously mentioned, you can explore Cahuita National Park, known for its stunning coastal scenery and vibrant biodiversity. Its coral reefs attract divers and snorkelers eager to explore the rich underwater ecosystem.

Also, its hiking trails that wind through lush rainforests offer excellent opportunities to spot howler monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and many bird species.

Additionally, you can visit Tortuguero National Park, renowned for its unique combination of dense rainforests, winding canals, and a vital marine refuge.

One of the park’s most notable features is its role as a sea turtle sanctuary. Every year, thousands of sea turtles lay their eggs on the park’s beaches, including green turtles, hawksbill turtles, and leatherback turtles. Witnessing the nesting and hatching of these magnificent creatures is one of its biggest attractions for tourists and locals.

Also, you can find diverse species in the park, including monkeys, jaguars, toucans, and colorful birds. As a visitor, you can explore the park’s rich ecosystem by boat or kayak and encounter caimans, river otters, and fish along its network of canals.

Cultural immersion

Visiting the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica offers an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in the vibrant and unique culture of the region.

Here are a few ways you can experience the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean coast:

Explore afro-caribbean traditions

The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica offers a chance to engage with the vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture. Attend drumming workshops, dance classes, and traditional celebrations like Carnaval to learn about calypso, reggae, and salsa rhythms.

Sample local cuisine

The region’s cuisine is a delightful blend of African, Indigenous, and European flavors. Taste traditional dishes like rice and beans, coconut stew, and fried plantains. Exploring local markets and trying street food specialties provides a deeper understanding of the local culinary traditions.

Talk to locals

Connecting with the local people is one of the most rewarding aspects of cultural immersion. Engage in conversations with them, listen to their stories, and learn from their experiences. Getting involved in community projects, volunteering, or homestays can foster meaningful interactions and create lasting memories.

Relaxation

The Caribbean side of Costa Rica is a haven for relaxation. It offers visitors a chance to unwind amidst its stunning beaches, including Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Puerto Limon, Cocles Beach, Bocas del Toro, and many other picturesque beaches. 

Find a secluded spot, lie back on the soft sand, and soak up the sun while listening to the soothing sound of the waves. Whether you prefer a calm cove or a lively beach with beachfront cafes and bars, the stunning coastline provides the perfect setting for relaxation.