Southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica

Best Things to Do in the Southern Caribbean

Explore Costa Rica’s Southern Caribbean Beaches.

Costa Rica’s Southern Caribbean beaches epitomize a tropical vacation: miles of white and yellow sand beaches with swaying palm trees back up to a tropical forest. The idyllic Caribbean beaches are a huge draw here – a destination for travelers focused on nothing more than sun, sand, and surf. Spend your days on the endless beaches or snorkel the protected coral reef of Cahuita National Park, just south of the port city of Limon. Just don’t forget your sunscreen!

Related Article: 13 Best Costa Rica Beaches

Punta Uva Beach

Punta Uva Beach is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. Located just in front of Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is Punta Uva Beach. The white-sand beach here is idyllic with calm, protected waters – perfect for families! The coral reef located just offshore also makes this a fantastic beach for snorkeling. The lush jungle-backed beaches are home to sloths, monkeys, tropical birds, and more.

Cahuita National Park

Nestled on the southern edge of the town of Cahuita is Cahuita National Park, a park created to protect the large offshore stretch of coral reef. The reef is home to a variety of vibrant tropical fish and over 30 species of coral, the ideal underwater playground for snorkeling. White sand, palm-lined beaches, and brilliant turquoise water make the Cahuita beaches perfectly picturesque. Don’t miss the 5.6-mile Cahuita National Park trail located just behind the beach. Walk to the end of the trail to Punta Cahuita, one of the best spots in the park for snorkeling, and admire the thick vegetation and abundant wildlife along the way.

Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

Just south of the town of Manzanillo and stretching down to the border of Panama is Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. This off-track shoreline is a paradise of beaches, coves, islands, and an offshore coral reef backed by thick rainforests. Sea turtles (nesting between March and July), dolphins, manatees, and crocodiles can all be found at the reserve. With such rich underwater biodiversity, the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is considered by many to be the best snorkeling and diving spot on the Caribbean Coast.

Related Article: 9 Best Costa Rica National Parks & Reserves

Puerto Viejo Town

Located between Cahuita and Manzanillo, the happening town of Puerto Viejo is a popular middle ground. Experienced surfers come to ride the waves of surf breaks like the Salsa Brava, Costa Rica’s biggest wave, and Cocles Beach. New restaurants and hotels catering to surfers and tourists have popped up in the area, giving us all one more reason to visit.

Caribbean Food & An Easygoing Culture

Long overlooked and isolated, the Southern Caribbean has developed its own laid-back “Caribbean” culture distinct from the rest of Costa Rica. The area has a captivating history full of Spanish colonists, elusive natives, mischievous pirates, and hidden or sunken treasures. Jamaican influences – including agricultural products, coconut in the cuisine, an English Creole Dialect, and reggae rhythms – offer a slower lifestyle but with all the flair and beauty of the rest of the country.

Related Article: Caribbean Coast Exposed

When To Visit The Southern Caribbean Coast

The ideal months to visit Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast are February, March, September, and October. During these months, the weather is usually the driest and sunniest, making it perfect for beach activities, wildlife viewing, and rainforest exploration.

Tip: If you’re hoping to see wildlife, such as sea turtles nesting on the beaches, the rainy season might be a more rewarding time to visit, especially around Tortuguero (June to October) for turtle nesting, or other seasonal migrations like whales.

How To Get To The Southern Caribbean Coast

To get to Costa Rica’s Southern Caribbean Coast, there are a few options depending on where you’re coming from:

1. By Air:
   • The closest major airport to the Southern Caribbean Coast is Limon International Airport (LIO), located near the town of Puerto Limón. It offers domestic flights from San José (SJO) and other parts of the country.
   • Alternatively, you can fly into San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR), and then take a connecting domestic flight to Limon or drive down the coast.
2. By Car:
   • From San José: It’s about a 3.5 to 4.5-hour drive (depending on traffic and the route) to towns like Puerto Viejo or Cahuita on the Southern Caribbean coast. You’ll take Route 32 from San José, heading east toward Limon, and then follow signs south to your destination.
   • From Liberia: It’s about a 5-6 hour drive south to Puerto Viejo or other destinations along the coast. The drive is beautiful and takes you through several small towns along the Pacific side before reaching the Caribbean.