Visit Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast

The Caribbean Coast carves a straight line from the boarder of Panama in the south to Nicaragua in the north. Bookended by some of the most celebrated reserves in Costa Rica this coastline plays an important role in the country's extensive national park system, a system that covers a quarter of the landscape.

With endangered sea turtles, jaguars and macaws drawn to the wetland areas around Tortuguero, the northern section of the coastline is the perfect spot for wildlife enthusiasts.

However, if you are looking for the sandy shorelines, palm trees and beautiful sunsets that have become synonymous with the word Caribbean then head south of Limon. The surfing areas around Puerto Viejo are littered with resorts that offer the perfect blend of sandy beaches and vibrant entertainment.

Costa Rica Classic

13-day tailor-made holiday from £4,855 pp incl. flights

Costa Rica is a land of spectacular volcanoes, wildlife-filled cloud forests, fast-flowing jungle rivers and tropical jungles. Explore its natural-world highlights in Arenal and Monteverde before kicking back on the beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park or Guanacaste.

Wildlife of Costa Rica & Caribbean Coast

14-day tailor-made holiday from £7,080 pp incl. flights

This tailor-made holiday perfectly showcases the spectacular variety of wildlife and landscapes of Costa Rica. Alongside stays in luxury eco-lodges, you'll go in search of the wildlife that lives among remote peninsulas, white-sand beaches and subtropical rainforests.

Top places to stay in Caribbean Coast

Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica

Contemporary lodge

Hidden high amidst Costa Rica’s rainforest canopy, Pacuare Lodge is a haven of a hotel. It’s remote but refined, with just 20 suites overlooking the Pacuare River.

Le Caméléon, Caribbean Coast

Contemporary hotel

Located right beside a gorgeous stretch of Costa Rican beach, the boutique Le Caméléon is something of a dream destination. There are just 23 rooms, studded around a lovely pool in verdant tropical gardens.

Manatus Hotel, Tortuguero National Park

Small & intimate lodge

Manatus is a wonderful base in Tortuguero National Park – a place of stunning beauty. This all-inclusive resort has just twelve rooms – which are actually sizeable bungalows set right in the heart of the rainforest.

Where to go in Caribbean Coast

Puerto Viejo

The cultural allure of Puerto Viejo is one that's been influenced not only by its Afro-Caribbean and Tico settlers, but also by the hippy beach culture of its surf-seeking migrants. This unusual mix of cultures infuses this town with the laidback approach to life characteristic of the Caribbean isl…

Limon

It's more common to find truckloads of fruit than crowds of tourists in the dilapidated streets of Limon, where tourism is only a secondary enterprise. The bustling ports and the export of tropical fruits are the heart of industry for this Caribbean city.

Tortuguero

The costal mangrove swamps around Tortugero teem with life, justifying this region's reputation as one of the best eco-tourism destinations in Costa Rica. Tortugero National Park consists of a series of canals and waterways, sweeping back from the coast as far as Tortugero village.

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When to go to Caribbean Coast

Puerto Viejo

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Caribbean Coast articles

Trip report: Costa Rica

Join Wexas Latin America specialist Alison Nicolle as she travels to Costa Rica, finding everything from volcanoes and rainforests to jungle-fringed beaches teeming with wildlife.

Meet our Caribbean Coast experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 0207 590 0697

Meet the team