Caribbean
Atlantic Coast of Costa Rica – Limon Province
Cariblue Beach and Jungle Resort
Cariblue Beach and Jungle Resort is located in Puerto Village. It represents the Caribbean and Costa Rican culture. Nestled on the marvelous Playa Cocles white sand beach, this bungalow style ecolodge is perfect place for those who are seeking for spending some relaxing time as well as the natural beauty and beach activities. This hotel is trying hard for increasing the awareness of sustainable living. This resort lays just a mile from typical village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, close to the wildlife Gandoca, Manzanillo. In this resort there are clean and comfortable accommodations, swimming pool, tropical gardens, Jacuzzi and bar.
If you start your journey from San Jose, you will have to pass 210 km to Puerto Viejo. When you cross the Barulio Carrillo National Park through the cloud forest, you will reach Limon and after that follow the signs of Sixaola and after passing 53 km you will reach Puert Viejo and from there after passing a mile in Playa Codes you will find the resort in the right side.
Tortuguero Caribbean, Costa Rica
Tortuguero is a little village on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. It is located on the endless system of rivers and canals and the most biologically diverse region of Country and sits about 70 miles north of Puerto Limon, the capital of the Limon province. Tortuguero means “Region of Turtles”. The beach here is the main nesting place of the endangered Green Turtle in the western Hemisphere. Their population came dangerously close to disappearance in the 1960′s. To save and provide a protected place this endanger specie, the Costa Rican government established Tortuguero National Park in the 1970, limiting development along the coast. This park consists of 46,000 acres and covered 22 miles of shoreline for nesting. Hawksbill, Giant Leatherback, and Loggerhead Turtles also lay their eggs here. Over 300 species of birds live in Tortuguero together with hundreds of species of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. While visiting by boat all along the canals and waterways during the adventure, visitors will certainly spot a variety of these many animal species without even leaving the boat. This region is Warm and humid and receives over 200 inches of rainfall annually. It also carries a vast number of plant and animal species which are the highest in Tortuguero area among Costa Rica, it is considered a nature lovers’ paradise and appreciated by all tourists and those who live here.
There are no roads leading to Tortuguero, to reach the Tortuguero you have to either use a plane or a boat. It is around three and half hour boat trip from Puerto Limon. It is a fantastic trip; the travelers can spot several kinds of birds flying over in these lowlands. There are absolutely no human settlements.
Tortuguero and its surrounding areas is an astonishing region and it gets the heaviest rainfall. The continuation of corresponding coastal banks has increases the structure of lakes, channels and marshes that are home to lots of fishes and aquatic life. However, the turtles are the main attraction. Peak turtle nesting season is from July through August.
There is not much to see in this town besides a visitor center and museum, there is abundance of activities that one can enjoy while here including hiking and canoeing. There is an energetic community in Costa Rica, that helps save the endangered species of turtles, where visitors can take tours and observe the turtles nesting.
Tortuguero is a calm destination; it has several hotels, lodges, and cabanas that provide lodging at a suitable budget on top of those who have plenty of cash to spare. Several numbers of guides and tourist are operating in the town. You must make a reservation in advance to avoid any problems. During the summer lots of visitors come to Tortuguero, Costa Rica.
Pachira Lodge – Tortuguero
Pachira Lodge is located in Tortuguero. This Lodge is strategically located only 5 minutes away from the amazing Tortuguero National Park, and right across the main “canal” facing the town of Tortuguero. Engulf by a network of scenic canals and this is believed to be one of the most unusual regions of the world, described by its wealthy in flora and fauna. Pachira Lodge is a great option for your Tortuguero hotel.
Laguna Lodge Tortuguero – Tortuguero
Laguna Lodge is a rain forest ecotourism lodge, a leader among this tropical country’s hotels and resorts with an extra touch in style, comfort and personalized service.
It lies along Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean Zone, an exclusive location on a narrow strip of land between the sea on one side and the Tortuguero-Lagoon on the other.
This Region is the most important nesting site in the entire Western half of the Caribbean for the green sea turtle. Laguna Lodge offers 80 rooms divided in blocks of 4 or 6 rooms furnished with all the basic elements for a very comfortable stay. The restaurant is one of the most prestigious in the region. They offer a large bar over the lagoon, huts with hammocks. Laguna Lodge offers a 400 meter swimming pool, with hydro massage waterfall. Next to this is the swimming pool bar, which is decorated with exotic hardwoods. e have a fleet of nine boats, in order to provide safe transfers and to enjoy the tours to adjacent areas and within the Tortuguero National Park which is one of Costa Rica’s most important tourist attractions.
Mawamba Lodge – Tortuguero
Mawamba Lodge is located on 15 acres in the Northeast area of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast between the Tortuguero Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. It is the ideal hideaway for nature lovers and people seeking soft adventure. Its beautiful gardens and rustic accommodation blend in perfectly with the exuberant jungle vegetation, exotic birds and wildlife, creating a perfect balance of nature. The lodge features two family-style, open-air restaurants with delicious international and local cuisine, and a pool-bar surrounded by beautiful gardens, where you can enjoy tropical cocktails. The lodge has 54 comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, hot water and ceiling fans. Rooms have either three single beds or one double bed and one single bed. The hotel has the capacity to host up to 100 people.
Casa Marbella Bed and Breakfast – Tortuguero
Conveniently located in the center of Tortuguero village, it is located at a short walking distance from the national park trails, turtle nesting beach, the research station/museum and all the charming shops and restaurants in this unique corner of the country.
Relax on the dock on the river and enjoy watching the boats pass by or observe some of the amazing bird life.
If you are a little more adventurous, want to stay in a comfortable and very clean inn, experience local culture and food (supporting small local businesses) and be minutes away from some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Central America, this might just be the place for you.
There are no cars in Tortuguero so your options for some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the country will be on foot or from a quiet boat (four-stroke motor/electric motor or canoe).
Turtle Nesting Tour
Tortuguero, means as “land of turtles”. It is the most important site in the Caribbean for the nesting of the Green Sea Turtles. Having the opportunity to admire, on a tropical night sky on Costa Rica beach, one of these inspiring animals pull herself to the beach, hollow out a nest and lay the eggs, is absolutely an exceptional experience that can not be forgotten. The turtles are endangered animals, both by natural and human predators.
Female Green turtles have an average estimated weight of 300 lb (137 kg). They count with several versions that permit them to submerge to great depths and live underwater for long periods of time. They nest mostly at night, to avoid predators and the over heating of the sand at beach during the day.
Some studies show that nesting turtles are troubled by light. Thus, females nest on the darker areas of the beach. Guides use a red light flashlight, to which turtles are not sensitive. Due to this reason, the use of cameras, video cameras or similar of any kind, are prohibited during the tour. Turtle nesting season is usually July to October.
Tortuguero Canals
It is Caribbean version of the Amazon. The Tortuguero Canals are a widespread system of natural and man-made waterways used both for simple transport and jungle exploration. Traveling in the course of the canals is a charming experience rich in wildlife that includes monkeys, iguanas, and colorful tropical birds.
Reaching there is half the fun. You will scale through the green coffee plantations outside of San Jose and pass through the massive Braulio Carrillo National Park, before heading down to the lowlands of Limon, on the Caribbean coast. Here, the tropical forest finally gives way to small towns and banana plantations, offering a distinctive view of Costa Rica’s rural life.
Once you arrive at the Canals, the real fun starts. You will be board on a boat which will take you along the canals to a charming jungle lodge. The rustic ecolodges, located on a sand bar between the Tortuguero Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea, sits next to more than 47,000 acres of forest. Trails cut through the dense humid tropical rainforest, allowing you to observe a startling variety of wildlife species. Once under the forest’s canopy, you might see toucans, brightly colored macaws, and playful howler monkeys above. At ground level, tiny poison dart frogs show off their glowing colors. Knowledgeable naturalist guides are available to point out and explain the various species of plant and animal life – truly bringing the forest to life in Costa Rica. Additionally, outdoor activities such as tarpon fishing and sea kayaking are also available.
Tortuguero is a wonderful place in Costa Rica. There are no roads to get here. This distinctive feature has helped conserve the culture of the pueblo and edge large scale outside development. We are proud of our pristine environment and remoteness. But this remoteness will bring you in a less adventurous world.
But do not worry. There are a number of convenient, cheap, and easy ways to get here, so enjoy the journey to paradise.
Tortuguero is remote but easily accessed from San Jose or other locations by rental car and public bus and boat or water taxi via Cariari /La Pavona or Limon/Moin.
Boat
Tortuguero is accessible by boat from Cariari or Moin. If you are traveling to Parismina, you should be able to get one of the boats to Moin to drop you off on the way.
To/from Cariari
The most common and least expensive route to/from Tortuguero is through Cariari, from where you can catch buses to San Jose or Puerto Limon (via Guápiles).
To/from Moin
Moin–Tortuguero is primarily a tourist route. While tour boats play these canals frequently, there is not a reliable, regularly scheduled service.
By Air
The small airstrip is 4km north of Tortuguero village. Nature Air and Sansa both have daily flights to and from San Jose. Many of the upscale lodges offer transportation by charter flight as a part of their package tours.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica
Puerto Viejo is the largest tourist destination located in Limon province on the coast of the Caribbean Sea. It is a beach lover’s paradise. This vibrant seaside town is located 34 miles south east of Port Limon and about 10 miles south of Cahuita. This is surrounded by the exotic flora and fauna with gorgeous beaches. It has warm and crystal clear blue waters, and several most amazing surfing breaks. Puerto Viejo is considered one of the most happening places in Costa Rica. It is the largest tourist destination in Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Fast becoming one of Costa Rica’s premier tourist hot destination, many international surfers visit here from all over the world to ride the famous Salsa Brava waves, making this Rasta Jamaican influenced town is a most sought place in Limon.
The locals known it as Puerto Viejo and one should not to be puzzled with Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui in Heredia. In earlier times a quiet little fishing village, now it a bustling town and has a charm that is all its own recently, it has become very popular particularly with the young modish crowd, this place is included among the best surfing destinations of the world. It has a relaxed atmosphere and carries its own exclusive blend of Latino, Afro-Caribbean and Bribri cultures, Puerto Viejo is a lively place and carry pristine, uncrowded beaches, excellent restaurant a beautiful bay with calm water to have fun relaxing vacation.
Puerto Viejo town has a wide variety of bars, discos and restaurants as well as medium priced accommodations and hotels spread all over the place. The travelers will find plenty of good shopping opportunities here as well. Additionally, there are several attractive attractions nearby such as the Cahuita National Park, Talamanca Indian Reserve and Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is becoming a premier tourist destination in Costa Rica.
Most of the roads to this town are in poor condition, the only paved road is being the main highway from Limon to Manzanillo. The streets her are dirt paved. However, they give Puerto Viejo a kind of rural touch that is distinctive and unique. The people are also very friendly here and all this adds to this tiny village’s charm.
Puerto Viejo’s Salsa Brave beach is a surfer’s paradise. However, be cautioned of the waters at this juncture that have a strong rip current. So, swimming is not suitable. This beach is for surfing experts only. With surfing, the visitors can also involve themselves in horseback tours of the vicinity, as well as diving, snorkeling, mountain biking, kayaking and boogie boarding. If you are looking to have a good time or just to give a relaxation to the mind or body, the coast of Puerto Viejo is a best place to relax and soak in the sun.
The Southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is absolutely free of hurricanes. At 9 degrees north of the equator, they are blissfully free of worrying about hurricanes.
Le Cameleon – Puerto Viejo de Limon
Placed between a verdant tropical forest and the golden-sand Playa Cocles Beach, the Hotel Le Cameleon offers 10 superior rooms, six deluxe rooms, six junior suites and one suite. All accommodations are non-smoking. Rooms offer standard modern amenities and a mini-bar, iPod docking station and complimentary Wi-Fi. Some units also feature a private balcony.
Property amenities and services include an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, full-service health and beauty spa, on-site restaurant with lounge, beach clubhouse with snack and beverage bar, laundry facilities, on-site complimentary parking and wedding and honeymoon packages.
A 15-minute walk takes guests to the main part of town, which offers additional dining venues, street vendors, bars, nightclubs and dance clubs.
Kasha Hotel – Puerto Viejo de Limon
Kasha Hotel is located close to some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica and is ideal for beach weddings, honeymoons and all-inclusive vacations. The Hotel Kasha opened in 1994, and was renovated in 2002. You’ll never get closer to Paradise. Their unique bungalows, pool & spa, sundeck, an intimate Palapa, amazing tropical gardens, and superb French Restaurant & Bar will make your stay unforgettable. Your All-Inclusive Vacations include everything. All gourmet meals, unlimited premium, drinks, one free tour are included with a lot more.
Coco Loco Lodge – Puerto Viejo de Limon
Caribbean style bungalows in tropical garden just 150m from beach, in the midst of tropical vegetation. This Lodge property is spreaded on four acres with beautifully planted garden, surrounded by giant trees. It has seven comfortable, different sized bungalows which offer space for 1 – 4 persons, some are with kitchens.
There are several activities in and round the pristine beaches and tropical gardens and rainforests and one of the best surf spot. There are a number of options for getting around in the Puerto Viejo area. The area between Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo is quite dense and generally flat so a bicycle rental is an excellent option. Buses also run regularly between Limon and Puerto Viejo and on to domestic destinations such as Hone Creek, Bri Bri and Sixaola. Driving is an easy option although the roads are not paved between Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo and there is lots of pedestrian and bicycle traffic so take it slowly. Taxis are also available. Car Rentals are now available in the Puerto Viejo area. The activities are as under:
– World famous surfing spot
– Take a courtyard ride through the tropical forest
– Visit to Manzanillo Beach: take a taste of delicious fresh lobster and make a walk around its beautiful coral-sand beaches.
– Enjoy with the Canopy Tour through the tropical forest
– Visit the Jungle in the night and watch night life of the animals.
– You must explore and get knowledge of the Costa Rica Rain forest during the tour.
– Scuba Diving at Puerto Viejos Coral Reefs
– Horse back ridding along fifteen kilometers of exotic beaches from – Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo
Take a tour to Tortuguero National Park to visit the nesting grounds of the green sea turtle that can be seen from July to September, and take a tour through its rivers, you will observe a great variety of flora and fauna. Orchids, birds, monkeys, crocodiles, sloths, toucans and many other species can be seen.
– White water rafting: Make an experience of the excitement surrounded by exotic plants
– Take tour to the Irazu, Poas and Arenal Volcanoes tours.
– A two-day visit to Bocas del Toro in Panama (just 2 hours away from – Sport Fishing Trips
– The Cahuita National Park,
– Talamanca Indian Reserve
– Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.
Getting to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Getting to the Puerto Viejo area is very easy. There are a several options.
The bus is the most economical option and is very cheap. Five direct buses leave from San Jose on daily basis.
Shared van services are available that picks passenger from door to door. They have several daily departures from San Jose and Arenal to Puerto Viejo.
You can also find a private transport that will take you directly from San Jose Airport to Puerto Viejo.
If you opt for a Rafting Trip they can pick you up in San Jose and leave you in Puerto Viejo at the end of the day or vice-versa.
Driving from San Jose takes about four hours by using the faster rout and there are two different routes are possible.
You can fly from San Jose to Limon and then take a bus or taxi to Puerto Viejo.
Playa Cocles Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica
The Playa Cocles is small village on Caribbean coast just south of Puerto Viejo, Limon, Costa Rica. It is a very small town; there are only two stores, a school and a soccer field. Cariblue is actually located 150 meter. Local is calling this as “beach break” as there is no coral reef, the waves break directly on the beach. Beach break was awarded the Blue Flag for ecological quality, and is one of the most popular beaches in the area. Cariblue supports the 24 hours lifeguard program at Playa Cocles. Local businesses have contributed to pay for lifeguards at Playa Cocles to help keep beaches safe. It is also the only beach on the Caribbean coast that has life guard service 7 days a week. The people of Playa Cocles are friendly, a common factor to all small towns. The community has a strong and varied cultural background, consisting mostly of Latino Ticos and Afro-Caribbean’s, with a small number of foreign immigrants mixed in. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, and you can see people standing around in the street laughing and talking. The soccer field is the main focus of the community. People get together once a week for the big soccer game, the only big event in town. Soccer is the national sport of Costa Rica and usually draws a big crowd.
The beaches in this region are excellent. It has impressive waves for surfers.The other beaches near Playa Cocles are also wonderful and attractive. The wave is inspiring for surfing; there are several spots where you can find quiet, protected pools and they are ideal for swimming. The beautiful white sands, rich greenery and clear blue Caribbean Sea make this a favorite tourist spot and will leave you breathless. The wonderful white sand beach of Playa Cocles will leave you breathless. Surfers and travelers from all over the world assemble here to surf and enjoy beach life at this off-the-beaten track location, joined by local surfers from all over the Costa Rica.
Besides surfing, Cocles Beach is an outstanding beach for sunbathers and there is plenty of shade and private space for those who want to chill out with a book. From Playa Cocles the visitors can easily walk to other beaches and Puerto Viejo is just a kilometer to the north.
Hotel Cabinas El Tesoro
This is located at a privilege location at the best beach of Cocles, with white sand beach. It is now operating under with a new management. They are specialized to care of families, groups, couples or individual adventurers. They have around 5000 square meters of facilities in cohabitation with the wild life and Caribbean vegetation of Costa Rica. They have the capacity of up to 50 people in rooms ranging from Luxury/ Executive suites to private Cabinas surf-lodge dormitories combining good taste and life in the Caribbean. Enjoy Italian Cuisine, Pizza, Lasagna, Pasta, Caribbean Cuisine and Mexican food. All food services can be served on the beach.
They also organize tours to beach Punta Mona, Manzanillo Beach, reef view snorkeling and dolphins, sea inside with private boat.
El Tesoro offers a list of perks a mile long, from free coffee and free Internet access to community kitchens. Evening entertainment is also included. — Lonely Planet
Tour’s adventure bribri Falls, canopy, chocolate forest, tour of the coffee, banana tour, rafting, jaguars and butterfly reserve, reservation of indigenous crusade boutique duty free border river panama buying possibilities.
La Isla Inn Hotel
La Isla Inn Hotel is located at Playa Cocles, a beautiful sandy beach with a little island just off of the coastline. It is perfect for surfing. The rest of the year it is calm with wonderful crystal and blue waters. The hotel has a warm and friendly atmosphere. The Hotel consists of two recently built houses, constructed of beautiful wood, and a restaurant where you can enjoy the flavors of Caribbean-Costa Rican cuisine. It has has beautiful rooms and provide all the amenities.
Lodges
The visitors can find luxurious spacious holiday houses with private pools are available just only minutes from spectacular Cocles beach with all amenities.
The famous surf destination of Puerto Viejo is located with a short distance north of Playa Cocles, in addition to the wonderful surfing; there are also various parks such as the Cahuita National Park that has the biggest Coral Reef of the Costa Rica. The Talamanca Indian Reserve and the Gandoca Manzanillo Wild Refuge shielding the region’s most endangered flora fauna, mangrove marshes and tropical rainforest.
There are several Activities and tours on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. We suggest some activities and tours either in the area or around the area. Most of the tours will pick you up and return you to your hotels.
White water Rafting / River Trips
These Trips to different Rivers will give you the ultimate blend of wilderness exposure revitalizing excitement. So you are free to enjoy full day in the river.
Pacuare River – One day
Hike and Paddle Rafting Trip – Two days
Pacuare Lodge Honeymoon Getaway
Reventazón River: Pascua Section
Reventazón River: Florida Section
Jungle, Nature and Wildlife
The Puerto Viejo region has a number of the most amazing natural areas in Costa Rica. These places have international importance. This region has some protected areas including Cahuita National Park and the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge. Experience the richness and diversity of the jungle in a nature
Caribbean Canopy & Zip line
Animal Rescue Centre, Waterfall and Chocolate House
Canyoning
Cahuita Boat, Snorkel and Hiking Trip
Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge Jungle Hike
River and Sea Kayaking with Rainforest Hike
Aiko Logi Reserve
Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling
Bird Watching
Nighttime Turtle Watching
Learning about Indigenous Communities
Costa Rica’s South Caribbean (along with Panama) is the home to the Bribri people. Many of these communities had no exposure to the modern world until recently. These tours not only give you a glance into a unique life but they support these communities in their effort at economic diversification. The Caribbean is also home to a unique Afro-Caribe culture. These tours includes to
Uatsi Waterfall and Indigenous Reservation
Indigenous Cultural Centre and Medicine Man
Local Activities
There are several local activities, if you want to experience horseback riding along the beach or learning to surf in one of the best spots in the world, you can contact the local operators.
Scuba Diving
Pure Jungle Spa: Massages Facials and more
Beach Massage
ATV Jungle Tour
Horseback Riding
Surf Lessons
Fishing trip
It is located 130 miles from San Jose and 9 miles south of Cahuita. Just south of Puerto Viejo, visitors will discover the inspiring beaches of Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita and Punta Uva. The dirt road connecting the villages is often in poor shape and full of potholes, though road repair vehicles labor daily to improve conditions. Beachfront cabins, restaurants and shops line the street, almost all the way to Manzanillo.
Cahuita Beach, Caribbean, Costa Rica
Cahuita is a small city and it is located along with Costa Rica‘s incredibly beautiful and exotic Coast of Caribbean. It is situated in the Talamanca Canton of Limon Province. The village of Cahuita Beach is well known because of the national park with the similar name. Cahuita is just south of the Cahuita National Park. The most visited national parks in Costa Rica. Cahuita is a relaxing heaven around 43 km south of Puerto Limon. A startling black sand beach town with quiet water is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The town is home of approximately 4000 or little more residence, mainly of Jamaican descent. The village is famous for surfing. It offers visitors beautiful palm studded beaches and marvelous snorkeling, swimming, and surfing exactly in front of the town center, The small village has mostly of bungalow hotels, restaurants, bars, and surf shops. Tourists, who visit Cahuita, usually come to visit Cahuita National Park, which is famous for surf and night life.
The biggest Costa Rican coral reef is situated in the Cahuita National Park. A small carnival is celebrated in July and in the start of December at the Cahuita Beach.