Costa Rica, (Caribbean Sea) Beach
Limón: Gateway to Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast

Explore Limón, Costa Rica: Stunning Beaches & Rainforest Adventures along the Caribbean Coast

The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is a paradise of unspoilt beaches, lush rainforests, and rich Afro-Caribbean culture. Stretching from Nicaragua to Panama, Limón Province is one of the greenest and most untouched regions in the country, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Just 2.5 hours from San José, Puerto Limón is the largest city in the region, offering cultural experiences, museums, and vibrant local markets. To the north, the breathtaking Tortuguero National Park is a must-visit, with winding canals best explored by boat, canoe, or kayak. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot sea turtles, monkeys, sloths, and the rare West Indian manatee.

For those seeking adventure, zip-line through the rainforest, snorkel and dive in Cahuita National Park, or experience the lively nightlife of Puerto Viejo. Whether you want to relax on palm-fringed Caribbean beaches or immerse yourself in local culture, Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast offers an unforgettable experience!

Why Visit Limón and the Caribbean Coast?
Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is a hidden gem, offering unspoilt beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture. From the wildlife-rich canals of Tortuguero National Park to the laid-back surf town of Puerto Viejo, this region is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Snorkel in Cahuita National Park, zip-line through the jungle, or spot sea turtles, sloths, and monkeys in their natural habitat. With delicious Caribbean cuisine, lively festivals, and breathtaking coastal scenery, Limón Province is a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic and unforgettable Costa Rican experience.

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Location

Costa Rica

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Time Zone

-6 hours

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Currency

Costa Rican colón (CRC (US Dollars accepted)

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Don't Miss

Tortuguero National Park

Best Time To Go

The best time to visit Limón and Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is February to April and September to October, when rainfall is lower, and you’ll enjoy sunny days and calm seas for snorkelling, wildlife spotting, and beach trips. Unlike the Pacific coast, the Caribbean experiences rain year-round, but showers are usually brief, keeping the rainforests lush and wildlife active. If you want to see turtle nesting in Tortuguero, visit between July and October for green sea turtles or March to July for leatherbacks.

How to get to Limón & The Caribbean Coast?

You can fly into San José, Costa Rica’s capital, and reach Limón in approximately 2.5 hours by car. Regular buses run from San José to Puerto Limón and coastal resorts across the region. If you’re heading to Tortuguero National Park, keep in mind that many areas are only accessible by boat. For easier access, stay in hotels near the park’s perimeter to explore its canals, wildlife, and stunning rainforest landscapes.

About The Caribbean Coast & Limón and its surrounding areas

Things to Do in Limón & Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast

Explore Puerto Limón

  • Visit the Central Market for local crafts and Caribbean cuisine.
  • Stroll along the waterfront promenade for scenic ocean views.
  • Learn about the region’s history at the Ethnohistoric Museum of Limón.
  • Experience Carnaval de Limón in October, a vibrant Afro-Caribbean festival.

Discover Tortuguero National Park

  • Take a boat tour through the canals to spot wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and caimans.
  • Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum and learn about conservation efforts.
  • Walk the jungle trails and look for jaguars, toucans, and poison dart frogs.
  • Witness sea turtle nesting (July–October) or hatching (September–December) on the beach.

Enjoy Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

  • Relax on Playa Cocles, one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches.
  • Surf the world-famous Salsa Brava waves.
  • Dance the night away at beachfront reggae bars.
  • Take a bike ride along the coast to Manzanillo.
  • Try delicious Afro-Caribbean cuisine, including rice and beans cooked in coconut milk.

Snorkel & Hike in Cahuita National Park

  • Hike through rainforest trails while spotting sloths, monkeys, and coatis.
  • Snorkel along coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles.
  • Relax on the park’s pristine white-sand beaches.

Experience the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

  • Kayak through mangrove forests and hidden lagoons.
  • Go on a guided night tour to see nocturnal wildlife.
  • Visit the stunning Punta Mona beach, perfect for a secluded getaway.

Take a Cultural & Culinary Tour

  • Visit Bribri Indigenous communities to learn about their traditions and cacao farming.
  • Join a chocolate-making tour and taste locally produced organic chocolate.

Whale & Dolphin Watching in the Caribbean Sea

  • Take a boat tour to spot humpback whales (August–October & December–April).
  • Look for bottlenose and Atlantic spotted dolphins year-round.

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