30 Best Tourist spots & Things to Do in Caribbean Coast | Apr 2025
Sloth and Kayak Tour in Punta Uva Beach and Jungle
Punta Uva serves as a favorite among visitors. It’s a small town that has stunning beaches, wildlife, a quiet atmosphere with beautiful viewpoints.
4.88 (185 reviews)
From $62.00
Puerto Viejo Sloth Jungle and River Kayaking Tour
What makes this activity truly unique is my deep ecological knowledge of the area, which will allow you to discover the most fascinating secrets of the jungle.
4.85 (73 reviews)
From $65.00
Cahuita National Park Tour and Water Experience in Puerto Viejo
This park is one of the country’s most biodiverse and beautiful areas, where you can find stunning coral reefs, white sand beaches, lush rainforests, and more.
4.94 (97 reviews)
From $90.00
White Water Rafting Pacuare River with Lunch From Puerto Viejo
During this trajectory you will enjoy a combination of enthusiasm and extreme adventure. The Pacuare River is recognized worldwide for its scenic beauty flanked by its green canyons bathed on both sides by its lush waterfalls.
4.82 (51 reviews)
From $131.00
Private Native Caribbean Cooking in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
You will be able to participate in part of the preparation process. Also will learn the details of the traditional way of cooking caribbean meals, and to select fresh ingredients that are locally produced to elaborate this meals.
4.98 (47 reviews)
From $45.00
Chocolate Experience by Bribri Indigenous Culture
We will take you to a village where most of the tourist don't go. Far away from the noise, where you will interact with the local people.
4.79 (58 reviews)
From $95.00
Canoe Tour in Tortuguero National Park
On this tour, you will put aside your worries, you will relax and enjoy the immensity of the very humid tropical forest of Costa Rica.
4.87 (229 reviews)
From $28.00
Highlights 7 in 1 combo tour tortuguero canals - Shore Excursion
The tortuguero canals, will lead you through the living jungle that stretches over the narrow canals, formed by the rivers born in the high mountains, making their way to the sea.
4.55 (76 reviews)
From $85.00
Kayak and Sloth Watching Tour.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Costa Rican South Caribbean on a sloth and kayak tour. Learn about the local wildlife, the importance of conservation, history and the mystics of this paradise.
4.92 (108 reviews)
From $55.00
Bribri Magic Chocolate and Waterfall Experience
We will leave Puerto Viejo at 7:45 am, then drive for like 30 minutes, arrive at the Bribri Indigenous reserve, where we’ll join an Indigenous family, learn about their culture and a variety of medicinal plants.
4.94 (131 reviews)
From $80.00
Cahuita National park & tortuguero canals and more!! 6 in 1 tour
A great, all-encompassing tour of Costa Rica! Enjoy a "6 in 1 tour" with a professional naturalist tour guide, who will introduce you to the most important aspects of the Afro-Caribbean Culture of Costa Rica, and show you the rich wildlife of this fascinating region.
4.63 (71 reviews)
From $122.00
Tropical Escape: Cahuita, Tortuguero Canals & Dream Beach Relax
On this tour you will have the oportunity to see a lot of the wildlife in Costa Rica like slouths, howler monkey, white face monkey, frogs and more! Besides the fruit stand, we have a souvenir store, where you can taste great coffee and find great merchandise made in Costa Rica will be to Visit banana and chocolate plantations, the tour guide will explain to you how these plantations work in the country, and how the banana plants grow.
4.84 (32 reviews)
From $135.00
Small-Group Tortuguero National Park Night Walk in Costa Rica
Do you want to discover what happens at night in one of the most interesting and important ecosystems in Costa Rica? The nocturnal humid tropical forest awaits you! A guide with experience in night walks, will take you to live two hours of mystery and suspense with what we can find on this night tour.
4.78 (65 reviews)
From $28.00
Turtle Watching in Their Natural Habitat in Tortuguero
This tour offers a unique experience, which consists of observing the spawning process of sea turtles; It is an incredible natural phenomenon and that without a doubt you should do if you visit Tortuguero.
5.00 (45 reviews)
From $42.00
Tortuguero National Park Canal Tour with Canoe
The tour through the canals of Tortuguero National Park offers a magical and unique experience, in which you will be able to enjoy all the scenic beauty and enjoy at a landscape level the entire environment in which you will find yourself and be surrounded; starting from a beautiful lagoon in front of the Tortuguero National Park offices, until advancing along the Tortuguero River, to finally enter the smallest, hidden and most beautiful spaces of the canals.
4.93 (184 reviews)
From $35.00
Explore the Dark Side of Nature: Manzanillo Refuge Night Walk
Are you ready to explore the dark side of nature? Join us for our Manzanillo Refuge night walk and discover the amazing creatures that live in the jungle after the sun goes down.
4.96 (48 reviews)
From $70.00
Tortuguero Canals Including Playa Bonita and Puerto Limon Highlights
Experience a relaxing tour in Puerto Limon around the city and take in the scenic view of the town. During your tour, you'll go on a Tortuguero canal boat ride, enjoy Playa Bonita's beach, stop beside a banana plantation, and taste local fruit at the Fruit Stand and visit the supermarket.
4.78 (342 reviews)
From $62.50
Night Adventure, Canoe and Trail in Tortuguero
We are charismatic local guides and trained to carry out each excursion and make each adventure a beautiful experience in each tour with us.
5.00 (17 reviews)
From $80.00
Puerto Viejo hands on chocolate making class. From bean to bar, get chocolatey!
If you’ve ever wanted to make your own chocolate or learn all the wonderful intricacies and processes involved in making the world’s favourite treat, this is the class for you! In 3 hours you will travel through time: from the history of the tree, to the myths, to the very real and important part cacao and chocolate played in the cultures of Mesoamérica.
4.81 (70 reviews)
From $45.00
Shore Excursion: Caribbean Highlights Tour from Limon
During this tour, you will get to experience some of Limon's main activities in one day. You will visit a local rainforest from a unique point of view: the Tortuguero Canals! These are part of the Tortuguero river and withholds a great diversity of wildlife that can be spotted from our boat tour (Monkeys, aquatic birds, iguanas, basilisks, and maybe sloths.
4.79 (29 reviews)
From $79.00
Take your adrenaline to the fullest with our Zipline tour!
Fly through the jungle and take your adrenaline to the maximum with our Canopy Tour. Our tour will take you 2,400 meters of fun and adventure where you will explore the wonderful trails of Nativo, full of flora and fauna.
4.89 (110 reviews)
From $76.00
Tortuguero:Canoe tour, day hike, hill tour, night or spawning tour
1. Canoe tour: Duration 2 hours On the canoe tour we can navigate the Tortuguero canals, observe a wide variety of animals, and enjoy a privileged view.
4.92 (12 reviews)
From $98.00
Small Group Tortuguero National Park Canoe Tour
Enjoy the beauty of Tortuguero with an expert local guide! This ecological experience allows you to see the wildlife up-close, without disturbing or disrupting the animals’ habitat.
5.00 (40 reviews)
From $35.00
Puerto Viejo Hidden Gems and Waterfall
It is best to take this experience on your first days here since you will learn a lot about the area, things to do here and places to visit, so you can decide what you want to do for the remainder of your vacation here.
4.97 (33 reviews)
From $68.00
Hike Adventure in Cahuita National Park
Step into an enchanting journey as you traverse the stunning southern Caribbean shores of Costa Rica, delving into the marvels of Cahuita National Park.
4.75 (8 reviews)
From $49.00
Zipline adventure & Rainforest Hanging Bridges-Skywalk
Visitors have the opportunity to see up close the incredible biodiversity that characterizes Costa Rica. These tours allow you to admire monkeys, sloths resting among the trees, and a wide variety of migratory birds, among other exotic animals that inhabit the region.
5.00 (2 reviews)
From $155.00
Sloths & Limon Highlights: Wildlife & Culture Tour
A great, all-encompassing tour of Costa Rica! Enjoy a '6 in 1 tour' with a professional naturalist tour guide, who will introduce you to the most important aspects of the Afro-Caribbean Culture of Costa Rica, and show you the rich wildlife of this fascinating region.
4.96 (23 reviews)
From $129.00
2 Hour Beach Horse Back Riding in Puerto Viejo
Horse riding on a Caribbean beach should be on everybody's bucket list! Stroll along the turquoise blue sea and powder white sands on your beautiful horse.
4.50 (14 reviews)
From $99.00
Hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge
In our walks experienced guides will tell you; the history, use and classification of the species, with the opportunity to observe the incredible wildlife.
5.00 (3 reviews)
From $62.15
Wild, Sweet and Refreshing: A Tour of Cahuita, Bri-Bri and Ma-Cu
The tour begins with a walk in Cahuita National Park, a paradise of wildlife and nature. You will have the chance to see amazing animals such as monkeys, sloths, coatis and more.
5.00 (13 reviews)
From $140.00
What activities can I do in Caribbean Coast?
The Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica offers a unique blend of lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture. Here are some of the top things to do in this region: 1. Explore Tortuguero National Park: Known as the ""Amazon of Costa Rica,"" this park is home to a vast network of canals, mangroves, and dense rainforests. Take a boat tour to spot wildlife like toucans, monkeys, caimans, and even sea turtles (during nesting season). 2. Visit Cahuita National Park: This park is famous for its stunning coral reefs, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. Hike through the rainforest trails, spot wildlife, and relax on the pristine white-sand beaches. 3. Experience Afro-Caribbean culture in Puerto Viejo: This laid-back beach town is known for its vibrant reggae music, delicious Caribbean cuisine, and colorful street art. Explore the local markets, try traditional dishes like rice and beans or jerk chicken, and enjoy the lively nightlife. 4. Take a chocolate tour: Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast is known for its cacao plantations. Visit a local chocolate farm to learn about the chocolate-making process, from harvesting the cacao pods to tasting the final product. 5. Go surfing: The Caribbean Coast offers excellent surf spots for all levels. Playa Cocles in Puerto Viejo is a popular spot for beginners, while Salsa Brava is known for its challenging reef break, attracting experienced surfers from around the world. 6. Visit the Sloth Sanctuary: Located near Cahuita, this sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of sloths. Take a guided tour to learn about these fascinating creatures and even get a chance to hold a baby sloth. 7. Explore the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge: This protected area is home to diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, wetlands, and pristine beaches. Take a guided kayak tour to explore the mangrove forests and spot wildlife like manatees, dolphins, and various bird species. 8. Indulge in local cuisine: The Caribbean Coast is known for its unique blend of flavors influenced by Afro-Caribbean, Indigenous, and European cultures. Don't miss trying dishes like patí (meat-filled pastry), rondón (seafood stew), and coconut rice. 9. Relax on the beaches: The Caribbean Coast is dotted with beautiful beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying the laid-back atmosphere. Some popular beaches include Playa Negra, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo. 10. Take a boat tour to the nearby islands: From the Caribbean Coast, you can take a boat tour to explore the nearby islands of Tortuguero, Bocas del Toro (in Panama), or even the stunning San Blas Islands (also in Panama). These tours offer a chance to see more wildlife, enjoy pristine beaches, and experience the unique cultures of these islands. Remember to check local regulations and guidelines, as well as weather conditions, before planning your activities.
When is the best time to travel to Caribbean Coast?
The best time to travel to the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica is during the dry season, which typically runs from February to April. This is when you can expect the most sunshine and the least amount of rainfall. The temperatures are also warm and pleasant during this time, ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (mid-20s to low 30s Celsius). However, it's important to note that the Caribbean Coast experiences a more tropical climate compared to the rest of the country, and rain showers can occur throughout the year. If you don't mind occasional rain, you can still enjoy the Caribbean Coast during the rest of the year. Keep in mind that the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica is known for its lush rainforests and diverse wildlife, so even if you visit during the wetter months, you can still have a fantastic experience exploring the national parks, spotting colorful birds, and even seeing sea turtles nesting on the beaches.
Travel culture you should know when traveling to Caribbean Coast
The Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica is a vibrant and culturally rich region that offers a unique travel experience. Here are some highlights of the travel culture in this area: 1. Afro-Caribbean Influence: The Caribbean Coast is heavily influenced by the Afro-Caribbean culture, which is a blend of African, European, and indigenous traditions. This is evident in the music, dance, food, and overall atmosphere of the region. 2. Reggae Music: Reggae music is an integral part of the Caribbean Coast's culture. You can find live music performances, especially on weekends, where locals and visitors come together to enjoy the rhythmic tunes and dance to the beats. 3. Afro-Caribbean Cuisine: The food in this region is a fusion of African, Caribbean, and indigenous flavors. You must try dishes like rice and beans (gallo pinto), coconut rice, jerk chicken, and seafood specialties like Caribbean-style ceviche. Don't forget to sample the local street food, such as patties and plantain chips. 4. Festivals and Celebrations: The Caribbean Coast is known for its lively festivals and celebrations. One of the most famous events is the Carnaval de Limón, held in October, which showcases colorful parades, traditional costumes, music, and dance. Other festivals like the International Calypso Festival and the Black Culture Festival also attract a large crowd. 5. Indigenous Communities: The Caribbean Coast is home to several indigenous communities, including the BriBri, Kekoldi, and Cabécar tribes. Visiting these communities offers a chance to learn about their ancient traditions, crafts, and medicinal practices. You can also participate in activities like chocolate making or traditional dances. 6. Wildlife and Nature: The Caribbean Coast is known for its lush rainforests, wildlife, and beautiful beaches. Explore the Tortuguero National Park, famous for its nesting sea turtles, or visit the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, where you can spot monkeys, sloths, and a variety of bird species. 7. Water Activities: The Caribbean Coast offers excellent opportunities for water activities like snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and fishing. The clear turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs make it a paradise for underwater enthusiasts. Overall, the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica offers a unique blend of Afro-Caribbean culture, stunning natural beauty, and exciting activities, making it a must-visit destination for travelers looking for an authentic and diverse experience.
Shopping list or souvenirs to buy when traveling to Caribbean Coast
When visiting the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, there are several unique items that you can add to your shopping list or consider as souvenirs. Here are some suggestions: 1. Handmade Crafts: Look for local artisans selling handmade crafts such as wooden carvings, pottery, and woven baskets. These items often showcase the vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture of the region. 2. Indigenous Artwork: The Caribbean Coast is home to various indigenous communities, such as the Bribri and Kekoldi. You can find beautiful paintings, masks, and other artwork made by these indigenous artists, showcasing their traditional techniques and designs. 3. Traditional Clothing: The Caribbean Coast has a distinct style of traditional clothing influenced by the Afro-Caribbean culture. Look for colorful dresses, shirts, and headscarves made from vibrant fabrics. 4. Coffee and Chocolate: Costa Rica is known for its high-quality coffee and chocolate, and the Caribbean Coast is no exception. Look for locally produced coffee beans or chocolate bars made from cacao grown in the region. 5. Hot Sauce and Spices: The Caribbean Coast is known for its flavorful cuisine, often featuring spicy dishes. Consider purchasing some locally made hot sauces or spices to add a touch of Caribbean flavor to your meals back home. 6. Hammocks: Relaxation is a way of life on the Caribbean Coast, and hammocks are a popular item. Look for hammocks made with colorful fabrics and sturdy materials, perfect for bringing a piece of Caribbean relaxation to your backyard. 7. Organic Skincare Products: The Caribbean Coast is home to many natural ingredients that are used in skincare products. Look for organic soaps, lotions, and oils made from local ingredients like coconut, aloe vera, and cocoa butter. Remember to support local businesses and artisans when purchasing souvenirs, as it helps to sustain the local economy and preserve the unique culture of the Caribbean Coast.
Caribbean Coast travel review
The Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. With its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture, this region offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. One of the highlights of the Caribbean Coast is its stunning beaches. From the popular tourist destination of Puerto Viejo to the secluded shores of Cahuita, there is a beach for every type of traveler. The crystal-clear waters and soft white sand make it the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. Whether you're looking to surf the waves, snorkel among colorful coral reefs, or simply unwind with a good book, the beaches of the Caribbean Coast won't disappoint. Beyond the beaches, the rainforests of the Caribbean Coast are teeming with biodiversity. Explore the lush jungles of Tortuguero National Park, home to a variety of wildlife including monkeys, sloths, and toucans. Take a boat tour through the park's intricate network of canals, where you'll have the chance to spot crocodiles, turtles, and even the endangered manatee. For a truly unique experience, visit the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, where you can hike through the jungle and discover hidden waterfalls and natural swimming pools. The Caribbean Coast is also known for its vibrant culture and Afro-Caribbean heritage. The town of Puerto Viejo is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from the indigenous people, Afro-Caribbean communities, and European settlers. Explore the colorful streets lined with reggae bars, local restaurants serving delicious Caribbean cuisine, and artisan shops selling handmade crafts. Don't miss the opportunity to try traditional dishes like rice and beans, jerk chicken, and coconut rice. For those seeking adventure, the Caribbean Coast offers plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities. Go zip-lining through the treetops, white-water rafting down the Pacuare River, or take a thrilling ATV tour through the rugged terrain. If you're a nature lover, embark on a night tour to witness the incredible spectacle of sea turtles nesting on the beaches. In addition to its natural beauty and adventure, the Caribbean Coast is also home to a rich history. Visit the town of Cahuita and explore its historic buildings, including the iconic Cahuita National Park, which protects an extensive coral reef system. Learn about the region's Afro-Caribbean heritage at the BriBri Indigenous Reserve, where you can participate in traditional ceremonies and learn about their way of life. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica has it all. From its stunning beaches and lush rainforests to its vibrant culture and rich history, this region offers a truly unforgettable travel experience. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the hidden treasures of the Caribbean Coast.