Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast feels completely different than the Pacific side:
Travel Essential (Caribbean Trip Must-Have)
A smart add to your Caribbean packing list—perfect for beach days, excursions, and island-hopping when you want to stay comfortable, organized, and ready for long days out.
- Great for day trips, tours, and beach days
- Easy to pack (small + travel-friendly)
- One of those items you’ll reuse every trip
Travel Essential (Beach-Day Ready)
Perfect for Caribbean beach days, boat rides, and excursions—an easy add to your packing list that keeps you prepared for water, sun, and long days out.
- Great for beach, pool, and boat tours
- Easy to pack (lightweight + travel-friendly)
- One of those items you’ll use every trip
Travel Essential (Organize Your Carry-On)
A simple upgrade that keeps your travel days smoother—perfect for Caribbean trips, weekend getaways, and island-hopping when you want your essentials easy to grab.
- Makes packing faster and less messy
- Great for carry-ons, beach bags, and day packs
- Helps keep essentials easy to find
Travel Essential (Caribbean Heat Helper)
Perfect for sunny Caribbean days—great for beach time, excursions, boat tours, and walking around in the heat while staying comfortable and ready for anything.
- Ideal for beach days, tours, and pool time
- Easy to pack (lightweight + travel-friendly)
- A “use every trip” kind of item
Travel Must-Have (Caribbean Packing List)
A smart add to your Caribbean packing list—great for beach days, excursions, and island-hopping when you want to stay comfortable and prepared without overpacking.
- Perfect for day trips and long beach days
- Easy to pack (small + travel-friendly)
- One of those items you’ll use again and again
Travel Essential (Caribbean-Trip Must-Have)
Perfect for beach days, boat rides, excursions, and island-hopping—this is one of those small upgrades that makes your trip smoother from day one.
- Easy to pack + lightweight
- Great for ferries, tours, and long days out
- You’ll reuse it on every trip
Travel Essential (Carry-On Friendly)
A simple upgrade that makes travel easier—great for Caribbean trips, weekend getaways, and day tours when you want to stay organized and keep your essentials close.
- Lightweight and easy to pack
- Keeps essentials organized for day trips
- Perfect for carry-on and island-hopping
Travel Essential (Beach-Day Ready)
A simple upgrade for Caribbean trips—perfect for long beach days, pool time, boat tours, and walking around in the heat while staying comfortable and prepared.
- Great for beach, pool, and day tours
- Easy to pack (doesn’t take space)
- Ideal for hot, sunny destinations
Travel Pick (Caribbean Day-Trip Must-Have)
Perfect for beach days, boat rides, snorkeling stops, and excursions—an easy add to your packing list that helps keep your day smoother and stress-free.
- Lightweight + easy to pack
- Great for ferries, catamarans, and day tours
- One of those items you’ll reuse every trip
Travel Essential (Quick Pack Upgrade)
One of those small items that makes your trip smoother—perfect for beach days, boat rides, excursions, and carry-on travel when you want less hassle and more comfort.
- Easy to pack (lightweight + travel-friendly)
- Great for island-hopping days and day trips
- Useful on repeat trips (not a one-time buy)
Janet Howard NYC — Modern Workwear
Build a wardrobe that looks sharp without feeling stiff—discover refined essentials and elevated staples.
- Polished pieces for work + weekend
- Refined, modern silhouettes
- Easy staples to mix & match
Promeed Silk Bedding & Pillowcases
Upgrade your sleep with mulberry silk essentials—made with comfort and well-being in mind.
- Silk comfort for better sleep vibes
- Gentle on hair + skin
- Great gift idea (easy win)
Solar Charger Power Bank (Travel Backup Power)
A solid Caribbean travel essential for long beach days, boat tours, and excursions—keep your phone, camera, and other devices topped up when you’re away from outlets.
- Perfect for beach days + excursions
- Charges phone/camera on the go
- Great when outlets are limited
Quick hotel search for this trip
See top-rated stays with free cancellation and great locations.
- Compare top-rated stays fast
- Filter by budget, rating, and amenities
- Look for free cancellation options
Travel Comfort Kit (Flights + Ferries)
Perfect for long flights, island-hopping ferries, and road trips—helps you rest more comfortably while blocking distractions and staying relaxed on the move.
- More comfort on long rides
- Blocks distractions while you rest
- Easy carry-on essential
Water Shoes (Beach + Reef Essential)
Protect your feet from sharp rocks, sea urchins, and hot sand—plus get better grip on wet boat decks and slippery shore entries. A must-have for Caribbean beach days.
- Protects feet from rocks + urchins
- Better grip on wet surfaces
- Great for waterfalls + shore entries
Waterproof Phone Pouch (Beach/Boat Essential)
Keep your phone dry for beach days, boat rides, snorkeling trips, and rainy island tours. Great for Caribbean travel where water + sand is everywhere.
Travel Essential (Caribbean Trip Must-Have)
A smart add to your Caribbean packing list—perfect for beach days, excursions, and island-hopping when you want to stay comfortable, organized, and ready for long days out.
- Great for day trips, tours, and beach days
- Easy to pack (small + travel-friendly)
- One of those items you’ll reuse every trip
Travel Essential (Beach-Day Ready)
Perfect for Caribbean beach days, boat rides, and excursions—an easy add to your packing list that keeps you prepared for water, sun, and long days out.
- Great for beach, pool, and boat tours
- Easy to pack (lightweight + travel-friendly)
- One of those items you’ll use every trip
Travel Essential (Organize Your Carry-On)
A simple upgrade that keeps your travel days smoother—perfect for Caribbean trips, weekend getaways, and island-hopping when you want your essentials easy to grab.
- Makes packing faster and less messy
- Great for carry-ons, beach bags, and day packs
- Helps keep essentials easy to find
Travel Essential (Caribbean Heat Helper)
Perfect for sunny Caribbean days—great for beach time, excursions, boat tours, and walking around in the heat while staying comfortable and ready for anything.
- Ideal for beach days, tours, and pool time
- Easy to pack (lightweight + travel-friendly)
- A “use every trip” kind of item
Travel Must-Have (Caribbean Packing List)
A smart add to your Caribbean packing list—great for beach days, excursions, and island-hopping when you want to stay comfortable and prepared without overpacking.
- Perfect for day trips and long beach days
- Easy to pack (small + travel-friendly)
- One of those items you’ll use again and again
Travel Essential (Caribbean-Trip Must-Have)
Perfect for beach days, boat rides, excursions, and island-hopping—this is one of those small upgrades that makes your trip smoother from day one.
- Easy to pack + lightweight
- Great for ferries, tours, and long days out
- You’ll reuse it on every trip
Travel Essential (Carry-On Friendly)
A simple upgrade that makes travel easier—great for Caribbean trips, weekend getaways, and day tours when you want to stay organized and keep your essentials close.
- Lightweight and easy to pack
- Keeps essentials organized for day trips
- Perfect for carry-on and island-hopping
Travel Essential (Beach-Day Ready)
A simple upgrade for Caribbean trips—perfect for long beach days, pool time, boat tours, and walking around in the heat while staying comfortable and prepared.
- Great for beach, pool, and day tours
- Easy to pack (doesn’t take space)
- Ideal for hot, sunny destinations
Travel Pick (Caribbean Day-Trip Must-Have)
Perfect for beach days, boat rides, snorkeling stops, and excursions—an easy add to your packing list that helps keep your day smoother and stress-free.
- Lightweight + easy to pack
- Great for ferries, catamarans, and day tours
- One of those items you’ll reuse every trip
Travel Essential (Quick Pack Upgrade)
One of those small items that makes your trip smoother—perfect for beach days, boat rides, excursions, and carry-on travel when you want less hassle and more comfort.
- Easy to pack (lightweight + travel-friendly)
- Great for island-hopping days and day trips
- Useful on repeat trips (not a one-time buy)
Janet Howard NYC — Modern Workwear
Build a wardrobe that looks sharp without feeling stiff—discover refined essentials and elevated staples.
- Polished pieces for work + weekend
- Refined, modern silhouettes
- Easy staples to mix & match
Promeed Silk Bedding & Pillowcases
Upgrade your sleep with mulberry silk essentials—made with comfort and well-being in mind.
- Silk comfort for better sleep vibes
- Gentle on hair + skin
- Great gift idea (easy win)
Solar Charger Power Bank (Travel Backup Power)
A solid Caribbean travel essential for long beach days, boat tours, and excursions—keep your phone, camera, and other devices topped up when you’re away from outlets.
- Perfect for beach days + excursions
- Charges phone/camera on the go
- Great when outlets are limited
Quick hotel search for this trip
See top-rated stays with free cancellation and great locations.
- Compare top-rated stays fast
- Filter by budget, rating, and amenities
- Look for free cancellation options
Travel Comfort Kit (Flights + Ferries)
Perfect for long flights, island-hopping ferries, and road trips—helps you rest more comfortably while blocking distractions and staying relaxed on the move.
- More comfort on long rides
- Blocks distractions while you rest
- Easy carry-on essential
Water Shoes (Beach + Reef Essential)
Protect your feet from sharp rocks, sea urchins, and hot sand—plus get better grip on wet boat decks and slippery shore entries. A must-have for Caribbean beach days.
- Protects feet from rocks + urchins
- Better grip on wet surfaces
- Great for waterfalls + shore entries
Waterproof Phone Pouch (Beach/Boat Essential)
Keep your phone dry for beach days, boat rides, snorkeling trips, and rainy island tours. Great for Caribbean travel where water + sand is everywhere.
- Guards against splashes + sand
- Perfect for ferries, boats, and pools
- Lightweight and easy to pack
Reef-Safe Sunscreen Stick (Biodegradable)
A must for Caribbean beach days and boat trips—easy to reapply, less messy than lotion, and a smart pick when you’re trying to be reef-friendly on snorkeling days.
- Easy reapply (less mess than lotion)
- Great for snorkeling + boat days
- Compact for day bags
H10 Hotels — Book Direct
From Spain & Europe city breaks to Caribbean resort escapes. Explore destinations and find your perfect stay.
- Spain + Europe + Caribbean stays
- Browse destinations and offers
- Book direct on the official site
The Fives Hotels & Residences
Explore stays in Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos—find the right vibe for your trip.
- Playa del Carmen + Puerto Morelos
- Great base for beach + excursions
- Check availability & offers
- Guards against splashes + sand
- Perfect for ferries, boats, and pools
- Lightweight and easy to pack
Reef-Safe Sunscreen Stick (Biodegradable)
A must for Caribbean beach days and boat trips—easy to reapply, less messy than lotion, and a smart pick when you’re trying to be reef-friendly on snorkeling days.
- Easy reapply (less mess than lotion)
- Great for snorkeling + boat days
- Compact for day bags
H10 Hotels — Book Direct
From Spain & Europe city breaks to Caribbean resort escapes. Explore destinations and find your perfect stay.
- Spain + Europe + Caribbean stays
- Browse destinations and offers
- Book direct on the official site
The Fives Hotels & Residences
Explore stays in Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos—find the right vibe for your trip.
- Playa del Carmen + Puerto Morelos
- Great base for beach + excursions
- Check availability & offers
- Afro-Caribbean culture
- Reggae & beach vibes
- Wildlife everywhere
- Surfing towns
- Protected national parks
Perfect for travelers who want beaches + nature + culture in one destination.
Top Areas to Stay
| Area | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Puerto Viejo | Surf town, nightlife, dining | First-timers |
| Cahuita | Quiet + national park access | Wildlife lovers |
| Manzanillo | Rustic nature & beaches | Escape & relax |
| Tortuguero | Jungle waterways | Turtle season & eco-tourism |
Top Things to Do
1) Cahuita National Park
Beach trails + reef snorkeling
Sloths, monkeys, toucans
2) Punta Uva
One of the best beaches in Costa Rica
Amazing photo spot
3) Jaguar Rescue Center
Rescued wildlife rehabilitation
Great for families
4) Surfing
Popular beaches:
- Playa Cocles
- Playa Negra
- Salsa Brava (expert-only)
5) Tortuguero National Park
Sea turtle nesting (July–Oct)
6) Snorkeling & Boat Tours
Clearer water than Pacific
Best Beaches
| Beach | Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Punta Uva | Near Puerto Viejo | Calm, beautiful water |
| Playa Cocles | Puerto Viejo | Surf beach |
| Playa Manzanillo | Manzanillo | Quiet & natural |
| Playa Negra | Puerto Viejo | Black sand |
| Cahuita Beaches | Inside park | Wildlife + reef |
Food & Drinks
Unique Afro-Caribbean flavors
- Rice & beans with coconut milk
- Rondon seafood stew
- Patí meat pastries
- Fresh fruit smoothies
- Local craft beers
- Rum & tropical cocktails
Transportation
| Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Shuttle buses | Easiest between towns |
| Bicycles | Most common in Puerto Viejo |
| Car rental | Only if exploring inland |
| Public buses | Very cheap |
3–7 Day Itineraries
3 Days
Day 1: Puerto Viejo + Playa Cocles
Day 2: Cahuita National Park
Day 3: Punta Uva + sunset
5 Days
Add:
- Jaguar Rescue Center
- Surf lesson
7 Days
Add:
- Tortuguero jungle adventure
Safety & Practical Tips
- Towns are safe → basic awareness at night
- Do not leave valuables on beaches
- Mosquito protection needed
- Roads narrow & slow travel times
- Reef-safe sunscreen mandatory
Internal Links
Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español
La costa caribeña de Costa Rica tiene playas hermosas, parques nacionales, surf y una cultura afrocaribeña vibrante. Puerto Viejo y Cahuita son los mejores lugares para explorar naturaleza y relajarse.
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