South Caribbean Region

South Caribbean Region is a one of a kind vacation destination. It is known as much for it's unique culture and cuisine, as it's white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and dense vegetation. The wildlife is abundant on land, in the ocean and in the air, giving opportunities for fascinating encounters and photo opportunities. The flora in this region is consistent with the various eco systems found here ranging from lush tropical and rainforest.

You will find the pace slower, the food spicier, the music more reggae style and the people of mixed cultural heritage. Once a desolate area filled with banana plantations, it has now become one of Costa Rica's most visited and enjoyed regions and is visited by large crowds during their annual festivals.

Spending time in Limon you have access to shopping, restaurants and many choices for lodging if you pal to spend the night and use it as a base to explore the rest of the Caribbean coast. The town is a busy shipping port and is the location for the regional government of the Caribbean coast. You can easily travel to Barillo National Park from here going inland or head to the Central Pacific Region for the many sights and adventures it holds.

From Limon travel to Cahuita on the well paved road to enjoy the beaches or visit the Cahuita National Park which has amazing coral reefs to explore. If you are a scuba diver try one of the many dive shops to get the real taste of the aquatic underworld. There are accommodations from resorts to beach bungalows to choose from and restaurants from fine dining to pubs. Use our tabs to view some of the choices and add them to "Your Trip" planner tool on our site.

Going even further south to Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo you enter the even "slower laid back zone" of the coast. Finding a hammock and sipping on your favorite beverage is easy to do in this relaxing atmosphere.  Since the forest comes to the shores on the Caribbean coast it gives you choices. Visiting the area from Puerto Viejo down to Manzanillo gives you endless choices of pristine beaches like Playa Cocles, Playa Uva and Playa Manzanillo. Diving, swimming or visiting the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Reserve are always good choices. If your preference is to see some four legged wildlife or amazing colorful bird species, head inland on one of the many trailsand tours but keep your camera out and ready.

Things To Do

Enjoy the vibrant towns filled with amazing restaurants, reggae music and lively parties. The feel and vibe of the area is completely different than in other regions of Costa Rica.

Play in the ocean! Book a snorkeling, scuba or kayaking tour or catch the perfect waves of Playa Negra or Salsa Brava. 

Hike into the Cahuita National Park and find the natural treasures of the area. Sloths, Monkeys and other wildlife await you on land while lively coral reefs wait just off shore. 

Main Attractions / Towns

There are accommodations for every budget and to match every personality. Beachfront, bungalows, tiny hotels to the largest.Where to Stay

Where To Go From Here

The vast wet lands and empty beaches of the North Caribbean is just a short trip away while the Central Valley Region and San Jose can provide an urban setting  and all the service you desire after roughing it in the south caribbean. 

Photo contributed by -"baxterclaus" [Punta Uva] under CC license © Conchasdiver