Exploring Puerto Viejo in the Caribbean of Costa Rica: Six Beaches to Fall in Love with the Hidden Face of Limón

How different the Caribbean side of Costa Rica is in every sense! The Afro-Caribbean culture, the food, the beaches, and even the seasons. Everything seems different in Limón, but simultaneously, it captivates uniquely compared to the rest of Costa Rica.

I remember when I first visited Puerto Viejo, a small area filled with beautiful accommodations and restaurants that belong to the canton of Talamanca.

I was captivated by the color of the sea… but also by the golden sand, unique in our country.

From the road, you can see the beauty in the lush green flora, with its trees and palm trees embracing the way as if saying, “Welcome to Limón.”

And then there are the beaches, one after the other. Through this blog, I want to take you to Limón to explore six Caribbean beaches, all close to the center of the community, where there is a wide variety of shops and restaurants.

Since Limón is a comprehensive experience, it is absolutely ‘mandatory’ to try the typical dishes. From ‘rice and beans with Caribbean chicken’ to ‘patí.’

The charm of their recipes matches the charm of their beaches. What do you think if we discover these six destinations together without stopping? I should mention that it is possible to explore all these beaches by bike, although it will depend on your preferences.

Playa Salsa Brava

In summer, it looks like a movie spot. When the sun hits the sea directly, the beach transforms into a ‘rainbow’ of green and blue tones. In winter, its attraction is very different, as the waves draw experienced surfers.

It’s called Salsa Brava, but it is also known as Puerto Viejo Beach, as it is located right in the center of the area.

On this beach, you can also see some fishing boats and spots to lie down on the sand, although it has less coast than other places in Limón.

Punta Uva

If you visit Puerto Viejo, you must see Punta Uva. The golden sand blends with the turquoise sea and palm trees leaning over the water, turning the site into a little paradise.

The lush vegetation gives an exotic tone to this place. It is a beach with few rocks and varying waves depending on the season (summer or winter).

Punta Uva is perfect for sunbathing or resting under the trees’ shade. It offers the possibility to practice kayaking and has a parking area for visitors.

On this beach, you can also snorkel, and it is a site constantly visited by divers who enjoy the coral reefs offshore.

Playa Cocles

A large beach with enormous beauty. It has few rocks, and the white sand captivates immediately. During the dry season (February, March, September, and October), the sea is relatively calm, and you can take a dip.

But in the rainy season, the waves grow, turning it into a usual surfing spot. You can also rest on the sand and sunbathe.

Very close to the beach, you can rent boards and take surfing lessons for beginners. There is a lifeguard tower to watch over the swimmers.

Playa Chiquita

A narrow path covered with vegetation will take you to Chiquita. A beach with white sand, few rocks, moderate waves, crystal clear water, and trees providing shade on the shore. In Playa Chiquita, you can rest in the small pools created among the rocks when the tide rises.

You can also relax under the trees’ shade very close to the coast. Playa Chiquita is a private and quiet place.

Playa Arrecife

A small and beautiful path surrounded by vegetation will take you to the entrance of Playa Arrecife, the spot adjacent to Punta Uva that stands out for its turquoise sea and golden sand. (By the way, it looks a lot like Punta Uva).

On this beach with moderate waves, there is a main entrance where most vehicles park, although you will find small and deserted accesses further ahead where you can leave your car.

The beach is embraced by palm trees and trees that provide shade. It is a beautiful place to spend the day. It is only 15 minutes from Puerto Viejo, but there is no signage in front of the main road.

Playa Manzanillo

It’s simply a paradise. After walking through the entrance path to the Refuge, you will find different magical spots.

The essence of each one is the same: golden sand, turquoise water, and gentle waves mixed with the palm trees and trees hugging the shore.

However, outside the conservation area, the beach is extensive and beautiful.

Remember that during the rainy season, conditions are different, especially as the waves grow, attracting surfers.