The Caribbean Coast
Inside Scoop
The Caribbean coast is known for having a rasta-mentality, but it also has a strong native culture. The air is hot all year round, the water warm, and the best time for waves is January to April. All the beaches are popular with the locals on the weekends.
The mural below shows the history of the Carribean coast. From proud fisherman who helped build the Panama Canal - the locals were then forced to sell their lands to large banana growers and exporters. With little rights, they had to then work their own farms for little in payment.
The Waves
There are quite a few spots to surf, but each is far enough apart that a car rental is needed. In the north you have Playa Bonita, a heavy shorebreak with unforgiving left and right reef breaks on either side of the beach. Just off the coast of Limon is Isla Uvita, a powerful left reef that holds the biggest of swells. Then there's miles of empty beach breaks called Westfalia. South of that is Cahuita offering Playa Negra, a dark sand beach break, and by the National Park another short left reef break. The best spot is 9 km. south in Puerto Viejo, Salsa Brava, the world class right reef break. And in the next town south is Playa Cocles, a pounding beach break. And beyond there to the south are more reefs and empty beaches to discover.
Getting There
From the airport, it's a drive through downtown and then another 2-3 hours to Limon through mountainous terrian for the first hour and then a straight shot to the coast. Add another hour to get to Cahuita or PuertoViejo, 70 km. south on the coast (if a bridge is not washed out). From there it's only 50 km. to Panama. Or travel north from Limon 5 km. to Playa Bonita and find a boat to take you farther to Tortuguero.
Click below for MAPS of the area provided by:
www.greencoast.com
www.costaricaguide.info
www.puertoviejosatellite.com
Hotels
Name |
Contact |
Phone |
Location |
Price |
|
|
2750-0758 |
Playa Cocles |
$65+ |
| |
|
2750-0256 |
Puerto Viejo |
$75+ |
|
|
|
|
|
Cabinas Casa Verde |
E-mail |
2750-0015 |
Puerto Viejo |
$28+ |
Hotel Cariblue |
E-mail |
2750-0035 |
Playa Cocles |
$90+ |
Magellan Inn |
E-mail |
2755-0035 |
Cahuita |
$69+ |
|
|
House Rentals |
|
|
|
2750-2035 |
Puerto Viejo |
$54+ |
|
E-mail |
2755-0470 |
Cahuita |
$100+ |
Surf Shops
Name |
Contact |
Phone |
Rentals |
Lessons |
| |
|
2750-0758 |
y |
y |
Salsa Brava Surf Shop - Puerto Viejo
|
E-mail |
n/a |
y |
y |
Cutback Surf Shop - Puerto Viejo |
E-mail |
2843-5893 |
y |
y |
|
|
Surf Camps
~ more to be added shortly ~
Recommended Tours
ATEC - Asociación Talamanqueña de Ecoturismo y Conservación
Puerto Viejo de Limón, Costa Rica
Phone: (506) 750-0191 Fax: (506)750-0188
e-mail: atecmail@sol.racsa.co.cr
This organization was started to help preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Talamancan region, from Cahuita to Sixaola. They provide walks and tours of the area and are very knowledgable of the community.
Favorite Restaurants
Cahuita
Tipico Cahuita ~ Caribbean,
Local Fresh Fish
Cafe del Parquecito ~ Breakfast, Dinner, Sunday Brunch
Caribbean Roots ~ Mexico, Gringo, Wings
Cha Cha Cha ~ Tex/Mex, Seafood, Salads
Bello Horizante ~ Pastries, Cakes, Superfresh!
Sobre Las Olas ~ Caribbean Fish Italian Style
Soda Bumbata ~ Local Caribe Style
Chao's Paradise ~ Caribbean
Casa Creole ~ French Creole Cuisine
Bananas ~ Local Caribbean Creole
Puerto Viejo
Escopazzo ~ Pizza and Pasta
All Right ~ Good Cheap Fast Food
The Place ~ Veggie, Curry, Seafood
Pan Pay ~ Fresh Baked Goods, coffee
Lester's Place ~ Bed & Breakfast, local caribe
La Victoire de Sysiphe ~ French & International
Der Schwabe ~ International / German
Marisqueria Marley ~ Seafood Caribbean
Cafe Coral ~ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Salsa Brava ~ Grilled Seafood
Tamara ~ Local caribe, international
Amimodos ~ Classic Italian / Lobster
Parquecito ~ Local caribe, lobster
Cafe Rico ~ International, best coffee
Pizzeria Caramba ~ Restaurant and Cocktail Bar
