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.
For a great map of the Caribbean Coast, check out Costa Rica Flyer
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.
8/14 - It's going to be hot, hot, hot, this week at the beautiful Caribean beaches of Puerto Viejo.
Blue glassy water, with a little breeze. Perfect conditions for beginners or just to have a fun day of longboarding.
Also perfect to see if you could handle the old Hawaiian style of paddle boarding! Don't forget to bring your sunblock,
because on these blue waters you will fry like a lobster!
The spot to be in Puerto Viejo for this week is definitely Cocles - Beachbreak. All the other area's will be flat,
but in Cocles there's still a little fun wave breaking, knee high.
And quess what?! At Rocking J's we have a special offer for this beautiful Caribean hot week,
10% off for surfing lessons! So come over, enjoy paradise with us and learn how to surf with the best local instructors!
Courtesy of the folks over at Greencoast, here is the new schedule for recycling pickup:
The Recycling Alliance has expanded the types of solid waste that it is collecting on the Caribbean Coast. Nearly everything can now be recycled. Recycle for a safer community and environment!
The following clean and separated items are now accepted:
Glass bottles (topless)
Aluminum and clean metal cans
Plastic Bottles Pet (#1)
and all other plastics; separated and CLEAN: jugs,gallons, food containers, bags from the super markets,
Tetrapak! AKA Wine boxes or juice boxes and that metal-plastic bags examples: bags from coffee, powered milk, cookie and potato chip wrappers if they are that shiny metal!
Tuesdays: From Manzanillo to Rockin’ Jay’s on the edge of Puerto Viejo
Wednesdays: Puerto Viejo to Black Beach
Thursdays: Collections from Banana Farms
Fridays: 1st and 3rd of the month: BriBri, 2nd of the month: Gandoca, 4th of the month: to the Indigenous Territory including Volio, Rancho Grande, Shiroles, Suretka, Bambu, Chase
Businesses and individuals can bring their recyclable materials to the Solid Waste Transfer Center in Patiño any time. The Center is open during normal business hours.
ReciCaribe provides a valuable service and cannot survive without community support.
Please Support Recycling in Talamanca by making a donation:
Asociación de Reciclaje del Caribe Ced. Jur. 3-002-356594
Banco Costa Rica colones AHORRO (Savings): 399-638-6
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.
If you need transportation to Puerto Viejo or Cahuita, use this link.
ATEC 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.
Other recommended tours:
CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK - Glass bottom boat ride
CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK - full day hike w/lunch
Kikoldi and Bri-Bri Indian Reservation tour
Horseback ride to Cocles Waterfalls
Boat tour of Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge
Punta Uva Kayak Tour
Overnight trips to Bocas del Toro - Panama
