El Chino Beach, once the most popular hub for boats exporting cacao and bananas, now attracts all who visit with its crystal clear waters, coral tide pools, and calm surf. Nestled between Playa Negra to the north and El Parquecito beach to the south, the narrow stretch of sand is lined with an antiquated structure housing one of the oldest markets in Puerto Viejo de Limon, Comissario Manuel Leon, and Reef Runners, a popular dive shop that makes the most out of El Chino's ideal conditions for snorkeling and scuba. To reach El Chino beach, follow the road from the bus station away from the banana barge, turn left at the first corner, and the beach extends up to the town Police Station.
Recommended for Beaches because: This beach couldn't be more convenient to the center of town, or more charming.
Sophia's expert tip: On holiday weekends, expect to share this fabulous- and tiny- beach with families and plenty of canines.
Playa Bonita is Limon's most popular beach, and also its prettiest. It lies just a few meters due south of the bustling commercial sea port of Limon, but its wide swath of sand and tranquility are worlds away. A smattering of hotels and restaurants dot the shoreline, geared as much towards Costa Ricans on vacation as tourists- fine seafood, Caribbean cuisine, and calypso music are seaside highlights of Playa Bonita, as is tubular surf that surfing legends like the Ronald Brown cut their teeth on. Often overlooked in favor of the more pristine and secluded stretches of beach further south, Playa Bonita has plenty of perks of its own just waiting to be discovered.
Recommended for Beaches because: Playa Bonita is Limon's singularly beautiful beach for sunbathing and swimming.
Sophia's expert tip: Find Limon's only beach for swimming 4 km north of the city.
Playa Negra, or Black Beach, is a beautiful curved stretch of fine black sand that slopes into gently breaking waves. Local surf intsructors often choose this spot for lessons, but there is always room for swimmers and waders. A photogenic old banana barge that marks the entrance to Puerto Viejo sits just off shore, begging to be climbed upon and dove into the water from. There are a smattering of charming shops and bars along the shoreline at Playa Negra, and it's one of the top beaches in all of Puerto Viejo de Limon, Talamanca to stroll, swim and surf.
Recommended for Beaches because: Gentle waves that break around the barge are excellent for amateur surfers and young swimmers.
Sophia's expert tip: Discover the live sand dollars that pulsate by gently planting your feet in the sand underwater.
Find this flat swath of white sand beach in front of Johnny's Place, next to the Police Station, right next to Playa Negra- here the black sand meets soft white sand in a distinct line. Large sections of coral reef create a series of tide pools, and it's an ideal spot for snorkeling, swimming, and submerging. Cars can drive up close to the water's edge, and the white sand beach is soft and narrow. On holidays Puerto Viejo Beach can get crowded with families, picnickers, sunbathers, and swimmers- but not surfers- there is rarely a swell at this coral-studded beach. Also known as El Chino Beach.
Recommended for Beaches because: Snorkeling from the shore and little to no surf make this beach a favorite for relaxing times.
Sophia's expert tip: Rent snorkeling gear at Reef Runners on the water's edge to explore the sea life of the tide pools.
Salsa Brava is the beach that helped put Puerto Viejo de Limon, Talamanca on the map for tourists- back in the 1970s, few but the most intrepid reached this region of the Caribbean coast, but surfers who caught wind of the killer waves at this beach were more than willing to face the rough roads and lack of basic services for wicked waves. In 1991, an earthquake significantly altered the coastal landscape, creating an even more formidable- and enticing-surf spot. Salsa Brava, or Brave Sauce, is not for the faint of heart; amateurs best survey the conditions carefully before paddling out.
Recommended for Beaches because: Salsa Brava is the beach that put Puerto Viejo on the international surfer circuit.
Sophia's expert tip: Salsa Brava is an exceptional site to take in the sunset- from the sand or a surf board.
Playa Chiquita is a small stretch of coast with a narrow white sand beach and calm water that is often ideal for snorkeling in between the coral reef. This is the most hidden beach in the area, due to the dense rainforest that separates the water's edge from the road, and a lack of signage- but that's part of why it stays so special. A few trails lead to secluded coves and sparsely populated beaches lined with palms and coconut trees. During high season, Playa Chiquita is a popular beach for families, dogs, and nudists, who come to revel in the privacy and play in the gentle water- the rest of the year it may be found nearly deserted.
Recommended for Beaches because: Playa Chiquita is perfect for little kids and families who enjoy privacy.
Sophia's expert tip: Pick up snacks at El Duende Gourmet Market on the main road, and ask there how to find a path leading to the coast.
The Caribbean's most precious beach could just be Punta Uva, or Grape Point. There are two sides to this beach, North and South, divided by a steep green cliff. On the south side lies a long sweeping stretch of white sand, dappled with coconut palms and a sloping shoreline lapping with gentle waves. One the north side is a smaller beach, protected on both sides, with gentle surf good for learners and conditions that tend to be ideal for snorkeling. Kayaks may be rented on the sand here, and the Punta Uva dive shop offers scuba tours and PADI certification.
Recommended for Beaches because: Punta Uva is one of Costa Rica's most precious beaches.
Sophia's expert tip: Climb the cliff between Punta Uva's beaches for a glimpse of the blue grotto.
El Parquecito is a small curved cove near the center of Puerto Viejo, where small fishing boats line the white sand, and the water is calm and protected on two sides. Salsa Brava beach lies directly south, and Puerto Viejo Beach lies directly north of El Parquecito, and it is here where fishing nets are made the old-fashioned way and locals gather to check out the catch of the day. Snorkeling and swimming are fine at El Parquecito beach, and it's a favorite for children who wade in the gentle waters, but there is little space between the narrow stretch of sand and the road for sunbathing.
Recommended for Beaches because: Small and central, El Parquecito boasts calm, protected waters and a white sand beach.
Sophia's expert tip: Take the kids to this protected harbor, perfect for splashing and building castles on the shore.
White sand beaches and clear waters flanked by lush vegetation are hallmarks of Manzanillo, a quintessential Caribbean fishing village where not too much has changed in the past fifty years or so. Small houses are built on stilts and colorful fishing boats dot the shoreline, and the water is usually ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The vibe is as low-key and laid-back as it gets, and the most action happens at Maxi's Place, a Rasta-styled restaurant reknowned for its fresh seafood and ocean breezes. The best way to reach Manzanillo is by bike, but if you're not up for a scenic ride, buses run to and from a few times a day from Puerto Viejo.
Recommended for Beaches because: Manzanillo is the most serene and majestic of the Caribbean beaches.
Sophia's expert tip: Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins just off the coast- three species inhabit the waters around Manzanillo.
Cocles Beach, called "Beach Break" by locals, is the most popular beach in the area among locals and tourists, for its long golden sand beach and for its consistently good surf. A majestic craggy rock sits a few meters off-shore, and legend has it that pirates buried their booty there years ago. Cocles has the only lifeguard station in the region, but it's not always occupied. Look for flags to signal riptides, which are common and strong at Cocles. Rent a surf board on the beach, and refresh with a smoothie from one of the small cafes that line the roadside across from the sand.
Recommended for Beaches because: Puerto Viejo's most popular surf spot, Cocles is a local favorite with the best beach break.
Sophia's expert tip: To get to Cocles from Puerto Viejo on foot, find the unmarked path that leads through the forest, starting at Salsa Brava.