Southern Caribbean Coast Attractions
The southern region of the Caribbean coast offers an interesting mix of black and indigenous culture. The inhabitants of this area are mostly of Jamaican descent and settled here in the 19th C. Many speak of Creole form of English. The area offers a relaxed pace, with the unique cultural elements evident in the popular music and cooking of the region. The local knowledge of medicinal plants is also very interesting.
Fishing, surfing, swimming, snorkelling, horseback riding and just plain relaxing are popular in the southern Caribbean coast. Before the 1970s this region was quite isolated, however transportation in the area has improved.
Fishing, surfing, swimming, snorkelling, horseback riding and just plain relaxing are popular in the southern Caribbean coast. Before the 1970s this region was quite isolated, however transportation in the area has improved.
Aviarios del Caribe
This small wildlife sanctuary and B&B are found on an 88ha/217ac island in the delta of the Estrella River. From the sanctuary a variety of nature-oriented excursions are offered, the most popular being a guided kayak tour of the Estrella delta. Many species of wildlife can be spotted in the sanctuary, including monkeys, caiman, sloths and river otters.
314 species of birds have been recorded at the sanctuary, and an orphaned sloth named Buttercup has been adopted by the owners. An ant farm and poisonous arrow frog hatchery are also on the grounds.
314 species of birds have been recorded at the sanctuary, and an orphaned sloth named Buttercup has been adopted by the owners. An ant farm and poisonous arrow frog hatchery are also on the grounds.
The popular kayak tour lasts 3 hours and costs US$30.
Contact Aviarios del Caribe for more information on accommodations and rates.
Facilities
On-site accomodations
Bribri, Costa Rica
Bribri is a small village often passed by travellers en route to Panama, 34km/21mi away. While there are few attractions, Bribri is interesting because it is the center for the local indigenous communities. Local residents can lead visitors to an attractive waterfall 3km/1.8mi from Bribri.
Cahuita, Costa Rica
This small village is a base for many of the attractive surrounding beaches. "Downtown" Cahuita features sand roads, noisy bars and Creole restaurants. Several excursions, such as glass-bottom boat rides to nearby reefs, are offered from Cahuita. Unfortunately, Cahuita has acquired an unfavorable reputation for theft and drugs.
Cahuita National Park
A long trail offers observation of various species of animals and birds. Another major attraction of the national park is the reef that is about 200m/656ft to 500m/1,640ft off Punta Cahuita. This is the largest living coral reef in Costa Rica, comprised of at least 35 coral species. This living habitat is home to 123 species of fish and several species of mollusks and crustaceans. The reef can be reached by swimming, but it is recommended to snorkel from a hired boat.
(Southern Caribbean Coast)
Covering 1,067ha/2,635ac, this small national park is one of the most visited in Costa Rica for its combination of attractive beaches, coastal rainforest and a coral reef. The white-sand Vargas Beach and another 2km/1.2mi-long beach are separated by a rocky headland known as Punta Cahuita. Hiking, swimming and snorkelling are the most popular activities in this park.A long trail offers observation of various species of animals and birds. Another major attraction of the national park is the reef that is about 200m/656ft to 500m/1,640ft off Punta Cahuita. This is the largest living coral reef in Costa Rica, comprised of at least 35 coral species. This living habitat is home to 123 species of fish and several species of mollusks and crustaceans. The reef can be reached by swimming, but it is recommended to snorkel from a hired boat.
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Manzanillo, Costa Rica
Manzanillo is a small fishing village. There are a few accommodation options, as well as local outfitters offering equipment rentals and excursions. Diving, kayaking, snorkelling, cycling, river tours and dolphin watching are popular activities.
Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge
A variety of habitats are protected in this refuge, including rainforest and the only red mangrove swamp found in Costa Rica. Hiking trails lead to beaches lined with coconut palms and are separated by rocky headlands. South of Punta Mona is an interesting 400ha/988ac swamp containing sajo trees and holio palms.
Atlantic tarpon spawn in the Gandoca River estuary and marine turtles (especially leatherbacks) nest on the beaches. Several species of birds can be seen, including toucans, parrots and parakeets. Hiking and snorkelling near the reef are the most popular activities.
(Southern Caribbean Coast)
This refuge extends southeast to the Panamanian border and lies on the coast around the Manzanillo village. One of Costa Rica's two living coral reefs is found here, approximately 200m/656ft offshore. The refuge protects 5,013ha/12,382ac of land and 4,436ha/10,957ac of adjacent sea.A variety of habitats are protected in this refuge, including rainforest and the only red mangrove swamp found in Costa Rica. Hiking trails lead to beaches lined with coconut palms and are separated by rocky headlands. South of Punta Mona is an interesting 400ha/988ac swamp containing sajo trees and holio palms.
Atlantic tarpon spawn in the Gandoca River estuary and marine turtles (especially leatherbacks) nest on the beaches. Several species of birds can be seen, including toucans, parrots and parakeets. Hiking and snorkelling near the reef are the most popular activities.
Southern Caribbean Coast Surroundings
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Surroundings - Chiquita Beach
Chiquita Beach is actually comprised of a string of beaches. There are many options for accommodation along this stretch of beach.
Facilities
On-site accomodations
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Surroundings - Cocles Beach
This beach offers good surfing for beginners, as the breaks here are smaller than in other areas.
Facilities
On-site accomodations
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Surroundings - Island Farm Botanical Garden
This is a working tropical farm where ornamental plants, local spices and tropical fruits are grown. Birding and other wildlife observation is good in the small area that has been set aside as a botanical garden.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | Closed | Closed | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Guides
Guided tour included with admission.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Surroundings - Samasati Retreat Center
This interesting yoga retreat offers accommodations and instruction in yoga, nutrition, herbalism and bodywork. Meditation takes place in a large open-air room. Massage and astrology sessions are available as well.
All meals are vegetarian and are served on a large wooden terrace. The retreat is found on a hillside north of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, and excellent vistas of the village and sea can be seen from the grounds.
All meals are vegetarian and are served on a large wooden terrace. The retreat is found on a hillside north of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, and excellent vistas of the village and sea can be seen from the grounds.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Surroundings - Uva Point
This attractive beach is good for swimming and snorkelling.
