Caribbean coast holidays
Caribbean coast holidays at a glance
Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast is a region of volcanic beaches, lush banana plantations and some of the country’s richest wildlife habitats. Unlike the Pacific Coast, much of the area is defined by waterways, wetlands and rainforest ecosystems.
The region’s standout attraction is Tortuguero National Park, a vast protected wilderness criss-crossed by canals, lagoons and swamps. This network of waterways gives access to habitats rich in wildlife, and creates one of Costa Rica’s most memorable nature experiences.
The Caribbean Coast feels distinctly different from other parts of Costa Rica, with a slower pace, abundant nature and easy opportunities to immerse yourself in the country’s extraordinary biodiversity.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Caribbean coast
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Visit exquisite volcanic beaches, verdant banana plantations and the wildlife rich Tortuguero National Park, submerged in a network of canals, lagoons and swamps.
When to visit Caribbean coast
Best time to visit? The Caribbean Coast doesn’t follow the same dry/wet season pattern as the rest of Costa Rica – it sees rain more evenly throughout the year, and stays a rewarding year-round destination.
Unlike the rest of the country, the Caribbean coast doesn’t have a defined dry season. Whilst December is the wettest month, precipitation lessens during January and February and by March it is the driest time of year. At their highest, temperatures hover around 29°C.
Rainfall begins to ramp up in April and remains consistent throughout these summer months, peaking in July. There is a blip in the cycle during September, when you’ll find a brief respite from the rains, before they pick up again in October. Even during the wetter months the rainfall can be sporadic leaving plenty of sunshine hours, and as Costa Rica lies south of the hurricane belt the region can still be enjoyed throughout the year safely. From late June to late October, wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy the Green sea turtle nesting period.
Top Things to do in Caribbean coast
Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast is all about wildlife, waterways and tropical ecosystems – there’s a rich mix of things to do here, almost all of it centred on the water.
Watch an extraordinary natural event take place on Tortuguero’s beaches as giant leatherback turtles arrive en masse to lay their eggs.
An early-morning kayaking trip through the backwaters of Tortuguero offers the chance to watch the jungle awake.
Accommodation in Caribbean coast
Accommodation across the region focuses on nature lodges, wildlife experiences and properties positioned close to Tortuguero’s waterways and protected habitats. Many of our travellers stay within or close to Tortuguero’s canal system, to make the most of the wildlife-viewing opportunities.
Aguas Claras is a first class beach retreat on an unspoilt stretch of Costa Rica’s Caribbean jungle-fringed coast.
Relaxed and unpretentious mid-range resort on the Caribbean coast, with spacious hardwood bungalows dotted throughout a tropical garden.
Unique colour-changing boutique hotel set in a tropical garden beside the beach, near to Cahuita National Park.
Jungle-shrouded lodge of wooden cabins, designed for nature lovers who are happy to tune out and disconnect while on holiday.
Luxurious jungle lodge with spacious, stylish rooms overlooking the canals of Tortuguero.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Holidays to Caribbean coast
Group Caribbean coast Tours
Our group tours follow expertly designed, well-planned routes with an experienced local guide throughout. Prefer to keep it to your own party? Book the same trips privately for four or more.
Alción: Central America Discovery
Places visited: Panama City · Boquete and the Chiriquí Highlands · Caribbean coast · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Ometepe Island · Granada · Leon · Gulf of Fonseca and Eastern El Salvador · Suchitoto · Copan · Antigua and the highlands
22 days from £4,174
Tanager: Flora and Fauna of Costa Rica
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Monteverde and the cloud forest
12 days from £3,443
Tailor-Made Caribbean coast Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Costa Rica Wildlife Discovery
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Arenal and the north · Osa Peninsula
13 days from £4,565
Mini Adventures in Costa Rica
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Arenal and the north · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Nicoya Peninsula
15 days from £4,350
Self-drive Costa Rica: Coast to coast adventures
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Arenal and the north · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Nicoya Peninsula
14 days from £2,400
Signature Costa Rica: The natural highlights
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Arenal and the north · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Nicoya Peninsula
12 days from £3,450
Value Costa Rica: The essential highlights
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Arenal and the north · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Pacific coast
12 days from £1,900
FAQs about visiting Caribbean coast
Caribbean coast is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit Costa Rica's Caribbean coast?
it’s hot all year round (often over 30°C). It rains here on and off all year round, with drier periods in Feb – Mar and Aug – Oct. Turtle watching season at Tortuguero is Mar – Oct.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What language is spoken on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast?
The main languages spoken on the Caribbean coast is Spanish and English.
- What currency do I need for Costa Rica's Caribbean coast?
The Colón is the main currency used on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Notes can be withdrawn from ATMs using a UK credit or debit card. You may have to authorise your bank first, and withdrawals may be limited to amounts lower than in the UK. US dollars cash can be exchanged in banks too. There are ATMs in Limón but not elsewhere along the coast.
- What is the time difference between Costa Rica's Caribbean coast and the UK?
The time difference between Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast and the UK is GMT -5 hours.
- What places combine well with Costa Rica's Caribbean coast?
Arenal, in the north, the most spectacular volcano; Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, for excellent bird-watching. Costa Rica is a tiny country so road journeys, even winding ones through the highlands, are relatively short. Some roads are in good condition while others require 4WD vehicles.
- How do I get to Costa Rica's Caribbean coast?
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.