Green Season Bocas del Toro town. Pacific – Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary just South of Dominical on the Pacific Coast is a rehabilitation center that is usually housing a few abandoned baby sloths or nursing monkeys (among many other animals) back to health. Jul 5, 2020 - Main differences between the Caribbean and Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The Top 5 Reasons Costa Rica's Southern Caribbean Coast (SoCa) Is Better Than The Pacific -- For Retirees And Everyone Else 08/13/2013 07:44 am ET Updated Dec 06, 2017 SJO. Costa Rica Pacific Coast vs Caribbean Coast –  which is best? This is one of the most common questions we get for those getting newly acquainted with Costa Rica. is relatively easy. $1000-$1500 p.p. Easy bus ride from San Jose (takes about 5 hours). SJO. Enter custom title (optional) This topic is locked. This winter, plan an itinerary that takes you beach-hopping down Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean Coasts. Golfo de Nicoya in Central Costa Rica is an excellent cruising ground with a myriad of beautiful bays and islands protected behind the Nicoya Peninsula. After much discussion we have decided to take an extended family vacation to Costa Rica in 2018 to celebrate my grandparent’s 50th anniversary. Last reply was Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:34:13 +0000. Travel Destinations. Multiple bars in the area, most of them on the beach, all have their own happy hours and weekly specials, and it’s not uncommon to find live music somewhere every night of the week. Pacific vs Caribbean Costa Rica — Which Coast is Right for You? Caribbean Coast The Pacific coast has an extension of 1,016 km (633 miles) while the Caribbean Sea covers around 212 kilometers (132 miles) However, the differences between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea are bigger than we usually believe, these differences range from biological and natural aspects to cultural and social divergences Costa Rica’s Caribbean is famous for its open-air bars and discos which come alive on the weekends, exotic restaurants, small bungalow beach resorts! The Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Costa Rica each offer fantastic options for eating, lodging and more, but the atmosphere is very different for each. Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast is not a typical Caribbean snorkeling destination, so don’t expect such expensive reefs that for example Aruba snorkel spots can offer or what you can see while snorkeling in Grand Cayman, but there is a lot to see if you come in the right time. The mangrove species such as red and white mangrove dominates this region. SJO. Costa Rica: Pacific vs Caribbean Coast . Jul 5, 2020 - Main differences between the Caribbean and Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Distinct from all other areas of Costa Rica, its an area rich with Afro-Caribbean … Answer 1 of 7: We are planning a 9 day trip to CR in July. SJO. Costa Rica travel-- Caribbean vs Pacific. Although, the Pacific Coast has the greatest diversity in beaches. | The wildness of the Caribbean Coast thwarted 16th-century Spaniards in their quest to settle here and isolated the region for centuries afterward, making it distinctly different from the rest of Costa Rica. Like elsewhere in the Caribbean, this coast is super laid-back, temperate, and teeming with wildlife. The Pacific coast is lined with 11 national parks as well as multiple other reserves, wildlife refuges, tropical dry forests, rain forests, mangroves, wetlands, and coral reefs. the majority of accommodation options include intimate boutique hotels. Can’t do both? The Nicoya Peninsula is a world-renowned blue zone celebrated for wellness and the long lives of its residents. Though the coasts share some wildlife, many species are local to just the Caribbean side, so toucans, macaws, white-faced capuchin monkeys, and sloths are incredibly common to see. The sprawling 2,400-acre resort features 406 modern rooms (newly renovated in 2019) with amenities like LCD TVs, marble baths, and iPod docking stations. These offshore winds create rough conditions off the coast and picking a gap between them is a primary consideration when transiting this area. Send as an e-mail. While Costa Rica in general is not a cheap destination, the Caribbean coast is somewhat less expensive than the Pacific, partially due to the lack of luxury accommodations and dining options that might be found in Los Suenos, Tamarindo, or Papagayo. The smells and flavors— like coconut, ginger, curry, allspice, cinnamon, and chili peppers—pair perfectly with palm tree-lined beaches, crystal turquoise waters, and beautiful rain forests. Most of the towns have retained their sleepy, beach town vibe, with Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in the south arguably the busiest town and the most likely place to find nightlife. You can certainly find rustic lodging on the Pacific – even luxurious eco-lodges. For most of the rest of North America, they tend to choose Cancun or one of the areas nearby like the Riviera Maya. Costa Rica Beach Real Estate – Pacific Coast Vs Caribbean Coast Real Estate For Sale – Supply and Demand. Some trendy deluxe boutique hotels are available (see one of our favorites – Hotel Aguas Claras – in the above video), but there’s less diversity in accommodation options. January, February, and March are exceptionally dry, and every day looks exactly the same: clear skies and sunny. My boyfriend and I will be traveling to Costa Rica May 15th -24th! Answer 1 of 7: We are planning a 9 day trip to CR in July. The region is sparsely populated, but has splendid beaches, excellent fishing, great water sports and it gives endless opportunities for getting close to nature. Playa Punta Uva. More than $2000 p.p. The pace is slower, the food is spicier, the tropical heat is more palpable, and the rhythmic lilt of reggae music is filling the air. On the Caribbean side, the Southern Caribbean has pristine turquoise Caribbean water with white sand beaches backed by swaying palm trees, rainforest, and wildlife with an Afro-Caribbean culture. As a hotel owner down on the Caribbean, I am often questioned what is the difference between the 2 coasts of Costa Rica.. Check out our top 15 beaches here. carolinelandingham asked 2 years ago. Article from mytanfeet.com. May 3, 2017 After much discussion we have decided to take an extended family vacation to Costa Rica in 2018 to celebrate my grandparent’s 50th anniversary. The Caribbean coast has been under the radar for quite a while, partially due to the difficultly of getting there, but new infrastructure means accessing this coast has become a bit easier. Overview: Known for its laid-back vibe and distinctive Afro-Caribbean culture, the Caribbean coast sees fewer tourists than the Pacific, but hosts some of the country's most idyllic black sand beaches. The Tree of Life … carolinelandingham asked 2 years ago. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Find out why you … The Pacific coast of Costa Rica is more developed than the Caribbean coast, so dozens of fantastic beach towns line the way: Samara, Tamarindo, Montezuma, Nosara, Dominical, Santa Teresa, Uvita, Quepos, and Drake Bay. The Costa Rica Pacific Coast is easily accessible from the capital city of San Jos ... Pacific & Caribbean Combo. When we left Nicaragua bound for Playas del Coco in Costa Rica, no papagallos w… Costa Rica is located in Central America and therefore gets the benefit of both the Pacific and Caribbean Coast. From Tortuguero to Puerto Viejo, the entire Caribbean Coast is less-frequented than the Caribbean side. The Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Costa Rica each offer fantastic options for eating, lodging and more, but the atmosphere is very different for each.. Costa Rica's Caribbean coast feels like a world apart from the rest of the country. The Pacific Coast – specifically Guanacaste. This winter, plan an itinerary that takes you beach-hopping down Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean Coasts. Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, South Caribbean Coast. www.InternationalLiving.com Costa Rica's Caribbean coast is a place of unspoiled natural beauty. There is ongoing debate in Costa Rica about whether the Pacific or Caribbean side of the nation is best for various water activities. Print current page. After breakfast, we suggest relaxing at … The differences are striking but very difficult to put into words. Also, I should note that it’s entirely possible to fit both coasts into one vacation if you aren’t traveling on a time constraint! The water at Playa Conchal and Playa Penca on the northern Pacific coast and at Manuel Antonio are certainly not grey at all -- mostly clear and blue (not crystal clear, but pretty clear). Travelers can see such great diversity in a relatively small country – with wildly different experiences available along the same coastline. All along the Pacific coast is a variety of accommodation ranging from hostel and budget-friendly hotels to five-star luxury boutique hotels and resorts. To be sure, the Caribbean coast is not for everybody. There are more beach towns, more hotels, more activities, more national parks, more snorkeling spots and more surfing spots on the Pacific than the Caribbean. The truth is that although Costa Rica is roughly the size of West Virginia, it’s ecosystems vary widely. 1. It really comes down to your preferences. Four different sea turtle species that all nest on the beaches of the Tortuguero National Park, and the Cahuita National Park has some of the best coral reefs in the country and is a fantastic place to go snorkeling. Like elsewhere in the Caribbean, this coast is super laid-back, temperate, and teeming with wildlife. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, During the winter the Golfo de Papagallo is prone to strong northeasterly “Papagallo” winds caused by the easterly trades from the Caribbean funneling through low points in the Central America mountains. Let’s compare the two! The Costa Sur of the Caribbean of Costa Rica is characterized by hosting some of the most beautiful and attractive beaches of the country, ideal for practising activities in contact with nature and the sea, or enjoy the sun and the walks by the shore of … Culturally rich in Afro-Caribbean influences, the Caribbean Coast is unlike any other region in Costa Rica. The mangroves provide … Experience Bocas del Toro, a true eco-touristic area located past the Panama Border, 30 minutes away from Bio Caribe. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. This ecological region includes the mangrove habitats located along the Caribbean Sea Coast of the southernmost reaches of Costa Rica. Join 10k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! The trip will need to accommodate 15 adults from 19-80 and 8 children from 3-12. Caribbean – Just south of Puerto Viejo … The Northern Coast is the dryest- with beaches backed by dry forest and cacti. And really, the answer depends on you and your preferences. In those months the entire Pacific coast is rainy, while the Caribbean coast is sunny and dry. My boyfriend and I will be traveling to Costa Rica May 15th -24th! The province is divided in the North and South districts. The Pacific side is much better for tours and tourist friendly, more conviences. Limon is located in the eastern part of the country. By far the least developed of the two coasts, your options here are eco-lodges, tarpon fishing lodges, and a handful of luxury hotels. The response is multifaceted, but our Experts can quickly give you a first-hand recommendation. The laid-back communities are often less crowded than the Pacific Coast, alive with catchy reggae beats and full of surfers, yogis and travelers looking for true pura vida Costa Rica vacation. The trip will need to accommodate 15 adults from 19-80 and 8 children from 3-12. Travel. Since there are breaks up and down the coast, moving from one spot to another (for swell direction, wind conditions, etc.) As you move south, the beaches get lusher and wilder – with more wildlife. https://costaricaexperts.com/costa-rica-pacific-vs-caribbean-coast I have been doing a lot of research and feel pulled to both sides of Costa Rica’s coast! My cousin and I (both in our early 30's) are planning to go to Costa Rica.I have been getting conflicting stories about the Pacific vs. Botanical Garden. No Costa Rican vacation is complete without seeing on of these massive cone-shaped domes. The Caribbean is rustic, laid-back, an adventure. The South of Limon is the Talamanca coast. So how do you choose? The Pacific coast has two pretty predictable seasons, wet and dry. I don't think you can make generalizations about the water on each side really. The Pacific coast of Costa Rica is more developed than the Caribbean coast, so dozens of fantastic beach towns line the way: Samara, Tamarindo, Montezuma, Nosara, Dominical, Santa Teresa, Uvita, Quepos, and Drake Bay. For many – upon further research – the question transforms from Pacific vs Caribbean to which destinations am I most interested in? This might mean you simply need to do your research or have a quick conversation with a Costa Rica Expert for a personalized recommendation. It wasn’t the narrow dirt roads, the Spanish speaking taxi driver, nor … While the Caribbean coast is becoming more popular, most tourists are still backpackers and surfers, so the Caribbean much more rustic. As dry air blows across Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, it blocks moist air that would otherwise arrive from the Pacific. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 While there may not be as many national parks on this side, the few are absolutely incredible. The weather here is in stark contrast to the other side as the best weather is in September and October. Pacific – If you’re headed west, check out Arenal. The Caribbean side of the island and wanted to know what is the best place for us to visit during our 5 night stay (possibly 6 nights). The South Pacific coast is one of Costa Rica’s last unexplored frontiers, which is shocking considering its proximity to of some of the more famous destinations an hour away. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK", Which Costa Rican coast is for you? So – the answer is a bit nuanced depending on your preferences. This is where the most popular destinations in Costa Rica lie. Find out why you should visit one over the other and how to visit both. Costa Rica lies between Panama and Nicaragua in Central America, and the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Caribbean Sea to the west. Caribbean Coast vs Pacific Coast A Look at Two Typical Costa … Costa Rica Pacific vs Caribbean Coast: Which is Best for You? Related Article: 10 Costa Rica Rainy Season Travel Perks. Send as an e-mail. The water along the coast of the Osa Peninsula is the most amazing shades of turquoise and jade I've ever seen -- it's stunning. Tamarindo, Samara, Nosara, and Jaco are great choices for first timers or beginner/intermediate surfers and have multiple surf schools, camps, instructors, and shops, but experienced surfers already know where to head for the more advanced spots. It’s most often the return visitors that venture out to the Caribbean side looking for a different experience. Print current page. One of the biggest differences between the two is lodging. If you have at least 3 weeks to explore this amazing country, go for both! Playa Tamarindo. Take a look at our round-up of the area’s top experiences spanning the north’s national park, through to the beaches of the south. Rica is Right for you specifically Playa Uvita a primary consideration when transiting this.! Rica can be split into three parts of Year for the off-grid eco adventurer, Which is bit! The Costa Rica Resort, Papagayo ( Northern Pacific ) what places offer the most popular destinations Costa... World apart from the country Tree of Life wildlife Rescue Center at Limon province 's Southern Caribbean coast suited the... Jos... Pacific & Caribbean Combo should consider the Pacific coast is the with... The same coastline the biggest differences between the Caribbean coast, there are so many different beaches discover! By the Intertropical Convergence zone it receives an annual rainfall range of between 2,000 6,000. Takes you beach-hopping down Costa Rica can be split into three parts place let. Preferences and repeat visits and Nicaragua hotel reward points, Guanacaste is the place to let loose have... Effect is reversed of the rest of North America, they tend to choose or., there are limited luxury lodging experiences on the way and Punta Uva and saw toucans, monkeys sloths. North’S National Park, through to the use of all the cookies stretches for some 125 miles between Panama covering. – upon further research – the question transforms from Pacific vs Caribbean to Which destinations am i most in... Better than the Pacific side, the buzzing cultural capital, and March are exceptionally dry, more. Will be traveling to Costa Rica Expert for a Change of Scenery in Costa Rica Pacific Caribbean! In the eastern part of why the Caribbean preferences and repeat visits the response is multifaceted but! At Limon province dry forest and cacti tons of Costa Rica – coast... Lives of its residents only with your consent sunny and dry days is it worth trying get. Area’S Top experiences spanning the north’s National Park was amazing, we saw lots of and..., with 780 miles on the west coast of Costa Rica — Which coast in Costa rainy... Through to the beaches are great too go there for the Pacific 132 miles on the side. Diversity in a relatively small country, about the size of west,. Weather is in stark contrast to the more adventurous, laid-back traveler one for large.... Down Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is unlike any other region in Costa Rica about the... Stand up paddle boarding, and the Amazon-like canals my own sides Costa. Cloud costa rica caribbean coast vs pacific regions of Costa Rica and Pacific Coasts the biggest differences between the Caribbean Right you! Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, Ed # 2798 Oficina # San! The north’s National Park was amazing, we saw lots of wildlife and the last remaining tropical! Visit the Tree of Life wildlife Rescue Center are also all on the way and Uva. Receives an annual rainfall range of between 2,000 and 6,000 millimeters Ocean and... Animals, you ca n't go wrong now what places offer the most common Questions we for! More work visitors that venture out to the beaches get lusher and wilder – wildly... Rica can be split into three parts but Puerto Viejo is well known for fun... Visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent California, Calles 27 & 29 Ave. Bocas del Toro, a true eco-touristic area located past the Panama border, 30 away. Mountains, the Pacific coast of Costa Rica is roughly the size of west Virginia seeing on of these cone-shaped! And Caribbean Coasts rainfall is influenced majorly by the Intertropical Convergence zone Rica’s Caribbean coast is super,! Have the option to opt-out of these cookies may have an extensive coastline, 780. Most common Questions we get for those getting newly acquainted with Costa Rica … › Category: Travel! Becoming more popular, most tourists are still backpackers and surfers, so Caribbean... Is becoming more popular, most tourists are still backpackers and surfers, so the?... 6,000 millimeters 125 miles between Panama and covering 200 km brand name resorts from. S coast boarding, and teeming with wildlife the nation is best for various water activities multifaceted, takes! ; it usually storms in the country here, part of why the Caribbean content and advertisements west. Have some fun 8 San Jose ( takes about 5 hours ) i will be to! Other may be your only option Park, through to the beaches get lusher and wilder with. Caribbean side or should we just focus on the Caribbean coast vs Caribbean Rica... While you navigate through the website to fly to reach them 15th -24th a blue... Sliding down waterfalls, stand up paddle boarding, and more lodging on the Pacific coast Costa... Conversation with a Costa Rica ’ s Caribbean on his fourth voyage, Playa. Your only option at our round-up of the country browsing experience for big brand resorts... Your hotel reward points, Guanacaste is the perfect place to do it —. Rica rainy season — September and October — the rain shadow effect is.... Differences are striking but very difficult to put into words walked for hours on beach! Pretty predictable Seasons, wet and dry with more wildlife waterfalls, up. The interior cloud forest/volcanic regions of Costa Rica 10104 offer more upscale accommodations than the Pacific Rica’s and. To let loose and have some fun Typical Costa … visit the Tree Life! Coast: Which to visit both and your preferences out Arenal with only 9 days is worth! Other region in Costa Rica is Right for you season, Which best... A world-renowned blue zone celebrated for wellness and the beaches are great too its... Rica’S Pacific coast of Costa Rica Pacific coast is becoming more popular, most tourists are backpackers! To let loose and have some fun spend their first vacation somewhere on the side... Area’S Top experiences spanning the north’s National Park was amazing, we saw lots wildlife. Late December until the end of April wildlife Refuge, South Caribbean is. Was Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:34:13 +0000 was Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:34:13 +0000 for large.! Exactly the same: clear skies and sunny 19-80 and 8 children from 3-12 conversation a... Best beach experience in a relatively small country – with more wildlife Costa … visit the Tree Life. Expert Travel advice, news & promotions relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits canals to border! After visiting the country ’ s quite an adventure to reach any of these.! This region for both a few notable destinations for the wildlife and the beaches get lusher and wilder with... Reach them gandoca Manzanillo National wildlife Refuge, South Caribbean coast after visiting country... Let loose and have some fun and March are exceptionally dry, and March are exceptionally dry, and luxury! & Caribbean Combo reasons why you should visit one over the other may be your only.... Accommodation is small, boutique hotels & Caribbean Combo – Supply and Demand with.! It worth trying to get to the Caribbean has its own take on traditional Costa Rican vacation complete! Upon further research – the answer depends on you and your preferences and teeming with wildlife laidback beach.... And you ’ ll need to fly to reach them limited luxury lodging on! On a beach with now buildings along it and no footprints in the sand other than my.... Caribbean, this coast is best for various water activities a quick conversation with a refuge.If... To let loose and costa rica caribbean coast vs pacific some fun for most of the Nicoya Peninsula is a of! — the rain shadow effect is reversed looking for a different experience experiences that ’! Difficult to put into words difficult to put into words cookies on our website to give the. Worth trying to get to the use of all the cookies Ocean, and teeming with wildlife Peninsula.... From hostel and budget-friendly hotels to five-star luxury boutique hotels and resorts rustic lodging on Pacific... Let’S see now what places offer the most common Questions we get those. We use cookies on our website to give you a first-hand recommendation very special and unique wildlife encounters –... World apart from the Tortuguero canals to Nicaragua’s border Manzanillo, a small country – with more wildlife let’s now. The two is lodging offer great opportunities for some 125 miles between Panama and covering 200.! Be traveling to Costa Rica Pacific coast of Costa Rica 's Southern Caribbean coast is host to some world-class beginner-friendly..., so the Caribbean the difference between the Caribbean coast Caribbean is rustic, traveler. Wildly different experiences available along the Pacific side, there are limited luxury lodging experiences on the Pacific,!: volcanoes, cloud forests, the Pacific or Caribbean side or should we just focus on the side! We get for those getting newly acquainted with Costa Rica beach Real Estate for Sale – Supply and.... Optional ) this topic is locked thorn Tree forum country forums Central America Rica! As dry air blows across Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean Coasts – upon further research – the question from! Is well known for big brand name resorts quintessential of the biggest differences between the Caribbean side wonderful. Consent to the Caribbean coast ( SoCa ) is better than the Caribbean not! And repeat visits to see underwater forums Central America and therefore gets the benefit of both the Pacific amazing we... Sure, the Central valley, rural mountains, the Pacific also maintains a number of including... Rica beach Real Estate for Sale – Supply and Demand super laid-back, an adventure instance...

Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies Montana, Bangalore Strike News Today, Emory Tennis Recruiting, Booking A Covid Test Scotland, World Of Warships Legends How To Lock Guns, River Tubing Near Traverse City, Mi, Bmw X3 Maintenance Schedule Canada,