Hola! Debi here, and I just returned from a Travel Advisor education & research trip to Costa Rica. What an amazing nine days! It’s a beautiful country full of adventure, stunning views, kind people, fun and upscale hotels, and great beaches. I’m frequently asked which side of the country has the best beaches. “Which is the best beach town in Costa Rica? Is it Santa Teresa or Tamarindo on the Pacific Ocean, or Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean Sea?” This trip focused on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, and I’ve been to the Pacific side in previous trips, so I’ll attempt to answer the question today.
Caribbean or Pacific Side?
Choosing between the two coasts is not easy. Both are amazing, and I loved exploring the Caribbean Coast during this trip. The Southern portion of the Caribbean Coast is an excellent choice for those looking for a bit of fun under the sun and getting off the beaten path. The Northern portion is still underdeveloped and has very few places where tourists can stay (we did stay in Tortuguero National Park, and I’ll share more about that in the next blog). So, the answer really depends on various factors such as budget, climate expectations, time of the year, and interests.
If you go by what the locals say (and several of our tour guides who had moved to eastern Costa Rica from other parts of the country), the Caribbean coast wins. Well-traveled Costa Ricans love to visit the area south of Limon with its most famous beach towns of Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, and Manzanillo. It is less crowded, not as expensive, and known for its great food scene. It has a very laid-back, surfer-town feel.
However, the Pacific side (Guanacaste, Puntarenas, and the Central Pacific) has more choices of boutique hotels, restaurants, and national parks. It is significantly more developed in its tourism infrastructure. But the Southern Caribbean coast arguably has more quirky charm, and no restaurant franchises or all-inclusive hotel brands have arrived in this part of the country.
Wildlife Viewing on the Pacific and Caribbean
The Osa Peninsula in southwest Costa Rica is the clear winner in terms of wildlife viewing. But the Caribbean Coast comes in as a close second. You are almost guaranteed to see a sloth – or many. You might see the rare green macaw and, of course, monkeys and sea turtles if you head a bit further north towards Tortuguero. And the snorkeling on the reef of Cahuita National Park is among the best in the country.
Food in Costa Rica
The food on the Caribbean Coast is so fresh, flavorful, and local. Fruit and fresh vegetables are plentiful, and an afternoon coconut water straight from the shell is easy to come by. The seafood, steak, and chicken dishes are delicious. Satisfying and healthy plant-based options abound. Spices like coconut, ginger, curry, allspice, cinnamon, and chili peppers are regular features of local dishes.
The ceviche (left) was caught, fileted, and served in a freshly cut coconut.
Weather in Costa Rica
Costa Rican weather is a complex topic. I recommend not worrying too much and planning on at least some rain. The rainy season ‘reversed’ on the two Coasts of Costa Rica. When it is the wettest on the Pacific Coast from late August to early November, it is “summer” and dryer on the Caribbean Coast. And January is one of the wettest months on the Caribbean coast, which is a dry season month on the Pacific Coast.
But with today’s increasingly unpredictable climate, expect sun, rain, and everything in between every day on both coasts. The good news is that it is always nice and warm, and when it rains, it usually does not rain all day but just for a few hours.
We had a few days with rain, but it only interfered with one activity (canyoning in the rainforest) and the other times we just waited it out over a beer or kept playing in the rain!
Hurricanes are uncommon in Costa Rica, and the beaches get less sargassum than other parts of the Caribbean Sea.
Decide for Yourself Which Side You Prefer!
My recommendation? Visit both coasts on your next trip to Costa Rica! You watch the sunrise on the Caribbean Coast and have breakfast, take a 40-minute flight, and then have sunset cocktails overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The logistics can get complicated, so let me help you plan a fantastic beach vacation to Costa Rica – or anywhere else! Reach out today to get started.