Welcome to this blog post on “Resorts in Costa Rica On The Caribbean Side.” Costa Rica's Caribbean coast is perfect for families, solo travelers, and couples, with resorts spread throughout the region, close to natural attractions and national parks. Tortuguero National Park is a must-see for turtle watching and the Southern coast is ideal for fun-seekers.
The Caribbean side is renowned for open-air bars, clubs, restaurants serving local and international cuisine, and many beach hotels. Cahuita National Park is the best spot for scuba diving due to the stunning coral reef.
Manzanillo Beach has a long stretch of sand where the jungle meets the ocean, and wildlife sightings are common. The most popular attractions are Puerto Viejo, Manzanillo, Tortuguero, and Cahuita, while deeper in the jungle are more secluded spots.
While not as luxurious as those in Guanacaste, the resorts on the Caribbean coast offer unique experiences and close proximity to tourist attractions.
This article provides a list of the 12 most Beautiful Resorts in Costa Rica on the Caribbean Side with top-notch services and excellent amenities.
But before we proceed, why not check out our previous post on Honeymoon Resorts in Costa Rica. I believe you will find it interesting.
Read also: 16 Best Swimming Beaches In Costa Rica
Resorts in Costa Rica on the Caribbean Side
Discover the 22 most beautiful resorts on Costa Rica's Caribbean side.
Hotel Le Cameleon
Hotel Le Cameleon is a hotel located in the charming town of Puerto Viejo on the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. It's one of the most colorful hotels in Caribbean Costa Rica.
This vibrant hotel is a member of the world-renowned brand Small Luxury Hotels of the World. This hotel provides a peaceful and serene retreat in this part of the country.
The hotel features a stunning outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, and a cozy bar, all adorned in the rustic atmosphere of the Caribbean. The hotel is located just a few steps from Playa Cocles Beach, providing guests with a plethora of activities to choose from, including snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and paddleboarding, among others.
Hotel Le Cameleon is a beautiful and secluded resort located close to the stunning Chiquita beach. With only 23 rooms available, this resort is a peaceful retreat on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.
Each room is fully equipped with air conditioning, a large TV with cable, a DVD and CD player, a massage shower, high-quality toiletries, and a balcony with a view of the sea.
For the ultimate luxury, the Le Cameleon Suite is the best option. Located on the second floor of the building, this suite is adorned with wood ceilings, an additional half-bedroom, and an extra TV. The large bathroom overlooks the beautiful garden.
Almonds and Corals Lodge
Almonds and Corals is a resort that is situated in the heart of the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, providing guests with the much-needed tranquility and serenity to relax in the midst of nature.
The resort is designed in such a way that you get to experience the uniqueness of staying in the middle of a forest with all the necessary luxuries to make your holiday an unforgettable one.
Almonds and Corals offers a one-of-a-kind experience that combines the features of a boutique hotel, a safari camp, and a beach resort. The resort's Tent Camp is situated near the ocean on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, and it provides a special opportunity for nature lovers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the region.
At Almonds and Corals, you can enjoy a stunning open-air restaurant located under the trees, with a view of the ocean. A gorgeous sandy beach with umbrellas awaits you, along with a wide range of activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding, hiking, and biking.
In the midst of the dense jungle, you'll find the 24 bungalows, which are also known as tree houses. They are connected by boardwalks that are lighted with kerosene lamps and protected by a peaked roof. Every bungalow features electric lamps, a private bathroom with a shower, fans, hammocks, a sofa, and toiletries for your convenience.
Suizo Loco Lodge
Still on the resorts in Costa Rica on the Caribbean side. The Suizo Loco Lodge is a luxurious hotel in Cahuita that boasts a stunning, huge pool surrounded by exotic plants and wildlife.
Situated near Cahuita National Park and a variety of stunning Caribbean beaches, the location is perfect for nature enthusiasts and beachgoers.
The spacious bathrooms feature solar heated water, making it an eco-friendly choice that contributes to conserving the natural beauty of the area.
Read also: 19 Best Family Friendly Resorts in Costa Rica
Hotel Aguas Claras
Hotel Aguas Claras is a lovely boutique hotel that draws inspiration from the design of a banana plantation house. It can be found in a secluded area on the Caribbean coast's Chiquita Beach. The hotel focuses on providing a peaceful and calm environment, catering only to adults and children over the age of 12.
It offers a rare feature in this area, an outdoor swimming pool, as well as a yoga instructor, and an attractive beach just a short walk away from the hotel.
The Papaya is the restaurant located within the premises of the hotel and it serves lunch and dinner daily. The food served is made from locally sourced products.
The hotel offers a variety of accommodations including suites, bungalows and a private villa that can accommodate up to 10 people.
The suites are located in the Pavlova Sweets building, a Victorian row house situated close to the restaurant and pool area.
Each of the suites at Hotel Aguas Claras is designed with comfort in mind, complete with a minibar, a small living room table, an open-air shower, a semi-open terrace, a sofa, and a desk.
The bungalows, on the other hand, are furnished with recycled wood and are tucked away in the middle of the lush forest, providing guests with an authentic nature experience.
For larger groups, the private villa, which spans two floors, can accommodate up to 10 people. While there is no spa or fitness center on the property, guests can engage in a wide range of outdoor activities during their stay.
And with a pool on the property, guests can enjoy a relaxing morning before heading to the beach for an exciting afternoon.
Villas Del Caribe
If you want to stay in a hotel that's right on the beach, where you can step out of your room and onto the soft sand, then Villas del Caribe in Puerto Viejo is the perfect choice.
Each of the rooms in the hotel has a balcony or terrace, offering stunning views of the ocean.
The rooms come equipped with a comfortable king size bed, private bathroom, and hot water for your convenience.
Atlantida Lodge Cahuita
Atlantida lodge Cahuita is situated right on the beach in Cahuita and is surrounded by lush gardens, creating a serene and peaceful environment.
You can fully immerse yourself in the laid back Caribbean atmosphere and unwind to your heart's content. The lodge's gardens are home to a variety of colorful frog species, providing a unique opportunity to observe the local wildlife.
Guests can also stay active with the lodge's small outdoor gym.
Read also: 10 Best Resorts in Costa Rica for Couples
Hotel Banana Azul
Hotel Banana Azul is a lovely and cozy hotel situated near the untamed coastline of the Caribbean in Costa Rica. There are several gorgeous beaches around the town of Puerto Viejo that are in close proximity to the hotel. With so many choices, you can easily visit a new beach each day during your stay, making your vacation exciting and fulfilling.
This resort is designed to be eco-friendly, with a lush and exotic garden that is surrounded by dense vegetation. The resort offers many hammocks, which are hidden between the trees, and are a perfect place to relax and unwind.
You can choose to spend your day lounging in the hammocks or exploring the nearby area, which is full of natural attractions and beautiful scenery.
For those who prefer adventure, there are several nearby attractions and natural wonders to explore, such as Cahuita National Park, whale and dolphin watching tours, zip-lining, and other guided jungle tours.
One of the highlights of this resort is its new outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, perfect for a refreshing dip after a long day of exploring. The hotel also has a fantastic restaurant that serves organic food, offering a delicious dining experience for guests.
The menu is influenced by Caribbean cuisine and provides a wide variety of dishes to choose from.
The hotel features only 12 rooms, and each of them is equipped with a private bathroom that has toiletries, a ceiling fan, and Wi-Fi access. The rooms on the second floor open to a beautiful veranda that offers an incredible view of the ocean.
Manatus Hotel
Manatus Hotel is an exceptional property situated close to Tortuguero National Park, surrounded by several eco-lodges and environmentally friendly guesthouses. The hotel stands out with its top-notch accommodations and services. In addition to the standard spa, fitness center, restaurants, and bars, the property also boasts an art gallery, beauty center, and an incredible outdoor pool.
The hotel is located in one of the most untamed and wild areas of Costa Rica, and visitors may require a boat or plane to reach the nearby national reserve.
The limited access to the area surrounding Tortuguero National Park has an advantage – it's still very much wild and home to numerous species of animals. You'll be able to see jaguars, toucans, monkeys, sloths, and other animals as they roam around freely without any fear.
You'll also have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of creatures that inhabit the jungle, including frogs, snakes, and butterflies. From July to October, you can witness the amazing spectacle of the gentle Green turtle laying its eggs.
Manatus Hotel offers tourists 1, 2, or 3-day packages that include meals (excluding beverages), accommodation, a village tour, and one of two canal tours, depending on the length of your stay. The on-site restaurant, Ara, serves a variety of local dishes, and can also accommodate international cuisine upon request.
The property also features an art gallery, where you can enjoy the works of national artist Marcela Crespo Gallepos and purchase her art. The hotel has a limited capacity with only 12 rooms, each of which is furnished with a mini-fridge, an outdoor shower, a satellite TV, a balcony with stunning views, and reliable Wi-Fi.
However, the hotel does not provide transportation services to or from the airport, so you'll need to make your own arrangements. Keep in mind that the hotel is only reachable by boat, and it's recommended that you book your boat ride in advance, particularly during peak seasons.
Hotel Azania Bungalows
Azania Bungalows is a budget-friendly lodge situated right opposite the stunning Cocles Beach, which is well-known for its cleanliness, and has been awarded the Costa Rican Government Blue Flag Award. You can enjoy a free-form pool and jacuzzi, surrounded by mesmerizing tropical gardens.
The cozy thatched-roof bungalows, which are rustic but comfortable, come with a front porch featuring a hammock. The property is surrounded by rainforest and tropical gardens, which enhance the atmosphere of the poolside lounge area.
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ou can spend your days relaxing in the pool, lounging on your porch or hammock, or enjoying the beach. However, if you're feeling more adventurous, there are plenty of activities available in the area, which we encourage you to explore.
So, if you're looking for a unique and affordable experience on the Costa Rican Caribbean, the Azania Bungalows package is perfect for you!
Read also: 15 Best Things To Do In Costa Rica
Hotel Escape Caribeno
Escape Caribeno is a charming hotel located in the popular town of Puerto Viejo. The hotel features 14 cozy Caribbean-style bungalows, with two of them located right on the beach.
The location is ideal for surfers as it provides quick and easy access to the world-renowned Salsa Brava beach, known for its amazing waves.
So, whether you're a pro surfer or just looking to catch some waves, Hotel Escape Caribeno is the perfect place for a fun and relaxing vacation on the beautiful Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.
Cariblue Beach and Jungle Resort
The Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort is a charming lodge situated right across the street from the beautiful Playa Cocles. It is enveloped by lush jungle and towering trees, with tropical gardens dotted around common areas.
The gardens enclose the freeform swimming pool and lounge area, providing a perfect spot to relax and unwind. Wildlife is plentiful and with the Caribbean just a few steps away, you'll always have something to do!
Hotel Cariblue is an excellent starting point for your Caribbean vacation, with activities ranging from bird watching to surfing.
Mawamba Lodge
Mawamba Lodge is a stunning hotel located on a sandbar between the Tortuguero Canals and the Caribbean ocean.
It offers some of the most spectacular views of the Tortuguero lagoon, and the surrounding area is teeming with exotic wildlife that can be easily spotted from the lodge.
The lodge is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful hotels in Tortuguero, making it the perfect place for those who want to experience the beauty of the Costa Rican Caribbean.
Read also: The Most Romantic Resorts in Costa Rica for a Secluded Getaway
The Caribbean side of Costa Rica offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration for travelers looking to soak up the sun and discover the area's natural beauty. It's a great destination to visit from September to October, despite the rainy season.
All of the hotels on my list are known for their spectacular locations, exceptional services, and excellent amenities.
Don't miss out on a chance to experience this exotic paradise and plan your next vacation today. There are numerous exciting activities and sights to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions on Resorts in Costa Rica on the Caribbean Side
1. Is the Caribbean side of Costa Rica worth visiting?
According to the locals, the Caribbean coast is the winner when it comes to the best places to visit in Costa Rica. Even well-traveled Costa Ricans love to go to the area south of Limon, where the famous beach towns of Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, and Manzanillo are located.
This area is less crowded and not as expensive as other popular tourist destinations. It is also known for its great food scene, which is a must-try for anyone who visits the region.
2. Can you stay on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica?
If you're a fan of quiet beaches, warm waters, and lush jungle scenery, all blended with a laid-back Caribbean vibe, then you should definitely visit the Costa Rica Caribbean side. You can stay for a while and enjoy the breathtaking tropical wildlife, while experiencing the local culture that is alive and well in the area.
The people there have a phrase called “Pura Vida,” which means pure life, and it perfectly encapsulates the laid-back and happy atmosphere of the Caribbean side of Costa Rica.
3. Where should I stay on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica?
If you're interested in exploring the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, our experts recommend two destinations. The first is Tortuguero, which is known for the groves of turtles that come to the northern coast annually to nest.
The second destination is the South Caribbean Coast, which is perfect for those who are looking for some fun under the sun in a less touristy area. Both places offer unique experiences for travelers who want to explore the beauty of Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast.
4. What beach is on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica?
The best beaches on the Costa Rica's Southern Caribbean, are Cahuita, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cocles, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo. These beaches are perfect for various activities like swimming, horseback riding, hiking, and just enjoying some peaceful beach time.
5. Which side of Costa Rica is better?
Most travelers who visit Costa Rica tend to believe that the Pacific side of the country is the better coast to visit. The remote Osa Peninsula, the monkey-filled area of Manuel Antonio, the surfing near Santa Theres, and the touristy Nicoya coast all make it the more favorable choice.
6. What should I bring to the Southern Caribbean?
Beachwear!
7. What’s the Caribbean known for?
The Caribbean region of Costa Rica is known for its unique food, culture, and stunning beaches. In particular, the area is famous for its delicious Caribbean cuisine.
8. What is the best time of year to visit the Caribbean side of Costa Rica?
The best time to plan your visit to Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is dry and the sunshine is in full bloom. However, we'd also like to recommend traveling during the country's green season, which takes place between May to June or in November.
During this time, you can enjoy the lush greenery that Costa Rica is known for, as the rainfall nourishes the vegetation and creates stunning natural landscapes. Traveling during these periods can be a great way to experience the beauty and diversity of Costa Rica's environment and climate throughout the year.
9. What is the climate like on the Southern Caribbean?
The southern region of Costa Rica experiences less rainfall than the northern areas. The dry season typically runs from January to May, with the driest months being September and October. The wettest months are November and December, with June and July also experiencing some rainfall.
10. What’s the average temperature on the Southern Caribbean?
The average high temperature is 87 degrees Fahrenheit.
11. What airport is closest to Caribbean side of Costa Rica?
For the Caribbean, Central Pacific and all of southern Costa Rica, SJO airport is the best choice. On the other hand, if your destination is the beautiful beaches of Guanacaste, then flying into LIR airport will be more convenient.
12. What parts of Costa Rica are Caribbean?
The Limon province represents Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, extending from the country's border with Nicaragua to the border with Panama, and encompassing an area that spans around 200 km.
The province is divided into two main districts: North and South Limon. North Limon includes the region between the Tortuguero Canals and the border with Nicaragua. The South of Limon is known as the Talamanca coast, and it's an area with its own unique charm and culture.
13. What is there to do on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica?
There are several attractions on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. You can visit Cahuita National Park, Punta Uva Beach, Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, Great Food & Culture, Sloth Sanctuary and Puerto Viejo.
Some fun things to do in the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica include Surfing, Swimming, Snorkeling and Scuba Diving and Hiking.
14. Where is Puerto Viejo?
Puerto Viejo is a town located on the Southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica in the Limon Province. To get there, you can take the eastbound Rt. 32 from San Jose. When you arrive in the city of Limon, head south on Rt. 36 along the coast until you reach Puerto Viejo.
15. Is there a lot of crime in the Caribbean?
Unfortunately, there is a higher incidence of crime in the Southern Caribbean area compared to many other popular tourist destinations on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
Most crimes are avoidable by keeping valuable items locked away in hotel safes, refraining from displaying cash in public, and avoiding walking or biking alone in poorly lit or unlit areas. It is not recommended to carry expensive cameras or any other possessions that could make you an easy target. It is important to never leave any valuable items unattended on the beach.
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