The 6 Best Beaches Near Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Are you looking for the best beaches in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica?

This vibrant and eclectic town on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is known for its Afro-Caribbean culture, lush jungles, and pristine beaches.

Puerto Viejo is a paradise for those seeking a laid-back vibe as well as surfers. Yes, this area is known as one of the best surfing destinations in the country!

We created this guide to fill you in on the best beaches, share the best beachfront hotels and restaurants, give you all the must-know info on safety, fill you in on the surfing conditions, tell you what you should pack, and more. Let’s get to it!

Map of Beaches in Puerto Viejo

You can also open this map in Google Maps here

Playa Cocles

Playa Cocles is one of Puerto Viejo’s most popular beaches. It is known for its golden sand, lively surf, and vibrant atmosphere. It’s perfect for both relaxation and water sports.

The name “Cocles” refers to a type of small mollusk found in the region. These mollusks were once abundant along the shoreline, but unfortunately, there are no longer many of them.

Location and Parking

This beach is located about 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) southeast of Puerto Viejo.

It is accessible via the main road that runs along the coast. There are a few designated parking areas near the beach, and you can also park along the roadside.

As always, keep your belongings secure, and avoid leaving anything of value in your car.

What You Can Do at Playa Cocles

• Surfing: The beach is known for its consistent waves that range from moderate to challenging. If you’re new to surfing, there are several surf schools in the area where you can take lessons and rent equipment.
• Beach Volleyball: Playa Cocles is also a popular spot for beach volleyball. There are often nets set up on the northern part beach You’ll often find groups of people enjoying a friendly match on the sand. Check out the Cocles Volleyball Instagram account for more info on competitions.
• Relaxation and Sunbathing: If relaxation is more your speed, Playa Cocles offers plenty of space to spread out a towel and enjoy the sun. The lush jungle that borders the beach provides natural shade if you need a break from the sun. Just make sure not to sit under any palm trees with coconuts that could fall.
• Swimming: The waves at Playa Cocles are great for surfing, but they can be strong. Be cautious when swimming. Look out for any signs indicating the current conditions and check out where other people are swimming. There is a community initiative to have a lifeguard on duty, but this is only at certain times.
• Try the Outdoor Gym: Near the volleyball nets, there is a free rustic outdoor gym that was created by the community. This consists of dumbells made from concrete, pull bars, a bench press, and dip bars. You are more than welcome to use the equipment while enjoying the beautiful beach scenery.

Tips for Visiting

• Stay Hydrated: It can get quite hot on the beach, so make sure to bring plenty of water. There are a few local vendors selling drinks and snacks, but it’s a good idea to bring plenty of stuff.
• Respect the Environment: Playa Cocles is part of a delicate ecosystem. Be mindful of your impact, and always clean up after yourself. There are not many public trash bins around, so you should plan to bring out any trash you bring in.

Playa Chiquita

Playa Chiquita is known for its calm waters, lush jungle surroundings, and the sense of seclusion it offers. This beach is perfect for families, couples, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat.

“Playa Chiquita” means “Little Beach” in Spanish. This name perfectly captures the intimate and cozy nature of this stretch of coastline.

Getting There and Where to Park

Playa Chiquita is about 3 miles (5 kilometers) southeast of Puerto Viejo. The beach is located along the main road that connects Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo.

Parking options at Playa Chiquita are somewhat limited. You can find spaces to park along the roadside near the beach access points. Since the area is relatively quiet, finding a spot is usually not a problem.

What You Can Do at Playa Chiquita

• Relaxation: Playa Chiquita is known for its peaceful atmosphere. I think it is an ideal spot to relax and unwind. The golden sand is soft and inviting, and the beach is lined with palm trees and other tropical vegetation which provide natural shade.
• Swimming and Snorkeling: The waters at Playa Chiquita are calm and clear, thanks to the protective coral reef that lies just offshore. This creates shallow, lagoon-like conditions that are perfect for swimming, especially for families with young children. The reef also makes Playa Chiquita an excellent spot for snorkeling. You can often see a variety of colorful fish and other sea creatures.
• Exploring the Tide Pools: One of the unique features of Playa Chiquita is its natural tide pools, which are scattered along the rocky sections of the beach. These pools are fascinating to explore, especially during low tide when they are filled with small fish, crabs, and other marine life.

Playa Punta Uva

Playa Punta Uva is a stunning beach known for its turquoise waters and lush greenery. It’s an excellent spot for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Punta Uva translates to “Grape Point,” named for the sea grapes that grow abundantly along the shoreline. These small, grape-like fruits are often found hanging from the trees that line the beach. I wouldn’t suggest eating them though.

Getting There and Where to Park

The beach is located about 5 miles (8 kilometers) southeast of Puerto Viejo, along the main road that leads to Manzanillo.

As you approach Punta Uva, you’ll notice signs directing you to the beach, and there are several parking options available.

What You Can Do at Punta Uva

• Beach Relaxation: Punta Uva is known for its calm, clear waters and soft, golden sand. The beach is surrounded by lush jungle, offering plenty of natural shade if you want to stay out of the sun. Spread out a towel, kick back with a good book, or take a leisurely walk along the shoreline.
• Swimming and Snorkeling: There is a protective coral reef that shields the beach from strong waves. This makes it an excellent spot for swimming, especially for families with children. The crystal-clear water is also perfect for snorkeling. The coral reef is home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and other sea creatures.
• Kayaking and Paddleboarding: If you’d like to get out on the water, Punta Uva offers great opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding. You can rent equipment from local vendors and paddle along the coastline. Additionally, you can book a kayak tour with an experienced guide that goes along the river next to the beach.
• The Mirador (Viewpoint): One of the highlights of visiting Punta Uva is the Mirador. This is a scenic viewpoint that offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding jungle. The trail to the Mirador is short and goes through the lush rainforest. It will lead you to a cliffside perch where you can take in the breathtaking scenery.

Keep in mind that Playa Punta Uva is generally not recommended for surfing. This is due to its calm waters and the protective coral reef that shelters the beach.

Playa Negra

Playa Negra is located just north of Puerto Viejo. It is known for its distinctive black volcanic sand that offers a unique and serene beach experience in contrast to the more typical golden and white sand beaches nearby.

“Playa Negra” literally translates to “Black Beach,” a name that reflects the beach’s most distinctive feature. The sand’s unique color comes from volcanic minerals, which have been naturally deposited over centuries.

It stretches approximately 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) along the Caribbean coast, so it is the perfect spot for a long walk.

It is also a great place for sunbathing and swimming. The beach has a gradual decline which makes it so you can typically walk out pretty far into the water.

Usually, the water is calm here, but always check for any posted signs and see if other people are in the water before entering. This especially applies during the rainy season when the currents can become stronger. The beach is not as developed as others in the area, so there are no lifeguards on duty.

Getting There and Where to Park

The beach is less than a mile (about 1.5 kilometers) north of Puerto Viejo, and you can get there by car, bicycle, or even on foot.

The main road leading to Playa Negra is well-maintained, and there are several places to park along the roadside once you reach the beach.

Parking is generally easy to find, but as always, don’t leave valuables in your vehicle.

Playa Manzanillo

Playa Manzanillo is located just before the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge in the beach village of Manzanillo. This is south of Puerto Viejo just before you get to the Panama border.

The beach is known for its stunning white sand, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs.

One of the most interesting sights at Playa Manzanillo is the remains of a washed-up ship that has become something of a local landmark. The ship has since been partially dismantled, but parts of its rusted hull are still visible.

Getting There and Where to Park

Playa Manzanillo is roughly 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) southeast of Puerto Viejo. It is accessible by the main road that runs along the coast.

In Manzanillo, you’ll find parking near the entrance to the beach. There is a small parking lot as well as additional parking spaces along the roadside. The town itself is small, so parking is usually not an issue.

Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

If you visit this beach, I definitely suggest combining it with a hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. This will allow you to view this cool outcrop pictured above.

Also, if you walk far enough, you will come out to a very remote beach that is almost always empty called Playa Punta Mona.

There is a small grocery store across from Playa Manzanillo. I suggest loading up on water and snacks before hiking in the national park because there are no facilities in the park.

What You Can Do at Playa Manzanillo

• Beach Relaxation: Playa Manzanillo is known for its beautiful white sand and clear turquoise waters. It is an ideal spot for a relaxing day at the beach. The area is typically relatively quiet compared to other beaches in the region.
• Snorkeling and Swimming: The waters off Playa Manzanillo are calm and crystal clear. They provide excellent conditions for swimming and snorkeling.

Playa Puerto Vargas

Playa Puerto Vargas is located north of Puerto Viejo in the Cahuita National Park.

The Cahuita National Park has beautiful beaches throughout, which are all worth exploring. Most of the trails in the park run parallel to the shore, so you can easily pop out at any of the beaches if you need a quick refreshing dip.

If you opt to access the national park from the Puerto Vargas entrance (the closest entrance from Puerto Viejo), Playa Puerto Vargas will be the first beach you get to.

I love that it is almost always empty and the water is typically calm enough to swim from.

For more info, check out our guide to Cahuita National Park.

Surfing in Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is a popular destination for surfers from beginners to advanced. Here’s what you need to know about the surf in this area.

Best Surf Spots

The best surf spots in the area are:

Salsa Brava

Salsa Brava is located just in front of Puerto Viejo off of Playa Negra. It is infamous for its heavy right-hand barrels that can reach up to 12 feet or more during peak swells.

If you want to take on Salsa Brava, be prepared for the possibility of wipeouts on the sharp reef. We only recommend this spot to advanced surfers.

The break is best accessed during a medium to high tide. Low tide can expose the reef too much, increasing the risk of injury.

If you’re aiming to ride Salsa Brava, the local surf shops in Puerto Viejo can provide advice on the best equipment and conditions for tackling this wave.

Check out the Surf Shops:

• Caribbean Surf School & Shop
• Surf the Jungle Surf School

Playa Cocles

This beach is perfect for beginners, offering consistent, mellow beach breaks.

Check out the Surf Shops:

• Black Shack Surf School
• Lewis Brothers Surf

Best Time to Surf: The peak surf season is between January and March, when the Caribbean coast receives swells from winter storms in the North Atlantic. During this time, waves can range from 3 to 12 feet.

Types of Swells: Puerto Viejo primarily experiences eastward swells. Salsa Brava thrives on larger, eastward swells, while Playa Cocles is more consistent with smaller, manageable waves.

Additional Tips:

• The surf scene can be crowded, especially at Salsa Brava, so early morning sessions might offer more space.
• Safety is crucial, especially at Salsa Brava, where the shallow reef can be really hazardous.

When visiting Puerto Viejo’s beautiful beaches, your number one concern should be sun protection. Here’s a list of items to pack for a perfect beach day.

• Sunscreen: Protect your skin with a high-SPF, water-resistant sunscreen. We like SunBum because it is reef-safe. Buy it here.
• Hat: A wide-brimmed hat to shield your face from the sun. We suggest a breathable option like our favorite hat from Columbia that can easily fit in your luggage. Buy it here.
• Sunglasses: Polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays.
• Beach Towel: We like microfiber towels because they dry quickly and can easily fit in your luggage. Buy it here.
• Swimwear: Comfortable swimwear suitable for swimming and water activities.
• Long Sleeve Water Shirt: I know, nobody want to wear long sleeves on a super hot day. However, it is so easy to get burned here. We always wear a fast drying shirt with UV protection while in the water here. ⤷ Buy it here for women. ⤷ Buy it here for men.
• Snorkeling Gear: Sometimes it is fun to swim from the shore and see what you can see with a snorkel mask. If you have room in your luggage it is a good idea to bring your own. I don’t know of any places in this area where you can rent one. Buy it here.
• Stable Flip Flops: I like Teva flip flops because they have a stable sole and can get wet. ⤷ Buy it here for women. ⤷ Buy it here for men.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle. We like LifeStraw bottles for the added bacterial protection. Buy it here.
• Dry Bag: We have this dry bag that is also a backpack and it is amazing! I highly recommend it for your Central America adventures. Buy it here.

Check out our complete guide to Puerto Viejo for more info on visiting this Caribbean gem!

Conclusion: Puerto Viejo Beaches

In conclusion, Puerto Viejo’s beaches offer a diverse range of experiences, from lively surf spots to secluded natural havens. Whether you’re a surfer, a family traveler, or someone looking to relax, Puerto Viejo has a beach for you.

If you have any questions about Puerto Viejo, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you plan!

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