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Costa Rica Pacific vs. Caribbean Coast: Which Should You Visit?
Costa Rica is a small country with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. While the country is compact, it takes several hours to drive between the two coasts. Most travelers who visit for a week or two tend to explore just one coast. But which coast should you choose? The Pacific or the Caribbean?
We have been living in San Jose, Costa Rica since 2016. San Jose is very centrally located, so we have the luxury of easily getting to both coasts. That means we visit both sides of the country on a regular basis and have a good idea of which coastline is best based on your particular travel style and the time of year.
We created this guide to give you info on the best time of year to visit both coasts, tell you the best places to visit on both coastlines, give you info on which coast is best for your particular travel style and more.
So, let’s break down Costa Rica’s Pacific vs Caribbean Coast!
Pacific and Caribbean Coast at a Glance
Top Places to Visit on Both Coasts
Pacific Coast
The Pacific coast is known for its stunning white-sand beaches, vibrant surf towns, and diverse ecosystems.
Here are some must-visit destinations:
- Playas del Coco: A bustling beach town perfect for nightlife and water activities.
- Tamarindo: A surfer’s paradise with a lively atmosphere.
- Nosara: Known for surfing, yoga retreats and a laid-back vibe.
- Uvita: Known for the Marino Ballena National Park and whale-watching
- Santa Teresa: Another popular surf destination with beautiful sunsets.
- Manuel Antonio: Home to the most famous national park in the country with rich biodiversity and pristine beaches.
Caribbean Coast
The Caribbean coast offers a different vibe, with lush rainforests, vibrant culture, and unique wildlife.
Here are the top spots to check out:
- Puerto Viejo: A lively town known for its Afro-Caribbean vibe, beaches, and nightlife.
- Tortuguero: Famous for its wildlife-filled canals and nesting sea turtles.
- Cahuita: Home to one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful national parks.
Best Time of Year to Visit Each Coast
Pacific Coast
The seasons on the Pacific Coast can be broken down like this:
- Dry Season (December to April): Expect sunny skies, minimal rainfall, and higher prices due to peak tourist season.
- Green Season (May to August): Lush landscapes return, with daily afternoon showers and fewer tourists.
- Wet Season (September to December): Frequent rain and cloud cover, though occasionally, you might experience surprisingly good weather.
Each season has its pros and cons.
The dry season is great for escaping the cold weather if you live in the northern hemisphere and want some warm weather. However, it is peak tourism season. That means the country can be very crowded and everything is more expensive.
Also, towards the end of the dry season, the landscape starts to dry out a lot and doesn’t look as nice as when everything is lush.
I personally like the green season from May until August. Everything turns lush and green again, there are fewer tourists, and prices go down.
However, by then you won’t really need to escape the cold in the north and this time of year means that you will likely have afternoon rain showers between about 2PM and 4PM.
The wet season is not the best time to visit the Pacific Coast. The weather can be very unpredictable and you could occasionally have completely wet days. However, this is a very cheap time to visit.
Caribbean Coast
The Caribbean Coast has completely different weather than the Pacific Coast.
- Dry Season (August to October): The best time for sunny and hot days with very little rain. August is also prime turtle nesting time in Tortuguero.
- Rainy Season: Rain is heavy, often at night or in the early morning, clearing up by midday. April can also be surprisingly dry.
The best time to visit the Caribbean coast is between August and October. This is considered the dry season. We have had very good luck with completely sunny days during that time of year.
That being said, if there is a tropical storm passing through in the autumn you can obviously expect some stormy weather. Costa Rica actually very rarely gets hit by any tropical storms or hurricanes (like once every few years).
During the Caribbean rainy season, it can rain hard! However, usually, it rains at night and in the early morning. It seems to typically stop by midday.
This coast is somewhat difficult to predict though. We once spent over a week in Cahuita in April and didn’t have any rain the entire time. You never know!
Best Things to Do on Both Coasts
There is just so much to do on the Pacific that it is difficult to narrow it down! Here are just some of our favorites.
- Hike at Corcovado National Park. Corcovado National Park is one of the most biodiverse places in the world. It is possible to do a day hike here or spend a night or two inside the park. You can find out more with our guide to Corcovado National Park.
- Check out the whale’s tale at Marino Ballena National Park. During low tide, it is possible to walk out on a jut of land into the ocean in Uvita. From above this jut of land looks just like the tale of a whale. We created a guide to Marino Ballena National Park to help you plan your visit.
- Hike at Manuel Antonio National Park. Manuel Antonio National Park is the most popular tourist destination in Costa Rica. You can see tons of wildlife here within a condensed space. Plus the beaches are really nice. We have a complete guide to Manuel Antonio National Park for you.
- Go surfing at one of the many great surfing beaches. Costa Rica is a super popular surf destination. Some of the best surf beaches are Dominical, Santa Teresa, Nosara, Samara, and Tamarindo.
- Do some sport fishing. The Pacific coast is a great place for fishing! There are various fishing options depending on your budget. We created a complete guide to fishing in Costa Rica to help you out.
- Go snorkeling. There are several great places to snorkel on the Pacific coast. It is always possible to take a tour with a boat out to some good spots, but if you would like to stick to a budget you can always just bring your own snorkel mask and swim out from shore.
- Relax at a beach bar. There are some amazing beach bars on the Pacific coast. Our two personal favorites are Lola’s near Tamarindo and Banana Beach Bar in Santa Teresa. We also have a complete guide to all our favorite beach bars in Costa Rica.
- Watch the sunset. There isn’t any bad place to see the sunset on the Pacific. You will have an amazing view no matter where you go. We like to find a restaurant on the beach or on the cliffs and watch the sunset while eating dinner. Sunset occurs around 5:30 pm year-round.
- See baby sea turtles make their way into the ocean. The best place to see sea turtles is at Ostional beach near Nosara.
- Go swimming. The beaches in Costa Rica are great for swimming. The water is always the perfect temperature. Just as someone before swimming, there are rip currents at several beaches.
Top Things to Do on the Caribbean Coast
- See sea turtles in Tortuguero. Between July and November, it is possible to see big momma sea turtles come to shore to lay their eggs. To view this unique experience you will need to set up an evening tour with a registered guide.
- Go on a wildlife canoe ride. Head out on a guided canoe from Tortuguero National Park and you are sure to spot tons of wildlife. These canoe trips tend to occur early in the morning (around 6am) when the animals are the most active.
- Hike Cahuita National Park. Cahuita National Park is our favorite national park in Costa Rica. We created a complete guide to Cahuita National Park to help you out.
- Party in Puerto Viejo. Puerto Viejo is a popular destination with backpackers. If you are interested in doing some partying, there is a great nightlife scene here.
- Visit the nice beaches near Puerto Viejo. Just south of Puerto Viejo are a bunch of very nice beaches. Our favorites are Punta Uva and Playa Manzanillo.
- Head down to Bocas del Toro, Panama. The Panama border is about 45 minutes south of Puerto Viejo. From there you can easily get to Bocas del Toro, Panama. Bocas del Toro is a collection of small islands that feel like literal paradise with bright turquoise waters. We have a complete guide to Bocas del Toro to help you out.
- Watch the sunrise. Sunrise happens around 5:30 am every day. Our personal favorite spot to watch the sunrise is on Playa Negra in Cahuita.
Accommodation Options: Pacific vs. Caribbean
Pacific Coast
- Accommodation Types: The Pacific coast offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts in Guanacaste to budget-friendly hostels in surf towns like Jaco.
Caribbean Coast
- Accommodation Types: On the Caribbean side, you’ll find charming eco-lodges, boutique hotels, and affordable guesthouses, particularly in areas like Puerto Viejo and Cahuita.
Restaurants and Cuisine Comparison
Pacific Coast
- Cuisine: The Pacific coast features traditional Costa Rican fare with an emphasis on seafood. Beachside restaurants serve fresh fish, ceviche, and local dishes like “casado.”
- Dining Experiences: Don’t miss out on beach bars like Lola’s near Tamarindo, where you can enjoy a meal with your toes in the sand.
Caribbean Coast
- Cuisine: The Caribbean coast is known for its Afro-Caribbean cuisine, with dishes infused with coconut, spices, and fresh seafood. Try the “Rondon” or “Patacones” for a true taste of the Caribbean.
- Dining Experiences: Enjoy the local flavors at small, family-run eateries and beach shacks that offer an authentic experience.
Costs: Pacific vs. Caribbean
Typically, the Pacifc Coast is more expensive than the Caribbean Coast. This includes restaurants, hotels, and some activities. Rental car prices will be the same throughout the country.
Keep in mind that Costa Rica is the most expensive country in Central America. For a mid-range hotel you can expect to pay between $70 – $120 a night on the Pacific Coast. On the Caribbean Coast this will be more like $50 – $100 a night.
If you would like to visit the Pacific Coast and want lower rates, prices tend to go down a lot during the rainy season. Plus, there is less demand so you will have more options of finding a budget friendly spot.
How to Get To Each Coast
There are two international airports in the country. These are the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) which is located just outside of San Jose and the Liberia International Airport (LIR) located just south of Liberia.
The Juan Santamaria International Airport is centrally located in the country. From here, you can drive to the Caribbean Coast in about 3 hours and can get to the nearest Pacific Coast beach town (Jaco) in about 1.5 hours.
The Liberia International Airport is located in the northwest corner of the country on the Pacific Coast near the Nicaragua border. I do not suggest visiting the Caribbean Coast if you fly in to this airport, unless you have two weeks or more in the country and plan on making several stops. It will take about 6 hours to drive from the airport to the Caribbean.
This airport is already located in a beautiful corner of the country. It is best to explore the nearby Pacific beach towns and possibly head inland to the jungle towns of Monteverde or La Fortuna.
Want to Visit Both Coasts?
It is definitely possible to visit both coasts on your trip. We would suggest a minimum of a two-week stay in Costa Rica if you plan to visit both coasts. It’s just a lot of driving to go to both sides and to actually spend the time to enjoy each area. Also, there are several places in the middle of the country which we suggest exploring as well (La Fortuna & Monteverde).
If you do opt to visit both coasts we suggest doing this route: San Jose -> Cahuita or Puerto Viejo -> Tortuguero -> La Fortuna -> Monteverde -> Pacific beaches of your choice.
One of my Costa Rica goals is to watch the sunrise on the Caribbean and watch the sunset on the Pacific in one day. I grew up near Boston. It would never be possible for me to watch the sunrise on the Atlantic and then drive to the Pacific for the sunset. I just find it so cool that Costa Rica is small enough that you could actually do that.
Anyway, if you are weird like me and think this sounds cool, it is definitely doable. I’d suggest watching the sunrise in Cahuita and then heading to Jaco for the sunset (it’s the closest Pacific beach). The drive will take about 5 hours.
Our Opinion on Each Coast
It is hard for us to say that the Costa Rica Pacific side or Caribbean side is better than the other. We suggest making your decision based on the things you want to do and the projected weather for the time you are visiting.
Most people do not visit the Caribbean coast. The Pacific beaches are definitely far more popular because they are typically white sand beaches.
The thing we love about the Caribbean is that it has such a unique vibe that you won’t find in the rest of Costa Rica. There is a Rasta vibe in the towns here and it is just so fun!
We typically tend to visit the Pacific coast more than the Caribbean because there is more to see (and it’s better for fishing and that is how Thomas makes all travel decisions in life).
No matter which coast you opt to visit you are bound to have an amazing time!
Conclusion: Pacific vs. Caribbean Coast
In conclusion, both the Pacific and Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica have their pros and cons. Deciding the best destination for your trip really depends on the time of year and your particular travel style.
If you have any questions about the Costa Rica Pacific side or Caribbean side just leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you out!
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Costa Rica Travel Details: What You Need to Know
🚗 Should I rent a car in Costa Rica?
Having a rental car will give you the most flexibility when traveling in Costa Rica. This will also allow you to take fun day trips on your own.
- Save 10% Plus Other Perks with Our Adobe Rental Car Discount
- You might also consider; shared shuttle services or private transfer services
🏄🏽 How can I book things to do?
We find that Viator tends to have the most comprehensive selection of activities with secure booking and good cancellation policies.
🍍 I’m overwhelmed with planning. Can you help?
Of course! I suggest joining our Facebook group for specific questions and head to our Start Here Page to get started planning.
✈️ What is the best way to book a flight?
Usually, we have the best luck finding great prices with Skyscanner. Check for flights to both San Jose Airport (SJO) and Liberia Airport (LIR).
🛏️ What is the best way to book my Costa Rica hotels?
We highly suggest Booking.com for hotel bookings and typically use VRBO for Costa Rica vacation rentals.
🗣️What is the main language in Costa Rica?
The main language in Costa Rica is Spanish. Most people working in tourism speak at least some English.
💰 What is the currency in Costa Rica?
The currency used in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). However, the US dollar is widely accepted in most tourist areas
📞 What is the best way to stay connected?
An eSIM from Airalo is the easiest way to get 4G data while traveling in Costa Rica.
🌴 Is Costa Rica safe?
Generally, Costa Rica is considered safe for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it’s best to use caution and be aware of your surroundings.
🛂 Do you need a passport to go to Costa Rica?
Yes, Costa Rica is its own country. You will need a passport to visit.
Hi! We’re Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er)
We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and since 2016 we have lived in sunny Costa Rica.
It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision!
Now we spend our days roaming the country to bring you the very best in Costa Rica travel here on Costa Rica Vibes.
Sarah is the writer. Thomas is the one keeping it all together.
Want the whole crazy story?
Sarah McArthur
Sarah McArthur is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes.
She is originally from the United States but has lived in sunny San Jose, Costa Rica since 2016.
She has traveled all over the country and now considers herself a self-proclaimed Costa Rica travel expert.
Want the whole crazy story?
Hello Michelle,
My family and I will be visiting in late March or early April. We like adventure, and plan on surfing, hiking, maybe rafting and zip line while we are there. I do not like heat, so am a little concern about this. Is the Caribbean side a little bit cooler this time of year? We do not mind a little rain.
Thank you, Jill
Hi Jill, The Caribbean will be a bit cooler (but not much) but the rain definitely makes things a little easier in the heat. However, there is a chance the rain might be bad at this time of year on the Caribbean. The Pacific will have perfect days. I suggest going to Monteverde and a Pacific coast destination (maybe Manuel Antonio or the Uvita area depending on how long you are visiting). That way you can have some cool weather in Monteverde and enjoy zip-lining, hiking, and rafting from Monteverde and surfing from a beach destination.
Let me know if you have more questions!
-Sarah
We recently visited Costa Rica, Pacific Side and fell in love with the beauty. We would like to go to the Caribbean side next. How do the beaches compare, i.e., the Pacific sand beaches were fabulous, easy to walk on. Would we find this to be true on the Caribbean?
Thank you!
Hi Michelle,
The Caribbean beaches are a bit of a mix. Some are white sand and beautiful and others are darker. I suggest visiting the Cahuita National Park. The beach there is amazing and you can make a full day, or even visit multiple times, to enjoy the trails and the long beach. Here is our guide to the park if you want to check it out. Cahuita National Park
Also, the beaches right near the Panama border are really nice. I’m not a huge huge fan of Puerto Viejo the town, but if you go south of there the beaches are great and there are plenty of nice hotels and airbnbs.
Let me know if you have more questions!