Playas Negra And Cocles (Caribbean Coast)
Playas Negra and Cocles, two superb beaches on the east coast of Costa Rica. Negra is 36 miles/58 kms south of the city of Limon and a scenic drive mostly along the coastline. With its gentle waves, Playa Negra is ideal for swimming and surf beginners. Read TIPS at the bottom.
Sunrise at Playa Negra
Near the funky beach-town of Puerto Viejo, you will find little boutique hotels. Some of them offer their own private beach set-up.
Boutique Hotel boardwalk leading to the beach
Playa Cocles is 1.8 miles/3 kms south of Puerto Viejo. Surfers and Boogie-boarders flock here to ride its impressive waves. Between December and May, big waves break about 100-150 meters off the coast. These waves spread many hundreds of meters over the entire 1.8 miles/3 kms long beach. International tournaments also take place during this time of the year. Under normal conditions, Cocles is very beginner-friendly with its shallow water and sandy bottom. The clear water and numerous fish species attract dozens of snorkelling fans during the calmer season. Cocles is patrolled by lifeguards through a program funded by local businesses, residents and tourists.
Cocles beach, Costa Rica – image credit diytravelhq.com
Puerto Viejo is a very touristic little town with lots of souvenir shops and a variety of accommodation options. You can rent surfboards and bicycles. There are little local restaurants, local bands playing reggae music at night, and wonderful beaches to watch the sun-rise.
Sloths
So adorable and lovable. This natural habitat sanctuary in Costa Rica is dedicated towards rehabilitation of injured, orphaned, abandoned and rescued sloths. Power lines are the Sloths biggest danger where they get electrocuted and fall from heights, injuring themselves.
The first sloth rescued, was Buttercup. Now, more rescued sloths are recovering in a nursery, after being treated in the “Slothpital”.
Buttercup-Queen of the Sloth Sanctuary and the first rescue. Costa Rica
. When in danger or threatened, sloths move as fast as a person jogging. Click here for more on Sloths.
Just being a Sloth
Port Limon
Port Limon is the gateway for transportation and shipping in Costa Rica. It is also a stop for cruise ships and home to Limón International Airport.
View of Puerto Limón
What fascinated us, was seeing trucks loaded with pineapples and acres upon acres of banana plantations.
Truck transporting harvested pineapples
Nearest airport is Limon International airport.
You should also consider visiting:
To see more pictures, click here.
TIPS:
- Be aware of your surroundings, it is safe but you know what I mean.
- Do not leave valuables visible in the car, anywhere.
- Buy your water, beer, alcohol at the grocery store, it’s much cheaper.
- Use coral safe sunscreen (mineral based), I use and highly recommend this sunscreen.
- Use Insect repellent.
