Stunning white sandy beaches, excellent boutique hotels and a relaxed Afro-Caribbean atmosphere - perfect for beach lovers.
The warm Caribbean Sea on the east coast of Costa Rica offers a different perspective to the Pacific coast. In the north, in Tortuguero National Park, you can observe coral reefs and tropical fish. It is also the location where endangered green turtles use the remote beaches to lay their eggs each year.
Further south, you will find a distinct Afro-Caribbean influence, completely different from the culture of the highlands, with spicy seafood and the locals speaking creole as well as Spanish.
It is a relaxed and joyous place to spend a week relaxing in towns with wonderful white sandy beaches, such as Puerto Viejo de Talamanca with its surfer vibe, boutique hotels, beach bars and international restaurants and nightlife.
Or perhaps Cahuita, a tiny beach town of dirt roads and a laid-back Caribbean vibe. Head out in a glass-bottom boat to explore the nearby reef, go snorkelling or simply grab a hammock and enjoy this quiet corner of the Caribbean.
Manzanillo and the protected Refugio Nacional Gandoca-Manzanillo is ideal if you seekpeace and tranquility and want to luxuriate in pristine, protected surroundings. Hike and kayak the glistening Caribbean waters, then explore underwater – there is a coral reef just off the coast, providing some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in Costa Rica.
Need some help with your trip? Our advisors have travelled extensively and using their firsthand knowledge & experience can help craft your perfect holiday.
Choose your perfect holiday Caribbean Coast
Find inspiration from our selection of itinerary suggestions, a great starting point for your next trip
San Jose - Arenal / Various Excursions - Manuel Antonio
Explore Poas, Irazu and Arenal volcanoes, enjoy optional excursions in in Arenal National Park and discover Manuel Antonio National Park.
Route
San Jose - Arenal / Various Excursions - Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica
National Parks, Volcanoes, Rainforest and protected beaches
18 Nights from
£4,865
Alajuela - Bajos del Toro - Arenal - Rincón de la Vieja - Nosara - San Jose
Discover six national parks, each with a distinct habitat, trek in the foothills of volcanoes and long mountains and valley, exploring coastal forest with expert local guides.…
Route
Alajuela - Bajos del Toro - Arenal - Rincón de la Vieja - Nosara - San Jose
Costa Rica
Birdwatching, Wildlife and Rainforests
12 Nights from
£3,922
San Jose - Tortuguero National Park - Osa Peninsula - Arenal National Park - San Jose
Immerse yourself in the wildlife, birdlife and wonders of nature from Tortuguero National Park to the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park and Arenal National Park.
Route
San Jose - Tortuguero National Park - Osa Peninsula - Arenal National Park - San Jose
Costa Rica
Quality Time for Families
14 Nights from
£3,542
San Jose - Arenal - Esterillos Beach
A slow pace tour of Costa Rica, perfect for families; Arenal Volcano, rainforests, birdwatching and excellent lodgings with activities for families of all ages. Plus, relax on…
Route
San Jose - Arenal - Esterillos Beach
Costa Rica
Luxury Lodges & Forest, Off-Grid
16 Nights from
£7,552
San Jose - Carara National Park - Central Valley - Bajos del Toro - Tenorio National Park - Guanacaste - San Jose
Staying in luxury accommodation throughout, explore five National Parks including mighty volcanoes, cloud forests, mountain landscapes and birdwatching. Relax on a remote trop…
Route
San Jose - Carara National Park - Central Valley - Bajos del Toro - Tenorio National Park - Guanacaste - San Jose
Costa Rica
Volcanoes, Rainforest and Beach
14 Nights from
£4,859
San José - Arenal - Tamarindo - San José
Discover mountain landscapes and Poas volcano, explore Arenal National Park and enjoy a week on the beach in a stylish boutique hotel.
Route
San José - Arenal - Tamarindo - San José
Costa Rica
Origins Deluxe
25 Nights from
£13,940
San Jose - Tortuguero - Sarapiqul - Tenorio - Guanacaste - Alajuela - Osa Peninsula - Manual Antonio
A comprehensive deluxe journey of discovery, flying Business Cabin, visiting over 7 national parks, and staying in the best hotels and isolated lodges, on a long, slow pace jo…
Route
San Jose - Tortuguero - Sarapiqul - Tenorio - Guanacaste - Alajuela - Osa Peninsula - Manual Antonio
Costa Rica
Birdwatching for Experts
19 Nights from
£6,242
San José - Tortuguero - Sarapiqui - Gulf of Nicoya - San Gerado de Dota - Turrialba Volcano
A tour designed for birdwatching enthusiasts, staying a specialist lodges with expert local guides to help you discover a wide array of species, particularly at Turialba priva…
Route
San José - Tortuguero - Sarapiqui - Gulf of Nicoya - San Gerado de Dota - Turrialba Volcano
Costa Rica
Ninos Family Adventure
14 Nights from
£3,844
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Playa Esterillos - San Jose
A complete family adventure from the Caribbean side to the Pacific Ocean, exploring volcanoes, wildlife, rain forests, waterfalls and relaxing in the laid-back beach resort at…
Route
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Playa Esterillos - San Jose
Costa Rica
Birdwatching Wetlands & Mountain Habitats
12 Nights from
£4,082
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Guanacaste - Nicoya
Explore unique wetlands on the Pacific coast and Tortuguero National Park, mountain landscapes and eco-systems by Arenal Volcano and continue to the mangroves and beaches of N…
Route
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Guanacaste - Nicoya
Costa Rica
Explore by land and sea
14 Nights from
£5,642
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Clipper Cruise: Manuel Antonio - Golfito Playa Panama - Bahia Potrero - Isla Tortugas
Discover natural wonders, Tortuguero flooded coastal forest, Arenal volcano and Monteverde cloud forest, and enjoy a 7-night Star Clipper cruise exploring the beautiful Pacifi…
Route
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Clipper Cruise: Manuel Antonio - Golfito Playa Panama - Bahia Potrero - Isla Tortugas
Costa Rica
Natural Wonders & Character Lodges
14 Nights from
£3,360
San José - Tortuguero - Arenal - Monteverde - Manuel Antonio
Explore National Parks, home to exotic birds and wildlife in dense tropical rainforest. Chill at the beach on the Pacific coast, stay in first class hotels and enjoy guided ex…
Route
San José - Tortuguero - Arenal - Monteverde - Manuel Antonio