Secluded Caribbean Beaches In Costa Rica: Unparalleled Beauty And Reputation

Already nearly everyone has tired of winter and thinking about some place warmer. Costa Rica is the destination of choice, in part, because of its reputation for being one of the most beautiful countries in the world. This small Central America country is only a couple of hours south of Florida and has spectacular tropical mountains and volcanoes, and some of the best beaches anywhere. Travelers come for its terrific surfing beaches, beach communities with daytime fun and adult nightlife, and deserted beaches where tropical mountains meet the shore.

Christopher Columbus was the first sea captain to explore the Caribbean beaches of Costa Rica. He was so enthralled he named his discovery Costa Rica meaning the Rich Coast. He was mistakenly convinced that the land was filled with gold but the name stuck, even as its real treasures, incredible diversity and fullness of life, were discovered.

Fortunately, Columbus left a lot of places for your special adventure. With nearly 400 miles of Caribbean Costa Rica beaches, you are sure to find that very special vacation spot, but plan for different kinds of attractions that are found along the Pacific. The Caribbean has a distinctive reggae-type, Bob Marley, feel to it.

For an increasing number of fishermen, their Costa Rica vacation includes a stay at Tortuguero National Park. This is a remote park along the northern Caribbean Coast, initially formed to protect the ancient green sea turtle nesting grounds. Today it boasts the largest green marine turtle nesting beach anywhere. Tortuguero provides critical nesting areas over a 30 kilometer stretch of beaches for four of the seven sea turtle species and thousands of people go there annually to witness a real spectacle of nature.

The city of Limon is south of Tortuguero National Park but should not be thought of as a recommended destination. Instead, plan to go through it to reach the wilderness areas of Tortuguero and Barra Honda beaches north or to head south to a number of small beach communities and. It is there that Puerto Viejo awaits. It boasts the world famous La Salsa Brava wave, a difficult large wave that challenges the best surfers on the planet, especially during the months from November and April. Surfers with little or less experience should avoid this beach, except to watch the best, and head to Playa Cocles. Great surfing, great fun, and not nearly as dangerous.

Between Limon and Puerto Viejo is the small community of Cahuita, primarily a stop for snorkeling and beach walks. Pristine beaches, black sand and white sand are here and good snorkeling. The coral reef is just offshore and has two shipwrecks to explore. At night, tourists find this place very quiet and many head down to Puerto Viejo for its bars and places to eat.

Finally is the Gandoco-Manzanillo Wildlife Reserve along the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. When Christopher Columbus discovered Costa Rica, this is where his boat landed. In this magical place you will find crystal clear waters perfect for swimming and scuba diving (you can rent equipment and even get PADI certified). Or, if you prefer, snorkeling at Costa Rica's largest coral reefs. Not to mention, kayaking, hiking, and terrific wildlife viewing.

Victor Krumm writes from beautiful Costa Rica and and has an informative and very popular website Costa Rica Vacations. Visit here to see lots more Costa Rica Beaches