Caribbean

Cahuita and the southern reef

Cahuita is known for its protected coast and reef. Guided snorkeling should follow national park rules and the day's conditions. Don't stand on coral or touch marine life. Around Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva and Manzanillo, swell, currents and weather can turn a calm morning into a no-go afternoon, so local guidance counts for more than a promise that a beach is always calm.

Tortuguero: arriving by boat

In Tortuguero, the boat ride is part of the place. Launches run along canals lined with forest, and birds, monkeys and other wildlife often show up on the banks. Most travelers drive to a river landing and continue by passenger boat; there's no boat straight from San José.

Barra del Colorado and the north

The northern Caribbean has its own river and canal transport, linking small communities without easy road access. Schedules change, so check with a current, licensed provider instead of an old blog post.

Bocas del Toro is in Panama

Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro is an international trip: road transport, a land border crossing, then a boat in Panama. Caribe Shuttle runs that combined route. It isn't a sea taxi from Puerto Viejo beach.

Cruise calls at Puerto Limón

Puerto Limón is the Caribbean cruise port. Some big ships call here on Panama Canal itineraries from Florida, including Princess Cruises, whose other Costa Rica stop is Puntarenas on the Pacific.

For schedules and prices, use current official providers and park information.