7 things you can do on your next visit to the Southern Caribbean

Stunning beaches, lush jungles, abundant wildlife and a relaxed atmosphere; the Caribbean has something for everyone. We are happy to share with you seven options of activities so that you can experience the Southern Caribbean to the fullest.

Sunset at Playa Arrecife – Manuel Pinto

A bike tour

We believe that the journey is as important as the destination, so we recommend you, even though you may have other means of transportation, to choose to tour the different beaches in the area on a bike. The journey will be filled with nature and beautiful landscapes that you can truly enjoy just by going a little slowly, and the best way to do it is by bike. 

Hike and snorkeling in Cahuita

Visiting Cahuita National Park is a must for nature lovers and those who seek to relax in a tropical paradise. The park has white sand beaches with trails, from where you can appreciate the local flora and fauna.

If you love snorkeling, you would be excited to know that within the park you can find the largest coral reef in Costa Rica, which you can only enjoy if you are accompanied by a tourist guide. Generally speaking tours include hiking in the trails, snorkeling and a return trip by boat.

Cahuita National Park – Manuel Pinto

Tasting a  Patty / Plantitá

To have the full Caribbean experience you must try our delicious local food, a patty is a traditional meal in the area, it is a turnover usually filled with ground meat, but you can find several options, like some filled with chicken and even vegetarian ones. A “plantintá” is another type of delicious turnover filled with ripe plantain. You will find lots of spots selling them on the sides of the main roads, run by local families. 

Taking a picture in the Manzanillo viewpoint

This is almost a mandatory stop during your visit to the Caribbean. In exchange for a donation you will be allowed to enter the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and then walk the trails that lead you to the Manzanillo viewpoint, where you can take a picture with views of the ocean and an islet. Following the trails beyond the viewpoint, you will find beaches where you can relax and spend the day at.  And if you keep your eyes wide open, perhaps you can find the secret cave. 

Viewpoint at Manzanillo – Manuel Pinto

Cacao Tour

This is the perfect plan for chocolate lovers. In the Southern Caribbean we have the perfect conditions to grow and harvest cacao, so you would be able to walk in the cacao forest and learn from artisan chocolatiers how to process cacao from bean to bar. The majority of tours include a tasting component that will allow you to enjoy different and unique flavors.

Kayaking at Punta Uva

Another experience that you shouldn’t miss is kayaking in Punta Uva, either on the river-or depending on the season of the year-in the ocean. In the river you can find animals like turtles, a variety of birds and if you are lucky enough, sloths. 

If you choose to kayak in the ocean, you could see the Punta Uva cave from a different perspective and enjoy the calmness of the sea just a few meters from the coast.

Punta Uva – Manuel Pinto

Visiting the waterfalls in the area

The Southern Caribbean is much more than idyllic beaches; in the area we have a series of waterfalls perfect for refreshing during a hot day.  Some you can easily access after a short walk and a couple of them will truly challenge and take you on an adventure into the Caribbean jungle.

If you want to get the most out of your hike to one of our falls, local guides will be happy to accompany you. 

These are just a few suggestions; but the truth is that the Southern Caribbean is full of diverse activities that will make your visit a memorable one. 

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Are you planning to visit the Caribbean?

We have over 50 vacation homes that can accommodate different needs and budgets. You can book your stay with us at www.casasdelcaribe.com