Le Costa Rica is a very rich destination for its biodiversity and its many animals. There are some for all tastes in this country. Indeed, if you want to surf, see animals, enjoy the beach, go for walks or hikes in the jungle.
The nice thing about Costa Rica is that theyou can enjoy both the Pacific coast and the Caribbean coast.
Obviously, if you are leaving for a short time to discover this wonderful country, you may need choose between the two coasts.
You are probably wondering which coast to choose depending on the activities you want to do.
Which coast to choose in Costa Rica according to the period between the Caribbean and the Pacific?
Across Costa Rica we find a tropical climate which is relatively pleasant throughout the year. We nevertheless find two great seasons :
- A dry season : between April and December. The months of March and April are the hottest.
- A wet season : from May to November
It is good to know that depending on the place, the rains are more or less important. Indeed, on the Caribbean coast and the Osa peninsula which lies on the South Pacific coast, the precipitation is higher.
Regarding the coast of Caribbean, rains are much more frequent than in the rest of the country and the driest months are February, March and September. At north of the Caribbean coast, there is a microclimate with permanent wetness and humidity.
On the coast Peaceful, we can divide the rib in three :
- La Nicoya Peninsula in the North : this area is relatively laughed at, can be very hot in this region during the dry season with an average of 33 ° C. During the wet season, the rains fall sharply but do not last long.
- La central pacific coast : this region is among the more agreable because it is not as hot as in the Nicoya peninsula and we do not feel as high humidity as in the Osa peninsula.
- La Osa Peninsula in the South of the Pacific coast: This region experiences a constant humidity with a drought which does not hit as much as in the northern part.
Caribbean or Pacific coast in Costa Rica for surfing?
For all surf lovers, the side to prefer to practice this sport is obviously the pacific coast. Indeed, it is without any hesitation the most suitable coast for this discipline. From north to south on the Pacific coast, you will find many beaches for surfers.
Among the most famous, we find in particular:
- Guiones Beach
- Dominical Beach
- Santa Teresa Beach
- Tamarindo Beach
Obviously these are only a few examples, there are many spots all along the Pacific coast for surfing.
Also know that you will have the possibility of surfing on the Caribbean coast. On this coast the waves are generally smaller but sometimes we find beautiful waves at around Puerto Viejo.
Costa Rica: Caribbean or Pacific coast for the beach?
Whether along the Pacific coast or along the Caribbean coast, you will find plenty of wonderful large beaches heavenly white sand to bathe or lay down to enjoy the warmth of the Costa Rican sun.
In my opinion, the beaches of Pacific coast are often large expanses of white sand under coconut palms where you can see beautiful sunsets. Depending on where you are going, the beaches will be more or less frequented. Among the most popular are Tamarindo, Santa Teresa or Manuel Antonio beach.
On the side of Caribbean, beaches are often a a little narrower but generally not too crowded.
It all depends on what you are looking for during your stay in Costa Rica, I advise you to consult my article on the best beaches in Costa Rica.
Where to see animals in Costa Rica: Caribbean or Pacific coast?
Not to mention the different parks that can be found in the interior of the country like Monteverde for example, you can see many animals in the parks located on the Pacific coast and the Caribbean coast.
On pacific coast, you will be able to see animals in:
- La Cabo Blanco reserve located at the southern end of the Nicoya Peninsula
- Le Manuel Antonio Park which is however very busy
- Le Corcovado Park south of the Pacific coast
On Caribbean coast, the best places to see animals are:
- The Tortuguero
- Cahuita Park
- The Manzanillo reserve
For my part, the place where I saw the most animals in Costa Rica it was on the Caribbean coast in Cahuita and Manzanillo parks which, by the way, operate on a donation system unlike most other parks in the country.
Conclusion: which coast to choose in Costa Rica between the Caribbean and the Pacific?
Durant mon 3 week stay in Costa Rica, I was able to take the opportunity to have a glimpse of life on both coasts of Costa Rica. Indeed, I started my stay with pacific coast in the Nicoya Peninsula that I liked a lot for different reasons and in particular for the beautiful and large paradisiacal beaches under the coconut trees. This coast is, in my opinion, a lot more touristy and frequented than the Caribbean coast. The Pacific coast is perfect if you want to take advantage of surf but also to party and if you don't mind the world.
After exploring part of the Pacific coast, I crossed the country to reach the Caribbean coast who is good less frequented than its neighbor. Indeed, you will find fewer tourists on this coast which is just as beautiful. I had a little crush for the Caribbean coast Parts and accessories the atmosphere is special with Caribbean influences and different food. I saw the most animals while walking in the parks of the Caribbean coast.
Obviously, the choice is yours and it all depends on what you are looking for during your stay in Costa Rica.
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For more information on the Costa Rica, do not hesitate to consult the following articles:
- Which beach to choose in Costa Rica?
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- Traveling in Costa Rica by bus
- 3 week itinerary in Costa Rica by bus
- Three unmissable natural sites in Costa Rica
- Single woman traveling in Costa Rica: all you need to know
- 7 day itinerary in Costa Rica
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Hello
Thank you for all the information and experiences shared.
For a 3 week trip in July…Would you recommend the same itinerary?
Hello,
In July there is a little more rain, so expect more rain on the Caribbean coast I think.. But that remains to be seen, especially if you have 3 weeks 😉