Costa Rica Vacation Planner - Family Fun & Surf - Caribbean Coast
Ultimate Costa Rica 8-Night, 9-Day Family Fun, Kid-Friendly, Beach and Surf Vacation Caribbean Region with family-friendly activities, safe surf towns, and kid-friendly attractions. The itinerary prioritizes locations that are great for families, offer safe and fun surf spots, and include plenty of wildlife and adventure opportunities. The locations are ordered based on proximity to San José International Airport (SJO), starting with the second furthest, then the furthest, and ending with the closest.
Itinerary Overview
Duration: 8 Nights, 9 Days
Region: Caribbean, Costa Rica
Locations: Cahuita (2nd furthest), Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (furthest), and Turrialba (closest)
Focus: Family fun, kid-friendly activities, safe surfing, and wildlife
Budget: $150–$250 per night for accommodations, $100–$200 for per person for each tour or activity
Airport: San José International Airport (SJO)
Day 1: Saturday – Arrival and Travel to Cahuita
Drive Time: ~4 hours (200 km / 124 miles) from San José International Airport (SJO)
Activity: Settle into your hotel, explore the area, and enjoy a relaxing evening by the pool.
Days 2-3: Cahuita (2 Nights)
Why Cahuita?
Cahuita is a quiet, family-friendly town with calm beaches, a national park, and plenty of wildlife. It’s perfect for families looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure.
Top 5 Family-Friendly Hotels with Pools (Breakfast Included):
Hotel La Diosa: Family-friendly, with a pool and breakfast included.
Atlantida Lodge: Affordable, with a pool and breakfast.
Hotel Suizo Loco Lodge: Quiet, family-friendly, with a pool and breakfast.
Passion Fruit Lodge: Small, cozy, with a pool and breakfast included.
Cabinas Arrecife: Beachfront, family-friendly, with a pool and breakfast.
Best Surf Spots and Kid-Friendly Activities (Within 30-Minute Drive):
Playa Negra: Gentle waves, great for beginner surfers and kids.
Cahuita National Park: Easy trails, calm beaches, and abundant wildlife.
Playa Blanca: Calm waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Top 5 Restaurants:
Sobre las Olas: Beachfront dining with fresh seafood and kid-friendly options.
El Girasol: Italian cuisine with a family-friendly atmosphere.
Café Cahuita: Casual spot with great coffee and local dishes.
Reggae Bar: Relaxed vibe with Caribbean-inspired dishes.
Miss Edith’s Restaurant: Authentic Caribbean cuisine with kid-friendly options.
Top 10 Animals to Spot:
Sloths
Howler monkeys
White-faced capuchin monkeys
Iguanas
Coatis
Toucans
Poison dart frogs
Hummingbirds
Butterflies
Crabs
Sights of Interest/Attractions:
Cahuita National Park: Easy trails, wildlife spotting, and calm beaches.
Playa Negra: Black sand beach with gentle waves.
Tree of Life Wildlife Rescue Center: Family-friendly wildlife sanctuary.
Top 5 Family-Friendly Tours or Surf Options ($100–$200):
Guided Hike in Cahuita National Park
Snorkeling at Playa Blanca
Family Surf Lessons at Playa Negra
Wildlife Tour at Tree of Life Rescue Center
Kayaking in the Mangroves
Day 4: Travel from Cahuita to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Travel Details:
Drive Time: ~30 minutes (16 km / 10 miles)
Days 5-7: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (3 Nights)
Why Puerto Viejo?
Puerto Viejo is a vibrant surf town with a laid-back Caribbean vibe, family-friendly beaches, and plenty of activities for kids. It’s also a great spot for wildlife and cultural experiences.
Top 5 Family-Friendly Hotels with Pools (Breakfast Included):
Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel: Stylish, family-friendly, with a pool and breakfast included.
Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort: Beachfront, with a pool and breakfast.
Villas del Caribe: Family-friendly, with a pool and breakfast included.
Hotel Banana Azul: Beachfront, with a pool and breakfast.
Hotel Aguas Claras: Boutique, family-friendly, with a pool and breakfast.
Best Surf Spots and Kid-Friendly Activities (Within 30-Minute Drive):
Playa Cocles: Gentle waves, perfect for beginner surfers and kids.
Playa Chiquita: Calm waters, great for swimming and snorkeling.
Jaguar Rescue Center: Family-friendly wildlife rescue and education center.
Top 5 Restaurants:
Koki Beach Restaurant: Beachfront dining with kid-friendly options.
Bread & Chocolate: Great for breakfast and desserts.
Soda Lidia’s Place: Authentic Caribbean dishes with a family-friendly vibe.
La Nena: Casual spot with fresh seafood and local dishes.
El Refugio Grill: Cozy, with great food and a relaxed atmosphere.
Top 10 Animals to Spot:
Sloths
Howler monkeys
White-faced capuchin monkeys
Iguanas
Toucans
Poison dart frogs
Hummingbirds
Butterflies
Sea turtles (seasonal)
Coatis
Sights of Interest/Attractions:
Jaguar Rescue Center: Wildlife rescue and education center.
Playa Cocles: Family-friendly surf beach.
Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge: Stunning trails and wildlife spotting.
Top 5 Family-Friendly Tours or Surf Options ($100–$200):
Family Surf Lessons at Playa Cocles
Guided Tour of Jaguar Rescue Center
Snorkeling at Playa Chiquita
Chocolate Making Tour
Kayaking in Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Day 8: Travel from Puerto Viejo to Turrialba
Travel Details:
Drive Time: ~4.5 hours (210 km / 130 miles)
Days 8-9: Turrialba (2 Nights)
Why Turrialba?
Turrialba is a hidden gem for families, offering lush mountains, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. It’s a great way to end the trip with a mix of relaxation and exploration.
Top 5 Family-Friendly Hotels with Pools (Breakfast Included):
Hotel Casa Turire: Boutique, family-friendly, with a pool and breakfast.
Hacienda Tayutic: Family-friendly, with a pool and breakfast included.
Guayabo Lodge: Cozy, with a pool and breakfast.
Hotel Wagelia Turrialba: Affordable, family-friendly, with a pool and breakfast.
Villa Florencia Hotel: Quiet, family-friendly, with a pool and breakfast.
Best Surf Spots and Kid-Friendly Activities (Within 30-Minute Drive):
Pacuare River: Family-friendly whitewater rafting.
Guayabo National Monument: Easy trails and cultural history.
CATIE Botanical Garden: Educational and fun for kids.
Top 5 Restaurants:
Casa Turire Restaurant: Farm-to-table dining with kid-friendly options.
Wagelia Restaurant: Casual spot with local dishes.
La Cascada del Bosque: Great for families, with a relaxed vibe.
Rancho del Sapito: Authentic Costa Rican food.
El Colibrí Steakhouse: Family-friendly with hearty meals.
Top 10 Animals to Spot:
Toucans
Hummingbirds
Iguanas
Coatis
Sloths
Howler monkeys
Butterflies
Frogs
Hawks
Armadillos
Sights of Interest/Attractions:
Guayabo National Monument: Archaeological site with easy trails.
Pacuare River: Scenic rafting and wildlife spotting.
CATIE Botanical Garden: Educational and fun for kids.
Top 5 Family-Friendly Tours or Surf Options ($100–$200):
Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare River
Guided Tour of Guayabo National Monument
Chocolate and Coffee Tour
Horseback Riding in the Mountains
Birdwatching Tour at CATIE
Day 9: Travel from Turrialba to San José International Airport (SJO)
Drive Time: ~2 hours
Be sure to check out our Surf Costa Rica page for more Costa Rica surf and travel info. And grab some local style at our Surf Shop before your trip. For sure! A simple “pura vida” goes a long way here, so does repping the local team to start a conversation, make some friends, and let everyone know you want to be here and you’re here to surf. Because you’re one of the good ones. “Let’s Look Good Out There”.
Plus, we have tons more blogs to help you get your bearings, find your right spot, and get it wired. Join us and tag us on social and subscribe to our twice-monthly newsletter for rad event invites, news, real good discounts, and all things Costa Rica surf. We’re not trying to crowd the lineup in your email or drop in on your inbox, just trying to let you know what’s out the back and help you time it up for your set wave. Pura Vida!
Keep the stoke alive, ride with respect, and enjoy the pura vida every wave delivers. See you in the lineup!
