Costa Rica Surf Trip Planner - Caribbean Coast - Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Playa Bonita
The Ultimate Costa Rica 8-Night, 9-Day Surf Trip Vacation -Built by Surfers for Surfers with all the local know-how and booties on the ground REAL info you can handle Bra! – Costa Rica Surf Trip Destination? – Caribbean Coast with the best surf towns, surf spots, driving distances, activities, and wildlife 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 Coast, Costa Rica
Locations: Cahuita (2nd furthest), Puerto Viejo (furthest), and Playa Bonita (closest)
Focus: Surfing, wildlife, and adventure
Budget: Mid-range ($150–$250 per night for hotels, $100–$200 per tour)
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.
Days 2-3: Cahuita (2 Nights)
Why Cahuita?
Cahuita is a charming coastal town known for its laid-back vibe, proximity to Cahuita National Park, and beginner-friendly surf spots.
Top 5 Hotels/Surf Camps (Breakfast Included):
Hotel La Diosa: Beachfront, eco-friendly, and includes breakfast.
Passion Fruit Lodge: Boutique hotel with a pool and breakfast.
Hotel Suizo Loco Lodge: Quiet, surrounded by nature, and includes breakfast.
Cabinas Arrecife: Affordable, beachfront, and includes breakfast.
Atlantida Lodge: Rustic, close to the beach, and includes breakfast.
Best Surf Spots (Within 30-Minute Drive):
Playa Negra (Cahuita): Gentle waves, great for beginners.
Playa Blanca: Small, fun waves for all levels.
Puerto Vargas: Scenic beach with occasional surfable waves.
Top 5 Restaurants:
Sobre las Olas: Beachfront Italian and seafood dishes.
El Girasol: Gourmet Caribbean fusion cuisine.
Reggae Bar: Casual spot with local dishes and drinks.
Miss Edith’s Restaurant: Authentic Afro-Caribbean cuisine.
Café Cahuita: Great coffee and breakfast options.
Top 10 Animals to Spot:
Sloths
Howler monkeys
White-faced capuchin monkeys
Iguanas
Coatis
Toucans
Poison dart frogs
Scarlet macaws
Agoutis
Hummingbirds
Sights of Interest/Attractions:
Cahuita National Park: Famous for its coral reefs, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife.
Playa Negra: Black sand beach with calm waters.
Tree of Life Wildlife Rescue Center: Sanctuary for rescued animals.
Top 5 Tours ($100–$200):
Snorkeling in Cahuita National Park: Explore coral reefs and marine life.
Hiking Tour in Cahuita National Park: Guided tour to spot wildlife.
Chocolate Making Tour: Learn about traditional chocolate production.
Kayaking in the Mangroves: Paddle through lush mangroves and spot wildlife.
Surf Lessons: Perfect for beginners or intermediates.
Days 4-6: Puerto Viejo (3 Nights)
Why Puerto Viejo?
Puerto Viejo is a vibrant surf town with world-class waves, a lively atmosphere, and a mix of Afro-Caribbean culture and natural beauty.
Drive Time from Cahuita: ~30 minutes (16 km / 10 miles)
Top 5 Hotels/Surf Camps (Breakfast Included):
Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel: Stylish, beachfront, and includes breakfast.
Hotel Banana Azul: Adults-only, beachfront, and includes breakfast.
Villas del Caribe: Ocean-view villas with breakfast included.
Cariblue Beach and Jungle Resort: Eco-friendly, close to the beach, and includes breakfast.
Selina Puerto Viejo: Budget-friendly surf camp with a social vibe and breakfast.
Best Surf Spots (Within 30-Minute Drive):
Salsa Brava: Famous reef break for advanced surfers.
Playa Cocles: Consistent waves for all levels.
Playa Negra (Puerto Viejo): Gentle waves, great for beginners.
Top 5 Restaurants:
Koki Beach Restaurant: Upscale Caribbean fusion cuisine.
Stashu’s Con Fusion: Creative fusion dishes with bold flavors.
Bread & Chocolate: Popular spot for breakfast and desserts.
El Refugio Grill: Cozy spot with fresh seafood and steaks.
Tasty Waves Cantina: Casual tacos and cocktails with live music.
Top 10 Animals to Spot:
Sloths
Howler monkeys
White-faced capuchin monkeys
Iguanas
Toucans
Poison dart frogs
Scarlet macaws
Dolphins
Sea turtles
Agoutis
Sights of Interest/Attractions:
Jaguar Rescue Center: Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.
Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge: Stunning beaches and abundant wildlife.
Playa Punta Uva: One of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica.
Top 5 Tours ($100–$200):
Jaguar Rescue Center Tour: Learn about rescued wildlife.
Snorkeling at Punta Uva: Explore vibrant coral reefs.
Chocolate and Indigenous Culture Tour: Learn about local traditions and chocolate making.
Dolphin Watching Tour: Spot dolphins in the Caribbean waters.
Surf Lessons: Perfect for beginners or intermediates.
Days 7-8: Playa Bonita (2 Nights)
Why Playa Bonita?
Playa Bonita is a quieter surf destination near Limón, offering consistent waves and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Drive Time from Puerto Viejo: ~1.5 hours (60 km / 37 miles)
Top 5 Hotels/Surf Camps (Breakfast Included):
Hotel Playa Bonita: Beachfront, family-friendly, and includes breakfast.
Park Hotel: Affordable, close to the beach, and includes breakfast.
Hotel Maribu Caribe: Ocean-view hotel with breakfast included.
Hotel Perla Negra: Rustic, beachfront, and includes breakfast.
Hotel Acon: Budget-friendly, with breakfast included.
Best Surf Spots (Within 30-Minute Drive):
Playa Bonita: Consistent waves for intermediate surfers.
Playa Westfalia: Gentle waves, great for beginners.
Playa Cieneguita: Fun waves for all levels.
Top 5 Restaurants:
Restaurant Playa Bonita: Fresh seafood with ocean views.
Soda El Patty: Authentic Caribbean dishes.
Red Snapper Restaurant: Great seafood and local cuisine.
Marisqueria Muellecito: Casual spot for fresh seafood.
Café Limón: Great coffee and breakfast options.
Top 10 Animals to Spot:
Sloths
Howler monkeys
White-faced capuchin monkeys
Iguanas
Toucans
Scarlet macaws
Coatis
Sea turtles
Dolphins
Hummingbirds
Sights of Interest/Attractions:
Vargas Park: Scenic park with wildlife and ocean views.
Playa Bonita Viewpoint: Stunning views of the coastline.
Cahuita National Park (nearby): Coral reefs and abundant wildlife.
Top 5 Tours ($100–$200):
Snorkeling at Playa Bonita: Explore vibrant marine life.
Cultural Tour in Limón: Learn about Afro-Caribbean culture.
Kayaking in the Estuaries: Paddle through lush estuaries and spot wildlife.
Fishing Charter: Catch local fish species.
Surf Lessons: Perfect for beginners or intermediates.
Day 9: Sunday – Departure
Drive Time: ~3.5 hours (170 km / 106 miles) from Playa Bonita to San José International Airport (SJO).
Activity: Enjoy breakfast and a final stroll before heading to the airport.
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!
