Costa Rica’s Caribbean-Atlantic coast, less visited than the country’s Pacific Coast, offer some of the best beaches in Costa Rica—-not to mention a walk into history.

You see, in 1502, explorar Christopher Columbus and his crew came ashore here, walking the same beaches where beach-goers now stroll in flip-flops and shorts. He was so enraptured he gave the place its name, Costa Rica.

The Caribbean coast can be split into two parts or regions.

The north Atlantic coast, from the Nicaragua border almost to Limon, is essentially roadless wilderness, renowned for the biggest green sea turtle nesting area in the world called Tortuguero National Park. Except for the little Tortuguero Village, itself a tourist attraction, there are no towns or cities.

A handful of lodges offer visitors great offshore fishing and tour operators take visitors into the wilderness along the San Juan River that borders Nicaragua.

Though the coastal waters and beaches are remote, and can be reached only by charter aircraft or boat, thousands of people come every year for a tropical eco-tourism experience.

Unlike its coastal neighbour to the north, the southern Caribbean coast, below Limon, can be easily reached by vehicle or bus. For budget-minded travelers, we suggest taking a bus from San Jose to a destination along this coast. They are fast, comfortable, and amazingly cheap, about $10 or so.

Limon is the biggest town along the south Caribbean coast, heavily inhabited by descendents of slaves brought to work in banana fields. It’s also home to the only Costa Rica port on the Caribbean. The town and close by areas have a particular Bob Marley air but , though cruise ships stop at the port, it’s not a recommended or well-liked tourist attraction and, fact is, some of its beaches are contaminated.

Consequently, leave Limon behind and head south along the coast. About 15 miles south, you will come to Cahuita, a little town in Cahuita National Park, famous for its warm, crystal clear waters off pristine beaches. It is a popular snorkeling area, complete with one of the largest coral beds in the country and a sunken slave ship.

Travel a few miles further south to Puerto Viejo and you will find a varied community of people from across the world, fromEurope to South America, and, of course, Canadians and Americans. The beaches range all the way from brown to white sand and are famous for surfing.

Particularly popular is the magnificent Salsa Brava where each year, surfers from everywhere on earth meet up to challenge its tubular waves.

Go a bit farther south and you’ll come to the beaches of Manzanillo where Columbus came ashore. Gorgeous beaches, clear waters, parrots and other birds and monkeys everywhere, and home to a species of freshwater dolphin, the Tucuxi, found nowhere else in Latin America. And, if you are into fishing, its rivers and estuaries provide some of the best tarpon and snook fishing anywhere.

But , And, of course, , remember this: though wearing sandals and a funny looking tee shirt you are walking in the steps of Columbus himself.

A country known for its beaches, nature, ecotourism, and adult nightlife has become one of America’s favorite destinations and Costa Rica vacations are more popular every year.And, fact is, though little traveled, some of the best beaches in Costa Rica are along its beautiful Caribbean coast.

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