The slender Caribbean coast is lined by beaches washed by pounding waves and beloved by marine turtles and surfers. A coral reef, superb fishing, wildlife refuges, and a unique culture all add to the offbeat appeal.

Running 193 kilometres ruler-straight between the Nicaraguan and Panamanian borders, Costa Rica’s palm-fringed, surf-pounded Caribbean coast is as wild as the nation’s towering interior. Primeval rain forest spreads inland from the spiralling, cloud-draped heights of the Talamancas to the south. The entire coast, lying within Limon province, varies little in its hot, humid climate.

A coral reef is a highlight at Parque Nacional Cahuita, giving snorkelers and scuba divers a rare opportunity to mingle with reef fish streaming in rainbows through dazzling aquamarine waters, shimmering like silk in the sunlight. The offbeat villages of Cahuita and Viejo draw surfers and other travelers who seek to shun pretensions.