Cahuita National Park scuba diving reef beach CaribbeanCahuita Marine National Park has nearby beaches for diving and surfing, and like the parks at Manuel Antonio and Las Baulas, Cahuita National Park is a marine park whose crystal pure waters and colorful reefs are home to a variety of tropical fish and plant life

Diving in an Underwater Garden.

The reef begins about 500 meters from the shore at Cahuita Point. From the park entrance, only two blocks south of the town, you’ll find a nature trail that leads down along the beach. Iguanas, monkeys, bird life — there is plenty to see before on the way. It’s about two miles to the Point. From there you can go snorkeling or scuba diving. Or you can take a boat out to dive in less frequently visits spots.

This area is also near the Talamanca Mountains, home to countless species of birds, mammals and reptiles. Local tour outfits can arrange a day trip into the cool hills for a break from the beach.

Hotels and Resorts, Cabinas and Camping Finding a place to stay is the easy part, as there are tons of budget cabinas. Also, a number of luxury hotels and resorts have sprung up in the past few years. The nightlife in the hotels and at the local bars is legendary. This area has been more popular with Europeans than North Americans, many of whom are just beginning to discover the laid back lifestyle on the Caribbean side of the country.

If you’re seeking a place for some serious hammock time, where the local culture — from Bri Bri Indian to Caribbean immigrant to Spanish — is still going strong, this is your piece of tropical paradise. It is a three to four hour drive from San Jose to Limon, then an hour south. (The road to Limon passes through Brauilio Carrillo National Park, a drive-through cloud forest. Puerto Viejo, another laid back beach town, lies to the south and is also relatively unspoiled