About Playa Chiquita Beach
In a quiet coastal village along Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast, in the province of Limon, there is a beautiful hidden beach that few people notice.
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Playa Chiquita, Costa Rica is a well-kept secret often overlooked because of other beaches nearby that are more accessible like Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Punta Uva, and Playa Cocles.
Playa Chiquita Beach has crystal-clear waters, soft golden sand, and rows of palm trees. There’s also a short trail parallel to the shore where you can go for a short walk under the shade. Sometimes, you might even see horses grazing. Because of its low-key reputation, the atmosphere is always calm, peaceful, and laid back.
Playa Chiquita was awarded a Bandera Azul, which is given to Costa Rica’s cleanest and healthiest beaches. The area is rich with biodiversity, and the playa is a great jump-off point for trips to nearby jungles and nature refuges.
One great thing about Playa Chiquita is how it operates on low-impact tourism. The community itself invests in the environmental conservation and preservation of the area, and the tourists who go there actually help the local economy–all the more reason to visit Playa Chiquita.
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Weather in Playa Chiquita, Costa Rica
Because Playa Chiquita is located on the Caribbean Coast, it doesn’t follow the same dry and wet tropical patterns as the rest of Costa Rica. In fact, there are no strict dry or rainy seasons in Playa Chiquita—it’s really humid all year round. The sunniest months are September and October, while the rainiest are June and November.
How to Get to Playa Chiquita, Costa Rica
Playa Chiquita, located along the Caribbean Coast, is 67 km (41.63mi) away from the major city of Limón, which is also where the closest airport is. From there, a drive to the playa will take about 1-1.5 hours.
The closest town is Puerto Viejo (6 km or 3.71mi west). If you’re coming from the capital of San José (223 km or 138.57mi), Playa Chiquita will take you 4-5 hours, depending on the traffic and mode of transportation.
Here are a few ways you can get to Chiquita Beach:
By Car. From Punta Viejo, Playa Chiquita is only a 15-minute drive. It’s right between Punta Uva (5 minutes away) and Playa Cocles (7 minutes away). It’s an easy drive, and 4x4s aren’t required. Note that there is no direct road access to the beach, so you will need to park along the road and walk down the short trail to the beach.
By Bus/Shuttle. From San Jose to Puerto Viejo, there is a daily public bus called Autotransportes MEPE that departs from Terminal Atlántico Norte. A ticket costs around USD $13, and you’ll have to purchase your ticket at the terminal as you can’t buy public bus tickets online. Tickets can be purchased at the Terminal MEPE Ticket Office which is open from 5:30AM to 6PM.
The MEPE public buses depart from San Jose at 6AM, 8AM, 10AM, 12NN (on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only), 2PM, and 4PM. The whole trip will take about 5-6 hours, though bus schedules may be subject to change.
From San Jose, another option is an airconditioned shuttle operated by MyPinkBus. Tickets can be reserved ahead of time and prices start at USD $62. This takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes.
From Puerto Viejo to Playa Chiquita, there’s a daily bus that leaves for Manzanillo every day at 6:45AM, 7:45AM, 9:45AM, 11:45AM, 1:45PM, 4:45PM, 6:45PM, and 7:45PM. On Sundays, there’s an extra service at 12:45PM, 3:45PM, and 5:45PM. Get off once you see the big road sign for Chiquita.
By Taxi. Taxi is also an option from Limon (1-1.5 hours) and Puerto Viejo (15 minutes away).
Parking at Playa Chiquita, Limon
There’s no defined parking lot at Playa Chiquita. Most people park by the road and walk down to the beach, but there is a restaurant at the end of the road with a large parking lot. You’ll have to buy a drink or a meal before you can park there.
Be careful not to park your vehicle under the tall almond trees opposite Playa Chiquita. There are green macaws said to peck on the almonds, and they end up dropping nuts from far up on the trees which can fall on the cars and cause damage.
Facilities at Playa Chiquita, Limon
There aren’t a lot of facilities at Playa Chiquita, Costa Rica. On the beach itself, there are no toilets, benches, cafés, or bins, so bring everything you need and leave nothing behind. There are palm trees and vegetation that provide a bit of shade, so there is a place to lounge and rest your head.
The nearest Playa Chiquita hotels and restaurants are lined up by the beach access road and not along the shore. You can always take a short walk there after you’re done soaking up the views of the Caribbean Coast.
Things to Do at Playa Chiquita, Costa Rica
Go Swimming and Snorkeling
Swimming is the main event at the Bandera Azul-awarded Chiquita Beach. The water is calm and clear, perfect for exploring marine life in the Caribbean Sea. There’s a small reef off the shore where you can go snorkelling and find sea urchins, blue parrotfish, anemones, and more exotic fish. The best part is, Playa Chiquita never gets too crowded.
Go on a Horseback Ride along Playa Chiquita
Horseback riding on the beach—why not? The Prancing Pony Horseback Center is right on the beach, giving you an alternative mode of transport starting at USD $65. Ride horses, just a short walk.
Hike to Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Put on your hiking boots and head to this significant refuge within Manzanillo National Park. This is a 740-acre jungle teeming with animal and plant life, plus beach areas, swamps, and a coral reef. You can hike along the forest floor, or take a canopy tour to get a bird’s eye view of the park.
Jaguar Rescue Center
This is one of the best rescue centers in Costa Rica. Stop by if you want to learn about the local animals and fauna. The facility helps rehabilitate birds, snakes, monkeys, sloths, jaguars, and any other animals in need of care.
FAQs:
Can you Swim at Playa Chiquita, Limon?
Yes, Playa Chiquita is the perfect place for swimming. The water is calm and the shore is not crowded. Just make sure to be careful when swimming in open water, especially at beaches like this one that have no lifeguards on duty.
Can you Fish at Playa Chiquita, Limon?
There are no fishing facilities on Playa Chiquita itself, but you can find multiple fishing charters nearby.
Can you Surf at Playa Chiquita, Limon?
Yes, the rolling coastline, white sand beaches, and hollow low tide waves make Playa Chiquita a good surf spot. Check out Playa Chiquita Surf School for lessons.
Is Playa Chiquita, Limon Safe for Families?
Yes, Playa Chiquita in Costa Rica is safe for families. The current is not too strong at this beach, and activities like swimming, snorkelling, surfing, hiking, and horseback are suitable for kids.
READ NEXT: The best things to do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Where to Stay: Playa Chiquita Hotels
There aren’t too many Playa Chiquita hotels right on the shore, but there are good accommodation options within walking distance and even in neighbouring towns.
Casa Mariposa
Casa Mariposa is one of the few Playa Chiquita hotels near the beach. This open-structured house is just across the beach access road, and it’s within walking distance to local restaurants and stores.
The house consists of 2 cozy, private bedrooms with closets, working spaces, fans, and windows. It also comes with 2 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, a washing machine, garden views, and free Wi-Fi. The property was designed to attract many butterflies and animals, all of which you watch out for from the sunny patio.
Caribbean Courtyard Villa
Walk 10 minutes from Chiquita Beach, and you’ll find the impressive Caribbean Courtyard in Punta Uva. It has 5 luxury villas with comfortable rooms, a private pool, free Wi-Fi, and free private parking. The rooms all come with air-conditioning and private bathrooms, plus TVs and a fully-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and microwave.
The property was sustainably built and artfully designed. It uses tropical pergolas and spacious pavilions to create a modern villa that blends seamlessly with the jungle around it. They also use solar energy, water-efficient systems, and passive bioclimatic design.
Where to Eat: Best Restaurants near Playa Chiquita, Costa Rica
Pura Gula Restaurant
This romantic, rustic restaurant serves Mediterranean and fusion dishes. They offer meat, chicken, and vegetarian options, but their seafood stands out as it’s sourced from local fishermen. Try their ceviche, pasta with clams, garlic shrimp, and seared tuna. They’re open on Wednesdays to Mondays from 5 pm to 10 pm.
El Sol de Caribe
This roadside restaurant serves delicious Caribbean and Costa Rican dishes. Try the Caribbean Chicken or the Red Snapper, and pair it with their refreshing drinks. Whether you’re in the mood for coffee or cocktails, it won’t disappoint!
The Pelican Pub & Cafe
The Pelican Pub & Cafe serves quality wines, draft beers, and amazing cocktails alongside a delicious international menu. Their dishes include comfort food like chicken wings, burgers (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options), and steak, as well as super vegan dishes.
The Bottom Line
For a quiet beach in Costa Rica that’s great for disconnecting, don’t skip Playa Chiquita. It’s secluded and laid back but still near local establishments and restaurants, and it’s not too far from beach towns like Puerto Viejo, in case you’re in the mood for a little more activity. Whether you want to swim in calm waters, hike up to a wilderness refuge, or grab a bite, Playa Chiquita is worth the stop.
