Playa Cocles

A long golden-sand beach just south of Puerto Viejo popular for its consistent surf breaks. Lifeguards, beach bars and reliable waves make it a favorite for surfers and sunbathers alike.

Things to do

• Surf the beach breaks — Cocles is known for its powerful, consistent beach-break waves that suit intermediate and advanced surfers, especially from December to March.
• Take a surf lesson — Several local surf schools along the beach road offer lessons and board rentals for beginners wanting to catch their first waves.
• Sunbathe near the lifeguard towers — Cocles is one of the few Caribbean beaches with lifeguards, so set up between the flagged towers for the safest swimming and lounging.
• Cycle from Puerto Viejo — Rent a bike in Puerto Viejo and ride the scenic coastal road roughly 2 km south to reach Cocles in about ten minutes.
• Beach bar hopping — Grab a cold drink and watch the surf at the casual open-air bars and sodas lining the sand.
• Sunrise walk on the sand — Facing east on the Caribbean, Cocles offers stunning sunrises over a long stretch of golden beach best enjoyed early before crowds arrive.
• Visit Jaguar Rescue Center — Just inland near Cocles, this wildlife rescue center offers guided tours of sloths, monkeys, snakes and rehabilitating animals.

Food to try

• Rice and beans — The Caribbean version cooks rice and beans together in coconut milk, distinct from the standard gallo pinto and often served with stewed chicken.
• Rondón — A hearty Afro-Caribbean coconut-milk stew simmered with fish, tubers and plantain that reflects the region's Jamaican heritage.
• Patí — A spicy Caribbean meat-filled pastry turnover sold by local vendors and small bakeries, perfect as a beach snack.
• Fresh catch of the day — Beach sodas grill or fry local fish served with coconut rice, plantains and a squeeze of lime.
• Agua de sapo — A refreshing local drink made from ginger, tapa dulce (raw cane sugar) and lime, common throughout the Limón coast.
• Fresh coconut water — Vendors chop open cold green coconuts (pipa) right on the beach for a hydrating drink in the tropical heat.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the surf and lifeguard flags — Rip currents can be strong at Cocles, so swim between the marked flags and heed lifeguard advice.
• Embrace the Afro-Caribbean culture — This coast has strong Jamaican and Bribri roots, so you'll hear Mekatelyu creole and reggae alongside Spanish.
• Watch your belongings — Don't leave valuables unattended on the sand while surfing or swimming, as opportunistic theft can occur on busy beaches.
• Go slow, 'pura vida' style — Service and life run on a relaxed Caribbean pace, so bring patience and cash since some small sodas and vendors don't take cards.

Nearby

• Puerto Viejo de Talamanca — 2 km
• Punta Uva — 5 km
• Manzanillo — 9 km
• Cahuita National Park — 13 km