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Limón

Costa Rica · Coast · CRC · 9.990700, -83.036000
Family friendly 5.7/10 · Rank 1813 of 2 709
Best season: September-October

Best for

Suitable for lovers of Caribbean culture, ecotourism, surfers and travellers seeking an authentic experience away from mass tourism.

Best season

September-October

Daily budget
$118.00 (≈ 9 903 ₽ · ≈ 62 540 CRC)
For 7 days
$826.00 (≈ 69 318 ₽ · ≈ 437 780 CRC)
Limón is the main port and largest city on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, often called the "gateway to the Caribbean". The city is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture, colourful markets, and proximity to Tortuguero and Cahuita National Parks. This is the ideal place to discover the unique culture and nature of the Caribbean coast.
Summer
31.7°C
Winter
24.5°C
Sea
29.3°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

moderate

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Caribbean culture with Afro-Costa Rican roots. Locals are friendly, speak English and Creole. Atmosphere is relaxed and musical.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Affordable accommodation and food prices compared to other regions of Costa Rica — sea-view rentals start from $460 per month
  • Rich Afro-Caribbean culture — a unique blend of Spanish and Limon Creole English, music, cuisine and traditions
  • Wildlife at your doorstep — river tours, banana plantation visits, kayaking, wildlife watching right from the city
  • Pristine rainforest and white sand beaches — the region is wetter, greener and far less developed than Guanacaste
  • Major infrastructure investments — $900 million marina and cruise terminal, new international airport and hospital

Cons

  • High crime rate in Limon city
  • Strong rip currents on beaches
  • Murky water on some beaches
  • Limited infrastructure
  • Humid climate with frequent rain
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
28.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
29.9°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
31.7°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
26.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
28.7°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
24.5°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
28.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
29.3°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
July-December
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
black
Water Entry
Type of water entry
steep
Waves
Level of waves
moderate
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
moderate
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Playa Bonita
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
Yes
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
No
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
Present
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
Present
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
Present
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
high
Note

The Caribbean coast is known for strong rip currents and murky water. Swimming is recommended only in designated areas and with lifeguards present.

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins on reefs
  • Protective footwear required

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs along the coast
  • Can be sharp, dangerous on contact

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish common in the Caribbean
  • Most active during the rainy season

Sharks — details

  • Sharks found in coastal waters
  • Swimming prohibited in some areas
Attractions

Tortuguero National Park

Network of canals with turtles, monkeys and rich wildlife

Cahuita National Park

White sand beach with coral reef for snorkelling

Puerto Viejo

Colourful town with reggae bars and Caribbean atmosphere

Manzanillo Reserve

Black sand beach with excellent surfing conditions

Limon Market

Municipal market with local fruits, spices and Caribbean cuisine

Best areas

Puerto Viejo

Lively town with reggae bars, restaurants and beaches

Playa Bonita

Quiet area with beachfront hotels and restaurants

Cahuita

Quiet town near the national park

Must-try food

Rondon

Caribbean fish stew with coconut milk and spices

Rice and Beans

Traditional Caribbean dish with coconut milk

Patacones

Fried plantains, popular snack

Ceviche

Fresh fish in lime juice with cilantro

Coconut Bread

Sweet bread with coconut, local delicacy

Where to go next

Tortuguero

National park with turtles and canals

Cahuita

National park with beach and reef

Puerto Viejo

Town with Caribbean culture and nightlife

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
moderate
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт Лимон (LIO).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
September-October
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 13 250 CRC
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$90.00
≈ 7 553 ₽ · ≈ 47 700 CRC
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$180.00
≈ 15 106 ₽ · ≈ 95 400 CRC
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$300.00
≈ 25 176 ₽ · ≈ 159 000 CRC
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$250.00
≈ 20 980 ₽ · ≈ 132 500 CRC
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 31 800 CRC
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 3 710 CRC
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$18.00
≈ 1 511 ₽ · ≈ 9 540 CRC
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 1 060 CRC
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 1 060 CRC
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽ · ≈ 530 CRC
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$9.00
≈ 755 ₽ · ≈ 4 770 CRC
Burger
Average price for a burger
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 4 240 CRC
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 1 590 CRC
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 3 710 CRC
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 15 900 CRC
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽ · ≈ 530 CRC
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 5 300 CRC
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽ · ≈ 18 550 CRC
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 4 240 CRC
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 13 250 CRC
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 21 200 CRC
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 42 400 CRC
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Limón Partner
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽ · ≈ 18 550 CRC
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 5 300 CRC
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 13 250 CRC
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Frequently asked questions
Limón: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is September-October. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Limón: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +31.7°C, during the day — up to +29.9°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Limón: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +24.5°C, during the day — up to +28.7°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Limón: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +29.3°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Limón: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on July-December. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Limón: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, black sand, moderate water. The most popular beaches: Playa Bonita. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Limón: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as high — swimming is only recommended in specially designated areas.
Limón: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: sea urchins, corals, jellyfish, sharks. The Caribbean coast is known for strong rip currents and murky water. Swimming is recommended only in designated areas and with lifeguards present.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Limón: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $118.00 (≈ 9 903 ₽ · ≈ 62 540 CRC) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Limón: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $25.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $90.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $180.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $300.00 per night, an apartment — $60.00 per night, a villa — $250.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Limón: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $7.00, dinner at a restaurant — $18.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.00, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Limón: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $30.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.00, a short taxi ride — $10.00, car rental — $35.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Limón: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Tortuguero National Park — Network of canals with turtles, monkeys and rich wildlife; Cahuita National Park — White sand beach with coral reef for snorkelling; Puerto Viejo — Colourful town with reggae bars and Caribbean atmosphere; Manzanillo Reserve — Black sand beach with excellent surfing conditions; Limon Market — Municipal market with local fruits, spices and Caribbean cuisine. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Limón: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Rondon — Caribbean fish stew with coconut milk and spices; Rice and Beans — Traditional Caribbean dish with coconut milk; Patacones — Fried plantains, popular snack; Ceviche — Fresh fish in lime juice with cilantro; Coconut Bread — Sweet bread with coconut, local delicacy. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Limón: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Puerto Viejo — Lively town with reggae bars, restaurants and beaches; Playa Bonita — Quiet area with beachfront hotels and restaurants; Cahuita — Quiet town near the national park. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Limón: is a visa required?
Visa: not required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Limón: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт Лимон (code LIO). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $30.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Limón: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — CRC. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $118.00 (≈ 9 903 ₽ · ≈ 62 540 CRC). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Limón: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Limón: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as moderate. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Limón: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Tortuguero — National park with turtles and canals; Cahuita — National park with beach and reef; Puerto Viejo — Town with Caribbean culture and nightlife. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

5.7/10
Overall rank: 1813 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 1085

Best season

September-October

Useful information

Currency: CRC
Coordinates: 9.990700, -83.036000