The area's main surf beach, with a lifeguard tower at the main entrance during peak season.
Blue Flag beach
Playa Cocles is a long stretch of golden-brown sand about 2 kilometers southeast of Puerto Viejo town, backed by the coastal road and a run of small hotels and surf schools. It is the area's main beach break, drawing surfers of varied skill levels, but strong currents and rip tides form close to the main entrance and it is not a reliable swimming beach. The Bandera Azul Ecológica program awarded it 3 stars in 2025.
From Puerto Viejo town, follow the coastal road southeast about 2 kilometers; several signed entrances and roadside parking spots line the beach.
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Puerto Viejo
Chocolate experience operator in Puerto Viejo offering hands-on bean-to-bar classes, a cacao farm tour, and pairing sessions with wine, rum, or mezcal. It also runs a small restaurant serving Caribbean food and handmade chocolate. Bookings are handled by WhatsApp and an online system.
Puerto Viejo
Caribbean Surf School & Shop teaches private and group surf lessons in Puerto Viejo, with its surf shop located near Salsa Brava, the Caribbean's heaviest wave, and also runs stand-up paddleboard sessions and a waterfall tour. The school holds a 4.9-star rating across more than 170 TripAdvisor reviews and ranks among the top-rated water sports operators in town.
Puerto Viejo
Caribe Fishing Tours is run by Captain Alan, a Puerto Viejo local who leads offshore and inshore fishing charters departing from Punta Uva beach. The operation also runs river fishing trips up the Sixaola River and can combine a fishing day with snorkeling or dolphin watching on request.