Playa Negra

A long black volcanic sand beach right at the edge of Puerto Viejo town.

Blue Flag beach

Playa Negra is a black sand beach running northwest from the edge of Puerto Viejo town toward Cahuita, formed from dark volcanic sediment rather than coral sand. It is a walking and relaxing beach rather than a swimming destination, with moderate surf and no offshore reef protection. Two sections near the Puerto Viejo end held Bandera Azul Ecológica awards in 2025. This is a different beach from the black sand Playa Negra near Cahuita town, further up the coast.

SwimmingModerate surf, swim with care
SurfIntermediate surf

Good for

Facilities

Getting there

From central Puerto Viejo, head northwest along the coastal road toward Cahuita; the black sand beach begins just past the edge of town.

On the map

Tide times · All beaches in Puerto Viejo

Nearby in Puerto Viejo

Sportfishing $$

Caribe Fishing Tours

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.

Tour Agency $$

Caribe Sur Tours

Puerto Viejo

Caribe Sur Tours is a Puerto Viejo based agency running a wide slate of South Caribbean tours, including a night wildlife walk led by a biologist specialized in frogs and snakes on a private conservation farm near Playa Cocles, plus Gandoca-Manzanillo dolphin and mangrove boat tours, clear kayak trips in Punta Uva, and Bribri cultural canoe experiences in Yorkin. The company is based at Playa Negra and operates via online booking with phone and email contact.

More things to do in Puerto Viejo