When it comes to black sand beaches in Costa Rica, Playa Negra by Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, is a favorite.
In this guide, we’ll help you plan your visit.
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Playa Negra, Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica Beach
The beach sits right in between Puerto Viejo town and Cahuita, stretching a bit more than 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).
Since this beach is considered “not as pretty” as the others, such as the white sand beaches of Cocles, Chiquita and Punta Uva, Negra isn’t usually crowded.
Since it’s so long and there aren’t many visitors, you can walk for kilometers on Negra without seeing another person!
From the most southern end of Playa Negra, it is about a 1.5 kilometer walk on the beach to Puerto Viejo town so it’s not an ideal location for those who want to be close to town without a car.
Since it is not recommended to walk on the beach at night or to walk alone, you will need to taxi back and forth which can add up.
There isn’t really a town at Playa Negra so there aren’t many restaurants or supermarkets close by so it’s a bit inconvenient.
Playa Negra Location
Playa Negra is 257 kilometers (160 miles) from San Jose, about a 4.5 hour drive.
How to get to Playa Negra
There are buses that run on the main road from Cahuita to Puerto Viejo every day and you can get off after Hone Creek towards Puerto Viejo.
The bus however does not go into the small roads of Playa Negra so you will need to walk from the main road to your hotel or try to find a taxi.
4×4 required?
No. Get our Costa Rica car rental discount here!
Parking
You can park anywhere on the road that runs parallel to the beach.
There is no security guard or secure parking lot so make sure to lock your car and don’t leave valuables inside.
Playa Negra Puerto Viejo Hotels
You can find a small handful of hotels, lodges and casitas at Playa Negra. There are also many vacation rentals.
Hotel Banana Azul is beach front, has a beach club, on-site restaurant and a nice garden area.
It’s an adult only resort with a range of accommodation options from standard rooms to suites.
This is a guesthouse with several types of rooms with flats (apartment) and single and double rooms. They’re right across from Negra beach and they have a nice pool with a deck.
This hotel has ocean view rooms, standard rooms and two beach houses with a kitchen. They’re beach front, they have a pool and on-site restaurant and an entertainment area with darts and a pool table.
Adults only with a deluxe room, suits and houses. Just 3 minutes from the beach. Very cozy houses and suites, which feels like home. Includes hot breakfast and has a pool.
Things to Do at Playa Negra
Playa Negra has suitable waves for beginner surfers but this is a local favorite surfing beach mostly.
You can also swim, relax and walk on the shores of the beach. If you swim, do not go out far and don’t go alone. Any sign of strong currents or winds, don’t swim.
For other activities outside of Negra, everything is close by and with a car, you can easily visit several different attractions.
You can visit other beaches, such as Playa Cocles and Playa Chiquita.
Another must do is visit Cahuita National Park which you can do on your own or you can book a guided Cahuita National Park walk.
You can also do day tours like a chocolate tour or Jaguar Rescue Center and Punta Uva walk.
Video
You can see Playa Negra Puerto Viejo looks like from the air in this short clip.
Costa Rica Vacation Checklist
- First time to Costa Rica? Read our First Time in Costa Rica guide.
- Not sure how to move around Costa Rica? Read our How to Get Around Costa Rica guide to find the best transportation method for you.
- Click the link to get our detailed Costa Rica Packing List so you know what essential items to bring.
- Check our Costa Rica destinations map and Costa Rica restaurant map
- Do not forget to purchase Travel Insurance for your trip to Costa Rica.
- Stay connected by purchasing a prepaid SIM Card in Costa Rica.
- Save money with Mytanfeet Deals for tours and hotels and our Costa Rica Car Rental Discount.
John H says
Good overview and information.
Lots of birds and some beautiful flowers. Prices are interesting, check before travelling. Lots of thievery apparently. Bring lockboxes and secure your documents!
But overall, relaxed vibes and great food and drinks. Very cosmopolitan, great fun for language students! 2022 World Cup on the Main Street with Argentina at the pizzeria and French at Hot Rocks! Great Fun, no physical interaction, just vocal!
The whole area from Caluita South to Manzanillo is worth the effort (even if you don’t surf)!
De says
Yes send me the guide please