Cahuita · Limón Province · Costa Rica
Playa Negra
The charcoal-hued sand feels coarser beneath your toes than you expect, tinged with iron and ancient lava. Breadfruit trees lean over the beach where locals sell coconut rice in banana leaves, and the smell of jerk chicken mingles with salt air.
Reading live conditions…
Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Playa Negra. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.
- Purity
- 0%
- Conditions
- 0%
- Crowd
- 0%
- Vibe
- 0%
The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.
The charcoal-hued sand feels coarser beneath your toes than you expect, tinged with iron and ancient lava. Breadfruit trees lean over the beach where locals sell coconut rice in banana leaves, and the smell of jerk chicken mingles with salt air.
Photos
8 captures from Playa Negra
About this beach
Where it is
Playa Negra
Cahuita, Limón Province, Costa Rica
9.7427°, -82.8506°
Top things to do
At Playa Negra
Warm shallows
Gentle water for all ages
Beachside grills
Fresh snapper and rice plates
Palm shade
Almond trees and hammocks
Sunset gathering
Nightly ritual on dark sand
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Playa Negra.
Questions people actually ask about Playa Negra.
Is Playa Negra safe for families and swimming?
Playa Negra is generally family-friendly, located adjacent to Cahuita village with restaurants and services nearby. Swimming conditions vary by location along the beach and by season; some areas have calmer waters suitable for children, while others experience stronger currents. There are no lifeguards, so supervise children closely. The black volcanic sand gets hot in direct sun, so bring water shoes or sandals. The beach's proximity to town means people are usually around during daytime. As with all Caribbean beaches, respect the ocean's power and check conditions locally. Avoid leaving valuables unattended on the beach.
When is the best time to visit Playa Negra?
Playa Negra can be visited year-round thanks to its location near Cahuita village and consistent accessibility. The driest months are typically February through April and September through October, offering more sunshine, though the Caribbean coast receives rain throughout the year. The beach remains relatively uncrowded except during Costa Rican holidays and peak tourist season. Budget travelers appreciate that prices remain reasonable year-round compared to Pacific coast destinations. Sunsets can be beautiful, and early evenings bring cooler temperatures and lovely light. Weekdays see fewer visitors than weekends when locals enjoy the beach.
