Limon City Guide

Limón's food scene leans on Afro-Caribbean roots. Local spots serve rice-and-beans, stew, and fresh seafood. International food is limited. Vegetarian or vegan options are there but basic. Places close early, so don't expect late-night eats.

Nightlife is low-key. Some locals' bars and music spots, but few places geared to tourists. The scene winds down early.

Costa Rican coffee is everywhere, but don't expect many specialty cafes. Coffee is mostly basic and local style.

A 10% service charge is usually added to restaurant bills. If not included, tip 10–15%. Tipping taxi drivers isn’t required but is appreciated for good service.

You can buy SIM cards at the airport or in town from Kolbi, Movistar, or Claro. Bring your passport for registration. eSIM is available with some providers.

Streets are a mix—main areas are cleaned regularly, but some neighborhoods see more litter.

The city is quiet at night. Some minimarts stay open late, but 24-hour services are rare.

Basic groceries and local fruit are easy to find. Imported goods cost more and have less variety. Main supermarkets are Pali, Maxi Pali, and Mas X Menos.

Cash is still needed for most daily purchases. Larger shops and hotels may accept cards, but most local businesses prefer cash.

ATMs are easy to find at major banks like Banco Nacional and BAC Credomatic. Fees for international cards are common. Many machines have English menus.

Most schools teach in Spanish. There are no major international schools in Limón city itself. For English or bilingual education, options are limited locally.

The city does not have a big digital nomad scene or coworking spaces. Most remote workers stay in larger towns with better internet and amenities.

Parque Vargas offers greenery and shade. The waterfront has plenty of open space for walks or runs.

The waterfront and Parque Vargas are your best bet for running. Stick to daylight hours for safety.

There are a few gyms, both public and private. Some hotels may have small fitness rooms.

Public tennis courts are limited. Some hotels or private clubs may have a court.

Padel facilities are not available in Limón.

Yoga centers are not common in Limón. More options can be found in Puerto Viejo further south.

Boxing or basic martial arts classes exist in local gyms. No established dojos for specific disciplines like jiu-jitsu.

There's no snow or skiing anywhere in Costa Rica.

Kayaking and paddleboarding available near calm beaches and in Cahuita. Windsurfing is rare.

Surfing is possible at nearby Playa Bonita and, further south, top breaks like Salsa Brava and Playa Cocles. Rentals and schools are mostly in Puerto Viejo.

Snorkeling and diving are good in Cahuita (nearby) with coral reefs and marine life. Conditions are best in the dry season.

Limón has a main public hospital and some private clinics. English is spoken by some staff, more so in private clinics. Pharmacies are common, and the public system works for basic care. For anything serious, San José offers more options.

Tap water is usually safe in Limón, but some travelers prefer bottled water, just in case.

Limón has a few parks and some playground spaces. Facilities for families are basic, and most activities are outdoors. Attractions like Parque Vargas and the waterfront are family-friendly.

Costa Rica is generally LGBTQ+ friendly by law. Limón is welcoming but more low-key than touristy hotspots.

Some accommodations may allow pets, but confirm before booking. Pet services exist, but dog parks are not common.