Caribbean
The drive to the Caribbean coast is a pleasant three hours over the Central Mountain Range on the Guapiles Highway (Route 32) through the Zurquí Tunnel (Costa Rica’s only tunnel) and across the lowland plains. The scenery changes dramatically along the way from dense tropical forests through banana plantations and horticultural farms to the coconut palm-lined roads of the coast. However, flying to the Caribbean seems to be the fastest and more comfortable way. It only takes one hour to Limon and thirty minutes from San Jose to Tortuguero.
Although the northern Caribbean coast has one of the heaviest rainfalls in the country, as much as five and a half meters per year, the rain is distributed more evenly throughout the year than in other areas making this a more pleasant, "evergreen" environment. The average 77- to 86-degree temperature is moderated by the warm, shallow Caribbean water and refreshing tropical breezes.
The changing factor is rain and this is how it falls:
January and November are transitional periods with higher winds and some rainy days
February through May are generally sunny with a little rain
July and December are the months of heaviest rainfall
Mid-August through the first part of November is summer with the least rain
For diving, March, April and May, as well as September and October, are "bookable" diving months; there’s little doubt of weather conditions suitable for diving on any given day.
Since the weather is extremely tropical on this coast, it is a wise traveler who packs a hat and sunblock. Clothing should be cotton and light colored. Keep in mind that there is rain throughout the year on the Caribbean coast, so pack a light anorak and some boots.
If butterflies are your bag so to speak, check out the several butterflies gardens spreaded along the road to Limon and even beyond, o the way to the southern part of the caribbean shoreline. Travelers will find trails and a beautiful variety of butterflies including the magnificent Morpho butterfly. Some of these gardens are surrounded by an oasis of swaying palms, brightly colored heliconias and winding paths. With binoculars in hand, you may catch sight of one of the many slow- moving sloths in the canopy.