Is Playa Negra good for swimming today?
Playa Negra has BeachFinder Score: 80/100. Use this as a planning signal only, then check local flags, lifeguards, closures and current beach conditions.
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Playa Negra
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Quick answer
Quick answer: Playa Negra today
Playa Negra is a BeachFinder spot in CR, CR. Today, compare water temperature 30°C, wind 4 km/h · W, uv 7.5, waves 0.5 m, water quality Check official advisories before leaving. BeachFinder Score: 80/100. Always check official flags, closures and lifeguard advice before swimming.
Water temperature
30°C
Wind
4 km/h · W
UV
7.5
Waves
0.5 m
Water quality
Check official advisories
Last updated: Nov 5, 02:30 PM local forecast timeBeachFinder Score: 80/100
Sources: Open-Meteo weather and marine forecasts, OpenStreetMap place context and BeachFinder spot data.
This is planning information, not a safety clearance. Conditions can change quickly.
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Live conditions on the site
Surfers can check wind, wave height, currents and surf cues here before opening the full BeachFinder app.
Updated: Nov 5, 02:30 PM
Water temp
30°C
Air temp
27°C
Feels like
33°C
UV index
7.5
Wind
4 km/h · W
Gust 21 km/h
Waves
0.5 m
Current
0 km/h · SE
Parking
...
Shower
...
Accessible access
...
Toilets
...
Restaurants
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Weather and marine data: Open-Meteo
Playa Negra
Playa Negra stretches along the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, in the Limón province, about 2 kilometers south of Cahuita. This portion of the Atlantic coastline is distinguished by its black volcanic sand, a legacy of the geological formations that shape the entire region. The shore, exposed to the northeast trade winds, borders a Caribbean Sea with changing hues, from pale turquoise in shallow waters to deep blue beyond the coral reef. Mangroves and dense tropical vegetation frame the beach, creating an abrupt transition between the jungle and the coast. The black sand of Playa Negra gives this beach a distinct character compared to its immediate neighbors. 600 meters to the north, Round Rock Beach has a similar but less developed geomorphology, while Playa Cahuita, 2.1 kilometers away, offers an experience more focused on marine protection and coral reefs. The fine, warm sand extends over a moderate width, with a gentle slope facilitating access to the water. Swimming conditions vary by season: Atlantic swells can intensify between September and November, while the dry months (December to April) offer milder conditions. No permanent facilities are developed here. Access remains free and without official supervision, a common characteristic of beaches in this still sparsely developed coastal region. Visitors must bring their own equipment and remain attentive to local currents and variable marine conditions. The proximity of Cahuita, a regional tourist center a short distance away, allows relatively easy access for those seeking a less crowded beach than the coastal resorts further south.
About this spot
The name 'Playa Negra' simply designates the black sand beach, a direct reference to its volcanic composition. This region of Limón, colonized in the 19th century by Jamaican workers and other Caribbean migrants, still bears the traces of this multi-ethnic history in its place names and local culture. The black sand comes from ancient volcanic eruptions of the Central Volcanic Range, whose ash and lava shaped the entire Costa Rican Atlantic coast. Playa Negra remains a traditional mooring point for local fishermen, who take advantage of the marine-rich coastal currents, perpetuating a practice centuries old.
Updated 5/9/2026
Frequently asked questions
What is the water temperature at Playa Negra today?
30°C. Marine temperature is shown when forecast coverage is available for this location.
How windy is Playa Negra today?
4 km/h · W. Wind can change comfort and surface conditions, especially on exposed beaches.
What should I check before swimming at Playa Negra?
Check official safety flags, lifeguard advice, closures, water-quality advisories, UV, wind, waves and currents before entering the water.
Before you go
Conditions
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Playa Negra
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