This small restaurant property is located just 50 meters from the “Playa Gondoca”, which is a nice secluded beach on the southernmost part of the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. It is about an hours drive south of Puerto Viejo, and worth the visit if you’d like to visit a beautiful black sand beach away from the popular tourist spots of the Caribbean coast.

Soda & Cabinas Kaniki is small local restaurant that has a nice grassy plot where you can set up your tent, with access to bathrooms and showers. It’s a really quiet area away from the busy tourist towns, and just 3 minutes walking to a beautiful beach that you’ll have basically to yourself.

The owners, Roberto and Rita, are a retired couple who decided to get away from the busy, rushed lifestyle of the city. They grow and produce their own products, including coconut oil, flour, basil, and other vegetables, and cook typical Costa Rican dishes using authentic recipes. They are a wonderful and friendly hosts who are always willing to share their local knowledge and make you feel like you’re part of their “tico” family along with their sweet dog, Colmillo.

The beach is known for being a turtle nesting beach during the months of March-July, so if you visit during this time, there is a chance of spotting different species including Green turtles, Carey turtles, and the gigantic Laúd Turtle, which can range from 1.8 to 2.2 meters long and reach up to 500 kilos. This area is also used by local fishermen, so you can fish right off the seashore, join a local fishing charter, or even coordinate a kayak fishing trip with Don Roberto.

To arrive, it is a 50 minutes drive from the town of Hone Creek on a straight, asphalt route with minimal traffic. The last 15 minutes will be on a gravel road through a banana plantation and through the tiny and authentic Gandoca town.