Overview Puntarenas is a cruise port of call in western Costa Rica (on the Pacific Ocean side). There's really not a wide variety of things to do for tourists in Puntarenas. However, there are quite a bit of beautiful nature-related things to do in the area, so be sure to take part in a shore excursion while there.
Puntarenas is often a place where the locals from San Jose (the capital of Costa Rica, located about 50 miles to the east) come to take a break from their day-to-day lives. What particularly draws people are the beautiful white sand coastlines and amazing mountainous vistas in the area.
The weather in this area can be quite hot, and even muggy on some days.
Destinations Puntarenas is included on a some Panama Canal cruise itineraries.
Cruise Lines Departing Here
Puntarenas is not a cruise departure port.
Currency The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC). US Dollars are readily accepted at many places as well. Using a credit card whenever possible is a great way to avoid having to exchange currency.
Language The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish. A decent amount of the locals will speak some English as well, especially in the tourist areas.
Tourist Attractions The beaches in Puntarenas are popular for surfing. The beach next to the pier has some vendors selling various items.
Popular shore excursions are those involving eco-tours of the area. There are also a few national parks nearby. Carara Biological Reserve is a popular national park to visit near Puntarenas, as it has a beautiful rainforest and interesting wildlife (especially various bird and reptile species) within. Trips along the Tarcoles River are also popular, as they give in opportunity to see crocodiles.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens, located in Varablanca, is another popular place to visit in the area. There is a wonderful butterfly park there, in addition to various other wildlife and great views of the waterfalls.
The Calypso Catamaran Cruise to Tortuga Island is a nice option to consider if you're going on a cruise to Puntarenas. It's a great opportunity to enjoy good food and a beautiful white sand beach with turquoise waters. You'll also be able to drive past and view coffee and sugar plantations, as well as volcanic mountains.
The Malecon is a walkway lined with a few restaurants and shops. It's a good place in this area to find various souvenirs.
Port Location Cruise ships dock right in Puntarenas, or in the nearby dock of Puerto Caldera (located about 10 miles south of Puntarenas). If your ship does dock right in Puntarenas, the city is within walking distance. There's not much to do in Puerto Caldera, if your ship ends up docking there.
There should be a decent number of taxis at either port, ready to take you wherever you want to go. Many of the taxis will also offer tours of the city.
