Puntarenas is known more for the Cruise Ship Piers of Puntarenas and Caldera, and less for hotels. But Puntarenas is the closest seaside destination from San Jose with a plethora of boat tours that take you to explore the Nicoya Peninsula's popular islands such as Tortuga Island and the Isla San Lucas Prison and National Park. The promenade is also a favorite weekend destination for locals craving the famous Churchill treats and just a gathering place to stroll and shop for souvenirs.
Puntarenas is also in the center of the country and has routes to many of the top destinations such as Poas Volcano, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, and Arenal Volcano that can all be explored in one day.
For those staying in one of the few hotels nearby, or those with vehicles that can meet in Puntarenas, we have put together the list of the top things to do in Puntarenas for you to choose from below.
Isla San Lucas National Park Half Day Tour
Looking for unique things to do in Puntarenas? Escape to Isla San Lucas National Park on this unforgettable half day boat tour in the Gulf of Nicoya. Explore Costa Rica’s infamous former prison island, hear chilling stories inside the abandoned prison, spot dolphins and howler monkeys, then relax on secluded beaches with emerald water and tropical scenery. A perfect mix of history, wildlife, nature, and adventure just minutes from Puntarenas.
Retail: $75.00
The Real Deal: $70.00
Retail: $60.00
The Real Deal: $53.00
Small Group Tortuga Island Boat Tour
Explore one of the best things to do in Puntarenas with this small group fast boat tour to Tortuga Island. Cruise the Gulf of Nicoya in search of dolphins, whales (in season), tropical birds, and spider monkeys before snorkeling crystal clear waters and relaxing on Tortuga Island’s famous white sand beach. Includes lunch, snorkeling gear, drinks, and nearly 5 hours of free time on the island. A fun, flexible alternative to crowded catamaran tours.
Retail: $85.00
The Real Deal: $78.00
Retail: $65.00
The Real Deal: $62.00
Large Boat Tortuga Island One Day Tour
Cruise the Gulf of Nicoya in comfort on this Tortuga Island boat tour from Puntarenas aboard a spacious catamaran or large yacht. Unlike smaller speed boat tours, this relaxing full-day experience offers plenty of room to move around, sunbathe, enjoy live music, tropical drinks, fresh ceviche, and stunning ocean views along the way. Spend the day swimming and relaxing on Tortuga Island’s white sand beaches while enjoying one of the most popular large boat tours from Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
Retail: $133.00
The Real Deal: $116.00
Retail: $98.00
The Real Deal: $89.00
Nicoya Bioluminescence Experience
Experience one of the most magical nighttime boat tours in Costa Rica with this exclusive bioluminescence tour in the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas. Available only during the new moon, this rare natural phenomenon lights up the water with glowing blue sparkles created by microscopic organisms in the sea. Cruise through the calm gulf waters under the stars while enjoying a peaceful and unforgettable experience that feels straight out of a dream. A truly unique thing to do in Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
New Tour!! This tour is bookable if you select Book Now, but if you need more information, just contact us! We are working to bring you complete information soon.
Retail: $75.00
The Real Deal: $70.00
Retail: $55.00
The Real Deal: $49.00
Birding Gulf of Nicoya (Mangroves & Isla San Lucas Beach)
Discover one of the most unique eco tours from Puntarenas with this mangrove and seabird bird watching adventure in the Gulf of Nicoya. Cruise through peaceful mangrove estuaries searching for herons, kingfishers, frigate birds, pelicans, and other tropical wildlife before continuing to Isla San Lucas National Park to observe nesting seabirds and island wildlife. This relaxing nature tour combines scenic boat rides, birdwatching, mangroves, and coastal ecosystems into an unforgettable experience for nature lovers in Costa Rica.
New Tour!! This tour is bookable if you select Book Now, but if you need more information, just contact us! We are working to bring you complete information soon.
Retail: $70.00
The Real Deal: $66.00
Retail: $60.00
The Real Deal: $53.00
Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park Shore Excursion Costa Rica
Looking for exciting things to do in Puntarenas? Spend the day at Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park near Jaco and create your perfect Costa Rica adventure. Choose 2 activities including zip lining through the rainforest canopy, ATV rides on muddy jungle trails, horseback riding to waterfalls, chocolate tours, or surf lessons at Jaco Beach. Includes transportation, bilingual guides, tropical snacks, and a traditional Costa Rican lunch for a fun-filled day on the Central Pacific Coast.
Retail: $160.00
The Real Deal: $150.00
Customized Private Tours from Puntarenas
Looking for unforgettable things to do in Puntarenas? Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast is the perfect starting point for exploring some of the country’s most famous destinations. Travel into the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest, visit Manuel Antonio National Park, discover San José and the Central Valley, explore Poás Volcano, or even journey to Arenal Volcano on a long but rewarding day trip. Our local Tico guides will customize a private adventure tailored to your interests, pace, and travel style for an unforgettable Costa Rica experience.
New Tour!! If you need more information, just contact us! We are working to bring you complete information soon.
All Shore Excursions in Puntarenas & Puerto Caldera
Discover the best Puntarenas shore excursions and cruise tours from Puerto Caldera with adventures designed specifically for cruise ship schedules. Explore Costa Rica’s incredible wildlife, rainforests, waterfalls, beaches, cloud forests, and volcanoes on carefully selected day trips led by experienced local guides. From zip lining and crocodile safaris to Tortuga Island cruises and private custom tours, these are our top recommendations for making the most of your limited time in port. See our full list of Shore Excursions in Puntarenas here.
Drive Yourself Tours in Jaco
Got your own wheels? Then one of Costa Rica’s top adventure destinations is just a scenic one-hour drive south of Puntarenas. Jaco Beach is packed with exciting activities including surfing, waterfall hikes, wildlife safaris, ATV tours, zip lining, horseback riding, catamaran cruises, kayaking, canyoning, sportfishing, and more. Whether you are looking for adrenaline, nature, beaches, or nightlife, Jaco offers something for everyone and makes an easy and unforgettable day trip from Puntarenas. See our complete list of tours in Jaco here!
Bertram 37' Convertible Luxury Yacht Rental Puntarenas
Spend the day on the water aboard a luxurious 37’ Bertram Convertible Yacht in Puntarenas, perfect for private charters, sportfishing trips, island hopping, dolphin and whale watching, or party cruises for up to 16 guests. Cruise the beautiful Gulf of Nicoya, visit Isla San Lucas or Tortuga Island, or head offshore in search of trophy fish with top-quality fishing gear and an experienced local captain and crew. Customize your perfect day at sea on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast departing Puntarenas.
Lagoon 40 Luxury Catamaran Rental Puntarenas
Set sail on a private luxury catamaran in Puntarenas designed for unforgettable days on the water for up to 25 guests. Perfect for island hopping, snorkeling, dolphin and whale watching (seasonal), sunset cruises, or full-on party boat experiences across the Gulf of Nicoya. Visit stunning destinations like Tortuga Island or relax on deck with music, drinks, and ocean views. Fully customizable with a professional crew, this is Costa Rica’s ultimate private sailing experience from the Central Pacific coast.
Bay Princess Party Boat Yacht Rental
Celebrate in style aboard the Bay Princess, a spacious two-deck yacht perfect for unforgettable gatherings in Costa Rica! With room for up to 57 guests, this party yacht is ideal for destination weddings, family reunions, birthdays, corporate outings, or private celebrations in the stunning Gulf of Nicoya. Customize your adventure with a full-day cruise to Tortuga Island or San Lucas Island, or enjoy a fun-filled sunset party cruise with friends and family on the water.
Great Bay Princess Double Decker Catamaran Rental
The ultimate party boat in Costa Rica for groups of up to 150 guests! This spacious double-decker catamaran features expansive lounging areas, plenty of room to dance and celebrate, and even an onboard jacuzzi for the ultimate VIP experience. Perfect for corporate events, destination weddings, family gatherings, and private parties in the Gulf of Nicoya. Choose from sunset cocktail cruises, full-day island hopping adventures, or half-day snorkeling trips to the region’s best beaches and reefs.
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