Costa Rica is a popular cruise port for a reason—it’s beautiful, it’s exotic, and there’s plenty to do, whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to relax. But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. Here’s a quick guide on how to spend your day in Costa Rica cruise port. It doesn’t matter if your Caribbean cruise docks in Puerto Caldera or even Puerto Limon, you will have an incredible time here! Heck, even Tortuga Island is worth a visit!
The port city of Costa Rica is a bustling hub of activity, surrounded by beaches, restaurants, and shops. While it may be tempting to just spend your time lounging on the beach or exploring the town, there’s plenty more to do in Costa Rica’s port city. Here’s a brief history of the area and some things you can do to spend your day in and around the Costa Rica cruise port.
There are many different major cruise lines and ships that go through here like Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas, the Holland America ms Europdam, Norwegian Cruise Lines Norwegian Breakaway, Princess Cruises like Emerald Princess and Caribbean Princes, and then Carnival.
The Carnival Dream and Carnival Legend both dock in the ports of Limon, along with the Viking Star, and MSC Divena.
That is a whole lot of cruise ships in this incredible tourism destination. And that is only ONE of the ports! The Seabourn Quest even goes into Puntarenas.
A Brief History of Costa Rica
Costa Rica was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples like the Huetar and Bribri tribes. The first Europeans arrived in the early 1500s, (Costa Rica was “founded” in 1502 by Christopher Columbus on his fourth and final voyage to the New World) but it wasn’t until 1821 that Costa Rica became an independent nation.
Over the centuries it has been home to Spanish colonists, African slaves, and Asian immigrants. Today, Costa Rica is a melting pot of cultures, with a rich history and unique traditions.
Since then, Costa Rica has been a fairly stable democracy, despite periods of turmoil in the mid-to-late 20th century. In 1949, Costa Rica abolished its army and has since reinvested that money into social programs and environmental protection—which has helped make it one of the most sustainable countries in the world.
Things to Do
Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to take it easy, there’s something for everyone in Costa Rica. Adventure seekers can go zip-lining through the rainforest, hiking through volcanoes, or surfing on the Pacific Coast.
I know cruise ship itineraries help cruise ship passengers decide if they want to hit Pura Vida Gardens or go see exotic wildlife like spider monkeys, scarlet macaws, and howler monkeys, but we found a few fun things to do off this cruise pier after chatting whit crew members.
The first thing that you should do is to find your bearings in the city. The port area is located in the northwest corner of the town, near where the Rio Segundo meets the Pacific Ocean. This is also where you’ll find the main shopping district and most of the restaurants.
Pretend You’re a Local and Play Some Soccer
Costa Ricans take their soccer (or fútbol, as it’s called here) very seriously. So serious, in fact, that they managed to make it to the World Cup four times! Even if you’re not a soccer fan, it’s worth going to a game just to experience the infectious energy of the fans. If you’re lucky enough to be in town when the national team is playing, snag a ticket and join in on the fun!
If you’re not into sports, don’t worry—there are plenty of other things to do in Costa Rica. Check out some of the amazing museums, like Museo de Jade or Museo de Oro Precolombino, or take a walk through one of the many parks, like Parque Nacional Volcano Arenal.
If you’re hoping to relax, there are plenty of breathtaking beaches to choose from, or you can visit one of Costa Rica’s many hot springs. And of course, you can’t go to Costa Rica without spending some time at one of its famous beaches. Playa Hermosa and Playa Tamarindo are two of the most popular beaches on the coast; both offer ample opportunities for surfing, sunning, and swimming.
Not one of the nature lovers? No problem! There are plenty of things to do in Costa Rica’s port cities, whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation.
For those who want to explore the area’s history and culture, there are several museums and galleries to visit. The Museum of Costa Rican Art showcases works by Costa Rican artists, while the National Museum displays artifacts from the country’s pre-Columbian past.
If you’re looking for something more active, there are several hiking trails in the area that offer stunning views of the coastline. Or you can take a dip in one of the many freshwater pools dotted around the city.
Food and Drink
Costa Rican cuisine is a mix of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. One of the most popular dishes is Gallo Pinto, which is made with rice, beans, and spices like cumin and onion – it is usually served with eggs for breakfast.
Other popular dishes include tamales (corn dough wrapped in banana leaves), empanadas (pastries filled with meats or cheeses), and ceviche (raw fish marinated in citrus juices). Of course, no meal would be complete without a refreshing cup of coffee—Costa Rican coffee is some of the best in the world.
The country’s dish ceviche (raw fish marinated in citrus juices) is thought to have originated with the indigenous people who lived in the area before the Spanish arrived. This fresh seafood dish is made with fish or shrimp that is marinated in lime juice and flavored with onions, chili peppers, and cilantro.
When it comes to drinks, coffee is king in Costa Rica. The country is one of the world’s leading producers of coffee beans, so be sure to try a cup while you’re here. You might even be able to visit a coffee plantation if there are coffee lovers in your group.
Where to Stay in Costa Rica
Looking for somewhere to stay while you’re in town? There are several top-rated hotels within walking distance of the port. The five-star hotel Park Inn by Radisson offers breathtaking views of the coastline, as well as an outdoor pool and spa center.
For something more budget-friendly, try Hotel Grano de Oro – an intimate boutique hotel located in a Victorian-style house laced with flowers near downtown San Jose. No matter what your budget is, there’s sure to be a perfect hotel for your needs.
To help you decide for yourself, we have a map for you to look over:
What Kind of Money is Best in Costa Rica?
The Costa Rican currency is the colón, which has an exchange rate of about 550 colones to 1 US dollar (at the time we wrote this – always double-check the current rate of exchange). There are ATM machines available in most cities, and it is generally easy to find places to exchange money.
Credit cards are widely accepted, although you may incur a fee from your bank for foreign transactions. Traveler’s checks are not as widely accepted as they once were, but can still be used in some hotels and restaurants.
When it comes to tipping, it is not expected in Costa Rica, although you may want to leave a small tip for good service. Prices for goods and services are generally fixed, so there is no need to haggle.
How to Get Around the City
There are several options on where to spend your day and getting around the Costa Rica cruise port and city. The most popular way to get around is by bus, which is both inexpensive and convenient. You can also take a taxi, although this will be more expensive than taking the bus. If you’re staying in a hotel, be sure to ask about shuttle service to and from the port.
When it comes to making your trip as smooth as possible, we recommend doing some research before you go. Read up on the port city’s history and culture so that you can appreciate all that it has to offer. And be sure to brush up on your Spanish – while many people in Costa Rica do speak English, knowing some key phrases will help you get around more easily.
Tips for Women in Costa Rica
As a woman, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling to Costa Rica. There are a few things to keep in mind, such as:
- Don’t walk alone at night
- Be aware of your drink and never leave it unattended
- Keep your belongings close to you and don’t flaunt them in public
- Dress conservatively, especially
Tips for LGBTQ+ People in Costa Rica
Although Costa Rica is a relatively safe place for LGBTQ+ people, there are still some things to keep in mind:
- Be aware of your surroundings and don’t put yourself in unnecessary danger
- Avoid public displays of affection
- Dress conservatively and try to blend in as much as possible
- Carry cash with you in case you need to bribe your way out of a difficult situation
With these tips in mind, you should be able to have a safe and enjoyable trip to Costa Rica!
Final Thoughts on How to Spend Your Day in Costa Rica Cruise Port
Whether you’re just stopping in for the day or staying for a week, Costa Rica’s port city has something for everyone. With its rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful scenery, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this vibrant city. So go ahead and book that cruise – your perfect vacation awaits you in Costa Rica!