A Look Ahead at the 2025-2026 Cruise Season in Costa Rica
The upcoming cruise season promises a busy and diverse array of ships visiting Costa Rica's Pacific coast. The schedules for both Puntarenas and Puerto Caldera show a strong return of major cruise lines and a variety of unique expedition vessels.
Puntarenas will see a high volume of arrivals, with the season beginning in September 2025. Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean will be prominent with ships like the Grand Princess, Serenade of the Seas, and Island Princess making multiple calls.
In October, the schedule expands to include Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Lines, with the Eurodam and Carnival Spirit stopping in the port. The season continues well into 2026, with the MSC Poesia and Hurtigruten's MS Roald Amundsen scheduled for April and May 2026, showcasing a mix of large-scale and expedition-style cruising.
Puerto Caldera will be a key hub for more specialized cruises, particularly those focused on the Panama Canal and Central American coast. Windstar Cruises' ships, including the Wind Spirit and Star Pride, have numerous sailings scheduled from this port throughout the 2025-2026 season. These itineraries often highlight the natural beauty and unique ecosystems of the region, with stops at locations like Quepos, Isla Parida, and the Panama Canal.
When your cruise ship docks in Puntarenas or Puerto Caldera, a variety of activities await travelers. These ports serve as gateways to both local attractions and day trips to some of Costa Rica's most celebrated natural wonders.
Highlights near the ports
Puntarenas: The city of Puntarenas itself offers a walking tour along the "Paseo de los Turistas," a promenade with shops, restaurants, and a black sand beach. You can also visit the Historic Marine Museum or the Marino del Pacifico Park, which features a fish aquarium.
Puerto Caldera: While the port itself is primarily industrial, it's a departure point for many tours. The nearby town of Puntarenas is a short ride away, and there are many organized excursions from the port.
Popular Shore Excursions and Day Trips
Nature and Wildlife:
- Tarcoles River Crocodile Tours: A very popular option, these tours offer the chance to see large American crocodiles up close, often from a boat or the famous Tarcoles River bridge.
- Carara National Park: A biological reserve located between dry and rainforest ecosystems, making it a great place to spot a wide variety of birds, including the scarlet macaw.
- Monteverde Cloud Forest: A renowned destination for its unique ecosystem, hanging bridges, and diverse wildlife. This is a longer day trip but highly rewarding for nature lovers.
- Tortuga Island: Known for its clear turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and snorkeling opportunities. Many tours include a boat ride to the island, lunch, and time to relax.
Adventure:
- Zip-lining: A quintessential Costa Rican experience, with many adventure parks offering canopy tours over forests and even waterfalls.
- ATV or Horseback Riding: Explore the rainforest and coastal trails on a thrilling adventure.
- Culture and Local Life:
- Coffee Plantations: Take a tour to learn about the country's famous coffee production from bean to cup.
- Sarchi: Known as a hub for traditional Costa Rican handicrafts, particularly the beautifully painted oxcarts.
Transportation to/from the Docks
Puntarenas Port: Cruise ships often dock directly in Puntarenas, allowing easy walking access to the main promenade and city attractions. You'll find tour operators, Private Transportation Services, and craft markets right outside the port.
Puerto Caldera Port: Ships dock at an industrial port. A complimentary shuttle bus will take you from the gangway to the port exit, where you can arrange for Private Transportation Services or tours. Puntarenas is about a 20-minute taxi ride away.
Official Transportation Companies: For getting around on your own, look for Turismo VANS and official taxis,. It's best to agree on a price before starting your journey. Any of the tours need to be booked in advance.
Tours: All tour vans labeled "Turismo" are available at the port exit, offering customizable itineraries. Booking a pre-arranged tour, either through your cruise line or an independent operator, is a popular and convenient way to visit attractions further from the port
| Cruise Line | Cruise Ships Known to Visit |
|---|---|
| Princess Cruises | Grand Princess, Island Princess |
| Royal Caribbean | Serenade of the Seas |
| Holland America Line | Eurodam, Koningsdam |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Joy |
| Windstar Cruises | Wind Spirit, Star Pride |
| Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Summit |
| Seabourn Cruise Line | Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Encore |
| Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Spirit |
| MSC Cruises | MSC Poesia |
| Star Clippers | Star Clipper |
| Oceania Cruises | Oceania Insignia |
| UnCruise Adventures | Safari Voyager |
| Lindblad Expeditions | National Geographic Quest |
Airport Shuttles to Puntarenas and Caldera Ports
When traveling to a Costa Rican cruise port, understanding your transportation options from the airport is key to a smooth start to your vacation. Here is a breakdown of shuttle services from the country's two main international airports to the cruise ports of Puntarenas and Puerto Caldera:
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From SJO Airport (San José) to Puntarenas & Caldera
The Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is the closest and most common arrival point for cruises departing from Costa Rica's Pacific coast.
- Travel Time: The drive from SJO to the ports of Puntarenas and Puerto Caldera typically takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. Travel times can vary significantly, especially during peak hours.
- Shared Shuttle Services: Shared shuttles offer a more budget-friendly option, with per-person rates starting from around $55. These services usually have a fixed schedule and may make stops at various hotels to pick up other passengers. It's essential to book shared shuttles at least 48 hours in advance to confirm your spot.
- Private Transfers: For groups or travelers seeking a more direct and flexible option, private transfers are highly recommended. Prices generally start from $150 to $210 for a group of up to six people. Private transfers are door-to-door, offer personalized pickup times, and often include amenities like air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
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From Liberia Airport (LIR) to Puntarenas & Caldera
The Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Guanacaste is a viable, though less common, option for travelers heading to the cruise ports.
- Travel Time: The journey from LIR to the cruise ports is significantly longer than from SJO, averaging around 2 to 3 hours by private car, or up to 4 hours via shared shuttle or public bus, as services are less direct.
- Shuttle Services: Shared shuttles are not as widely available for this route. Private transfers are the most common and reliable form of transportation. A private transfer for this route can cost between $230 and $280 or more, depending on the number of passengers and the specific service provider.
Key Travel Tips
- Book in Advance: Whether you choose a private or shared shuttle, booking your transfer at least a few days in advance is crucial, especially during peak cruise season.
- Confirm Your Pickup: For private transfers, a driver will meet you at the airport arrivals gate with a sign. Make sure to provide your flight details to the company so they can monitor for any delays.
- Cash is King (for the balance): Many private transfer companies in Costa Rica operate on a deposit system. You'll pay a small portion online to book, and the remaining balance is often due in cash to the driver. This is a common practice to avoid high banking fees.
- Consider Luggage: If you have a lot of luggage, a private transfer may be a better option than a shared shuttle, which might have luggage restrictions.