Puntarenas

ExplorePuntarenas

Puntarenas, Puntarenas Province, Punta Arenas, Costa Rica

A coastal city heralded for its beaches and surf, Puntarenas has become very popular among tourists as of late. As it is a port city, it really is all about the water activities here. Boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, you name it. Puntarenas now features some of the best seafood restaurants in Costa Rica and the nightlife is not too far behind either. Stroll along the waterfront for some terrific bars and cafes. There are even places to walk within the city where you can see waterfalls and picturesque bridges.

Sand PointMeaning of Name
Straight of MagellanLocated On
150,000Population
Coffee Tour and Crocs Skywalk Tour
Puntarenas 6-in-1 Highlights Tour
Montezuma Town and Waterfalls Hike
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 4.6 (193 Reviews)
Curu Park Hike
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 4.6 (193 Reviews)
Cabo Blanco Hike
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 4.6 (193 Reviews)
Bioluminescence Tour
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 4.6 (193 Reviews)
Isla Tortuga, Snorkeling, and BBQ
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 4.6 (193 Reviews)
Iconic Nauyaca Falls: 4x4 Ride and Jungle Swim
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 5.0 (2664 Reviews)
Montezuma Waterfalls and ZipLine
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 4.6 (193 Reviews)
Day Trip: San Jose to Jaco Beach
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 4.8 (697 Reviews)
All-Day Adventure Package in Jaco
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 4.8 (697 Reviews)
Crocodile Tour in Jaco
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 4.8 (697 Reviews)
Quepos Catamaran Tour
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 4.8 (697 Reviews)
Jungle ATV Tour
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 4.8 (697 Reviews)
Bird Watching Tour in Jaco
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 4.8 (697 Reviews)
Waterfall Canyon Hike
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 4.8 (697 Reviews)
Horseback Riding Tour in Jaco
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 4.8 (697 Reviews)
Waterfall Rappel Tour
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 4.8 (697 Reviews)
El Encanto Waterfall Canopy Zipline
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 4.8 (697 Reviews)
All-Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 4.6 (334 Reviews)

Showing 31 - 53 of 53 experiences

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Things to See in Puntarenas

  • Carnival

    Perhaps one of the largest celebrations in the country, the Puntarenas Carnival has been called the Queen of Carnival in Costa Rica. A gigantic parade, colorful costumes and tons of music food and fun mark this festive occasion.
  • Mal Pais

    A small town in the northern part of the province, Mal Pais is all about the shores and rocky coves. It is a very laid-back beach kind of town to which surfers flock for some amazing waves. A little off the beaten path it is certainly worth a visit!
  • Boca Barranca

    Perhaps the most famous spot to surf in all of Costa Rica, Boca Barranca hosts some of the world’s top pros for the annual long board contest. It can get packed at certain times of the year, so be prepared to share the waves.

When to Visit Puntarenas

  • Winter

    Puntarenas' winter, from December to February, offers warm and pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 90s Fahrenheit. It's an ideal time to visit this coastal region as it allows for beach relaxation and outdoor activities. Winter is perfect for exploring the beautiful beaches along the Pacific coast, such as Playa Jaco and Playa Herradura. Visitors can also enjoy water sports like surfing, snorkeling, and fishing in the Pacific Ocean.
  • Spring

    Spring in Puntarenas, from March to May, brings slightly warmer temperatures with highs in the 80s to mid-90s Fahrenheit. The dry season ensures clear skies and sunny days, making it a great time for outdoor adventures. Spring is ideal for visiting the Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its diverse wildlife, pristine beaches, and hiking trails. Visitors can spot capuchin monkeys, sloths, and various bird species while exploring the park's rainforest.
  • Summer

    Puntarenas' summer, from June to August, marks the beginning of the rainy season. While it can be hot and humid with temperatures in the 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit, it also provides a refreshing respite from the dry season. Summer offers opportunities for exploring the Tortuga Island and taking boat tours to spot dolphins and whales offshore. Visitors can also indulge in local cuisine and fresh seafood during the Envision Festival, a popular event held in the region during this season.
  • Fall

    Fall in Puntarenas, from September to November, is the peak of the rainy season. The weather remains warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 90s Fahrenheit. Despite the rains, fall is a great time to experience the region's lush greenery and waterfalls. Visitors can explore the Montezuma Waterfalls, where they can swim in natural pools and enjoy the surrounding rainforest. Fall is also a time to witness sea turtle nesting at various beaches, including Playa Tortuga and Playa Ostional.

The Wall of Love

What Our Guests Are Saying

5.0/5

Based on 1,411 Reviews

Saskia

Saskia

1 month ago

What an amazing tour. We saw whales, dolphins and porpoises. The crew was very friendly and enthusiastic. We could really tell they are very respectful towards the animals, we were able to see two humpbacks for nearly half an hour, everybody was silent, the engine was off and the crew was also in awe. Only when the whales left, the engine was back on and we also started moving again. We really felt like we had all the time in the world and we didn't disturb the animals.

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