We took the ferry on the first Sunday after New Years Eve. All of the driv", "Olman was very informative and always available to answer our questions. Puntarenas Ferry Schedules - COSTA RICA Nicoya Peninsula We felt like we were on a sunset cruise, one that is imbibed with the terrific Tico energy! Samara is more family friendly than the others and even good for the beginner surfer with its smaller waves compared to other beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula. From San Jos take the new highway Ruta 27 via Orotina and Calderas to Puntarenas (approx 1 hour). Note: If you need a private transfer service to the Nicoya area we highly recommend Adobe Transfers. It is now possible to buy tickets online if going between Paquera and Puntarenas. It is located at . You can take your pick of different yoga disciplines. Taking the Puntarenas-Paquera Ferry - Two Weeks in Costa Rica Take advantage of various tours including kayak tours, ATV and hiking tours to the Montezuma waterfalls or surfing lessons on the Santa Teresa Beach. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form. Ostional Wildlife Refuge Local operators also offer boat and snorkeling tours to the Tortuga Islands or scuba diving. To the Southern Nicoya Peninsula (Montezuma, Santa Teresa, Malpais) drive into Puntarenas to take the Ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya. When it comes time to buy tickets it is best to have one of your passengers go buy the tickets at the nearby stand. Located on the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, Malpais has perfect weather year-round, attracting surfers from all over the world. (from San Jos it's still faster to take the ferry). If you have traveled by car the driver will go to the vehicle to drive it out. Tips for Travel Savety. On Playa Grande the rare leatherback sea turtles lay their eggs into the sand, and Ostional is one of the worlds most important nesting sites for olive ridley sea turtles. But the good part was that we were just 4th in line, and hence kind of guaranteed, for the next ferry at 5:00 pm. Experience what Tico Time truly is on this Afro-Caribbean influenced area. It seems like they are having problems with their calendar system. From there, you can pick up a private transfer, rent a car, or hop on a public bus. We had fun watching everyone around us and this energy is probably one of the reasons for the unknown joy I mentioned at the beginning of this article. Take boating tours to see crocodile and visit the famous nesting colony of Isla de los Parajos! In Puntarenas the ferry dock is at the tip of the land spit, 2 km from the town center. The ride across the bay is 11 nautical miles and takes about 70 minutes. From its northern base in the arid Guanacaste lowlands the peninsula extends 140 km to the south where the landscape progressively becomes more moist and hilly. Did you know that there is a ferry that can be taken from Puntarenas, Costa Rica to either Paquera or Naranjo on the Nicoya Peninsula? The surf capital and touristic center of Guanacaste is the bustling beach town of Tamarindo. Mal Pais Costa Rica: A Peaceful Fishing and Surfing Village It is your responsibility to maintain a safe distance from other social bubbles. 5. Costa Rica Nature Reserves on the Nicoya Peninsula All rights reserved. Visit the hippie commune of Playa Samara and combine stunning beaches with a hike through the tropical dry forests surrounding this area. The peninsula is habitually overlooked by many travelers, but those willing to stray from the beaten path will be met with stunning natural landscapes and seclusion. The ferry has an open parking deck on the bottom and two upper decks for passengers and crew. From Rio Grande its another 7 km drive until Paquera, which is locally known for producing vegetables and fruits. Youll have to wait for the next one if you havent booked online ahead of time. .Read More, Copyright 2012-2023 Two Weeks in Costa Rica, Inc. In lieu of crossing on the ferry, taxi boats offer a quick and exciting way to travel between the Nicoya Peninsula and the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. There are a lot of traffic lights and things can get a bit backed up here. Ferry schedule to Nicoya Peninsula - Costa Rica Airport Shuttle The upper deck of the boat is the most crowded but also has the best airflow. Then you can select your date and the time youd like to take the ferry. Costa Rica Puntarenas Paquera Mail Box: 60105 https://www.paqueracostarica.com Phone: +506 6156 3829. Then indicate the number of adults, children, and seniors in your group. Chain hotels and luxury resorts have ventured into Costa Ricas most important vacation region and real estate companies tout Guanacastes beaches as the Gold Coast. Many beaches and river estuaries are protected wildlife reserves. The roads in this area are mostly paved but very curvy, so use . Here are a few tips for using the website. There arent many gas stations on the Nicoya Peninsula. Playa Nosaras natural heritage and tranquil environment are made for those looking to take a detour from the fast track and learn to be at home with themselves. The Nicoya Peninsula is famous for its relaxed, laid-back vibe and is considered one of the worlds five Blue Zones. While signage tends to be fairly navigable, many roads throughout the peninsula are not paved. Other than that, there are not many quick food options along the way. Some of Costa Ricas most famous surf and vacation spots are found in this region. Let me know if you have any other questions! Visiting the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica is an experience unlike any other. We dont think the drive is THAT bad, but it is definitely long and interesting. Regular Sized Vehicle: 11,400 (about $21) The southern tip, Cabo Blanco, remains quite isolated from the rest of the Nicoya Peninsula. The quality of Nicoya's water might be one of the reasons residents live long enough to become centenarians and almost-centenarians. Other tracks connecting the northern with the southern province are only seasonally driveable and you need a car with 4WD. Here is a step by step guide about how to complete the ferry ticket purchase offline. We just turned it into a little picnic where the two of us listened to music, ate snacks, observed other people, enjoyed the ocean view and chatted about little things in life. Most of them are unpaved, rutted and potholed so that even short distances take a long time to get there. Between beaches, waterfalls and nature reserves, youre sure to find adventure in the Nicoya Peninsula. From here you can make a tour on horseback into the hills to get to the El Salto waterfall with its swimming holes. Also, keep in mind that Waze wants you to take the ferry. Ferry Tambor now accept Visa and Master card, do not allow $100 but smaller yes. When trying to get to the Puntarenas ferry port you need to enter Naviera Tambor Ferry if using Waze or Google maps. I have rarely seen that people can not walk on the ferry. Here is a link to the ticket website. If you chose not to fly domestically, be aware that the roads can be extremely bumpy and impossible to cross during the rainy season so it is best to drive to Puntarenas and take a ferry ride to Paquera and take a rental car, shuttle or private transfer from there. Today, the aquatic wonderland is a . If you have traveled by bus you will need to walk off of the ferry. You can see a lot of the old part of the colonial age including the cobblestone streets and old forts. The website can sell only a limited number. You can take the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera for onward journey to Nicoya, and from Paquera to Puntarenas for the return. The last years a lot of work has been done on the Ruta National 160 the road from Santa Cruz to Cobano. Ive never heard of anyone having their car vandalized while on the ferry, but it is always best to be a bit cautious. The many beach front hotels and bungalows are great for both romantic and family vacations. There is a ferry running from Punteranes to the Nicoya Peninsula daily. If you prebook your tickets online then you just need to pull up when you arrive and an attendant will let you through. Overall, there is still plenty of space for passengers but you may have to move around the boat to find a good place to sit. Ferry to the Southern Region: The ferry staff will guide you. The same queue continues for the next ferry as well. Map of the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica Note: To double check the schedule or rates, visit the Naviera Tambor website. The water in the upper Gulf is rich in nutrients, allowing algae to flourish which feeds fish and mollusks. We took the ferry in January 2021 on a Sunday during peak travel season. This area is a little confusing since the docks are hard to see and there are a lot of different buildings. If you are riding a direct bus between San Jose and Santa Teresa or Montezuma, your driver will pull up to the ferry landing in either Puntarenas or Paquera. Weve definitely flown over a few of them! Montezuma: 45 km (70 min) Just note that they do ask that you arrive 30 minutes before departure time. You will probably leave your suitcases in the car during the ride, but keep things like passports and money on you. Ferry: A daily ferry leaves Paquera, a small town on the Nicoya Peninsula, for Puntarenas at 6, 9, and 11 a.m. and 2, 5, and 8 p.m. This can be done when you disembark the boat at the ferry ticket office or online ahead of time. This is a great way of getting from the San Jose area, Central Pacific, or South Pacific to the towns of Santa Teresa, Montezuma, Mal Pais, and Tambor. How to get from San Jos to Santa Teresa - Tourist Journey We just returned from one of the most memorable trips we've taken in years - my wife and 2 kids", Traveled to Costa Rica as a family in July, 2023, "Eight family members traveled to Costa Rica with three generations ranging in age from 5 to 70. Our family trip was origina", "I will definitely use Kim Kim again for our next trip. 5 km further on you pass through the hamlet of Rio Grande. This was just a little glimpse of the Pura Vida way of life in Costa Rica take life as it comes and be happy in the moment! Drowned car in a river The Nicoya Peninsula is notorious for its horrendous roads. Most of the areas inhabitants depend on food from the sea. The terminal is located around the corner from a small water park and lighthouse. By taking the ferry it becomes very easy to get to both places. Peninsula de Nicoya Travel and Vacation Guide Puntarenas Ferry Schedules With a Car on the Ferry: A simple car with driver included costs $ 24 one way. Home Costa Rica Destinations Nicoya Peninsula. At its upper end, the Gulf is shallow and muddy. Isla Gitana protects the Bahia Gigante and the adjacent Bahia Luminosa, making them a safe and picturesque anchor place for sail boats. They only offer a certain amount of online tickets. The Tempisque River washes much soil and organic material into the estuary, and mangrove swamps thrive on the shores. You need to get there about 30 minutes before the ferry leaves, Its not exactly cheap to take a car on the ferry. A ferry employee will guide you to the right spot. For directions to the Naranjo ferry port you can enter Boleteria Ferry Playa Naranjo in Waze and Ferry Playa Naranjo in Google Maps. on you. They do accept dollars or colones. They are protected in various nature reserves throughout the peninsula. Adults: 810 (about $1.50) The Puntarenas Ferry travels between the ports of Puntarenas on the central Pacific coast and Paquera on the Nicoya Peninsula. Without own vehicle you have to cross the Gulf by ferry to continue by bus from Puntarenas. If taking a private transfer service (shuttle), your ferry ticket will likely be included in your booking. Car accidents are frequent due to bad road conditions and unexpected hazards. Hi just looked at booking a ticket in December and it is all blocked off. The local folklore comes alive on civic fiestas hold in countryside villages during dry season. Its typically a bit faster than driving around, It is super affordable for passengers or walking on. Our guess is that this distribution of cars between the two garages is done randomly. If the website is not showing any available tickets, that doesnt mean that the ferry is sold out. While Guanacaste is known for its dry climate, the southern Nicoya Peninsula receives more rain and is considered a transitional zone between dry forest climate and tropical rain forest. From the ferry station you can take a bus easily to Mal Pais, Montezuma, Cobono, or Santa Teresa. There are plenty of bathrooms on board and a snack bar where you can buy things like chips, candy bars, sodas, beer popcorn etc. Our journey began very early in the morning. So based on our recent experience of taking the ferry, we created this comprehensive guide about everything you need to know about the Puntarenas Ferry. If you are traveling by public bus you will likely have to purchase your ferry ticket on your own. Below well give instructions for both the Puntarenas Ferry terminal and the Paquera Ferry terminal. From Santa Teresa, Montezuma, or Malpas the next town is only a trail away. Under Tipo de servicio (type of service), if you are traveling without a car select persona(s). The same is true for the bus. The large ship holds 170 cars and up to 700 passengers but is rarely full. At least 2 hours before the scheduled ferry time. If you are traveling without a car not need to buy a ticket online, if your traveling from Paquera to Santa Teresa or the way back we ofert private Transfer and shuttle service. If you have any questions about the Puntarenas ferry in Costa Rica please leave them in the comment section below and well be happy to help you out! Wholesome goodness 4. From July to August however, nobody is allowed to fish, as this is the breeding time for maritime life. A car with a driver costs $25 for a one-way ticket. Your bus will drive off of the ferry and pick you up on the side of the road. How to Get to Nicoya Peninsula - Best Routes & Travel Advice Patience while driving is a virtue. To the right of this gate/sign, there is a large paved area where the cars, vans, trucks, and buses line up. Although there isnt much to do in the small village Paquera is a good basis for visiting the Curu Wildlife Reserve which is only 5 km away. This is for people that need one for Costa Rica tax purposes. Most notably Santa Teresa has transformed from a sleepy beach hamlet into a booming surf town. There was another group who laid out their foldable beach chairs on the road, next to their car and created a mini party. Our trip coordinators, Jessica and Brittany did an amazing job. In between, you are just sailing for about 75 minutes. In the Nicoya Peninsula, the water is particularly rich in calcium and magnesium which studies show is good for cardiovascular health and preventing cancer. The first rainfalls to relieve the dry season occur in May, initiating the little summer with intermittent rain showers. Costa Rica's Blue Zone - Live to 100 Years As you drive on, ferry employees will guide you to a parking spot on the ship. The Puntarenas Ferry in Costa Rica Prepare for a long wait in the car as the queue slowly moves ahead when you approach the ferry departure time. Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip. But do not auto-translate the page for all the site functionalities to work properly. All rights reserved. Many of Costa Ricas most colorful traditions trace their roots in Guanacaste and its ranching history. That way the driver can stay in the car and stay in line if the cars move up. Note, this schedule does change sometimes, so check here for any updates. In the rainy season, the weather can create tricky driving conditions for more remote locations so be sure to account for that in your schedule. The fares are displayed on the adjacent wall (see the end of this post too). Visiting Playa Samara Playa Samara is located on the Nicoya Peninsula in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. Sometimes the best-planned trips end up in unusual events and surprises that then inspire thinking. Costa Ricas Central Valley is home to the capital of San Jos and the Juan Santamara International Airport. When it comes to actually boarding the ferry, all passengers will need to get out of the car and board on foot. He was very responsive and helped us plan an amazing trip for a very diverse group - we had vegans in the gro", Traveled to Costa Rica as a group in June, 2023, "The trip was seem less as it pertains to the travel arrangements and punctuality of all of the transportation vans that were provided to us. The benches are not the most comfortable, but they are manageable for a little over an hour. From the turn on Paso de Tampisque, it is usually smooth sailing until you take a left to head onto the Nicoya Penisula. (Santa Teresa, Malpais, Montezuma, Tambor). A four-wheel-drive vehicle is useful, particularly towards the southern part of the peninsula. If you do opt to drive around you will need to check the route and make sure it is not taking you across on the ferry. Tip: Be careful of the sun. Important: If you have not pre-purchased tickets online and are taking your car across, you will need to get in the regular line of cars (explained below) and wait for an employee to come over. Traveling by Car on the Nicoya Peninsula Costa Rica From its northern base in the arid Guanacaste lowlands the peninsula extends 140 km to the south where the landscape progressively becomes more moist and hilly. . Development was fueled when the Tempisque bridge was built to connect the peninsula with the Costa Rican mainland. Water sports are huge in the Nicoya Peninsula and many surfers consider it the best place to surf in the world. Closest International Airport: Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR). The crossing however is a scenic and relaxing trip with great views of the peninsula and the mountains of the mainland. The scenic ferry ride takes 70 minutes, passing biological reserves and uninhabited islands. The ferry route between Paquera and Puntarenas is utilized by the locals on a daily basis. Overview Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is a 3,393 acre (1,373 hectare) reserve that sits at the very southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. If you are going for the offline tickets, arrive early. Find a large variety of birds and just an endless array of biodiversity. The water here is saltier, clearer and much deeper: between 30 and 180 meters. You will pass small islands in the Gulf, only inhabited by colonies of seabirds. We visited 4 regions and stayed at 4 res", How to Get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio, How to Get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Monteverde, How to Get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Tamarindo, How to Get from Liberia to Arenal/La Fortuna, How to Get from Manuel Antonio to Corcovado National Park, How to Get from San Jos Airport (SJO) to the Osa Peninsula, How to Get from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio National Park, How to Get from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa, How to Get from Tortuguero to Arenal/La Fortuna, Nicoya Peninsula Surf & Yoga Adventure - 10 Days, Relaxing Nicoya Peninsula Road Trip - 15 Days, Road Trip to Arenal & the Nicoya Peninsula - 16 Days, Relaxing Nicoya Peninsula Road Trip - 13 Days, Costa Rica: Nicoya Peninsula Tour - 10 Days, Nicoya Peninsula Surf Adventure - 11 Days. Yes, they check! The ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera runs at 5 . All rights reserved. Tourism and expat living is concentrated along the coast while the interior is very sparsely populated. It varies from 19 to 37 miles (60 km) wide and is approximately 75 miles (121 km) long, forming the largest . There were dozens of other cars behind ours as well. We are Pubali and Indranil, an Indian couple living in Costa Rica and slow traveling Latin America and Caribbean. The Nicoya Peninsula (Spanish: Pennsula de Nicoya) is a peninsula on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The Nicoya Peninsula is still largely undeveloped and home to some of Costa Ricas most beautiful beaches. On the Nicoya Peninsula the only reliable road connection between the provinces Guanacaste and Puntarenas is along the Gulf of Nicoya. Feel free to message if you have any other questions. A small private reserve with a wealth of wildlife. You can book your tickets online ahead of time with the QuickPayCR website, but if you are traveling by foot it usually is not necessary. A Blue Zone is the name given to one of the areas in the world where a majority of people have a life expectancy of at least 100 years old. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica: The Hip Trendy Surf Town - MytanFeet In a pinch ask locals if someone sells gasoline from a barrel. Explore Blue Zone living & detox from daily stresses at this international wellness destination. If you're coming to the Southern Nicoya Peninsula from Puntarenas, then after driving 3-4 minutes you'll see on the left a side a sign for Playa Organos . From the ferry terminal, it is possible to take a ferry either to Naranjo or Paquera (and back). Here is what we noticed some people were sleeping in their cars, some were watching movies on their laptops, while some others were busy talking among themselves. If you have time in your itinerary, consider breaking up the drive with a ferry ride across the Gulf of Nicoya. If time is of the essence, the quickest way to access the peninsula is by airplane. The process is almost the same too. You will also find less tourists and lower hotel rates during the rainy season. Also, the road route is now not that bad as it used to be few years ago. There are many fish in the lower Gulf but by far fewer shrimp and shellfish. Living In The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica 1. There are washrooms with attached wash basin areas. A geological fault has once caused the land to submerge, leaving exposed only the tops of what were formerly low hills. Some of the most desired communities to live 6. Required fields are marked *, well i was looking at the wrong naranjogot it figured out, Hi Jake, Good that you figured it out. Try to arrive at least 45 minutes to 1 hour early to avoid having to rush. is the one word to express our trip to Costa Rica. However, once you board the ferry, nobody actually monitors this. So, we created this checklist, summarizing all the tips that should help you get a smooth experience of taking the Puntarenas ferry. A short drive from Naranjo is the Karen Mogensen Eco Reserve with trails through the jungle, river swimming pools and waterfall. To the Northern Nicoya Peninsula (Tamarindo, Nosara, Samara) drive past Puntarenas and continue until KM 168. Again, using Nicoya as a general guide, the distance from La Fortuna is about 106 miles (170km). The seats are also more comfortable, with some couch-style seating. All the children gave him", Traveled to Costa Rica as a family in June, 2023, "AMAZING !! This is the best place in our opinion to catch great views of the gulf and small islands. They do this in exchange for a tip at the end. Peninsula de Nicoya Travel and Vacation Guide. Bad news: It was already packed. Perhaps you can even unleash thepura vidaspirit within yourself! 6:30, 10:00, 14:20 and 19:30. Temperatures during the rainy season, called winter here, may sometimes drop to 22C, while in dry season temperatures can reach 36C. People have caught on to the fact that Costa Rica is an amazing paradise which needs to be visited. [You need to pay 400 colones per person if you need to use the restrooms.]. Although the ferry was quite full, the social distancing among people was at a fairly acceptable level. Once mountainous terrain, the Gulf is a fascinating example of Mother Nature at work. Traveling by private transfer is the most convenient way to get to the peninsula. Peninsula de Nicoya Travel and Vacation Guide. Naranjo to Puntarenas. COMPLETE Guide to Visiting Paquera, Costa Rica +11 Fun Things to Do! Costa Ricas Central Pacific Coast is home to some of the closest beaches from the capital of San Jos, which are easily accessible from the highway. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. With Costa Ricas zigzagging roads and spread out destinations, getting from point A to point B can be either half the fun or the most frustrating part of your trip. To get to the ferry terminal, just follow the main road, Avenue Central, all the way to the end of the point and take a right. If youre taking your car across, youll go up to the passenger decks after you park. Patience is the key to traveling, so its best to slow down to enjoy your vacation in Costa Rica! The only reliable north-south connection is along the Gulf of Nicoya. Landscape: Beaches, City ; Attractions: . Nicoya Peninsula Region of Costa Rica The average price is US$60 but you can generally . Site Map In their foliage birds are nesting and the mud at their roots shelters mussels, crabs and shrimps. Maintain a safe distance from other social bubbles. During rainy season roads sometimes transform into giant mud swamps, while in dry season you jolt in a collective dust bowl over rutted dirt roads. We have seen a ladys brand new sun hat get blown overboard by the wind. Only one person has to go; the other passengers can stay with the car/luggage. Driving Time from Puntarenas to SJO airport However, it is always a good idea to double-check when you book. Paquera-Puntarenas Ferry: How to do this in 2021 This fast, direct flight to the southern end of the peninsula gives you a good starting point to continue your travels. Montezuma Beach is one of the best Costa Rica beaches for budget travelers, especially those of the bohemian persuasion. Even with the shade of the canopy, we have gotten a sunburn during the 70-minute ride. If you are taking collective buses to Puntarenas or Paquera (buses that make local stops between destinations), buy your ticket online or read the instructions below for how to buy your ticket at the ferry dock. If you're coming from the areas of Monteverde or La Fortuna/Arenal, it's most convenient to travel by private transfer. Once you get on to the Nicoya Peninsula you will drive through lots of little towns. Ferry schedule to The Nicoya Peninsula Costa Rica. You will pass small "islands in the Gulf, only inhabited by colonies of seabirds. There is only one year-round road which connects the Northern with the Southern Nicoya Peninsula. But I will warn you, it feels like it is the slowest moving boat ever. Mariso who was our guide on the volcano walk was fantastic. We recommend doing this if you can because then your spot is guaranteed. Carry drinking water. Panama is a totallydifferent level of destination. However, if you already know exactly which ferry you plan on taking, it doesnt hurt to book ahead of time. Receive our newest articles by email. and roads on the peninsula were barely driveable. Sipping on their cerveza, families played music on speaker and sang along to the lively Latin tunes and often got up to groove a bit. If you are a foreigner, you can select sin factura (without receipt). If you need to spend the night in Puntarenas, there are plenty of hotels at various price points you can stay at. There are two decks the lower deck in enclosed and air-conditioned, whereas the upper one is open air. Agriculture and cattle trade still flourish on the Nicoya Peninsula but tourism is becoming more and more important. Our local travel specialists have been recommended by, "Wonderful trip, Olman found us the best guides for all our experiences. This stretch of road leads through mountainous areas and enormous quantities of earth were moved to cut a broad highway straight throught the dense jungle. Tambor Costa Rica: Complete Beach Town Travel Guide However, we actually usually drive because we tend to spontaneously go to the Nicoya Peninsula and often arent able to prebook tickets. Visiting Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve The Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve sits at the very tip of theNicoya Peninsulaand was Costa Ricas Southern Zone is where youll find the tallest mountains, pristine cloud forest areas, and a virtually unexplored paradise. You can either reserve online (QuickPayCR) or pay in cash (Costa Rican Colones) at the ferry office by the dock.
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