nicoya peninsula ferry

It all started about 10 years ago with an amazing two-week vacation . Puntarenas is not a place you probably want to spend much time in. There is a snack bar on this deck that sells basic things like chips, empanadas, water, beer, and sodas. All rights reserved. From the hilly interior, the mountains sweep down to the Pacific Ocean, creating some of the most pristine and remote beaches in Costa Rica. That means more crowds at the previously empty destinations. Keep in mind that this usually only applies to vehicles. Islands in the Gulf are, Chira Island, Venado Island, Isla Caballo, Isla Bejuco , Isla San Lucas , Isla Gitana , Tortuga Island. Usually, the passengers of the vehicle can also head to the car at that time, but I have also experienced it where they have made the passengers walk off the boat and meet their car/ driver on the side of the road after exiting the ferry. For disembarking, you need to walk down the stairs, head to the garage, squeeze yourself in to your car in that tight maze of cars and drive out of the ferry boat and hit the road. Nicoya Peninsula Region of Costa Rica The Puntarenas Ferry travels between the ports of Puntarenas on the central Pacific coast and Paquera on the Nicoya Peninsula. It is the best and often other drivers are really great about inputting where the police are hanging out. This also can happen on Friday afternoons when heading from Puntarenas to Paquera and on Sundays when heading from Paquera to Puntarenas. In Puntarenas the ferry dock is at the tip of the land spit, 2 km from the town center. But, if you are better at planning ahead and can prebook your tickets, its 100% worth it to take the ferry. This tropical paradise had long been off the beaten path. But if youre planning to visit areas on Costa Ricas southern Nicoya Peninsula like Montezuma, Mal Pais, or Santa Teresa, one great option is to take the Puntarenas Ferry. You can take the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera for onward journey to Nicoya, and from Paquera to Puntarenas for the return. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. and roads on the peninsula were barely driveable. ", Traveled to Costa Rica as a couple in June, 2023, "Every guide and every driver was timely, friendly and knowledgeable. From San Jose it is easiest to get here by ferry from Puntarenas. The ferry leaves from Puntarenas to Naranjo every day at6:30am, 10:00am, 2:00pm, 5:30pm. Panama is a totallydifferent level of destination. If you do not prebook your ticket you will join a line of other cars when you arrive. Under Salida y Destino, select if you are traveling from Puntarenas to Paquera or vice-versa. Located along the banks of the Tempisque River is the Palo Verde National Park which is home to one of Central Americas most densely populated areas of migratory birds. We learnt this from the other Ticos and Ticas waiting in the car queue for the ferry. Youll have to wait for the next one if you havent booked online ahead of time. In 2020 the remaining 24 km of unpaved road between Paquera and Playa Naranjo have been fixed. As you drive on, ferry employees will guide you to a parking spot on the ship. To the right of this gate/sign, there is a large paved area where the cars, vans, trucks, and buses line up. If you only have dollars I suggest paying with a $10 bill. Save the ticket to your phones documents in case you dont have a signal to open it at the docks (especially on Paquera side). happen to know? If you're coming from the areas of Monteverde or La Fortuna/Arenal, it's most convenient to travel by private transfer. From there, you can pick up a private transfer, rent a car, or hop on a public bus. There are a lot of traffic lights and things can get a bit backed up here. The bay is safe for swimming and you have views to the Tortuga Islands. Receive our newest articles by email. You can purchase the tickets online at https://www.quickpaycr.com/. You can experience history and modern architectureall in one in PanamaCity with skyscrapers and the old part of the city. Driving Time from Puntarenas to SJO airport There are few mangroves and the area is even less populated. It is located at . 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. Other than that, there are not many quick food options along the way. While on the map it looks shorter to take the coastal road from Samara to Mal Pais/Santa Teresa it actually takes longer and you risk to get lost or drown your car in a river. It is now possible to buy tickets online if going between Paquera and Puntarenas. Again, make sure to buy a ticket for your car and each passenger. On the way to the ferry terminal a road to the right goes to Playa Organos, a placid wide bay with a picture-perfect sandy beach, surrounded by jungle. The ferry has an open parking deck on the bottom and two upper decks for passengers and crew. Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip. Many trees lose their leaves and cars driving on the rutted dirt roads stir up clouds of dust, covering roadside foliage with a dull, brown layer. Eco-tourism is also popular here. The surf capital and touristic center of Guanacaste is the bustling beach town of Tamarindo. The Puntarenas Ferry in Costa Rica They only accept cash and do not take $50 or $100 bills. The seats are also more comfortable, with some couch-style seating. 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. Costa Ricas Central Valley is home to the capital of San Jos and the Juan Santamara International Airport. From July to August however, nobody is allowed to fish, as this is the breeding time for maritime life. To continue to Santa Teresa or Montezuma see the following description. Also, the road route is now not that bad as it used to be few years ago. Our guess is that this distribution of cars between the two garages is done randomly. Mal Pais is located on the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. 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. They do this in exchange for a tip at the end. Be prepared that the roads on the Southern Nicoya Peninsula (Province of Puntarenas) are bad and many of them are unpaved. If you have walked onto the ferry, you can walk off and continue your journey. Ferry employees were enforcing this on our last trip. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica - 2023 Travel Guide - Anywhere Water sports are huge in the Nicoya Peninsula and many surfers consider it the best place to surf in the world. This area is a little confusing since the docks are hard to see and there are a lot of different buildings. Puntarenas Ferry If you're traveling by car from the Central Pacific (including San Jos), the quickest and simplest way to reach the Nicoya Peninsula is by taking the ferry at Puntarenas. Rainfalls increase during the following months to become very heavy in September to November, when the peninsula turns into a dripping lush rainforest. Copyright 2002 - 2023 Pia Pfau. 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. | Privacy Policy. She has traveled all over the country in the past several years as a Costa Rica travel expert. Eventually, you will turn off on a smaller main road called Paso de Tampisque. It was cut off from the Costa Rican mainland through the Gulf of Nicoya. It is the most convenient public transport connecting Nicoya to the mainland Costa Rica. The top deck has a canopy to help block the sun but is otherwise open to the elements. At least you then have your ticket and dont need to stress. This is the best place in our opinion to catch great views of the gulf and small islands. When it is time to board, ferry employees will guide you onto the boat to a parking spot. Between Puntarenas and Naranjo it is not possible to prebook. The dry season is from December-April and considered high season for tourists. I call it the armpit of Costa Rica,.sorry Puntarenas! To the Northern Nicoya Peninsula (Tamarindo, Nosara, Samara) drive past Puntarenas and continue until KM 168. It is divided into two provinces: Guanacaste Province in the north, and the Puntarenas Province in the south. Take the Playa Naranjo ferry from Puntarenas, from Naranjo head to Jicaral, then San . Divided into the Guanacaste and Puntarenas provinces, it's a popular destination for surfing, jungle treks, and laid-back beach towns. The site is in Spanish, but we took some screenshots of the booking process to help you figure it out. There are washrooms with attached wash basin areas. In other words, if you miss the ferry and decide to drive its not so much of a hassle to get back on track. Many of Costa Ricas most colorful traditions trace their roots in Guanacaste and its ranching history. You have to pay the ferry ticket price for all passengers in your group as well as your vehicle. Naranjo to Puntarenas. Do not enter Puntarenas ferry because this point gives you directions to the Nicoya Peninsula side. Blue Zones are established based on the life expectancy of the people. They prefer that only the driver remain in the car during boarding so other passengers usually get out and walk onto the ferry when the time comes. . If youre looking to cut some driving time off your next trip to the Nicoya Peninsula, we highly recommend taking the ferry between Puntarenas and Paquera. If taking a private transfer service (shuttle), your ferry ticket will likely be included in your booking. Your email address will not be published. Costa Rica's Blue Zone - Live to 100 Years You can find out more and book your transfer here. Our journey began very early in the morning. This area is a bit more difficult to get to than other parts of the country, but I think that gives it its charms. Note: If you are running late or it is very busy (weekends/holidays), sometimes the line can extend down the street. Check out our guide to visiting this remote destination. This is for people that need one for Costa Rica tax purposes. All of the roads have been redone in the past few years and are actually really nice to cruise along. From San Jose, Costa Rica's capital and largest airport, it's easiest to fly into Tambor. Paquera-Puntarenas ferry is a public transport. Lock everything up and go find your group on the upper decks. Our first ride on the Puntarenas Ferry was back in 2007 when we took the public bus from San Jose to Montezuma. Click here for a map so you can see what we mean. Costa Ricas Northern Zone is home to the countrys most famous Volcano and Cloud Forest Areas. 8:00, 12:30, 17:30, 21:00. Thousands of years ago, a volcanic fault line plunged the land into the sea, and only hilltops remained to form the Gulf's many speckled islands. Carry alcohol based hand sanitizer apply to your hands often. There is a ferry running from Punteranes to the Nicoya Peninsula daily. It has awesome beaches to check out and tons of restaurants and trendy hotels. 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! It ends up being faster to drive around rather than driving through Puntarenas to get to the ferry super early to ensure we get a ticket. (Santa Teresa, Malpais, Montezuma, Tambor). It will ask what type of receipt you need (datos para factura). It was much more comfortable to sit outside. On the Nicoya Peninsula the only reliable road connection between the provinces Guanacaste and Puntarenas is along the Gulf of Nicoya. Hanging like the right arm of the country, the Nicoya peninsula is detached from the mainland on its east by the Gulf of Nicoya. Communication, options, convenience and reliability were spot on. See also: Direct buses from San Jos to Mal Pais, Santa Teresa, Montezuma, Samara, Coyote. Landscape: Beaches, City ; Attractions: . The site is in Spanish. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is useful, particularly towards the southern part of the peninsula. Costa Rica's largest peninsula, Nicoya measures about 85 miles (140 km) northwest-southeast and . Motorcycle: 3,400 (about $6) A single passenger ticket is $ 1.50 (Col 810). The ferries between Paquera and Puntarenas run 5 times a day, all days of the week. Development was fueled when the Tempisque bridge was built to connect the peninsula with the Costa Rican mainland. If you are going for the offline tickets, arrive early. on you. On the same road is also a small supermarket, restaurant and some dispersed villas and vacation rentals of the Roma del Mar development. However, if you already know exactly which ferry you plan on taking, it doesnt hurt to book ahead of time. Whether you are returning from Santa Teresa, Malpais, Cabuya or Montezuma, driving feels like a breeze if you take the ferry. Here turn left to the bridge over the Tempisque River. Peninsula de Nicoya Travel and Vacation Guide. Nicoya Peninsula - Costa Rica Guides After crossing the Gulf of Nicoya, the ferry will drop you off at either Paquera or Naranjo, from which you can make your way west to Malpas. And, lets be real, we all want to get to our vacation destinations as quickly and smoothly as possible. Also if you are wearing a hat, hold onto it. Stand in the queue at the ticket counter. Stay to the left if there is room. Then indicate the number of adults, children, and seniors in your group. The same is true for the bus. Then you can select your date and the time youd like to take the ferry. The same official will direct you to the place where you need to park for getting in line to board the ferry. Try to arrive at least 45 minutes to 1 hour early to avoid having to rush. Guanacaste is home to Costa Ricas most popular beach destinations and all-inclusive resorts. The ferry ride is a little over an hour but a relaxing way to see some coastal sights. 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. Choose Vehiculo Liviano (passenger vehicle) and then add the number of adults, children, and seniors below. Ferry schedule to Nicoya Peninsula - Costa Rica Airport Shuttle The Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve was the first protected natural reserve established in Costa Rica and you cant miss it. This change will be enough for the rest of your trip. Ferry - Montezuma Costa Rica - montezumabeach.com It is your responsibility to maintain a safe distance from other social bubbles. Both areas have refillable soap containers. 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. The northern part of the Nicoya Peninsula belongs to the province of Guanacaste, whose Pacific coast is made up of countless stretches of sun-swathed beaches, divided by rocky bluffs and river estuaries. For sunset hour ride, we would recommend the upper deck, for unobstructed views. Copyright 2002 - 2023 Pia Pfau. Take the stairs to walk up to the deck and choose a spot for your ride. Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve: Rugged Hiking on the Nicoya Peninsula For Puntarenas Ferry, the sail on the sea is for about 75 minutes. You can either reserve online (QuickPayCR) or pay in cash (Costa Rican Colones) at the ferry office by the dock. Santa Teresa: Costa Ricas Trending Beach Town: Santa Teresa/Mal Pais has become one of Costa Ricas hottest beach towns. Playa Naranjo isnt much more than the ferry slip, a small hotel and an abandoned gas station. Youll also find a seemingly unlimited amount of yoga classes and studios throughout Santa Teresa. Montezuma and Santa Teresa are two of our favorite places in all of Costa Rica. While signage tends to be fairly navigable, many roads throughout the peninsula are not paved. They only offer a certain amount of online tickets. how long does it take from puntarenas to naranjo? It has so much to offer. Getting to the Nicoya Peninsula can be tricky, but it is definitely worth it. This will take about five hours (but 80 minutes of that are no driving . The Nicoya Peninsula is the perfect off-the-beaten-path escape. The ferry staff will guide you. From the pier a road continues to the tip of the Tambor bay. Paquera, Costa Rica: Authentic Costa Rican Beach Town - MytanFeet
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