12 BEST Things to do in Puntarenas, Costa Rica

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A beautiful coastal city, Puntarenas is the capital of the province of Puntarenas and is a popular stop for travelers in Costa Rica. The name means “sandy point” – perfectly describing this sliver of land and beach that stretches into the Gulf of Nicoya, directly across from the Nicoya Peninsula.

One of the aspects I love is that about 95 km (59 miles) West of San Jose, Puntarenas you’ll find an easily accessible jump-off spot for lots of different activities, making it a good home base for your Costa Rican adventures. There are also lots of awesome things to do in Puntarenas city itself, from art galleries and markets to aquariums and great bars and restaurants along the long Paseo de los Turistas (tourists boulevard).

However, the city is a port of call for cruise ships, so it can sometimes get a bit busy, which is where our list of Puntarenas activities comes in extra handy. Keep reading to check out the 12 best things to do in Puntarenas, from relaxing at waterfalls and island hopping to skydiving and cruising with crocodiles! You’re sure to fall in love with this city as I have!

Things to do in Puntarenas, Costa Rica

1. Visit Tortuga Island

There are tons of outdoor things to do in Puntarenas to keep you busy, and one of our favorites was island hopping to the nearby Tortuga Island!

Visiting Tortuga Island is a bit like stepping onto a deserted island in tropical paradise. As such, you can’t just walk or drive here.

There are a few ways to get to Tortuga Island, but we ended up on this awesome full-day tour for $115 USD per person that included multiple stops. We met the crew at the meeting point at 8:30 am and jumped on the boat for a 90-minute ride with amazing views and dolphin spotting on the way!

Stops included the beautiful Nicoya Stone Arch and Negritos Island Biological Reserve – two small volcanic islands that are home to tons of diverse plant and animal species like Spider Monkeys. It was pretty awesome to see these little guys swinging around in their natural habitat!

There are a few opportunities during the tour to get in on some snorkeling, and we highly recommend it. Equipment is provided, and the crystal-clear water around Tortuga Island is one of the top spots to snorkel as it’s full of beautiful coral and sea critters, including rays, octopuses, and turtles.

After you work up an appetite, you can dig into some lunch (we opted for fresh ceviche) and spend some time being a beach bum here. Tortuga Island has beautiful golden beaches, so you can take a leisurely walk or plop your stuff down and soak up the sun for a while.

In the afternoon, you get another shot at a dolphin sighting as the tour boat takes you back to the starting point. All in all, it’s a pretty awesome day of filled with animal sightings and island hopping, and one of our favorite things to do in Puntarenas! 

You can book this tour from Puntarenas to Tortuga Island online here!

2. Visit NATUWA Wildlife Sanctuary 

Costa Rica is known worldwide for its extensive wildlife conservation efforts and animal rescue centers, and there are many Puntarenas activities in that category! 

NATUWA Wildlife Sanctuary is a great spot to visit, costing about $34 USD per person. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Puntarenas, and it’s open daily from 8 AM until 4 PM with 6 guided tours throughout the day that teach visitors about the animals and rehabilitation programs.

The Wildlife in Costa Rica is incredible! And on this tour, you can catch a glimpse of different critters, from little guys like Squirrel Monkeys, Margays, and Two-Toed Sloths, all the way up to big cats like the Jaguar! They’ve also got an impressive variety of birds, and bird lovers will enjoy seeing free-flying Macaws, Toucans, and even African Gray Parrots.

The animals here have been rescued, rehomed, and rehabilitated in the sanctuary, with most of them eventually being released back into the wild once they’re happy and healthy.

NATUWA also has some cool community-based projects to protect Scarlet Macaws, where locals can lend a hand in ending nest-looting and illegal trading that puts these birds in danger. 

Related Read: Wildlife is just one of the things people love about Costa Rica. Click here to learn what Costa Rica is most known for!

3. Wander Parque Marino del Pacifico

Another awesome activity we recommend for animal lovers in Puntarenas is a visit to Parque Marino del Pacifico (open 9 AM – 4:30 PM Tuesday to Sunday). Listed as the only marine park in Costa Rica, visitors can get a closer look at approximately 50 types of coastal and marine animals that have been rescued or brought in for rehabilitation.

We paid $5.50 USD each for entry ($3 USD for kids under 12 years old) and spent an hour or so checking out the sea animals like fish, turtles, rays, and even some sharks. The staff here are informative and friendly, and it’s a nice activity to add in if you’re doing a self-guided walking tour around Puntarenas or just in the mood for something low-key but still informative.

It’s less than a 10-minute walk from the main bus terminal, located almost at the end of the Paseo de los Turistas. Our top tip would be to grab some food on the way and enjoy the park’s picnic zones while you’re there! 

4. Tarcoles Crocodile Bridge  

If you’re headed further South along the coast to Jaco or beyond, add a stop to the Tarcoles Crocodile Bridge! About 45 km (27 miles) South East of Puntarenas city and 20 km (12.5 miles) North of Jaco, the Crocodile Bridge is along the highway, and (even better!) it’s free to visit.

The bridge crosses the Tarcoles River, part of a large watershed that many animals call home, including these impressive crocs. A pedestrian walkway on the bridge gives great views of the crocs below hanging out in the sun or taking a dip to cool off. When you’re done checking them out, you can continue across the bridge, where you’ll find souvenir shops and some great restaurants to grab a bite before you go.

Tarcoles Bridge is a popular tourist stop, so there are a few ways to get there. The most popular is with an organized tour. This particular tour visits the Crocodile Bridge from Puntarenas as well as hanging bridges and Carara National Park. It’s a full-day tour for only $125 USD including pick up, snacks, a boat tour, and more!

But you can also check it out by renting a car in Costa Rica, or even hop on a local bus that passes over the bridge and ask them to drop you off. Getting there earlier in the day might be a good idea to beat the heat, see more crocs, and avoid crowds.  

5. Eat a Churchill  

The best part traveling is trying new food, including all the local sweet treats! In Costa Rica, they’ve got Copo, a type of snow cone you’ll find all over Central America and our favorite way to cool off. You’ll know you’ve hit the jackpot when you see vendors pushing around little carts serving up shaved ice in a cup topped with Kola syrup, powdered milk, and condensed milk.

They took the Copo and turned it up a notch in Puntarenas, inventing a whole other level of deliciousness called the Churchill. It’s a little bigger than a regular Copo with the same ingredients, but it also adds a healthy scoop of ice cream and cookie straws for the ultimate sweet treat!

A regular Copo runs you around 500 Colones (less than $1 USD), and the Churchill costs around 3000 Colones (~$5.50 USD). It’s much bigger than a regular Copo, though, and it’s worth it! SODA Macarena la Original do the best in Puntarenas!

Related Read: Costa Rica is generally a very affordable place! But to get a feel for prices here, read more about the cost of traveling in Costa Rica.

6. Take a stroll along the Paseo de los Turistas

Every travel day can’t be jam-packed with activities, and sometimes it’s nice to keep it low-key. One of our favorite things to do in Puntarenas is taking a stroll along the Paseo de los Turistas, a seafront walkway that stretches along the city’s south side.

Given the name, you’ll find touristy things here, like the popular Puntarenas sign, lots of souvenir shops, and the cruise ship terminal on the Eastern side. You’ll also find great local vendors (some selling the famous Churchill!), food trucks, bars, restaurants, and some quiet spots to take in the beautiful sunset views of the Gulf of Nicoya. 

7. Relax at the beach

If you’re in the mood for a beach day, grab a Churchill and head out to Playa Puntarenas to catch some sun! This beach stretches all along the south side of Puntarenas, but the more popular spots are alongside the Paseo de los Turistas.

With views of the Gulf of Nicoya, this is a great spot to take a dip in the calm waters and enjoy the view or just hang out and be a beach bum. Restaurants, bars, and vendors are nearby, which makes it easy to grab a drink or a bite to eat whenever you need. 

8. Go on an ATV tour

We’re adventure lovers at heart, and we’ll take any chance to jump on an ATV to explore a new place, especially if it’s a combo tour!

We opted for this action-packed ATV Tour, starting in Puntarenas with a drive along the coast to Carara Adventure Park for some ATV fun and then onto a Tarcoles Crocodile Safari.

Having been on quite a few tours in different countries, we know some key things to look out for – like safety! The crew here is super friendly and professional, ensuring everyone in the group was confident before we took off through the jungle for a little off-road mud-splashing adventure. They know all the best viewpoints and offer up lots of knowledge about the area, so it was a great learning experience as well.

After we were tired out on the trails, we grabbed a snack and headed down the Tarcoles River for a Crocodile Safari. We’d seen the crocs from the bridge viewpoint above, but it was a cool experience to be on the same level as them and gently float down the river for an hour or so.  

The tour cost us $195 USD each and we booked online here. The entire day tour lasts about 6 hours, so water, sunscreen, and bug spray are always great to bring along. And don’t forget your driver’s license! 

9. Half-Day Puntarenas Highlights Tour

If you’re short on time or looking for something a little more relaxed, there are still lots of awesome options for you! This Half-Day Puntarenas Highlights Tour is a more chill option for those who want to see the area with smaller groups of less than 15 people. In a private minivan, you’ll head South to Puerto Calderas, where you can catch a glimpse of the adorable white-faced Capuchin monkeys!

Up next is the Tarcoles River for a little cruise to see the crocodiles up close and personal, as well as spot some other birds and wildlife that call this area home. Before you get dropped off, the guides will give you a little extra tour of Puntarenas, including the fish market and historical buildings like the church.

The guides are entertaining and really knowledgeable, so it makes for a nice way to meet new people and learn a bit about the area! It costs about $140 USD per person and includes entrance fees and transportation, including pickup and drop-off from various locations around Puntarenas. Bring some extra pocket money for lunch and snacks, though!  

You can book this half-day tour online here!

10. Eat seafood at Isla Coco’s Bar & Grill   

Hanging out in coastal cities has some major perks, and the freshest seafood is definitely number one on the list!

Located nearby the ferry terminal, Isla Coco’s Bar & Grill is open Wednesday to Monday from 12 to 10 pm and is our favorite spot to get our fill of seafood in Puntarenas. It’s a breezy, casual spot with friendly service, and they get bonus points for having awesome live music on Thursdays and Fridays.

But let’s talk about the food! You’ll find lots of various options here, from multiple types of ceviche to fresh fish, shrimp, clams, and garlic octopus. Top of our list is the deep-fried snapper, grilled tuna tacos, and the shrimp ceviche served up with green plantain chips – washed down with an ice-cold beer, of course!

Portions are very generous here, and we think it’s a pretty good bang for your buck, with most main dishes running between $11 to 18 USD. And don’t worry, if there’s a non-seafood eater in your party, there are plenty of other options to keep everyone at the table happy! 

11. Take a trip out to Waterfall El Encanto

After spending a bit of time on the coast, we decided to head inland to Waterfall El Encanto for a little change of scenery. Located about 28 km (17 miles) from Puntarenas city, and 8.4 km (5 miles) South of Esparza, it’s a pretty accessible site and makes for a great day trip or road trip stop.

The falls are open 8 am to 5 pm daily, but it’s worth checking for closures before you go, especially if it’s during the rainy season or on public holidays. Luckily, we asked the front desk at our hotel who knew it was open. When we arrived, we paid a $3.75 USD per person (2000 Colones) entry fee and walked down ~180 steps to the waterfall. The steps can be slippery and uneven in some spots, so we recommend good shoes here!

At the bottom, you’ll find yourself in front of the beautiful Costa Rican waterfall, and you can even walk a little closer to catch the cool breeze off the falls. There are lots of flat rocks and shady spots to sit and hang out, and it’s also the perfect location for a little peaceful picnic in the beautiful Costa Rican rainforest. 

Related Read: El Canto is just one of many beautiful waterfalls in this country. Read more about the nearby Uvita Waterfall here!

12. Go skydiving

By the end of your trip, you may think you’ve seen every angle of Puntarenas, but have you seen it while skydiving?!

There’s no better way to get that adrenaline pumping, and the team over at Skydive Pura Vida is highly qualified and committed to safety. Their facility is located 45 minutes from Puntarenas city at the airfield in Aranjuez, nearby the NATUWA Wildlife Sanctuary.

When you arrive, you’ll check in, read and sign the waivers, and then dive into the details with your instructor. They do tandem skydiving here, which means you’ll have an experienced instructor with you every step of the way. On the ground, they’ll explain and adjust your equipment, show you the procedures and positions, and give you tips on getting that perfect skydiving pic!

Then you’ll hop in a small aircraft for 15 minutes or so. When it’s go-time, get ready to take the leap from about 10,000 ft (3,050 m) and experience the thrill of a 30-second freefall! Your instructor will pull the ‘chute at around 4000 ft (1,220 m), at which point you can take a breath and enjoy the gentle float back down to the airfield.

They’ve got some great packages starting from $365 USD per person, including a video, or you can opt for the $440 USD package that takes you a little higher to 12,000 ft (3,660 m). If you’re looking for next-level Puntarenas activities, this is definitely the way to go! 

Where to Stay in Puntarenas, Costa Rica

If you’re visiting this beautiful port town, you’ll need to know where to stay! Below are a few of my favorite accommodations in Puntarenas!

Hostel del Pacifico – $

First off, for budget travelers, Hostel del Pacifico is my top choice, and prices start at roughly $30 USD per night. It’s location is at the very end of the main road through Puntarenas, minutes from many sights, the beach, and the ferry. It’s much nicer than first meets the eye and each room has a private bathroom with shower and air conditioning. There is also a garden, terrace, and you can even get your laundry done here.

Check availability and reserve a room at Hostel del Pacifico here on Booking.com.

Hotel Cayuga – $$

With prices starting at $102 USD per night, Hotel Cayuga is a fantastic value which makes me think prices are only low because it’s still a relatively new hotel. It’s has exceptionally clean facilities with comfy beds, a private outdoor pool, and strong WiFi and air conditioning. It’s located two blocks from the Paseo de los Turistas and in walking distance from the bus station. However, it also comes with free closed-in parking and a tasty hotel restaurant and bar with super friendly staff.

Check availability and reserve a room at Hotel Cayuga here on Booking.com.

Fiesta Resort – $$$

If you can afford more, Fiesta Resort is a top all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica. It’s also a beachfront hotel with everything you could ever need at your fingertips. It’s located in El Roble, a 15-minute drive from Puntarenas. Prices start at $348 USD and include well…everything! Expect a spa, gym, on-site tennis courts, pools, beach access, and local and international restaurants and bars, and even a theme night at the buffet.

Check availability and reserve a room at Fiesta Resort here on Booking.com.

Pura Vida!

I hope you enjoyed this blog all about the things to do in Puntarenas! This town has lots of relaxing and adventurous activities so if you like beaches, wildlife, or tasty local food, you’re sure to have a wonderful time here!

And if you’re traveling to other parts of the country, check out my other blogs about Costa Rica. I’ve lived and traveled all over and love creating helpful guides on where to stay and what to do in each location. The featured blog articles below could be particularly useful if you’re visiting areas close to Puntarenas. Thanks for reading!

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