Puntarenas Municipal Market & old fishing moorings
Local shop · Nicoya Peninsula
The market hall on the calm estuary side of town, with the old port right behind it, where small traditional fishing boats still tie up. It's also the starting point for the island boats: launches to Isla de Chira leave from the fish-market docks.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 40 min
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 2 / 10
- View
- 4 / 10
- Crowds
- 3 / 10
- Swimming
- 1 / 10
- Effort
- 1 / 10
- Location
- 9.98005, -84.83087 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Entry
- Free
- Tickets
- Free entry, no ticket
- Parking
- On the street
- Road
- Paved all the way
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Go in the morning, when it's busiest, and ask around the docks about boats to the gulf islands.
Be careful
Busy and a bit gritty - keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket.
Getting there
Avenida 3, on the north (estuary) side of the centre, about four blocks from the cathedral.
Places nearby
- Parque Marino del PacíficoParks & WildlifeAquarium park in Puntarenas' old railway station, about three hectares of tanks with sea turtles, tropical fish, rays, crocodiles and large sharks, plus a small pool and play area for children - an easy family stop at the east end of the seafront.
- Bahía Rica (bioluminescent kayak tours & fishing lodge)Tours & AdventureA small wooden kayak-and-fishing lodge on the bluff 1.5 km east of the Paquera ferry landing, best known for its night kayak tour on Paquera's bio-bay, where every paddle stroke lights up blue-green plankton and you can even jump in and swim through the glow.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/1077016901 · https://nicoyapeninsula.com/gulf/puntarenas/ · https://www.ecured.cu/Isla_de_Chira · https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/1077016901