Puntarenas-Paquera Ferry Crossing
Landmark · Nicoya Peninsula
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The car ferry between Puntarenas and Paquera is the classic way onto the southern Nicoya Peninsula, and the crossing is a mini cruise through the Gulf of Nicoya, past green islands and, on late runs, sunsets over the water.
- Time there
- 1.5 h
- Best time
- late afternoon crossing
- Kids
- 5 / 10
- View
- 8 / 10
- Crowds
- 4 / 10
- Swimming
- 0 / 10
- Effort
- 1 / 10
- Location
- 9.82985, -84.90362 — Google Maps
- Ratings
- 4.5 on Google (2,825)
Before you go
- Walk
- 90 min
- Kids
- Good for kids
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Arrive early if you're bringing a car, and find an outside spot on the upper deck for the views.
Be careful
Keep valuables with you on board.
Getting there
Terminals in Puntarenas and at Paquera (Playa Paquera dock); the crossing takes about an hour and a half.
Places nearby
- 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.
- Tortuga Island Tour (Isla Tortuga Tour Costa Rica)Tours & Adventure · from $70High-volume Isla Tortuga operator: snorkeling, a beach day and lunch on the island, with departures from Tambor and Montezuma, Santa Teresa and Puntarenas.
- Soda La EsmeraldaSodas & Local FoodA roadside soda on the Paquera-Tambor road with a solid Google rating from over 250 reviews - a handy refuel stop for traditional Costa Rican food.
- 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.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/551470988 · https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/551470988 · https://www.larepublica.net/noticia/realice-ruta-de-senderismo-y-conozca-la-playa-mas-paradisiaca-de-costa-rica · https://www.google.com/maps/search/Ferry+terminal+Paquera