Cruises and liveaboards

Where the cruise actually goes

Costa Rica turns up on very different kinds of voyages. Big ocean ships stop for a day at Puntarenas, Puerto Caldera or Puerto Limón, often on a Panama Canal itinerary. Small ships and sailing ships spend more time along the coast. Dive liveaboards head 2 days out to Cocos Island. A day boat on the Gulf of Nicoya is something else again. Always confirm the ship, dates, itinerary and shore-excursion meeting point with the cruise line: a ship that called here one season isn't a permanent fixture.

Sailing ships

Under canvas, the sea feels different: rigging, wind and a slower horizon. Star Clippers, Windstar Cruises and Sea Cloud Cruises have sailed Costa Rican itineraries. Check the named vessel and the current calendar before you count on a particular departure.

For a short, low-key taste of travel by water, the car ferries across the Gulf of Nicoya between Puntarenas and the Nicoya Peninsula are part of the fun of getting to Montezuma or Santa Teresa.

Cocos Island

Isla del Coco, far out in the Pacific, is a national park and one of the world's great dive sites. You can't just hire a boat and go ashore. Every visit needs the approval of the park's conservation authority, the Área de Conservación Marina Coco, and most visitors go with an authorized dive liveaboard such as Undersea Hunter or Aggressor Adventures. See our Cocos Island section for the current rules.

Pick the right kind of trip

An ocean cruise suits people who like a multi-stop route and ship comforts. A liveaboard needs real attention to the itinerary, dive experience and conditions. A small coastal sailing trip may be best if the point is a beautiful day where the Pacific meets the rainforest.

We don't print fares. For current prices and sailing dates, use the cruise line's or outfitter's official booking page.