# Puerto Azul Hotel y Club Náutico: hotel and marina in El Cocal, Puntarenas > Puerto Azul is a hotel with an attached marina in El Cocal, on the Puntarenas side of the Gulf of Nicoya. It suits cruisers with boats up to about 60 feet who want a berth with a pool and restaurant on hand, and travelers who want a base near the Puntarenas cruise terminal and ferries. Source: https://costaricasailing.net/puerto-azul-hotel-yacht-club/ Last checked: 2026-10-22 Location: Puntarenas, Puntarenas, Central Pacific, Costa Rica Type: marina, hotel Location: El Cocal, Puntarenas, on Route 17, about 10 to 15 minutes from downtown Rooms: 62, in a 2-story building and a 7-story tower of suites with kitchens Marina: Listed for boats up to 60 feet, VHF channel 08 On site: 2 pools and the Arrecife Grill & Bar Also known as: Puerto Azul Boutique Resort & Marina ## What it is Puerto Azul Hotel y Club Náutico, which you'll also see listed as Puerto Azul Boutique Resort & Marina, is a hotel built around a small private marina in El Cocal, on the inland side of the Puntarenas sandspit. It's one of the few places on the Gulf of Nicoya where you can tie up a boat and walk a few steps to a pool, a restaurant and an air-conditioned room. It's still taking guests through the big booking sites, though it doesn't keep a working website of its own right now, so you'll book by phone or through those sites. ## The marina The marina sits in the estuary behind the Puntarenas spit, about 1.5 miles from the opening into the gulf, which gives it good protection from swell. Cruising guides list it for boats up to about 60 feet, with a posted minimum depth of 2.5 meters, VHF channel 08 and 24-hour security. Slip counts differ between listings, so call ahead to check space. Marina guests can use the pools and get the hotel breakfast, and berths are offered by the day or the month with utilities. One point worth knowing from cruisers' reports: the estuary channel isn't dredged, so deeper-draft boats should time their entry with the tide and ask the marina for current depths before coming in. Some boats that couldn't fit at other Puntarenas docks have found room here. ## The hotel There are 62 rooms in 2 buildings. The standard rooms are in an older 2-story block, while a 7-story tower holds suites from studios up to a 4-bedroom penthouse, with full kitchens, washer-dryers and balconies looking over the marina. There are 2 outdoor pools (a livelier one by the restaurant and a quieter one by the tower) and one restaurant, the open-air Arrecife Grill & Bar, plus a poolside bar. Breakfast is included. ## Where it is The hotel is on Route 17, the main road into Puntarenas, about 10 to 15 minutes by car from downtown, the cruise terminal and the ferry docks for the Nicoya Peninsula. There isn't much within walking distance beyond a few local restaurants, so you'll want a car or taxis. San José is roughly 2 hours away by road. ## Who it suits Sailors and sportfishing crews who need a protected berth on the Gulf of Nicoya, especially for a boat under 60 feet. It also works for families who want suite space with a kitchen near Puntarenas, and for anyone catching an early ferry to Paquera or Naranjo. From here, the Gulf of Nicoya islands, including Tortuga Island, are an easy day on the water. ## Good to know before you book - Recent guest reviews are mixed: people like the breakfast, the pools and the marina, while Wi-Fi and housekeeping get some complaints. - The Gulf of Nicoya is generally sheltered, but afternoon winds and tidal currents can be strong near the Puntarenas point. - The dry season here runs roughly December to April. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I keep my boat at Puerto Azul? Yes, the hotel has its own marina, listed for boats up to about 60 feet. Call ahead to check space and depth for your draft. ### What VHF channel should I use? Cruising guides list channel 08. ### Is it close to the Puntarenas ferries? Yes, it's about 10 to 15 minutes by car from downtown and the ferry docks. ### Do the suites have kitchens? Yes. The tower suites have full kitchens and washer-dryers.