What to do? What to do? Fly through the rain-forest canopy on a zipline? Go white-water rafting? Climb a volcano? Laze on a white-sand beach? Check out colorful marine life while snorkeling? Or try to hook one on a deep-sea fishing excursion?
Costa Rica offers plenty of exciting choices like these, especially if you're interested in nature and outdoor activities. That's why so many people have chosen to go there: In the past decade, the number of visitors has quintupled, and tourism has become the leading sector of the nation's economy.
Costa Rica is practically synonymous with ecotourism—travel that incorporates education about the environment and promotes preservation of natural resources. The country has a large number of national parks and nature preserves that boast a rich array of birds, mammals, reptiles and rain-forest plants. The variety of birds, in particular, is astounding: Some 850 species are packed into a relatively small area.
The country also excels in adventure sports, including surfing, mountain biking, river rafting, hiking and scuba diving. Those who prefer a less-strenuous vacation can view several active volcanoes, take boat trips down jungle rivers and float through the rain-forest treetops in a rain-forest aerial tram or speed through the forest canopy on any of several dozen thrilling zipline systems.
Location
Costa Rica has two cruise terminals. On the Caribbean side, ships dock at Puerto Limon or the nearby container port of Moin. Only one block from the town's main square, the Limon port is well-located for exploring on foot (although sites are relatively few in town). A superb local restaurant on the north side of Parque Vargas serves filling local dishes at bargain prices. A selection of other restaurants and Internet cafes are within a 10-minute walk of the port.
On the Pacific, ships dock at the new cruise ship pier in Puntarenas City or the container port of Puerto Caldera, about 8 mi/13 km south of Puntarenas City. Principally a container ship terminal, Caldera has few facilities for cruise passengers and is out on a limb. Taxis are available.
Shore Excursions
Cruise-ship passengers can choose from two dozen or so exciting shore excursions. On the Caribbean, the most popular offerings include nature excursions along the canals leading to Tortuguero National Park (cruise ship time limitations prevent full tours of this very isolated national park), tours of the Costa Flores horticultural farm, a ride on the Rain Forest Aerial Tram, trips to the Caribbean surfer capital of Puerto Viejo or the heavily Caribbean-influenced Cahuita, and white-water rafting on the Reventazon River.
Passengers arriving at Puntarenas City or Puerto Caldera are typically offered day trips to San Jose, and to Poas Volcano and Sarchi (the center for crafts), a catamaran excursion to Isla Tortuga, a ride on the Pacific Aerial Tram, a trip to Jaco to enjoy its surfer culture, and a hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
