Puntarenas,Costa Rica

Puntarenas, which means "Sandy Point" in Spanish, is the capital and main city in the province Puntarenas, Costa Rica, at the Pacific coast. Puntarenas sits on a long, narrow peninsula in the Gulf of Nicoya. Being the country's most important fishing port, it is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood.

Though the water is murky, and the beach may seem a bit urban, it's a lively town on weekends, when people from San José fill its waterfront restaurants and bars. A series of open-air cafes that line the beach are the perfect place to head for dessert, or refreshment, since they specialize in ice cream and fresh fruit drinks.

Things to see and do

* Nicoya Gulf Islands
* San Jose day trip
* Poas Volcano National Park
* Jungle tours

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - Colón (CRC)
Language - Spanish
Land area - 11.276 SQ. KM
Population - 12,000 approx
Electricity - 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT minus seven hours
International Country Telephone Code - 506

Port Location - The port is located at the beach front in Puntarenas. Walk along the pier to the waterfront area of Puntarenas.

Transport Links - Puntarenas is approximately 2.5 hours drive from the Juan Santamaria international airport located in the capital of San Jose. The cost of a taxi is expensive therefore private ground transportation or rental cars from San Jose are the most advisable options.