View of a small green island off the coast of Puntarenas, Costa Rica, framed by vibrant tropical foliage against a bright blue sky and turquoise ocean.

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Cruises to Puntarenas

Things to do in Puntarenas

Puntarenas is Costa Rica’s Pacific gateway — tropical shoreline, rainforest in the background and coffee fields climbing uphill to the central valley. You’ll find bold biodiversity, artisan villages and a laid‑back coastal culture all jammed into every day. Whether you’re exploring far and wide or just stepping off the ship, expect sweat, smiles and serious scenery.

Explore itineraries with cruises to Puntarenas

When your Panama Canal cruise itinerary includes Puntarenas, you step right into beachside town — the pier opens straight into the waterfront promenade packed with artisan stalls, restaurants and black‑sand beaches. Official taxis and tour vans line the exit, making this port super convenient for excursions. You’re minutes away from the coast, about an hour from rainforest canopy and two hours from San José’s cultural heartbeat. That’s some firm grounding with epic potential.

Discover Puntarenas on your next cruise

A destination like this mixes full‑tilt nature with roots, which is why Puntarenas is a favorite of Princess guests. You’ll disembark into warm Pacific breezes, sip local coffee after ziplining over treetops and head back to your ship with sand in your shoes and stories ready to brag about. Onboard, you unwind in comfort; off‑ship you explore with intensity. This is one shoreline with both muscle and heart.

Cruises to Puntarenas
Front view of a stone church with arched windows, a clock tower and cross at the top set against a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Step into history at this stone cathedral crowned with a cross and timeless charm.

Wooden signpost with colorful arrows pointing to bands like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones outside a bright yellow restaurant.

Follow the signposts to good food and rock legends at this laid-back beachside spot.

A smiling couple stands at the railing of a Princess® cruise ship, enjoying the open sea and blue sky.

A couple stands together on the wooden deck of a Princess® cruise ship, gazing out at the open sea beneath a bright blue sky dotted with clouds.

Front-facing view of a Princess® cruise ship sailing through calm ocean waters.

Cut through the world’s waterways and experience the planet’s most exciting coastlines from a sea-side perspective; our fleet is your luxury-and-entertainment-packed transport to adventure.

Discover our ships

Step aboard any Princess® ship and discover your new favorite way to travel. Each vessel is a floating playground of flavor, comfort and top-deck experiences. Enjoy freshly prepared local dishes, Broadway-caliber entertainment, oceanview fitness and wellness studios, family programming and beds so comfortable they’ve won awards


No two ships are identical, but they all share one mission: turn your vacation into a standing ovation.

Explore ships visiting Puntarenas

Cruises to Puntarenas FAQs

*The port location is subject to change. Please check itinerary details after you book for more information.

Cruise deals and promotions

Start planning the vacation of your dreams with a cruise you'll love at a price you can't beat. Explore our latest featured deals, snag some last-minute savings and see how our all-inclusive packages can make your getaway even better.

View all deals and promotions
Aerial view of a large cruise ship's top deck, featuring multiple pool areas, lounge chairs, and glass-domed structures, sailing through deep blue ocean waters.

Escape to the open sea with Princess Cruises.

Guests walking through a modern cruise ship atrium featuring a distinctive circular skylight with radiating panels and polished marble floors.

The beautiful Piazza lets the light shine in.

You may also like

Princess Cays cruises

Princess Cays cruises

LEARN MORE
Eastern Caribbean Cruises

Eastern Caribbean Cruises

LEARN MORE
Southern Caribbean Cruises

Southern Caribbean Cruises

 

LEARN MORE