Tours & Shore Excursions on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast

Any month has its magic! From December to April (dry season) you get clear skies and calm seas — perfect for beaches and Puntarenas cruise days. From May to November (green season) the landscape turns even greener, with fewer crowds and better prices; rain usually falls in the afternoon, so mornings stay great for exploring. The Central Pacific gets less rain than the Caribbean, so there’s always a plan.

For most visitors, arrival is straightforward: citizens of the United States, Canada, the UK, the European Union and much of the Americas enter visa-free for up to 180 days (the immigration officer confirms the exact stay on arrival). Bring an undamaged passport — many airlines ask for 6 months of validity — proof of onward travel and, if asked, proof of funds (about US$100 per month). With that ready, welcome to Costa Rica!

Yes — millions of travelers enjoy Costa Rica every year, and it is one of the most reassuring destinations in the region. As in any popular place, common sense goes a long way: keep valuables out of sight in cars and on the beach, and use the hotel safe. On a guided tour you are accompanied all day and your belongings stay with the group. With those simple habits, you can focus on the adventure and the “pura vida” spirit.

The official currency is the colón (CRC), but US dollars are happily accepted at hotels, tours and tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere, and ATMs are easy to find in cities and beach towns. A practical tip: small $1, $5, $10 or $20 bills make daily spending smoother (change often comes in colones). The 13% sales tax is already included in our published prices.

For the vast majority of travelers, no special vaccines are required — you can plan your trip with peace of mind. A yellow fever certificate is only needed if you arrive from certain countries in Africa or South America (for example Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia or Venezuela). Staying current on routine vaccines is always a good idea. If you have questions, check with your doctor based on your itinerary.

Absolutely! Coverage is good in cities, along the coast and on tourist routes. You can use your plan’s roaming, an eSIM before you fly, or a prepaid SIM from Kölbi, Claro or Movistar at the airport and in supermarkets. Hotel, café and restaurant Wi-Fi is common. Adventure tip: download offline maps before entering a national park — so you don’t miss a single trail.

Think comfort and tropical weather: light, quick-dry clothes, swimwear, comfortable trail shoes, sandals, a hat and sunglasses. Add sunscreen, insect repellent and a light rain jacket (very handy from May to November). If you head to cooler spots like Monteverde, a light layer helps. Binoculars or a zoom camera make wildlife moments even better, and a reusable water bottle is your all-day companion.

Good news for travelers from the United States, Canada and Mexico: we use 120 volts at 60 Hz with type A and B outlets — the same as at home, so no adapter needed. If you are coming from Europe, the UK, Australia or other 220–240V countries, a type A/B adapter and dual-voltage devices (100–240V) have you covered. Older hotels sometimes have two-prong sockets; a small adapter solves it.

Yes — in most of the country, including tourist areas like San José, Puntarenas, Jacó and Manuel Antonio, tap water is drinkable and meets national standards. In very rural corners some travelers prefer bottled or filtered water for convenience. Bring a reusable bottle and fill it before you head out — a small eco-friendly habit. On our tours we always include bottled water during the trip.

At several parks — including Carara and Manuel Antonio — tickets are reserved online through the official SINAC portal, with daily visitor caps that help protect nature. Manuel Antonio rests on Tuesdays. It sounds like an extra step, but it’s easy — and if your tour with us includes entrance, we handle the reservation; we only need each visitor’s passport details. You focus on enjoying the park.

The Central Pacific is a living paradise: crocodiles on the Tárcoles River, scarlet macaws in Carara, white-faced, howler and squirrel monkeys, sloths, iguanas, basilisks, toucans, hummingbirds and hundreds of bird species. In Manuel Antonio, monkeys and sloths are often spotted right from the trails. Because it is wild nature, every outing is unique — and with a local guide your chances of those unforgettable moments rise a lot. The thrill of the sighting is part of the experience!

Yes — and you will feel welcome. In tourist areas, hotels and tours, English is very common. At Pacific Sun Travel you are guided by Jimmy Murillo Picado (guide) and Jamie Murillo (co-guide), both bilingual, so cruise guests and international visitors can enjoy every moment without a language barrier. If you learn a “pura vida” or “gracias,” Costa Ricans will greet you with a smile.

Tipping is a thank-you gesture, not an obligation. On tours, many travelers leave about US$5–10 per person for the guide and US$3–5 for the driver when the experience was great. Restaurant bills already include a 10% service charge; an extra 5–10% is optional if you were treated wonderfully. A few small bills in dollars or colones make the day easier.

It is not mandatory, but it is an easy way to travel with more peace of mind. Private healthcare in Costa Rica is good and affordable; a solid policy covers unexpected events, cancellations and — importantly — adventure activities like ziplining, rafting or horseback riding, which basic plans sometimes leave out. That way you enjoy every day focused on the experience, not the “what ifs.”

Yes, there is a US$29 per person departure tax on international flights — and the good news is that almost all airlines already include it in the ticket price. Most travelers pay nothing extra at the airport. Just check your ticket: if it is not included, you can pay in dollars, colones or by card before check-in. A small detail so your goodbye is surprise-free.

With 10 to 14 days you get a dream first trip: beach, rainforest and volcano without rushing. A week is still wonderful if you prioritize. Arriving by cruise or have just one free day? The Central Pacific packs adventure close to Puntarenas: a Tárcoles crocodile safari, macaws in Carara, ziplining and beach time — all within two hours. One well-chosen day can feel like a mini vacation.

Yes — within our Central Pacific service area: Puntarenas, Esparza, Puerto Caldera, Tárcoles, Orotina, Jacó and Quepos. When you book, we confirm the exact pickup point and time so you only need to be ready. If your hotel is a little farther out, message us on WhatsApp: we are happy to check if we can pick you up and share the details. We want getting to the tour to feel as easy as enjoying it.

They are your day of real Costa Rica when the cruise docks at Puerto Caldera. We design half-day and full-day trips — Tárcoles river safari, Carara National Park, a Puntarenas city tour and adventure combos — around your ship’s schedule, so you return on board with time to spare and a smile. We operate from Esparza, the same canton as the terminal: less transfer time, more experience.