Puerto Caldera

Costa Rica

Zip through misty rainforest canopies and soak in natural hot springs nestled near volcanic peaks.

Currency Costa Rican Colón (CRC)

Language Spanish

Time Zone CST (UTC-6)

Best Time to Visit Jan–Apr

Typical Duration 17-18 nights

Price Range $1,234.50-$1,914.50 per person

Port Type Departure & Port of Call

Tender Port No

Puerto Caldera serves as a gateway to Central America and the Panama Canal, offering repositioning cruises that connect Pacific and Caribbean routes with access to colonial Caribbean ports and Central American destinations.

Cruises that visit Puerto Caldera

Build Your Day in Puerto Caldera

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM

Usually about 10 hours ashore

Embarkation port — worth arriving early

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Manuel Antonio National Park There are several beaches where u can swim, bring swimsuits and sunscreen. National park · ★ 4.5 · 25k Open · Closes 3 PM

Restaurante y Marisquería Leda All dishes were delicious, good view, great service. Seafood · ★ 4.4 · 4k Open

Tortuga Island Tour Beautiful beach, nice calm water, great gift show, lots of fun activities. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 4k Open

Tábaris Great service and reasonably priced good food. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 4k Open

Parque Nacional Carara Expansive park with trails & wildlife National park · ★ 4.4 · 2k

Orchid Coffee & Restaurant Best food, best coffee, best pies in Monteverde and great service!! Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k Open · Closes 8 PM

Boulevard Caldera There are showers and places to eat right next to the beach as well. Beach · ★ 4.4 · 1k Open

Caldera Bulevar There are showers and places to eat right next to the beach as well. Beach · ★ 4.4 · 1k

Parador Fotográfico Caldera Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k Open

Restaurante Kathia Outdoor seating·Kids' menu·Dogs allowed Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 1k Open · Closes 9 PM

Churchill Mamiche Delivery Ice cream shop · ★ 4.5 · 1k Open · Closes 9 PM

Isla Coco's Bar and Grill Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Live music Bar & grill · ★ 4.4 · 1k Opens soon · 12 PM

Estación de Puerto Caldera Marina · ★ 4.2 · 1k

Marisquería Mar Azul I ordered the fish, shrimp, and octopus ceviche and loved every bite. Seafood · ★ 4.2 · 1k Open

El Puente Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Kids' menu Seafood restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 1k Open · Closes 9 PM

Restaurante Don Lalo Amaizing service, great food, fair prices. Restaurant · ★ 4 · 1k Open

Hotel y Restaurante Costa del Sol I would recommend anytime if you have the budget for it. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k

Restaurante y Marisquería Don Mario The fish was so fresh, and the portions were large. Seafood · ★ 4.6 · 1k Open

Cabinas y Restaurante Mata Limón (Cabinas Leda) Delicious fresh food and beach front view. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open

Malibu Restaurant Open-air casual dining with a view of the bay. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM

Heladería La Perla little kiosk but good food, beach in front, is nice. Ice cream shop · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open 24 hours

Restaurante Costa linda Many choices, local food, friendly staff). Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open

Muelle del estero Caldera Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Pollos del Sol Outdoor seating·Kids' menu·Dogs allowed Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 9:30 PM

Churchill El Hijo De Un Angel Outdoor seating·Wi-Fi Restaurant · ★ 3.9 · 0k Open · Closes 9:30 PM

Restaurante Linda Mar Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Kids' menu Restaurant · ★ 3.8 · 0k Open · Closes 2 AM

Caldera Park Park · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Caldera Promenade Parking lot · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Restaurante Arrecife el Patio Welcoming staff, relaxed environment, and the garlic fish was fantastic! Seafood · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open

Paseo Marítimo de Caldera Farmstay · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Vigorones Caldera Grocery store · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM

La cocina de Mari Outdoor seating Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM

Islita Drinks La Playa Great cocktails·Food at bar Cocktail bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 2 PM

Playa Corralillo Beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Marisquería La Ola Great cocktails Seafood restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open · Closes 7 PM

Faro de Caldera Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open

Churchill cocodrilo Delivery Ice cream shop · ★ 5 · 0k Open 24 hours

Mirador Caldera Playground · ★ 5 · 0k

Restaurante El Barco Rooftop seating·Live music·Dogs allowed inside Bar · ★ 5 · 0k Open · Closes 11:30 PM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Puerto Caldera is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Puerto Caldera

About Puerto Caldera

Puerto Caldera serves as a convenient repositioning port on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, with Norwegian Cruise Line and Emerald Cruises offering regular service to this scenic destination. Whether you're embarking on an extended voyage or enjoying a port of call, you'll find this working port offers authentic Central American charm without the overwhelming crowds of larger cruise hubs. With 24 upcoming cruises and itineraries stretching across 18 nights, Puerto Caldera connects travelers to exciting destinations throughout the Pacific, including Panama City, Cartagena, Cabo San Lucas, and popular Mexican ports.

Once ashore, cruise passengers discover a laid-back Costa Rican atmosphere perfect for a leisurely afternoon. The port's proximity to lush rainforests and pristine beaches means nature lovers can quickly access some of the country's most stunning natural attractions. Whether you're seeking adventure or simply want to experience the warm hospitality and tropical beauty that define Costa Rica, Puerto Caldera provides an ideal starting or stopping point for your cruise adventure.

Explore Manuel Antonio's Pristine Beaches

Just 30 minutes from Puerto Caldera, Manuel Antonio National Park combines lush rainforest with stunning Pacific coastline. Hike through jungle trails spotting sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds, then relax on powdery white-sand beaches. This is Costa Rica's most accessible natural wonder for cruise passengers with limited time ashore.

Taste Fresh Seafood at Local Markets

Visit the vibrant fish markets near the port where local vendors sell the day's catch—mahi-mahi, snapper, and jumbo shrimp. Sample ceviche at waterfront restaurants or grab fresh fruit from tropical stands. The authentic flavors here showcase Costa Rica's Pacific bounty at unbeatable prices.

Discover Pre-Columbian History at Museums

Explore nearby museums displaying ancient indigenous artifacts, including intricate stone spheres and pottery from Costa Rica's pre-Columbian civilizations. These cultural institutions reveal the rich heritage of the Central Pacific region before Spanish arrival, offering fascinating insights into local history.

Shop Artisan Crafts and Local Goods

Browse colorful markets and shops selling handmade wooden crafts, woven baskets, and traditional oxcart decorations unique to Costa Rica. Local artisans showcase their work at reasonable prices, making perfect souvenirs that reflect the country's authentic craftsmanship and cultural pride.

Zip-Line Through Cloud Forest Canopy

Experience an adrenaline-pumping zip-line adventure through the misty canopy of Costa Rica's cloud forests, accessible via organized shore excursions. Soar above emerald treetops while spotting wildlife, then rappel down waterfalls—an unforgettable thrill that captures the essence of Costa Rican adventure tourism.