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 It’s on the list of “must see” things to visit when you’re in Costa Rica. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 24k Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu

Restaurante y Marisquería Leda This is one of the best by the water Costa Rica restaurant. Seafood · ★ 4.4 · 4k

Tortuga Island Tour Absolute must visit island excursion if you are in Costa Rica. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 4k Closes soon · 9 PM

Tábaris Excelente food and close to Caldera highway! Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 4k

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

Parador Fotográfico Caldera We just stopped by the Caldera sign on the way through town. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k

Curú Wildlife Refuge One of the best days we had when we were in Costa Rica! Animal shelter · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu

Isla Coco's Bar and Grill Best meal we had in Costa Rica! Grill · ★ 4.4 · 1k

Churchill Mamiche If you are looking for a good place to stop, this won’t let you down. Ice Cream · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closes soon · 9 PM

Estación de Puerto Caldera Buy a ship excursion to make sure you get back before the ship leaves. Marina · ★ 4.2 · 1k Open now

Marisquería Mar Azul Every time I come to Costa Rica this is one of my favorite stops! Seafood · ★ 4.2 · 1k

Restaurante Don Lalo Roadside restaurant in caldera. Restaurant · ★ 4 · 1k

Hotel y Restaurante Costa del Sol Restaurant was elegant and opened to Caldera Bay. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closes soon · 9:30 PM

Restaurante y Marisquería Don Mario Last meal in Costa Rica and will remember it for sure! Seafood · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closes soon · 9 PM

Cabinas y Restaurante Mata Limón (Cabinas Leda) I had the Casado, traditional local dish, and I was happy. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k

Nemaclys Scenic spot · ★ 4.5 · 0k Permanently closed

Heladería La Perla little kiosk but good food, beach in front, is nice. Ice Cream · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu

Restaurante Costa linda We had an awesome dinner at Restaurante Costa Linda. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM

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

Caldera Park The restrooms cost $2 to use, and $1 to take a shower. Park · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Caldera Promenade Parking lot · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Restaurante Arrecife el Patio One of the best restaurants I’ve gone to in Puntarenas Seafood · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM

Paseo Marítimo de Caldera Farmstay · ★ 4.3 · 0k

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

Faro de Caldera Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Puerto Internacional de Caldera Harbor · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Churchill cocodrilo Think it was CRC 4,000 for both. Ice Cream · ★ 5 · 0k Open 24 hours

Mirador Caldera Playground · ★ 5 · 0k

Restaurante El Barco Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No-contact delivery Bar · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 3 PM Thu

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.