Puerto Limon

Puerto Limón, Costa Rica, is a vibrant port city on the Caribbean coast. With a strong Afro-Caribbean culture and a tropical atmosphere, it serves as the gateway to some of Costa Rica's most celebrated ecological wonders. While the city itself is not the main attraction, it is a bustling hub that connects you to stunning national parks, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests. For a cruiser, this port is all about adventure, giving you the chance to experience Costa Rica's famous biodiversity firsthand.

⛵ Port Introduction

Your cruise ship will dock directly at the Puerto Limón cruise terminal, which is part of a large commercial and industrial port. A special pier is designated for cruise ships, so you won't need to take a tender. The walk from the ship to the downtown area is very short, only about 250 meters. There is a map displayed at the exit of the port that shows you two recommended walking routes, making it easy to navigate yourself.

⚓ Terminal Information

The cruise terminal is a permanent, purpose-built building with basic facilities. Outside the terminal, you'll find a small port village with souvenir shops, cafes, and local vendors.

🚻 Terminal Facilities

The terminal offers basic services for cruisers, including air-conditioned waiting spaces, clean restrooms, and a tourist information counter. There is a small port village right outside the terminal where you can find souvenir shops, local cafes, and currency exchange services. You will also find tour guides and excursion operators ready to assist you. Public Wi-Fi is available within the terminal.

🗣️ Language

The local language is Spanish, but due to a significant Afro-Caribbean population, a local dialect of English is also widely spoken, making it easy for you to communicate.

A few useful phrases:

·       Hola (OH-lah) - Hello

·       Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs) - Thank you

·       Pura vida (POO-rah VEE-dah) - A common phrase meaning "pure life," used as a greeting, farewell, or general expression of well-being.

·       ¿Dónde están los baños? (DOHN-day ehs-TAHN lohs BAH-nyohs) - Where are the bathrooms?

💰 Money

The official currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC). However, the U.S. Dollar (USD) is widely accepted in tourist areas. It's best to pay in colones for small purchases like bus fares or street food, as you'll get a better exchange rate. You can find ATMs and currency exchange services at the cruise terminal, where you can withdraw both U.S. Dollars and colones.

🚗 Transportation

Puerto Limón is a small city and you can walk through most of its areas. However, to get to the main attractions outside the city, you will need transportation.

·       Taxis: Taxis are readily available at the port exit. Taxi prices for tours are on display at a counter, but it is still a good idea to agree on the price with the driver before you start your journey.

·       Public Bus: Buses are the easiest and cheapest way to get to nearby towns like Cahuita or Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The main bus terminal is a few blocks from the port.

·       Ride-Sharing: Ride-sharing services like Uber are available.

♿ Accessibility

Puerto Limón has an accessibility rating of 2 out of 10. While the cruise port itself is relatively flat and accessible, the city's streets and sidewalks are in a poor state of repair and are very difficult to navigate. The main attractions, like the rainforest and national parks, are generally not accessible for people with limited mobility, though some tour providers, such as the Veragua Rainforest Park, offer accessible tours.

🚶‍♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port

The best way to get to the town of Puerto Limón is to walk. The downtown area is a short and easy walk from the cruise pier.

🚽 Toilet

Public toilets are not very common in Puerto Limón. Your best bet is to use the restrooms in the cruise terminal, or in cafes and restaurants. Some places may charge a small fee.

💊 Drugstore

·       Farmahorro: Puerto Limón, Provincia de Limón, Limón, Costa Rica. This is a local pharmacy.

·       Farmacia Santa Marta: This is another local pharmacy in Puerto Limón.

✨ Authentic Experience

1.       Explore the Tortuguero Canals: The Tortuguero Canals are often called Costa Rica's Amazon. Instead of a long journey, take a local boat tour to explore the intricate network of waterways. You'll glide through the lush rainforest, spotting wildlife like sloths, monkeys, toucans, and crocodiles. It's a wonderful way to experience Costa Rica's famous biodiversity up close.

2.       Visit the Local Market: For a true taste of local life, walk to the municipal market in Puerto Limón. Here you can find a wide variety of tropical fruits, vegetables, and local dishes. It is a bustling, colorful place where you can interact with locals and get a feel for daily life in the city.

3.       Dine on Local Caribbean-Influenced Cuisine: The cuisine in Puerto Limón is unique due to its strong Afro-Caribbean influence. Look for a local cafe or restaurant and try a traditional dish like rice and beans cooked in coconut milk, a spicy meat patty, or fresh seafood. It’s a delicious way to experience the cultural diversity of the region.