Cruise Port Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

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Limon is the gateway to Costa Rica’s vast biodiversity and beauty. Your day in Cruise Port Puerto Limon, Costa Rica is best served by arranging a day tour or shore excursion.



Cruise Port Puerto Limon - Ship in Port - Puerto Limon - Costa Rica

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Limon, Costa Rica?

Cruise ships dock at the Puerto Limón cruise port when visiting Limón, Costa Rica. The port serves as the gateway for passengers to explore the attractions and activities in and around Limón.

The city of Limon is quite small and lacks much of interest for cruise ship passengers who wish to explore on foot. Typically, when cruise ships are in port, a good-sized local flea market is set up at the port. Here you can sample local food and buy souvenirs.

Port entertainment - Puerto Limon - Costa RicaCruise Port Puerto Limon -

Most passengers leaving the ship will be taking excursions from the port. While in Costa Rica visitors can explore nearby beaches, national parks, wildlife reserves, cultural attractions, and adventure activities. Read more about excursions below.


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Things To Do at Cruise Port Puerto Limon Limon on Your Own

Cruise Port Puerto Limon - Balvanero Vargas Park - Puerto Limon - Costa Rica

Balvanero Vargas Park

The port-adjacent Balvanero Vargas Park offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the shoreline and tropic Costa Rican air. The good-sized park features walking trails, a picturesque gazebo, numerous statues and outdoor art, and lush tropical vegetation.

Mirador El Fortín

This rather nondescript observation platform, Mirador El Fortín, is an excellent place to take a photo of your ship while it’s in port. Located about 25 minutes on foot from the port dock the walk allows you to walk through the city of Limon for a first hand-look at local life.

Cruise Port Puerto Limon - Uvita Island - Puerto Limon - Costa Rica

Uvita Island

The tiny island of Uvita is visible as you enter or exit the port on your cruise ship. The 1/3 square mile size of the island makes it quite unremarkable if not for a visit in 1502 from Christopher Columbus. On his last exploration sailing he docked at the island for ship repairs. The island is only reachable by boat.



Beaches in Limon, Costa Rica

For cruise ship passengers visiting Limón, Costa Rica, there are several beaches accessible within a reasonable distance from the port.

Playa Cieneguita

This is the closest beach to the port, located just a short distance away. While it may not be the most pristine or picturesque beach, it offers convenience for cruise ship passengers looking for a quick beach experience.

Playa Bonita

Located approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) north of Puerto Limón, Playa Bonita is known for its dark sand, rocky shores, and coral reef, making it ideal for snorkeling. It's easily accessible by taxi or shuttle from the port.

Cruise Port Puerto Limon - Playa Cahuita - Costa Rica

Playa Cahuita

While a bit further away (about a 45-minute drive), Playa Cahuita is worth considering for its natural beauty. It's part of Cahuita National Park, offering not only gorgeous beaches but also opportunities for snorkeling along the coral reef.

Cruise Port Puerto Limon - Playa Chiquita

Playa Cocles and Playa Chiquita

These beaches are located near the town of Puerto Viejo, which is about a 1-hour drive from Limón. Puerto Viejo is known for its laid-back atmosphere, vibrant Caribbean culture, and stunning beaches. Playa Cocles and Playa Chiquita are great spots for surfing and relaxing.



Best Shore Excursions in Puerto Limon

Cruise Port Puerto Limon - Rainforest Excursion - Costa Rica

Rainforest Tours

Visitors can explore the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, experiencing the incredible biodiversity and spotting wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds.



Canopy Zip Line Tours

Adventure seekers can zip through the treetops on exhilarating canopy zip line tours, offering breathtaking views of the jungle canopy and adrenaline-pumping thrills.

Cruise Port Puerto Limon - Tortuguero National Park - Costa Rica

Tortuguero National Park

Located on the northern Caribbean coast, Tortuguero National Park is renowned for its turtle nesting beaches, canal tours, and diverse wildlife, including jaguars, manatees, and crocodiles.



Chocolate Tours

Costa Rica is known for its delicious chocolate, and visitors can take guided tours to learn about the chocolate-making process, from cocoa bean to chocolate bar, and even indulge in tastings.

Cruise Port Puerto Limon - Banana Plantation - Costa Rica

Banana Plantation Tours

Since Limón is a major hub for banana production, many tours allow visitors to explore banana plantations, learn about the cultivation process, and sample fresh bananas.

Beach Excursions

As mentioned above, Limón boasts beautiful beaches such as Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, and Manzanillo, where visitors can relax, swim, snorkel, or enjoy water sports like surfing and kayaking.

Jaguar Rescue Center

Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to learn about the rehabilitation and conservation of injured and orphaned animals, including sloths, monkeys, and big cats. It's an educational and rewarding experience supporting wildlife conservation efforts.



Sloth in Tree - Limon - Costa Rica

Limon Cruise Port Map


Check out our other posts about things to see and do in Costa Rica!

Or visit our Destinations page to be inspired.


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