Puntarenas Vacations

Blessed with seemingly endless beaches, Puntarenas has more then its fair share of beaches to explore. The beaches, located between the wharf and La Punta, are the preferred places for swimmers. Also popular are the beaches in the vicinity of Port Caldera.

In South Puntarenas province the following beaches are recommended: Playa Cabuya, Playa Carmen, Playa Cocalito, Playa Dominical, Playa Mal País, Playa Montezuma, Playa Tambor, Playa Quisales, Playa Santa Teresa, Playa Tivives, Playa de Dona Ana.

There are numerous little islands with fantastic beaches on them. There include Isla Jesusita, Isla Cedros, Isla Muertos, Isla Pan de Azucar, Isla Caballo, Isla Bejuco, Isla Venado, and Isla Chira.

Going into North Puntarenas, the beaches are known as a surfers' haven due to consistently high surf, the most frequented beaches are Playa Jaco, Playa Hermosa and Playa Herradura. A little farther down the coast, you will find the Manuel Antonio National Park which has several little great beaches, such as Punta Leona, Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antoni

A fun and economical meal is at one of the many open-air snack bars, called sodas, along the Paseo de los Turistas. Here you will find on the menu sandwiches, ceviche and fish meals.

When you crave a more traditional restaurant setting seafood restaurants are your best bets. Try the Caribbean Breeze or Capitan Moreno, Restaurant Aloha, or La Yunta Steakhouse.