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April 28-29, 2025 Marti Eicholz Puntarenas, Costa Rica is a beautiful coastal city in Costa Rica. Puntarenas means “sandy point,” the sliver of land and beach, stretching out into the Gulf of Nicoya. There are awesome things to do in Puntarenas city such as art galleries, markets, aquariums, great bars, and restaurants along the long Paseo de los Turistas, the visitors seafront promenade. Strolling along this stretch, located along the main beach in Puntarenas and around the pier, is where ships dock. Many kiosks have local arts and crafts as well as places to enjoy the traditional fruit salad and frozen drinks like the Churchill, a giant Copa made with shaved ice topped with Kola syrup, powdered milk, condensed milk, and ice cream with cookie straws. Puntarenas offers wildlife encounters, nature tours, cultural experiences, visiting the NATUWA Wildlife Sanctuary, taking a boat along the Tarcoles River, or exploring Monteverde Cloud Forest, a bit further from Puntarenas, offering a chance to experience an unique cloud forest ecosystem. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is home to four hundred species of birds and numerous hiking trails that wind through the lush forest. Carara National Park is another spot for hiking, birdwatching and a variety of wildlife, including scarlet macaws, crocodiles, and monkeys. A must destination for nature lovers. Exploring Tortuga Island. Step onto a deserted island in tropical paradise. Stop at beautiful Nicoya Stone Arch and Negritos Island Biological Reserve, two small volcanic islands home to tons of diverse plant and animal species like Spider Monkeys. It’s awesome to see these little guys swinging around in their natural habitat! The crystal-clear water around Tortuga Island is a top spot for snorkeling, as it’s full of beautiful coral and sea critters like rays, octopuses, and turtles. Spend time being a beach bum. Tortuga Island has beautiful golden beaches to take a leisurely walk or plop down and soak up the sun. You may get a shot at a dolphin sighting. Costa Rica is known for wildlife conservation efforts and its animal rescue centers. Visit NATUWA Wildlife Sanctuary and catch a glimpse of different critters like Squirrel Monkeys, Margays, Two-Toed Sloths, and big cats like the Jaguar. Bird lovers will enjoy free-flying Macaws, Toucans, and African Gray Parrots. Animals are rescued, rehomed, and rehabilitated in the sanctuary then released back into the wild when they are happy and healthy. The wildlife is incredible and one of the things people love about Costa Rica. Wander Parque Marino del Pacifico, a marine park where you can get a closer look at fifty types of coastal and marine animals, rescued or brought in for rehabilitation. The Tarcoles Crocodile Bridge crosses the Tarcoles River, a watershed many animals call home, especially crocs. A pedestrian walkway on the bridge gives views of crocs hanging out in the sun or taking a dip to cool off. Taking a boat ride along the river is a wonderful way to see the crocs, monkeys and various bird species. Nestled along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica is the stunning city of Puntarenas, a haven for natural beauty, pristine beaches, lush forests, diverse wildlife, and adventure. Puntarenas boasts gorgeous beaches like Playa Doña Ana, crescent-shaped and perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and playing beach volleyball. Playa Pochote is known for calm waters and stunning sunsets. Consistent waves and warm water make Puntarenas a surfer’s paradise. Kayaking is a fantastic way to explore the coastline. Paddle through mangrove forests of the Tempisque River, where you can spot crocodiles, monkeys, and a variety of bird species. Discover secluded beaches and hidden coves. To experience the culture, head to Mercado Municipal, a bustling market and try some traditional Costa Rican cuisine. Puntarenas has a rich history with several sites and museums, highlighting its cultural heritage. Puntarenas Marine Historical Museum offers a glimpse of the city’s maritime past, exhibiting artifacts from the region’s fishing industry. Casade la Cultura highlights the history and culture of the city through art, photography, and traditional crafts. The Historic Marine Museum is in the historic Puntarenas barracks, restored to accommodate the Culture Museum, an amphitheater with theater, dance and music performances, and a public library, and a historic information center. The waters off the coast are home to a variety of marine life. See magnificent creatures like humpback whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. You may spot sea turtles, manta rays, whale sharks, depending on the season. Zip-lining and canopy tours offer a chance to fly through the treetops and experience the thrill of being hugged by the lush jungle canopy. The Rio Perdido Hot Springs lets you unwind and relax by taking a rejuvenating soak in natural mineral-rich waters. La Paz Waterfall Gardens is where you can view five beautiful waterfalls and relax in hot spring pools. Puntarenas, Costa Rica offers a plethora of exciting activities, exploring beautiful beaches, surfing, kayaking and hiking. Marino Del Pacifico Park, located at the historic train station, where you will find the fish aquarium holding species native to the Pacific Ocean and Cocos Island. "Pura Vida" Garden and Waterfalls, a place of colorful gardens, trails, pools for swimming and the most beautiful waterfall, reaching some 650 feet. Venado Island covers 968 acres and stands out because of its green ocean water. The inhabitants are farmers and fishermen, living with an abundance of marine birds, nesting around the estuary. Puntarenas Estuary is five miles of irregular shoreline, home to beautiful mangroves where birds come to nest. This mangrove is part of the Wildlife Refuge. The estuary’s calm waters attract all kinds of fishing boats, sail boats, and yachts, giving the maritime area special appeal. Lady Gaga loves her Costa Rican retreat for its beauty, but also for the peaceful gardens for thinking, relaxing, and meditation. We will always remember Costa Rica as being a biodiversity hotspot with 500,000 species and nine hundred birds, a haven for hummingbirds, a country with over two hundred volcanic formations, and its ambitious plan to become carbon neutral. The best-known saying and way of life in Costa Rica is “Pura Vida” (pure life), meaning “life is wonderful,” “everything is great.” Could this be their motto? It could be mine. Photo sharing my intrigue by Puntarenas, Costa Rica. During our next two days at sea, we will be celebrating two shipmates, mating for life…A Wedding on board The Odyssey. On the 2nd of May we will dock in Acajutla, El Salvador. |
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