Virgin Voyages' guide to Puntarenas, Costa Rica

From sprawling beaches to lush rainforests, colorful toucans to majestic sea turtles and world-renowned national parks to boundless adventures, Puntarenas, on Costa Rica’s sparkling Gulf of Nicoya, delivers the ideal blend of zen and zootopia.

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Rainforests, Waterfalls & Wildlife

Stretching along a picturesque peninsula on the Gulf of Nicoya, Puntarenas is a breezy beach town perfectly positioned for endless adventures, unfussy flavors, vibrant vistas, whimsical wildlife and restful relaxation. Here visitors have the opportunity to take an off-road adventure through winding trails in the rainforest, tour sprawling coffee plantations, volunteer to help rehabilitate local wild animals, zipline through canopies.

Take photos that will make your entire feed jealous or keep your phone at home while keeping your eyes peeled for swinging sloths, zipping hummingbirds, screaming howler monkeys, stunning scarlet macaws and a litany of other creatures waiting to be discovered.

If you prefer sunscreen to ziplines and beach books to poison dart frogs, there’s no shortage of bounding beaches to relax, have a cocktail, watch the boats roll in and take a swim in the turquoise waters. Plus, with access to the freshest seafood, the local restaurants are the perfect places to indulge in incredible ceviche, have a pint of beer and watch the sunset. Laidback but ever-exciting, Puntarenas is the ultimate juxtaposition of relaxation paradise and ultimate adventure.

Shore Excursions

Playtime in Puntarenas

ecluded sanctuaries, audacious animals & coffee paradise.

ATV Adventure With Beach Time & Crocodile Spotting

You'll spend the day coasting through Costa Rica's wild terrain, hugging rainforest trails and splashing through rivers and creeks while spotting local wildlife en route to Playa Agujas. From there, descend to the secluded and relaxing Bochinche Beach to enjoy refreshments and stunning forest-ocean views, then swap drivers for the return journey. You'll cap off your muddy adventure with some crocodile watching along the Tárcoles River.

Wildlife Sanctuary Volunteer Experience

During this day at Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary, you'll work hands-on to support the rehabilitation of rescued jaguars, sloths, macaws, tapirs, and anteaters while learning about neotropical animal behavior and management. No previous experience required — expert staff will guide you through various volunteer activities that directly support wildlife conservation. End the day proud of yourself, knowing you're now part of a community dedicated to stewardship of the environment.

Costa Rican Coffee Tour

You'll tour a working coffee plantation and processing plant, where expert guides reveal every step of gourmet coffee production. Learn how local collective CoopeAtenas supports 1,300+ local families through sustainable farming practices, then head to a nearby shop to sample tropical fruits and browse souvenirs in this mountain paradise.

More Shore Things for your wishlist...

We have even more in our curated catalog.

Puntarenas

Carara National Park Universal Trail

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Visit a world-famous birding destination

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Cloud Forest Suspended Bridges Adventure

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Walk in the clouds in Parque de Aventura San Luis

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Mountain Biking & Wildlife Spotting

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Pedal through Costa Rica's scenic countryside

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Panoramic Countryside Drive & Cultural Showcase

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Take a ride through time & Costa Rican tradition

Browse all Shore Things

Keep your ears peeled (Or plugged!)

The local mantled howler monkey’s howl can be heard up to 3 miles away.

Shore Excursions

Tortuga Island Beach Escape

Cruise 90 minutes through a charming archipelago in the Gulf of Nicoya to reach Tortuga Island, which local indigenous people call Tolinga.

DISCOVER MORE SHORE THINGS

There’s no other rhythm like the one in Puntarenas. Sizzling street food and wafting scents of saltwater. The sound of laughter from mingling locals and travelers perusing the shops of the Malecón. The soft lapping of the waves against the pier colliding with the sounds of leaping howler monkeys hidden amongst the verdant canopies. Whether you spent your time here immersing yourself in the local flora and fauna, hiking the labyrinths of the rainforest or strolling the town’s palm-lined avenues looking for the perfect place to get a bite, Puntarenas leaves the lingering echo of adventure, authenticity and sheer relaxation.