carnival cruise port limon costa rica

CRUISE PORT GUIDES

Puerto Limon cruise port

Welcome to the Puerto Limon cruise port guide. Costa Rica offers several cruise ports. Most of them (Puntarenas and Puerto Caldera) are located on the Pacific / southern side of the country. Puerto Limon is the exception because it is located on the Caribbean / northern side of Costa Rica.

Puerto Limon, also simply known as Limon, is a large city in the province of Limon. Its population is just over 55.000 inhabitants. The town offers a few places of interest not far from the cruise dock. Although Puerto Limon is not a renowned cruise destination, it is a place where can get a glimpse of daily life in Costa Rica.

Puerto Limon is not the main reason cruise ships visit this port. It is simply the gateway to Costa Rica from the Caribbean side. From here you get to explore its wonderful capital city San Jose, visit the beautiful coffee plantations and enjoy its immens and diverse ecological wonders in the rain forest. Create the opportunity to get an encounter with the landscape and nature, because at this point Costa Rica is het “greenest” country in the world.

If you are looking for just an easy day in town you can, but otherwise we recommend you to book a shore excursion or to take a taxi tour. Read all about the location of the Puerto Limon cruise port and your options for shore excursions and taxi prices underneath in the Puerto Limon cruise port guide.

Puerto Limon cruise port – fast facts:

– Cruise ships dock in the regular port of Puerto Limon. – The centre of Puerto Limon is about 250 meters / yards from the cruise dock. – Taxis are present at the port and prices are on display. See details underneath. – US dollars are widely accepted. – Puerto Limon offers a small cruise terminal with some facilities.

Also visit our cruise port guides for:

– Cartagena

– Fort Lauderdale

– Cozumel

– San Juan

– Puntarenas

Puerto Limon cruise port: docked

Cruise ships visiting Puerto Limon in Costa are able to dock in this port of call. Limon’s port offers a separate pier for cruise ships and is fully equipped with a cruise terminal, taxi stand and souvenir market. The rest of the port is all dedicated to the export of Costa Rican products which is mainly coffee from the central valley.

Limon’s cruise pier offers good facilities and a great welcome center. Walk off the cruise pier and you will be met by the shore excursion busses of your ship. They are found directly at the end of the pier.

From cruise port to city center

The Puerto Limon’s cruise dock is located about 250 yards/meters from the city center. It is an easy walk 5 minute walk from the cruise pier to the downtown area. There is a map displayed at the exit of the port which will show you the way to the city center. However it speaks for itself when you step outside of the port.

Taxi tours for cruise passengers at Puerto Limon

Behind your ship’s shore excursion busses you will see the taxis and a desk where you will find representatives of the Taxi Union. Taxi prices are on display at the taxi counter. Obviously these prices give you a good idea for what you should pay for a taxi tour. Know that you will still need to negotiate a price before you step into any vehicle. Prices (per person in US dollars) as they are displayed at the cruise port are: Playa Bonita – $ 10 All about Limon – $ 35 Tortuguero Canal – Banana Plantation and city tour – $ 55 Coastal Highlights and Puerto Limon city tour – $ 35 Cahuita National Park Beach – $ 40 Historical Jungle Train – $ 35 Sloths Sanctuary – $ 30 Canopy – $35 Aerial Tram Rain Forest – $ 40 Veragua Rain Forest – $ 40 San Jose City Tour – $ 55 Horse Back Riding – $ 30 Pineapple plantation – $ 35 Volcan Irazu – $ 80 Rafting – $ 45 Coffee Plantation – $ 35 Prices above about are stated in US Dollars. All prices apply per person, not per taxi. Please know the tours only provide transportation and no admission fees or other services are included in the price. Make sure to ask your taxi drivers about additional fees for visiting the places on your tour and check with him if you can pay in US dollars. Remember, prices are subject to change. Directly next to the desk you will find the taxis waiting there for you. The list above as published by the taxi union is also a great inspiration of what to see and do while your ship is in port. As you can see there are a lot of options in the area. Official taxis in Puerto Limon are red, with a yellow triangle and taxi sign on top. Aside from the regular taxis there are also many taxi vans waiting for you here. These vans are white.

Puerto Limon Cruise terminal

When you stepped off the gangway, passed the shore excursion busses and taxi stand you will be going into the cruise terminal of Puerto Limon. This is where you will find a wonderful craft and souvenir market. There are all kinds of handcrafts and local specialties offered here like oxcarts, baskets, ceramics and lots of clothing. It is expected you will negotiate and please know prices often drop during the day. So coming back to the ship will save you cash and a lot of hustle with carrying the souvenirs around all over town. Most vendors take US dollars. Make sure to bring small bill and your beste negotiation skills. When you exit the market you will step into the AC part of the cruise terminal where you will find free wi-fi and some information stands that are often not open for business unfortunately. The port often doesn’t hand out any tourist maps or other sort of information although you will find there are lost of locals around which are more than happy to help you find your way.

At the port exit you will be met by more taxi drivers willing to sell you their tours. Once you have passed these drivers you will be in the downtown area of Puerto Limon. Right before you step out of the port gates you will see a map displayed with 2 recommended city walks. Take a photo and navigate yourself around town and see the 18 attractions Puerto Limon has to offer. Perhaps the best highlight in town would be the Vargas Park. This park is located directly to the right hand side as you exit the port. It is a nice public park with playgrounds, historical statues and there is even some wildlife to be found here like a sloth and owls. Other places of interest that Puerto Limon has to offer within walking distance are: Monument to Balvanero Vargas Molina Quiribri island Port Authority The Puerto Limon Cathedral Municipal Palace The Baptist missionary House Monument to Pablo Presbere Pension Costa Rica Black Star Line Post office and Telegraph building City Market Juan Goban Soccer Stadium The Culture House Tomas Guardia Gutierrez Schol Hotel Cariari Breakwater Big Boy Baseball stadium

Beaches closest to Puerto Limon cruise port

There are no beaches within walking distance of the Puerto Limon cruise port. The closest beach available would be Playa Bonita which is about a 15 to 20 minute drive from the port. If you want you can take a taxi to Playa Bonita for 10 US dollar per person.

US dollars are accepted

The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colon (CRC), but US dollars are widely accepted in this port of call.

Shopping in port

Like any port in the Caribbean you will find that the Puerto Limon cruise port is filled with souvenir shops in abundance. You will not miss out on your souvenir shopping in this port. However if you are looking to skip the souvenir shopping and do more local shopping than you would probably like to know that Puerto Limon has a great local market about 5 to 10 minutes walk from the port in the city centre. There is a large variety of shops from local produce, clothing, electronics etc.

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Puerto Limon (Costa Rica)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-03-29 12:26

Port Puerto Limon cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Puerto Limon is the primary/main seaport of Costa Rica's Limon Province. By population (around 60,000) the city is ranked the country's 7th-largest. The town was founded in 1870, and part of its population traces its roots to Jamaican, Chinese, and Italian laborers who worked on a late 19th-century railroad (connecting Puerto Limon with San Jose). Until 1948, Costa Rica didn't recognize Afro-Caribbeans as citizens, so their movement outside the province was restricted.

Just offshore are located two small-sized islands - Isla de Pajaros, and Isla Uvita.

According to the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ITC-Instituto Costarricense de Turismo), during the season 2018-2019, Puerto Limon's terminal (Hernan Garron Salazar) handled a total of 193,733 cruise ship tourists (passengers and crew).

Until 2018, as a cruise shore excursion option from Puerto Limon were offered guided bus tours to the capital city of San Jose (road distance is ~160 km / 100 mi). However, due to the bad roads, traffic and mountains, it takes minimum 4 hours to drive (each way) between Puerto Limon and San Jose. This requires the ships to stay in Puerto Limon much longer than usual (~12 hours), so San Jose is usually visited from Puntarenas .

Puerto Limon port

Puerto Limon-Moin port (locode CRLIO) has two cargo terminals (named "Moín" and "Limon"), which handle Costa Rica's shipping exports and imports (bulk and containership cargoes), as well as docking of cruise vessels.

In October 2015, the Holland-based container terminal operator company "APM Terminals" announced its plans to turn its Port Limon-Moin facility into a regional hub for cargo shipped in reefers (refrigerated containers).

• Through this project, APM Terminals Moin allocated around 70% of the container terminal for refrigerated cargo storage (mainly for fresh fruits/pineapples and bananas) exported from Costa Rica to Europe and North America.
• Also in 2015, APM Terminals Moin signed a contract for 6x STS cranes (electric) plus 29x Rubber Tire Gantry Cranes (electric), all delivered in 2018.
• Costa Rica is the largest exporter of pineapples in the world, as well as the world's 3rd-largest exporter of bananas. Pineapples and bananas are approx 13% of Costa Rica's all exports. Other major exports include sugar, coffee, and beef. Much of the agricultural and meat products are exported in reefers (temperature-controlled containers).
• Port Limon-Moin is ranked Latin America's 13th and Central America's 4th largest container port, with an annual shipping volume of around 1,3 million TEUs (containers, statistics 2015). The port's annual reefer container volumes are expected to double by 2030 - up to 600,000 TEUs.

A dredging project (for the port's access channel and turning basin) resulted in deepening the harbor, now allowing the access of larger vessels with drafts up to 16 m (53 ft). The port's development also included construction of a new breakwater (length 1,5 km / 0,9 mi), a new container yard (sized 40 hectares) and a new cargo quay (length 600 m / 1970 ft) with 2 berths (equipped with 6x large-capacity gantry cranes / serving post‐Panamax vessels).

After these development projects were completed, the upgraded container terminal now covers an area of 80 hectares (0,8 km2), 1,5 km (0,9 mi) quay length (5 berths total), 2,2 km (1,4 mi) long breakwater and access channel draft 18 m (59 ft).

Puerto Limon cruise terminal

Cruise ships to Puerto Limon dock at Hernan Garron Salazar passenger (cruise and ferry ) terminal.

The facility was redesigned and fully refurbished in 2019 (August through November). The USD 200,000+ renovation project resulted in improvements to the lookout point, courtyard, boarding halls.

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Limón Costa Rica Cruise Port Guide

The Limón Costa Rica cruise port, or Puerto Limón, is an island of humanity surrounded by vast rainforests.

Although small, the cruise terminal has many of the common features of a Caribbean cruise terminal including shops, phones, tourism guides and excursion operators.

It’s better to think of Puerto Limón not as a cruise destination by itself because it isn’t as developed as other cruise ports in the western Caribbean. Instead, it’s a jumping off point for seeing Costa Rica’s famous ecotourism adventures and other tourist attractions.

We didn’t go there expecting great beaches or elaborate shopping districts unlike other major ports. Instead, the highlight of our visit was a ziplining excursion among tall trees and chattering monkeys.

Quick Travel Tips

Anyone visiting the Puerto Limón cruise port should prepare themselves for rain. The huge volume of rain that falls on the country every year is why it is known for its jungles and rainforests.

The rain also means Puerto Limón is not a place to expect sunshine and full days on the beach improving a tan and lounging in the water.

We were lucky during our visit. Giant black clouds hovered over the country during our entire visit, but they didn’t rain on us once.

Visiting there is more about a different attitude and taking advantage of excursions and attractions that make Costa Rica a popular vacation and cruise destination.

The city itself has a small number of appealing shops, the waterfront Parque Vargas, and a local museum called Museo Etnohistoria de Limón, which is open Monday through Friday.

Otherwise, visitors often take a day trip to major regional attractions. Shore excursions that visit multiple locations are common.

Attractions and Shore Excursions

Walking around attractions.

Puerto Limón is the second largest city in Costa Rica with a population of about 55,000 people. It doesn’t have quite the same attractions as other Caribbean ports with colonial architecture, old forts and restored plantations. This port has a heavy emphasis on nature excursions outside of the city.

Still, it has a few well-known attractions such as Vargas Park and Market Central. Cruise visitors may find it worthwhile to pay for a guided tour at about $50 per person.

Shore Excursions

Major regional attractions include Cahuita and Tortuguero National Park. They are common destinations for Puerto Limón shore excursions, especially ones that combine both destinations in the same tour.

Cahuita is 43 kilometers south of Limón and is reachable via Route 36, which mostly runs along the Caribbean coast. It is part of Cahuita National Park, which protects the country’s largest coral reef. It’s a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Tortuguero National Park, north of Limón, is one of the top ecotourism destinations in the country. Rainforest wildlife is often hard to see because of the dense vegetation.

But it is easier in Tortuguero because most of the wildlife spotting is done from quiet boats that travel along canals in the forest.

An example Limón excursion from one operator cost $125 per person. It included a hike in Cahuita National Park, a visit to a banana plantation and a boat ride on the Tortuguero canal.

A less expensive excursion to just a plantation and a canal ride cost $65 per person. Prices are subject to change.

Adventurous visitors can try zip lining in the Costa Rica rainforest. We took a one-hour trip to Veragua Rainforest Reserve. After a safety briefing, we went over 12 different zip lines as high as 100 feet in the air with exciting views of the surrounding forest, birds and monkeys.

Zip line tours cost between $100 and $150 per person depending on the amount of time.

Veragua Rainforest Research and Adventure Park includes the largest indoor nocturnal frog exhibit in the world, butterfly garden, reptile vivarium and a hummingbird garden. The park is 55 minutes west of the cruise terminal.

It also has a tram ride through the rainforest canopy, walking trails through the primary rainforest and a waterfall, along with panoramic views of La Amistad International Park.

Other available excursions include a sloth sanctuary, a coffee bean plantation tour, banana plantation tour, whitewater rafting on the Reventazón River and snorkeling or diving at the nearby national parks.

Whitewater rafting on Reventazón River is Class III out of I to V. That means it is moderately challenging and usually suitable for families with older children and teens. The cost is about $145 per person.

Beaches Near the Cruise Port

Cruise lines offer few beach excursions compared to other Caribbean destinations because there are few good beaches near Puerto Limón.

Playa Bonita is just four miles north of the cruise terminal. Some tours takes guests there. Otherwise, a taxi or rental car is necessary.

Cahuita National Park and Puerto Viejo are two other options that have beaches. Puerto Viejo is 37 miles southeast of Puerto Limon along the coast. But Cahuita is on the way and closer, so it’s better to go there.

Shopping / Restaurants

Passengers will find one of the most colorful streets in the Caribbean. Avenida 2 by the cruise docks has green, orange, blue and yellow checkers on the sidewalks. Shops and street vendors sell fresh fruit, clothing, souvenirs and other items.

If cruise visitors buy anything here, they should make it the coffee.

Getting Around / Transportation

Costa Rica has an extensive public bus system. A bus terminal is a five-minute walk from the docks, but taxis and tourist bus companies are better options.

Several local and international car rental agencies have offices in Limón and serve the cruise port.

Weather / Best Times to Go

We visited Limón during a dry season, which means it doesn’t get pounded with rain every day. Instead, on this day it was simply quite cloudy and threatening.

Average monthly rainfall ranges from a low of about six inches in September to a high of about 18 inches in July and December. It is one of the rainiest destinations in the Caribbean.

February, March, September and October are the best times to go to minimize the risk of rain.

Temperatures maintain an average high temperature in the mid 80s Fahrenheit and high 20s Celsius throughout most of the year.

Limón Costa Rica Cruise Port

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Limón Costa Rica Complete Visitors Guide

Limon Costa Rica is the largest city on the Caribbean coast. It is a main port area and where a lot of cruise ships land.

The Limón Costa Rica Vibes

Limón is the biggest city on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. This is where all cruise ships land on the coast and where most exports leave from.

Here you can find tons of shipping containers filled with bananas and pineapple heading out to the US and Europe.

The city is not the nicest and not a place we would suggest spending a ton of time. 

You might find yourself here for two reasons.

1. If you visit Costa Rica by cruise, the Caribbean coast cruise terminal is located here.

2. If you are heading to the Southern Caribbean or down into Panama from anywhere else in Costa Rica, you will pass through here. 

Background Info About Limón Costa Rica

Nearest international airport.

Juan Santamaria International Airport

Popular Things to Do

Day tours to visit national parks, boat rides, exploring nearby towns

Best Way to Get Around

Rental car , walking in the downtown area

Best Time of Year to Visit

The best weather is from late July to October

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Map Of Limón

Limon is located on the Caribbean coast above Cahuita and below Tortuguero. It is a port city and is also often referred to as Puerto Limon.

Flights to Costa Rica

The easiest way of getting to Limon is by flying in to the San Jose International Airport. 

If you haven’t booked your flight yet, we suggest using Skyscanner . We consistently find the best rates through their website.

Driving to Limon

Our favorite option is to rent a car and drive to Limon on your own. The drive is not too bad for first time Costa Rica drivers.

In the beginning of your trip, you will have to do a little driving through San Jose though which can be a bit daunting and stressful.

After making it through San Jose you will drive through Braulio Carillo national park which is really pretty. The roads are well maintained here but there are a lot of curves in spots.

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However, there has been a lot of road work here recently (they are widening the road so I doubt it will be over anytime soon) and there have been a lot of major backups.

You do not need a 4×4 for this route, but you might want something with a bit of power while driving through the national park.

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Private Shuttle to Limon

Adobe also has a private shuttle company and they are great! 

Their experience certified driver can pick you up anywhere in the country and take you to Limon.You can get a private shuttle price quote here .

Domestic Flights to Limon

Another option is to take a domestic flight from the San Jose Airport to Limon.

This is definitely the fastest way of getting here, but it is a bit more expensive.

You can check out prices and options here.

Public Bus to Limon Costa Rica

If coming from San Jose you can take the public bus from Mepe. You can see a complete time schedule here .

The ride will take you about two and a half hours and will cost about $12 per person for one way.

You will get on the bus going to Sixaola and just get off when you stop in Limon. Don’t worry, you won’t miss the stop because the bus stays at the Limon terminal for about ten minutes to let passengers buy snacks and use the bathroom.

Puerto Limon Cruise Port

The Limon cruise port is centrally located right near the city center. The port is equipped with a taxi stand and souvenir shops.

If you haven’t pre-booked shore excursions there will be plenty of people offering tours.

We always like to book ahead of time to make sure we find the best activities, but you do you!

If you take a taxi, please make sure you take an official taxi so that you get the regulated fare. You will know an official taxi because it will be red with a yellow triangle on the driver and passenger side doors. 

Unofficial taxi drivers are known to majorly overcharge. 

Transportation In Limon

It is best to drive or use a registered taxi while in downtown Limon. 

This area can be somewhat unsafe at night so please don’t walk around alone. 

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Limon Costa Rica Weather

Here, the rainy season runs from mid-December until end of July. I know, that sounds like a whole lot of rainy time, but let me explain.

Although it can be rainy, you just never really know. We have visited in January and had amazing weather. We have also visited in January and had total washout days.

One thing we have noticed though is that usually when it rains, it at least often rains at night. Also, the temperature stays fairly warm even when raining.

Another weird thing, July is the rainiest month to visit Limon, but come August, it almost completely dries up.

You just never know in this country!

During the dry months the weather is amazing and warm!

Things to Do in Limon Costa Rica

Visit cahuita national park.

Cahuita National Park is located about an hour from the city of Limón. We like this tour a lot because you can see a ton of wildlife in a short amount of time and the park is just amazing. 

⤷ Arrange Your Cahuita National Park Tour

Visit Tortuguero National Park on a Boat Ride

Tortuguero National Park is made up of a series of river waterways. This boat ride is a fun way to see a lot of wildlife and enjoy some different waterway views after days on your cruise ship.

 ⤷ Organize Your Visit to Tortuguero National Park

Take a Combo Tour

A combo tour is basically a tour that combines several different activities in one fun filled day. We like this because it takes the stress off of you to plan multiple activities and usually it is way cheaper than booking multiple things. 

⤷ Plan Your Day Excursion

Go Zip Lining

We love zip lining in Costa Rica! It is so fun to soar through the air with views of the jungle below you.

⤷ Book Your Zip Line Experience

Are you stressed about planning the perfect vacation to Costa Rica?

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Limón Restaurants

There are very few restaurants here so we kind of stick to what we know is good.

Gecko Grill – Our top choice in the area. Definitely here as your first pick. They serve good Caribbean food and delicious cocktails. The service is also consistently great. 

Restaurant Cocori – Not a bad spot for beachfront views and seafood. 

Red Snapper Restaurant – We have always had good experiences here. The staff is friendly and they serve great traditional food. 

Limón Costa Rica Hotels

There are not too many hotel options here. And the options you do have don’t have the best ratings.

But, as I mentioned I don’t suggest staying in the city of Limon.

If for whatever reason you do find yourself stuck here, here are three hotel options that will be OK.

Hotel Playa Westfalia – Located directly on the beach, this hotel has a private pool and on-site restaurant. Breakfast is included in the room rate. 

Aptos Casa Caribe – This place has a hostel style room if you are looking for something budget friendly as well as private double rooms. 

Martas Guesthouses – A basic one bedroom apartment woth small kitchen. It is very simple and dark in here, but if you are just looking for a place to sleep and cook, this will be fine. 

Limon Travel Tips

– Not exactly a travel tip, but next time you go to the grocery store check the pineapples and bananas. Often times they come from Costa Rica. If they do, they have most likely traveled through the port city of Limon on their way to you (if you are in Europe or the east coast of the US).

– Please take your safety seriously here. It is unusual that anything happens, but petty crime can occur. 

Packing for Limon Costa Rica

Since you will most likely be visiting Limon from your cruise ship, I’ll instead focus on what to wear while on land. We like to wear breathable shorts, a tshirt, and shoes you can easily walk in. 

Don’t forget all the sun protection you can handle. The UV index here is high!

Check out our Limon Packing List on Amazon for all the essentials. 

You Might Also Like Visiting

Cahuita : A small beach town that is home to a beautiful national park.

Tortuguero : A relaxed village that is only accessible by boat. This is a great place to stay for wildlife canoe rides and seeing turtles nesting.

Puerto Viejo : A popular Caribbean coast town with backpackers. This town is great for surfing, yoga, and nightlife.

….if none of those appeal to you, check out our  Guide to the Caribbean Coast  for more ideas of places to visit in this area.

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Cruises to Puerto Limón, Costa Rica

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Puerto Limón Costa Rica Port Guide

Cruises to Puerto Limon take you right into the middle of Costa Rica’s beloved ecosystem, a land that features thick rainforests, meandering rivers, and a variety of exotic wildlife.

A Puerto Limon cruise stop can be your gateway to this natural beauty, whether you want to appreciate it from afar while wandering around the city center and parks, or by taking off on an adventurous excursion that gets you right into the heart of the rainforest or to one of the country’s best beaches.

While in Puerto Limon on your Caribbean cruise , you’ll likely enjoy pleasant weather due to its temperate climate that hovers around 77 degrees throughout the year.

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Top sights & attractions for cruises to puerto limón, the tortuguero canals.

The Tortuguero Canals, which were turned into a national park in 1975, were named after the local green turtle (called Tortuguero) which uses the canals to spawn. The national park also consists of lush foliage that makes for an intriguing boat ride down the slow-moving Colorado River that goes through the park. You’re likely to see sloths, monkeys, toucans, and crocodiles while in the Tortuguero Canals.

Vargas Park

This beautiful waterfront park is extremely convenient for cruise passengers thanks to its location near the port exit. It’s great for families since it has playgrounds. In addition, sloths and owls are often hanging out around the park. Vargas Park is also home to historical statues.

Museo Etnohistórico de Limón

Those wanting to learn more about the history and culture of the Limon province in Costa Rica will enjoy a visit to this interesting museum that features a variety of artwork and artifacts, including ones of Afro-Caribbean origin.

Isla Uvita: A Short Boat Ride Away

Get off the beaten path and head to Isla Uvita, which is a 20-minute boat ride from Puerto Limon. The island doesn’t have much in terms of tourist facilities, but you might even see some local surfers catching the waves. Isla Uvita also has a place in history since it is where Christopher Columbus landed on his last journey across the Atlantic to the Americas.

Learn More About Puerto Limón Shore Excursions

Top things to do in puerto limón, rainforest adventures.

The rainforest is one of the biggest draws of a cruise to Puerto Limon, and you have many options for how to explore it while in port. Take a river cruise with a naturalist who can explain the environment you’re seeing in depth. Embark on an open-air tram and go for a ride above the rainforest canopy for a bird’s-eye view of the trees. You can also glide above the canopy on a ziplining adventure.

Puerto Limon City Tour

The city center of Puerto Limon is an interesting and historic place to explore during your time in Costa Rica. Taking a walking tour around the city is a great way to explore its parks, see City Hall, visit the cathedral, gaze at its modern architecture, and learn where to find the best shopping and restaurants to check out during your free time in port.

Punta Uva Beach

This secluded beach is a peaceful oasis located less than 45 miles from Puerto Limon. You won’t find any development at this protected beach, but you will find white sand and a coral reef offshore that is excellent for scuba diving and snorkeling. At Punta Uva, you can take a short hike to a scenic lookout point overlooking the water and coral reef.

Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Puerto Limón Cruise Port

Small restaurants referred to as soda offer traditional meals reminiscent of what you’d find served in someone’s home. The meal served at sodas is called a casado and generally includes beans, meat, rice, and salad.

For a cup of coffee brewing local beans, head to one of the many cafes located around town. Most of the cafes also have WiFi available for customers.

Culture & History of the Puerto Limón Cruise Port

Cruises to Puerto Limon take passengers to the second largest city in Costa Rica, after the capital city of San Jose. Around 55,000 people call Puerto Limon home. Its residents are multicultural, many of whom are of Afro-Caribbean descent. As such, you’ll hear both Spanish and Limonese Creole in the city. Much of Puerto Limon’s economy is devoted to its port, which is the largest and most important in Costa Rica.

Puerto Limón Port Facilities & Location

Puerto Limon has a modern port terminal with a separate pier for cruise ships. You’ll also see that the port has a large area focused on exporting, particularly Costa Rican coffee. The cruise terminal has a welcome center and souvenir market.

If you’re planning to walk to the city center, it’s only about 250 yards from the cruise terminal. A helpful map of the city is located right before you leave the port and has recommended walks on it as well.

Transportation in Puerto Limón

Cruises to Puerto Limon dock right by the city center, and the port is close to multiple forms of public and private transportation.

You’ll find red taxis right outside the pier that can whisk you away to nearby beaches or other top sites near the Puerto Limon cruise port. Shore excursions are another convenient way to get around the region since the buses will meet you right outside the cruise port. Taxi drivers in Puerto Limon are typically open to negotiating the price for where you want to go before you depart.

If renting a car or taking a bus (the bus terminal is located within walking distance from the pier), make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get back to the ship as bus routes can be sporadic and traffic can be unexpectedly gridlocked.

Shopping Near the Puerto Limón Cruise Port

You’ll find shopping in Puerto Limon cruise port not far from the pier. For a variety of shops in one area, head to Plaza Puerto Limon, a shopping mall in the downtown area of the city.

For a quintessential Costa Rica souvenir, bring home a couple bags of Costa Rican coffee. To make sure it’s of the highest quality, look for coffee from boutique roasters like Dota or Café Britt. Other items that make for great souvenirs to remember your Puerto Limon cruise port of call are artisan-made housewares using mango wood, pachuco t-shirts that feature sayings in the local slang, and greeting cards made from recycled banana paper.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colon. However, most places in the tourist areas take U.S. dollars, and you can even withdraw U.S. dollars at most of the ATMs in Puerto Limon. There isn’t an ATM in the cruise terminal, but there are several in the city of Puerto Limon. Look for a bank and there will usually be an ATM by it.

Tipping is not expected in Costa Rica since a 10% service charge is already added to the bill in restaurants. However, if service was exceptional, it is acceptable to tip an additional 5% to 10%. Likewise, taxi drivers don’t expect a tip but it is appreciated. Generally, a tip of $1 to $5 is offered for longer drives.

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Limón Carnival, Costa Rica

Mindelo Carnival, Cape Verde

La Ceiba Carnival, Honduras

Content of this article

What is the Carnival of Limón?

. The Limon Carnival is a week-long celebration characterized by vibrant Caribbean rhythms, floats, parades , traditional foods, lots of dancing, music and bright costumes with typical Caribbean colors. The Carnivals of Limón are one of the biggest festivals in this province.

The carnivals of Limón are one of the cultural heritages possessed by the inhabitants of this town located in Costa Rica. The carnival is loaded with a lively and cozy atmosphere which makes it a great tourist interest . During the carnivals of Limón different attractions and tourist events are offered that attract the attention of both national and international tourists.

Year after year, the Limon Carnival manages to gather thousands of people who come to celebrate identifying elements of this small town in Costa Rica.

During the Limon Carnival the carnival queens are proclaimed

When is the Carnival of Limón?

. Limon Carnival revolves around the Day of Culture that would take place on October 12 each year , that is why the caranval is celebrated in the days around this date.

Lemon Carnival History

. The Limon Carnival has been celebrated since 1949 around October 12. The celebration commemorates the day after the explorer Christopher Columbus landed on Uvita Island, located just in front of the city’s port, an event that took place in 1502. The Carnival festivities in Limón are a unique opportunity to celebrate the diversity that is present in Costa Rica . Thus, thousands of natives, immigrants and Caribbean people are part of this great colorful party .

During the carnival, the different ethnic groups that inhabit the nearby areas are commemorated, which are part of the African populations , ethnic majority of the city of Limón and from other corners of the world such as Italy, China and even indigenous people.

Where is the Carnival of Limón

? The Limón Carnival is held in Ciudad de Limón , a port city located in the southeast of the Central American country.

People take to the streets during carnival to celebrate in Limon

How is the Carnival of Limón celebrated?

The carnival in the port city of Limón has several activities and celebrations that take place during the carnival. To begin with, typical Caribbean music is played, letting the population know that the carnivals have finally begun. People celebrate with parades and comparsas that go through the main street of the city, demonstrating the skill that the participants have for dancing while wearing suits and costumes of multiple colors. .

During the carnival, the Carnival Queen is chosen, a tradition that takes place in many other carnivals in the region. Also, the typical food of the area and the country is also an important part of the festivities, as well as dozens of craft and art stalls.

Finally, the carnivals come to an end when the fireworks show takes place at 8 pm.

If you want to know more about tourism in this country, I recommend this guide:

Tips for going to the Carnival of Limón

. We recommend you to plan your trip in advance so you can enjoy the rich culture that you can find in the city of Limón. Make an itinerary and plan your options when looking for lodging in the locality.

Events in Limon Carnival

As expected, the Limon Carnival starts with an incredible music show, full of Caribbean rhythms and drums. Alongside this show are different dancers, who celebrate the beginnings of the carnival with calypso and reggae rhythms.

After this, the parades begin in which people take to the streets in colorful costumes to dance and party to the different Caribbean rhythms. The distinctive Queen of Carnival is also proclaimed. The carnivals also offer small parades in which local children participate.

During the festivities, some people are part of a game called Rass’Em, in which a masked man must chase and catch other men in town. Upon accomplishing this, the person who has been touched or caught must wear the mask and chase and trap other people. At the end of the celebration, there is a fireworks show that brings the carnivals to a close to begin again next year.

The events are watched by hundreds of local and international spectators who enjoy the history-laden festivities that commemorate the cultural and ethnic diversity of the city.

The first event of the Limon Carnivals is a musical group welcoming the festivities

Lemon Carnival Parades

. The parades formally begin at 1:00PM, crossing Jamaica Town to Parque Vargas at the end of Avenida Avenida 2 . During the parades, they throw some fireworks called “bombetas” that let people know that the party has started. There are also the parades of children , who dress up in large handmade masks, walking along the streets and perform different activities in order to entertain the public .

At the end of the night, there is a fireworks show that ends the carnival of Limón celebrations.

Parade route

Parades in Limon Carnival take place in the main streets and avenues of the city

The parade takes place in Jamaica Town and the parades unfold all the way to Vargas Park, at the end of Avenida 2.

Rondon is a dish similar to curry that contains seafood. It is popular in the Limon area

What to eat at the Limón Carnival

. During the carnivals, you can see located the different traditional food stalls of the town and the country. If you attend these carnivals, you can see a lot of sweets and candies, as well as distinctive dishes of the region. One of the dishes eaten during the festivities is rondon, a kind of Caribbean curry with fish and vegetables. You can also try the pan bon, a local cake made of brown sugar and different spices such as vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg.

The city of Limón also has a few places that you can visit and try some of the varied cuisine it offers. Some restaurants offer typical food of the region and the country, others offer international and contemporary food. Some of these restaurants are Soda El Patty, Gecko Cafe & Grill or Restaurant Cocori. .

pan bon is a traditional sweet of the region that is consumed during the carnivals of Limón

Travel Insurance

From Carnavalesdelmundo.org we recommend to hire a good insurance to visit this carnival and to know the rest of the country. For being our readers we offer a 5% discount on all IATI insurance. Read more information about all insurance offers here:

What to see and do inside the Carnival of Limón

? During Carnival of Limón , you can see the proclamation of the carnival queen , the music and dance bands that shake the streets of the town with their brightly colored dresses . You can visit and eat at the various food stalls that are distributed along the parade street, or buy local handicrafts that locals sell to tourists.

You can also see the closing ceremony at the end of the night, it is a fireworks show in the evening hours that put an end to the Limón carnival.

If you don’t want to complicate things, here you can book interesting excursions in Spanish in this city: .

What to see and do outside of the Carnival of Limón

? The city of Limon offers you some tourist spots that you can visit if you want to know a little more of its history and culture. Most of the tourist attractions in the area are natural attractions, so there is a lot of physical activity involved.

Tortuguero National Park

. It is a national park that is located in the Tortuguero conservation area. You can access it by plane or boat. Here you will find a large number of habitats and a vast variety of biodiversity. The park is a protected area and is currently the third most visited park in the country.

Tortuguero Canals

. They are the second largest and most important wetlands in the country. It is well known for its diversity of fauna and flora. It can only be reached by boat or plane, there are no land routes that connect with the canals.

Playa Bonita

. One of the quietest and cleanest beaches in the town. It is one of the major attractions of the area and has a variety of local and restaurants that are located at the edge of the street.

Also if you want to visit museums and important buildings in this city we recommend that you book your ticket in advance through Tiquets: .

Safety in the Carnival of Limón

Visiting the city of Limon and Costa Rica is generally relatively safe. Despite this the Spanish government mentions that the rate of violence in some crimes has increased considerably, especially in Puerto Limon, although the crimes are not directed towards tourists.

It is advisable to avoid carrying valuables with you. If possible, leave your belongings and documents in a safe place and as always, keep an eye on your surroundings and contact the relevant authorities if you see any unusual activity. Also, we recommend the following products to keep your belongings safe:

Carnival weather in Limón

. The weather during the carnival celebrations in Limon is somewhat hot, with a temperature of 22 to 31 degrees Celsius. We recommend that you prepare for this type of weather.

The Limon Carnival is a celebration that commemorates the diversity of the city

How to get to Limón Carnival

How to get there by plane.

. The city has its own airport with international gateways. If you decide to come to spend the carnivals in this city, just get to Limon International Airport and from there transport you directly to the carnivals or to any area of your preference.

We recommend buying airline tickets through Kiwi.com or Skyscanner where they are usually cheaper. More information on this link to review Kiwi.com. .

How to get there by boat

. If you want to get to the carnivals by sea, the city has one of the most important ports in the area, where different cruisers and private boats arrive.

How to get there by car

. The roads and streets of the lemon are in good condition, which makes you can get around the city quickly and without worries.

If you decide to visit the carnivals of Limon, you can take a cab at the international airport and get close to the area where the carnivals take place. The ride is 7 minutes and the price is about $ 8.

Getting around town

. The easiest way to get around the city is by land. You can use cabs or private vehicles if you know the main streets and avenues well.

Where to stay in Limón Carnival

3 star hotel 1.1 kilometers from the center. All rooms have air conditioning, TV, telephones and private bathrooms with basic toiletries. All facilities have free Wi-Fi.

Hotel Maribu Caribe

. Hotel located 2.2 kilometers from the city center. The facilities are located 750 meters from Playa Bonita. The hotel has free Wi-Fi in public areas.

Pachira Lodge

. 4 star hotel located in Tortuguero. It is a 5 minute boat ride from the entrance to Tortuguero National Park. It has a swimming pool and terraces, as well as canoe rides and green turtle sightings.

We recommend you use Booking.com to book hotels at a good price, check more information here: .

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Things to Do and See in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

A Western Caribbean and Panama Canal Cruises Destination

Costa Rica is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Central America, and Puerto Limon is the most important Costa Rican port in the Caribbean. Columbus "discovered" Costa Rica on his fourth voyage to the Americas and was so impressed that he named it Costa Rica. Columbus landed at an ancient village near Puerto Limon, and it proved to be one of the best ports on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica .

The country is full of volcanic mountains, lush valleys, and virgin tropical rainforests supporting a diverse mixture of plant and animal life. Costa Rica has preserved almost one-quarter of its land area as national parks or preserves. Some of the exciting shore excursion options revolve around these national parks or the Costa Rican countryside.

Cruise ships often spend a day in Puerto Limon on western Caribbean or Panama Canal cruises. Here are six possibilities of things to do with a day in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica.

• Riding an aerial tram across the canopy of the rainforest in the Braulio Carrillo National Park is one way to visit and enjoy the treasures of this ecosystem without having to hike the challenging terrain. The tram glides above the forest, and a naturalist guide answers questions and points out the highlights. Participants have lunch at the Tram facilities before the ride back to the ship past the banana plantations and rural countryside.
• The capital city of San José is also accessible to cruise ship passengers porting at Puerto Limon. Although the drive to San José is about two and a half hours, the lush countryside and beautiful exotic scenery should make the drive enjoyable. After arriving in San José, participants visit the National Museum of Pre-Columbian Art and the Opera House. A typical "Tico" lunch is served before the group returns to the ship.
• Cruisers who are looking for something more strenuous and adventurous might choose to go white water rafting in Costa Rica. Although the one and a half hours of rafting is strenuous, it's the three-mile walk through the forest that might get you! The "cruise" down the river promises to be a combination of exciting rapids and exotic wildlife such as monkeys and sloths.
• If rafting (or hiking for three miles) sounds like a little too much, then how about horseback riding at a ranch near Puerto Limon? The ride meanders along a spectacular trail in the Star Valley, passing through a lush tropical region, along river banks, and across streams into the jungle.
• The next shore excursion option also involves a trek through the countryside of Costa Rica—in a six-wheel-drive vehicle. The converted Russian missile launcher drives along the rural and secondary roads, stopping to enjoy the flora and fauna and spectacular scenery. It's not as strenuous as hiking through the jungle or horseback riding, but it is fun!
• Those who love sloths might want to visit the sloth sanctuary , which is in the Limon Province. Holding a baby sloth is a great bucket list item. 

With all of the wonderful shore excursion options in Puerto Limon, it's easy to understand why many people rate Costa Rica as a favorite place to spend their entire Central American vacation.

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Cruise to Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

Puerto limon shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in puerto limon.

Three-toed sloth animal climbing plant in the jungle of Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

Fly over trees on an aerial tram, zip-line through the tropical forest or spot three-toed sloths as you hike at the Veragua Rainforest Park, a 3,212-acre nature reserve with views of the remote Talamanca Range. Then head to the biological exhibit for a glimpse of the wildlife researchers as they study the creatures and vegetation that inhabit this land.

Wild Caribbean beach of Manzanillo near Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

Costa Rica's beaches are known for their unspoiled beauty, and the ones in the province of Limon are especially popular for their Caribbean vibe. Relax in the white sand and warm waters at Playa Bonita, Playa Blanca or Puerto Viejo. Pick up souvenirs at the stalls set up by the water, sip on a fresh coconut, stroll by the shore as you take in the palm-fringed coast.

Into the Wild

Limon is home to several outdoor attractions, including nature thrills like river rafting and zip-lining. If you're a nature fan looking for a more contemplative outing, then head to the Tortuguero Canal, where you can paddle among water lilies, orchids and sea turtles. Have your camera ready to catch the sloths dangling from the trees, the iguanas jumping into the water and the tropical birds overhead.

Local Cuisine

Taste your way through Puerto Limon and enjoy the mealnge of Spanish and Afro-Caribbean flavors. Cruise to Puerto Limon and try the distinctive dish rondon , a hearty, ginger-spiced stew of coconut milk, yams and seafood, typically fresh white fish and crab. Or sip on an agua de sapo (ginger lemonade) and snack on patacones (fried plantains) and chicharrones , slices of deep-fried pork belly brightened up with a pinch of lime.

Puerto Limon's shopping experience is as laidback as its beachy mood. Stop by casual Mercado Municipal for leatherware, ceramics, pottery and wood carvings, or go to shoreside shops in beaches like Playa Bonita for ocean-inspired souvenirs during your Costa Rica cruise.

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Cruise ships are docked in a busy port, just steps away from town. You’ll find telephones, Internet computers, a craft market, tourist information, and tour operators’ desks inside the terminal.

Printable map to take along.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Puerto Limon Costa Rica

Sightseeing:

In 1821, Costa Rica became one of several Central American provinces that jointly declared their independence from Spain. Costa Rica which translates literally as "Rich Coast".

A bit rundown due to the many earthquakes that have hit the area, Puerto Limon has some fascinating architecture and colorful open air market places. The main market in the center of town is the place to go to buy everything from wood carved items to traditional souvenirs.

The city’s main attraction is the waterfront Parque Vargas, an incongruous expanse of bench-lined sidewalks beneath a lost little jungle of tall palms and tropical flowers.

Theft is a problem: take precautions against pickpockets during the day, particularly in the market and along the sea wall.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

Although the taxi fares are posted (for example, $20 to Cahuita), these are all negotiable. Their drivers' English is patchy so, if you are looking for a guide as well as a driver, check this first.

Taxis charge about $20-$30 an hour. Due to the hilly nature travel times will take longer than you would expect.

Bus schedule information in Costa Rica.

If you plan to travel outside the towns: protection against mosquito bites is very important, wearing lightweight long pants, long sleeved shirts and using insect repellents with high concentrations of DEET is recommended by the CDC

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

The Tortuguero Canals , a national park created in 1975 to protect the spawning areas of the green turtle (Tortuguero) and the region's rich flora and fauna stretching from Moin to the Colorado River near the border with Nicaragua. On a slow-moving boat trip along the canals (some natural, some manmade), you will see sloths hanging upside down from the overhanging trees, many different types of bird including toucans and probably monkeys and crocodiles, too.

Limon-the Aerial Tram ride at Rain Forest, a 1,000-acre nature reserve next to the Braulio Carrillo National Park

The Original Canopy Tour offers everyone an exhilarating opportunity to soar through the rain forest high above the forest floor. You have to be in good shape for this adventure.

There is desk for local tour operators in the terminal (Caribe Tico, Blue Limbo, Mambo Tours) within the terminal. They offer alternatives to the ship's tours to the Cahuita Coastal National Park, Tortuguero Canals, Rain Forest Aerial Tram as well as a two-hour Limon tour and an eight-hour trip to San Jose. There is also a range of more active trips, including horse-riding, water sports, and canopy tours.

Costa Rica is Spanish for rich coast . As such, one can expect to find this place to be the ideal tropical paradise. A native song is that the Virgin Mary came down to Costa Rica and never went back to Heaven.

Costa Rica is often called the Switzerland of Central America.

There is such biodiversity in Costa Rica not only because it's a land bridge between North and South America, but also because the terrain is so varied and there are weather patterns moving in from both the Pacific and Atlantic/Caribbean. There are impressive volcanoes, mountain areas, rivers, lakes, and beaches all throughout the country. There are many beautiful beaches - most of the popular ones are on the Pacific side but the Caribbean has many excellent beaches as well.

Shopping and Food

Finding a place to eat out isn't difficult in Costa Rica and generally speaking wherever you head for, the standards of hygiene in the kitchens are high and you run little risk of getting food poisoning. Expensive restaurants may not necessarily offer the best food and visitors are encouraged to try the smaller establishments, known as sodas, which the locals tend to frequent and the food is as authentic as it gets, while frequently of a standard equal to or higher than expensive venues.

The local currency is Colón(es). The rate of exchange is about 575 Colones for 1 US Dollar. You can find ATMs in most places. They normally dispense US Dollars and Colones.

Currency Converter

Communication:

Spanish is the main language in Costa Rica. English is used widely in areas populated by international tourists.

The emergency number in Costa Rica is 911

Cafes which offer free WiFi for customers are fairly easy to find in tourist areas.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Shopping hours Mon-Sat 0900-1800/1900. There may be variations between areas.

Costa Rica is a Catholic country and it's holidays are mostly church-related. Most businesses, including banks, close on official holidays. The country closes down entirely during the biggest holiday time, Easter Holy Week, but only during Holy Thursday, Friday and Saturday, by Holy Sunday, some services might be available, but don't count on it in remote parts of the country.

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Limon – Costa Rica

Last updated on June 7th, 2023 at 01:00 pm

Experience the natural wonders of Limon, Costa Rica's vibrant Caribbean port city. Embark on a thrilling eco-adventure through lush rainforests, visit the magnificent Tortuguero National Park to witness nesting sea turtles, or explore the rich Afro-Caribbean culture. Savor delicious Costa Rican cuisine, relax on beautiful beaches, and immerse yourself in the biodiversity and charm of Limon.

Located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, Limon stretches along the coast with 125 miles of shoreline between Nicaragua and Panama. Limon has the most geographically diverse regions with mangrove wetlands, endless rainforests and towering mountains.

The Cordillera de Talamanca (Talamanca Mountain Range) is thought to be the most unexplored area in all of Costa Rica. The rainforests in this area of Costa Rica are some of the most lush, dense forests anywhere on the planet.

On his final voyage to the America’s, Christopher Columbus “discovered” this area in 1502. The Spanish tried colonizing the Caribbean lowlands, but eventually gave up because of the unkind climate and equally resistant natives.

Most of the residents have an Afro-Caribbean ancestry. It is hard to believe, but up until 1948, the Costa Rican government did not recognize anyone with Afro-Caribbean ancestry as citizens. Their movements were restricted and they were not allowed outside of the Limon province. That population has become firmly established in the region, and mainly stayed in Limon, even after the travel ban was lifted.

Limon, also referred to as Puerto Limon, is the capital city and hub of the province. Major banana producing corporations like Dole and Chiquita have operations in Limon. You will not find large-scale development in Limon. No towering condo buildings and no massive gated communities. There are also no mega-resorts or fast-food restaurants.

Good To Know

It rains in Limon. A lot. Even the locals say there are two seasons in Costa Rica: Rainy and Not so Rainy.

Limon is not a destination in itself, as it is not as developed as other Caribbean ports. It is more of a jumping off point for its ecotourism and national parks, which make up a quarter of its landmass. Not many visitors choose to head to the beach because of the cloudy skies and imminent rain.

As with any unfamiliar place, be aware of your surroundings. Also know that authorities can sometimes make up the rules as they go along.

Check out these excursions in Limon .

The climate in Limón is hot, oppressive, and overcast. It also receives a lot of rain. Throughout the year, the temperature typically varies from 76°F to 86°F and is rarely below 73°F or above 89°F.

Costa Rica’s official currency is the colon. The currency might still be referred to as “pesos” or “canas.”  U.S. dollars are accepted in most tourist establishments, but you may receive change in colones.

There are no ATMs in the cruise terminal. There are a few international banks in Limon, and they have ATMs. The bank closest to the port is Banco de Costa. It is about 400 yards from the dock across from Park Vargas.

Visa and MaterCard are accepted in larger establishments, but smaller restaurants and venues may not have the ability to accept them.

Check for current exchange rates here:

https://www.xe.com/

Wireless Internet:

There is free WiFi in the cruise ship terminal. Throughout the province, cell reception can be spotty or nonexistent.

The official language is Spanish, but workers in the tourist industry will know some English.

Where You Dock in Limon – Costa Rica

Located on the northern and Caribbean side of Costa Rica, Puerto Limon has a separate pier for cruise ships. The rest of the port is dedicated to the exportation of Costa Rica’s bananas, pineapples, coffee and sugar.

The cruise dock is located about 250 yards from the city center. The terminal has a welcome center and souvenir market.

There is also a desk for local tour operators within the terminal. They offer tours to some of the national parks and a two-hour tour of Limon among other activities. Taxis are readily available at the pier.

Here’s an aerial 360 degree view of the port and town (use your mouse or fingers to turn) taken from within Vargas de Limon Park, located next to the cruise terminal.

Getting Around Limon – Costa Rica

The city is fairly small, so you can walk through most of the interesting areas, but as always, it is best to stay on the beaten path and not stray from public places. There is a three block walk along the seawall that connects the port with the north part of the city. 

Uber is pretty much nonexistent in Limon. There had been a license plate based driving restriction that was making it difficult to find an Uber in Costa Rica. That restriction was lifted in April 2022 and eventually it will become a standard mode of transportation for tourists, but at the moment that is not the case.

  There are taxis (“red taxis”) like the one pictured below, that can be hired at the cruise ship terminal or dockside. Although you will find that taxi fares are posted, all rates are negotiable. Driver’s English may be a bit spotty, so make sure you can understand each other before getting in the cab. The red taxis are the only licensed and authorized cabs. Look for the yellow triangle on the vehicle’s door to make sure you have an authorized “rojos.”

Rental Cars

Most of the major roads in Costa Rica are in good shape. It is the secondary and side roads that are often unpaved and rarely maintained. These roads can also be quite narrow. There are very few road signs or traffic signals.  You most likely will be dealing with rain and wet or muddy roads, too.

As seems to be the case throughout Costa Rica, drivers tend to be aggressive, fast drivers. Trying to bring attention to this issue, the government installed several screens on main highways that displayed a message that said “Costa Rica is a country of peace but it lives a war on its roads.”

  The minimum age to rent a car in Limon is 21 years old. There is also a “young driver” additional fee for those between 21 and 24 years of age. You will need a valid photo drivers license, a passport and a major credit card. Driving is on the right side of the road.

Here are a few of the rental car services in Limon:

  Adobe Car Rental en Limón Costa Rica

Alamo Rent a Car

National Costa Rica

There is no unified national bus network in Costa Rica, yet various companies operate buses from several hubs throughout San Jose. They offer services

from Limon to towns like Cahuita, Moin and San Jose. The buses leave from a terminal that is just a bit beyond the museum on Avenida 2. The fare for a bus ride is inexpensive, only a few dollars depending on where they go. However, it is going to take longer getting anywhere using a bus as they make frequent stops and are loosely scheduled. 

If your ship is docked for the day, a trip to San Jose is three hours one way by bus. Even Cahuita takes an hour one way. Buses might run only every three hours and bad roads and construction delays could cause you to miss your ship. So while you could take a bus, you run the risk of not getting back on time.

Shopping In Limon – Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known for a few things that make for memorable souvenirs or items you must try while in port:

Coffee and the unique coffee making “machine” called a chorreador. Not only do they make great coffee, but they are often colorfully decorated, looking more like an art piece. Cafe Britt is a premier Costa Rican coffee producer and they show you how to make coffee the Costa Rican way:

Cashews & cashew wine.  This area of Costa Rica is known for growing cashews, and since cashews are a fruit it make sense that wine would be a byproduct.

Salsa Lizano. This Costa Rican sauce has been on the market for more than 90 years and is eaten with most items, so you will see it on restaurant tables. It is similar to Worcestershire sauce and you can find a bottle at local grocery stores.  

Fresh fruit.  While you can’t take fruit or plants back on board with you, Costa Rica is home to many different fruits and this is a great opportunity to try a tree-ripened banana, freshly picked pineapple or passion fruit (maracuyá), or try something new like pitaya (dragon fruit) or momon chinos (type of lychee).

Leather Goods.  There are many artisans who work in leather around Costa Rica and Limon, in particular, where you’ll can find unique patterns and designs in boots, purses and even decorative art pieces. 

Shops in Limon

This is not a huge shopping destination like some other ports. There are some open air markets close to the cruise ship pier, and others stores in Limon itself. But most of the shops cater to residents, rather than tourists.

Dining In Limon – Costa Rica

The history  and location of the province of Limon has brought a mix of cultures – indigenous, African, Spanish, Dutch – which has created a unique and varied cuisine in the area. Local fruits and vegetables, seafood and other meats are readily available and are often combined with coconut milk and fragrant spices.

Fish is typically fried or grilled with different herbs and vegetables. The typical rice and beans is “Limonified” with the addition of coconut milk, thyme and peppers and is often served with fried plantains and chicken. 

A seafood stew called rondon is a popular local item and contains different starchy vegetables, and whatever the fresh catch of the day is, combined with coconut milk, breadfruit and spices. 

Also popular are items you’d find in other regions of the Caribbean such as Johnnycakes, jerk chicken, empanadas (called pati), and sweet breads. 

Top Restaurants in Puerto Limon

Maestros wine & grill.

Located two blocks from the cruise pier, this highly rated upscale restaurant offers everything from steak to pizza to fish tacos to ceviche – something for everyone. The staff is friendly and offers great wine pairings in a lovely atmosphere.

Caribbean Kalisi

There is a large variety of local favorites offered at this family-run restaurant located about a 10 minute walk from the cruise pier. You will find fish, chicken and salads. Items are served cafeteria-style. You can choose a pasta or salad, a side and a meat as well as a cooked plantain. The coffee is often highly recommended and they have air conditioning, wi-fi and accept credit cards. 

Taylor’s Dine and Grill

This popular restaurant is a go-to for Caribbean cuisine. The food it tasty, the restaurant is clean and the staff are friendly. They accept credit cards and many staff speak English.  The popular dish seems to be rice and beans, which is served with a choice of protein including oxtail. Portion sizes are good and prices fair. 

Red Snapper

This restaurant is outside of the downtown area, but is an 8 minute taxi ride from the cruise port. It’s on our list because of it’s ratings and there is a panoramic view  to go along with your lunch or dinner. The menu is extensive and they also have a wine list. They specialize in seafood, but pizza is also on the menu.

Things To Do in Limon – Costa Rica

Playa piuta.

This “beach” is the closest to the cruise terminal and is walkable from the port at about a 30 minute walk. It is more rocky than sandy, but there are places to sit in the shade to enjoy the views and a couple of nearby bars. You could wade out a bit into the water to get cooled off, but it’s not much of a swimming area. 

Playa Bonita

This sandy beach is popular with tourists and is about a 10-15 taxi ride from the cruise port. There are beachside bars and restaurants but complaints are that the beach is smaller in person than it is in photos and the undertow can be dangerous, which doesn’t make it ideal for swimming. 

Cahuita National Park  

Located about 50 minutes south of the cruise terminal, the water is turquoise, the sand is white, and there is abundant wildlife in the area which can be seen from the park’s hiking trails. It’s also known for snorkeling since the best preserved coral reef in Costa Rica is located here. The Playa Blanca park entrance is the one closest to to Puerto Limon and the entry free is a pay-what-you-can donation (cash). The park is open daily from 8am to 4pm. There are also guides you can hire to take you around the trails who will point out different animals, or take you to the best snorkeling spots.  Check out this private group shore excursion to Cahuita National Park and a banana plantation.

Vargas de Limon Park

Located next to the cruise pier, this small public park is unique in that sloths reside there. For a small tip, locals will  point out the sloths up in the trees (it can be hard to see them if you don’t know what you’re looking for) and take your photo with them. The park is nice and shaded with benches, playground for the kids, a few monuments, and a couple of vendors selling food or handicrafts. You won’t likely spend a lot of time here, but you can cut through on your way to downtown.

Veragua Rainforest

Not quite an hour from Limon, the Veragua Rainforest gives you a glimpse of Costa Rica’s spectacular tropical rainforests. This 3,400-acre reserve has a sky gondola, a canopy tour (think Tarzan), a waterfall, and hiking trails. There is a souvenir shop and a restaurant serving Caribbean dishes. Take a tour of the insect Museum, a terrarium with some of the many (and many is an understatement) of reptiles found in Costa Rica. Just in case you were ever kept awake at night wondering what life is like for nocturnal frogs, you will discover that answer here.

Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica

Located about a half hour outside of Limon, about halfway between Limon and Puerto Viejo, the folks here are dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of sloths. They also work to conserve the rainforest that is the sloth’s natural habitat. If these gentle creatures tug on your heartstrings, you can adopt one virtually. They have tours are from 8am until 2pm daily, except Mondays.

Cacao Trails Takyu

Located between Limon and Puerto Viejo, near Cahuita National Park, this site offers 12 acres of botanical gardens with wildlife and walking trails, an organic banana farm, an Afro-Caribbean museum with historic information of the process of chocolate making from farming to traditional machinery and you’ll even be able to make your own! They have a 1 or 2 hour guided tour in English or Spanish a souvenir store, and a Caribbean restaurant onsite. They don’t accept credit cards so make sure to bring cash! 

This quick video is in Spanish, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect during your visit.

Puerto Viejo

Taking the one hour drive south from Limon is worth it if you’d like to experience authentic Costa Rican living in this laid-back Caribbean-vibe coastal town. It has some of Costa Rica’s best beaches, nature and wildlife – something for everyone. 

Visit Playa Cocles , regarded as one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches, it has a mile-long sandy beach with palm trees. It is also one of the best sports for surfing along Costa Rica’s eastern coast. If you’re a surfing enthusiast (or even if you’re not) you may have a chance to experience Salsa Brava – one of surfing’s largest waves experienced only in certain perfect conditions.

SALSA BRAVA from Joel Sharpe on Vimeo .

On the way to Play Cocles, make a stop at the Jaguar Rescue Center and Sanctuary which is a temporary or permanent (if necessary) home for injured, orphaned or sick animals. You’ll see sloths, monkeys, reptiles and amphibians, birds and more. The public tour (1.5 hours in length) is held twice a morning on opening days, or the VIP private tour (2 hours in length) is at 2pm in the afternoons. You can purchase tickets online and kids under 10 years are free. It is also wheelchair accessible and tours happen rain or shine.

Tortuguero Canals

This popular shore excursion stop is located about a 50 minute drive from the cruise terminal. Boat tours travel along the canals, through the rain forest in Tortuguero National Park, which was founded back in 1975 to protect the fauna and flora of the area. You will see wildlife in the water and along the banks including sloths and different species of birds.  Check out this half-day excursion where you’ll visit the canals and a banana plantation.

Click here for all excursions in Limon, Costa Rica

Top tours & excursions in limon – costa rica, private vehicle and guide half day - limon.

Customize your own tour and explore the beauty of Puerto Limon! Sit back and relax while your private tour guide takes you anywhere you wish around the area for 4-hours. This tour offers you the freedom to set off and explore wildlife on a rainforest trek, take a scenic drive along the coast or explore the region's diverse culture. You and your group will enjoy first class service from your guide providing you with the town's history and culture....

• Duration: 4 Hours
• Activity Level: Easy
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Folding wheelchairs or walkers
• Food: Not included

Highlights of Limon

 See the best of Limon on this jam-packed tour! It begins with a short city tour, then stretch your legs on a 45 minute nature walk at Cahuita National Park on a flat and shady trail that runs along the shoreline, and enjoy the rich biodiversity and wildlife of the area. Then, you will visit a banana plantation, where you'll learn about the harvesting, processing, packing, and exportation of this fruit.  Your tour continues with a boat ride on ...

• Duration: 6 Hours
• Activity Level: Moderate
• Wheelchair Accessibility: No
• Tour Includes: Transportation

Jungle Cruise & Canopy Zip Adventure - Limon

Your tour begins with a boat ride on the Tortuguero Canals. Board your covered boat for a 60-minute leisurely cruise through the jungle canals. Your guide will point out local wildlife, including howler monkeys, sloths, and crocodiles, as well as exotic flora. Then you'll transfer to the private reserve, where the jungle canopy zipline tour begins with an thorough safety orientation from your guide. You will cross the forest from tree to tree wit...

• Note: Zipline min. age 7 years

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Cruises from/to Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

Puerto limon, costa rica cruise port.

• Enjoy a day of discovery in the 3,400-acre Veragua Rainforest Park ; the crème de la crème of all rainforests nestled in the foothills of the Talamanca Mountains. Hike to a spectacular cascading waterfall, enjoy a canopy zip line ride from the treetops to marvel at the breathtaking views, journey through the diverse walking trails to admire wild flora and fauna, and glide through the rainforest on aerial trams for splendid sights of reptile, sloths, pretty butterflies and exotic monkeys.  
• At the Tortuguero Canals , take a boat ride down the canals with knowledgeable and professional guides who would almost make you feel like you belong there. In the beautiful setting of this national park created 40 years ago, you will come across different types of birds, green turtle, rich flora and sloths hanging from trees. Take a bite of fresh pineapples while you enjoy the luxuriant surroundings.  
• Seize the moment with an ecosystem on the edge of extinction at Cahuita National Park . After an earthquake lifted a portion of the coral in this natural reserve in 1992, the reefs have continued to struggle for survival. Go snorkeling with the stunning reefs or hike up the trail from the Kelly Creek for more wonderful sights every nature lover can appreciate.

Top 10 Cruises to Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

• MSC Divina 18 NIGHT Caribbean - Western CRUISE Departing From Miami, Florida (Mar 2024)
• MSC Divina 11 NIGHT Caribbean - Western CRUISE Departing From Miami, Florida (Apr 2024)
• MSC Divina 14 NIGHT Caribbean - Western CRUISE Departing From Miami, Florida (Apr 2024)
• Serenade of the Seas 9 NIGHT WESTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE Departing From Tampa, Florida (Oct 2024 - Feb 2025)
• Rotterdam 12-day Panama Canal Sunfarer Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Oct 2024 - Mar 2025)
• Rotterdam 21-day Panama Canal Sunfarer / Southern Caribbean Seafarer Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Oct 2024 - Mar 2025)
• Rotterdam 21-day Eastern Caribbean / Panama Canal Sunfarer Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Nov 2024)
• Nautica 44 NIGHT World CRUISE Departing From Miami, Florida (Nov 2024)
• Carnival Miracle 10 Day Panama Canal Itinerary Departing From Galveston, Texas (Nov 2024 - Mar 2025)
• Norwegian Gem 11 Night Panama Canal - Miami (MIA/MIA) Departing From Miami, Florida (Nov 2024 - Jan 2025)

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Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

Puerto Limon serves as a gateway to the capital city of San Jose. Excursions to San Jose usually include visits to the opera house, the crafts village of Moravia and a privately owned ranch. Other excursions here include a ride on the "banana train" to the banana-growing districts and a tour of a tropical flower farm.

Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

Puerto Limon serves as a gateway to the capital city of San Jose. Excursions to San Jose usually include visits to the opera house, the crafts village of Moravia and a privately owned ranch. Other excursions here include a ride on the "banana train" to the banana-growing districts and a tour of a tropical flower farm.

Costa Rica Triple Adventure

Discover the richness of the rain forest while you walk along beautiful trails, and the most amazing shapes of green vegetation will appear before your eyes. Your adventure begins when you arrive to the first of three suspended bridges, exploring a unique and thrilling way to observe the beautiful rainforest canopies. Each of these bridges stretch between 55 and 200 feet and up to 165 feet above the ground. As you continue, your tour guide will point out the most outstanding features of this lush forest, filled with exuberant wildlife including monkeys, sloths, several species of birds, butterflies, the beautiful blue jean frog, the green and black frog and some others. After, board a jungle pontoon boat specially designed to navigate comfortably through the Tortuguero’s impressive network of canals, where waterfowls, sloths, caimans, white-faced and spider monkeys, as well as many other animal species are easily spotted. Enjoy some delicious snacks while a group of friendly local dancers will greet you with colorful costumes followed by a live dance performance with Caribbean rhythms with beautiful stories behind each song! This will be the perfect opportunity to learn about their traditions. Finally, you will visit a rural tourism project. Here, you will have the opportunity to walk through easy trails surrounded by some of the most important crop plantations for the Costa Rican economy. Your tour guide will explain everything about coffee, cocoa and bananas.

Please wear light clothing, comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, bug repellent and umbrellas as you are in the rain forest.