Plan a CruiseQuepos Cruise Port Guide
Quepos is a charming port town nestled in a tropical inlet, surrounded by lush primary rainforest. Cruise ships anchor offshore and guests are tendered directly to the marina, which is just a short walk from the heart of town. The village center itself spans about six blocks, offering a concentrated area of restaurants, bars, bakeries, art galleries, and gift shops, all fronting the main beach and sportfishing fleet. While Quepos has seen growth, it retains much of its original humble character. A key point for visitors is that the local beaches in Quepos are unfortunately polluted and not recommended for swimming; beautiful alternatives are readily available just a short distance away.
Getting Around from the Port
The tender pier at the marina is conveniently located, making the town center of Quepos a very short and easy walk. For travel beyond Quepos, the primary destination is Manuel Antonio Beach and National Park. You can catch a local bus directly from town to Manuel Antonio, which is a fun and economical option. Buses run approximately every 30 minutes and cost about $1 USD for a round trip.
Attractions and Activities
- Manuel Antonio National Park: This is a must-visit and lies just a few minutes south of Quepos. Despite being Costa Rica's smallest national park, it boasts incredible biodiversity and stunning, clean beaches perfect for swimming. The entry fee is $16 USD per person, and the park is closed on Mondays. Plan to spend time exploring its trails and enjoying its pristine coastline.
- Sportfishing: Quepos is renowned as a premier sportfishing destination. Opportunities to catch Pacific Sailfish or Marlin are available daily. You can opt to rent an entire boat for your group or join a split trip with other enthusiasts.
- Explore Downtown Quepos: Within a short walk from the tender pier, you'll find a grid of streets lined with local and tourist-oriented shops, cafes, and restaurants. On Saturday mornings, a lively produce market sets up along the beach in Puerto Quepos.
Dining & Shopping
Downtown Quepos offers a compact area for dining and shopping. You'll find a mix of local eateries, cafes, and restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. The town also features art galleries, gift shops, and other businesses catering to both locals and tourists. For a taste of local life and fresh produce, be sure to check out the Saturday morning market held along the beach in Puerto Quepos.
Safety
- Mosquito Protection: If you plan to venture outside the immediate town areas, it is very important to protect against mosquito bites. The CDC recommends wearing lightweight long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and using insect repellents with high concentrations of DEET.
- Beach Warning: Please note that the beaches within Quepos itself are polluted and are not recommended for swimming. For beach activities, head over the hill to Manuel Antonio, where you'll find beautiful, clean beaches.
Currency and Language
The local currency in Costa Rica is the Colón (plural: Colones). The exchange rate is approximately 575 Colones to 1 US Dollar. ATMs are widely available in most places and typically dispense both US Dollars and Colones. Spanish is the main language, but English is widely understood and spoken in areas frequented by international tourists. The emergency number in Costa Rica is 911. Many cafes in tourist areas offer free WiFi for customers. Be aware of local holidays, as most businesses, including banks, will close. The country effectively shuts down during Easter Holy Week (specifically Holy Thursday, Friday, and Saturday). The Christmas holiday week through New Year's is also often observed as an unofficial holiday. Typical shopping hours are Monday to Saturday, 09:00 to 18:00 or 19:00, with some variations.