Costa Rica Cruises
Costa Rica cruises are available by small expedition-style ships or aboard luxurious sailing ships. From pristine rain forests to glorious palm-fringed beaches, the "rich coast" lives up to its name in every imaginable way. Embrace the Costa Rican lifestyle of relaxation, bliss and happiness on a cruise to this rugged Central American country.
Read more about Costa Rica Cruises >
Costa Rica Cruise Highlights
Costa Rica is a favorite for adventurers looking to zipline through the jungle, climb amidst the canopies, or hike up to a volcano. Nature-lovers will love the vast array of eco-tourism and outdoor opportunities, like boating through Tortuguero National Park, whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River or chocolate tasting and birdwatching at the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, La Selva. Learn about Costa Rica's culture at the Teatro Nacional or the intimate Jazz Cafe.
Popular Costa Rica Cruise Ports
Though a relatively small country, Costa Rica is home to many ports. Here are three favorites:
- San Jose: Discover Costa Rica's capital, located in the center of the country, and its enviable climate - described as "eternal spring." San Jose is a bustling city with more than 300,000 residents, and is home to many museums, cultural centers and ancient churches.
- Los Suenos: A resort area located southwest of San Jose, Los Suenos offers access to the Carara Biological Reserve, home to rare scarlet macaws and dozens of other unique animals, as well as excellent billfishing locations.
- Drake Bay: First discovered by Sir Francis Drake in 1579, Drake Bay is a tiny town with a rich history. A visit to the Corcovado National Park is a must, and water lovers will be in paradise with many opportunities to scuba dive, swim, snorkel or kayak.
When is the Best Time to Go to Costa Rica?
The ideal time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April. During this dry season, you can expect plenty of sunshine, perfect for exploring the rainforest and relaxing on one of the country's beautiful beaches. Cruise lines often pair this destination with Panama or other Caribbean nations.
What Cruise Lines Go to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica ports are often included in large ships' Western Caribbean or Panama Canal itineraries; if you're looking for more time in this destination, a smaller vessel may be best. Here are some lines to consider:
- Carnival Cruises: Sail to Limon, Costa Rica as part of a Carnival Panama Canal cruise. Here you can take part in ecotourism at its finest, swimming in the clear Caribbean waters, overlooking stunning waterfalls and trekking through the rainforests. Depart from Tampa, Florida; Baltimore, Maryland; or Galveston, Texas.
- Windstar Cruises: One of the few cruise lines to offer a round-trip Costa Rican itinerary, Windstar brings guests all over Costa Rica - visit places like San Juan del Sur, Bahia Drake, Tortuga Island, Curu and more. Extend your stay with optional land packages featuring the Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloudforest, and Tortuguero National Park.
- Princess Cruises: Princess sails to Limon and Puntarenas, Costa Rica during Panama Canal cruises. Discover the Veragua Rainforest and get up close to sloths in an Animal Planet Exclusive excursion. In Puntarenas, visit the Pura Vida Gardens, named after the inimitable Costa Rican lifestyle.
| Month | Number of Cruises | From Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 2024 | 2 cruises | $4,369 |
| Dec 2024 | 8 cruises | $3,269 |
| Jan 2025 | 13 cruises | $3,379 |
| Feb 2025 | 11 cruises | $3,229 |
| Mar 2025 | 7 cruises | $4,148 |
| Nov 2025 | 4 cruises | $4,169 |
| Dec 2025 | 7 cruises | $2,969 |
| Jan 2026 | 2 cruises | $4,875 |
| Feb 2026 | 6 cruises | $3,357 |
| Mar 2026 | 5 cruises | $3,357 |
| Apr 2026 | 4 cruises | $3,624 |
| Nov 2026 | 3 cruises | $4,579 |
| Dec 2026 | 2 cruises | $8,332 |
| Jan 2027 | 5 cruises | $6,801 |
| Feb 2027 | 4 cruises | $7,611 |
| Mar 2027 | 3 cruises | $7,611 |
| 7 Night Costa Rica and Panama Canal Cruise from Colon | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
7 Nights |
$3,269per person
(double occupancy) |
| 11 Night Monteverde Cloud Forest and Arenal Volcano Cruise Tour Cruise and Land Tour from San Jose | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
11 Nights |
$5,757per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Costa Rica and Panama Canal Cruise from Puerto Caldera | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
|
7 Nights |
$3,357per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Monteverde Cloud Forest and Arenal Volcano Cruise Tour Cruise from Colon | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
|
7 Nights |
$4,369per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Costa Rica and Panama Canal Cruise from Colon | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
|
7 Nights |
$3,269per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Costa Rica and Panama Canal Cruise from Puerto Caldera | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
|
7 Nights |
$3,357per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Naturally Costa Rica Cruise from Puerto Caldera | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
|
7 Nights |
$3,229per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Costa Rica and Panama Canal Cruise from Puerto Caldera | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
7 Nights |
$2,969per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Costa Rica and the Panama Canal Cruise from San Jose | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
National Geographic Quest 13 Sail Dates: 11/23; 12/7; 12/21; 1/9/25; 1/28/25; 2/16/25; 3/7/25; 11/30/25; 1/2/26; 2/4/26; See More Starting Port: San Jose, Costa Rica Ports of Call: San Jose, Puerto Caldera, Corcovado National Park, Golfo Dulce, Playa Blanca Costa Rica... |
7 Nights |
$6,456per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Costa Rica and the Panama Canal Cruise from San Jose | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
National Geographic Quest 11 Sail Dates: 11/23; 12/7; 12/21; 1/9/25; 1/28/25; 2/16/25; 3/7/25; 11/30/25; 1/2/26; 2/4/26; See More Starting Port: San Jose, Costa Rica Ports of Call: San Jose, Puerto Caldera, Corcovado National Park, Golfo Dulce, Playa Blanca Costa Rica... |
7 Nights |
$6,456per person
(double occupancy) |
| 5 Night Exploring Costa Rica Guanacaste Santa Rosa and Rincon de la Vieja Cruise from Puerto Caldera | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
National Geographic Quest 6 Sail Dates: 1/4/25; 1/23/25; 2/11/25; 3/2/25; 11/20/25; 11/25/25; 12/28/25; 1/30/26; 2/18/26; 3/9/26; See More Starting Port: Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica Ports of Call: Puerto Caldera, Santa Elena Bay Costa Rica, Cuajiniquil... |
5 Nights |
$4,344per person
(double occupancy) |
| 5 Night Exploring Costa Rica Guanacaste Santa Rosa and Rincon de la Vieja Cruise from Puerto Caldera | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
National Geographic Quest 6 Sail Dates: 1/4/25; 1/23/25; 2/11/25; 3/2/25; 11/20/25; 11/25/25; 12/28/25; 1/30/26; 2/18/26; 3/9/26; See More Starting Port: Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica Ports of Call: Puerto Caldera, Santa Elena Bay Costa Rica, Cuajiniquil... |
5 Nights |
$4,344per person
(double occupancy) |
| 8 Night Exploring Arenal Volcano Pearl Islands and the Panama Canal Cruise and Land Tour from San Jose | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
|
8 Nights |
$6,801per person
(double occupancy) |
