A former banana port turned eco-tourism capital, Quepos puts you steps from one of the world's most biodiverse national parks — where sloths drape in cecropia trees and capuchin monkeys eye your lunch.
Ships anchor offshore; tenders run to Marina Pez Vela, a modern, secure facility with shops and tour desks.
💡 Pro move: Manuel Antonio National Park is CLOSED on Tuesdays. Confirm your ship's port day before booking park tickets.
Quepos has no cruise ship pier — all vessels anchor in the harbor and tender passengers ashore.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | Marina Pez Vela, Quepos📍 | Tendered |
| Expedition / small ships | Marina Pez Vela or local dock📍 | Tendered |
From sloth-spotting in ancient rainforest to offshore sailfish battles, Quepos packs more adventure per square mile than almost anywhere in Central America.
Costa Rica's most visited park packs in four monkey species, two- and three-toed sloths, scarlet macaws, and white-sand cove beaches in a compact rainforest. Book tickets online through SINAC — they sell out weeks ahead. Hire a certified guide with a spotting scope at the entrance for guaranteed wildlife sightings.
Find Manuel Antonio guided tours →Glide by kayak or motorboat through the intricate canal network of Damas Island estuary. Spot anteaters, boa constrictors, white-faced monkeys, caimans, and dozens of bird species in the tangle of mangrove roots.
Find Damas Island mangrove tours →Several canopy parks outside Quepos send you flying through the jungle treetops on zip-line circuits with ocean and mountain views. Some include rappelling, hanging bridges, and tarzan swings.
Find zip-lining canopy tours →Half-day catamaran tours depart right from Marina Pez Vela for dolphin watching, snorkeling off Biesanz Bay, and an open bar. Seasonal humpback whales (July–Oct) are a bonus.
Find catamaran snorkel tours →Quepos is one of the world's top sportfishing destinations, with sailfish, mahi-mahi, roosterfish, and yellowfin tuna in the water year-round. Charter boats depart from Marina Pez Vela on half- or full-day trips.
Find sportfishing charters →Perched on the cliffside road to Manuel Antonio, El Avion restaurant is built around an actual Fairchild C-123 cargo plane — a sister ship to the plane shot down in Nicaragua during the Iran-Contra affair. Sip a cocktail in the cockpit bar and take in sweeping Pacific views.
Find El Avion reservations →The marina-to-town stroll is easy and rewarding; the road to Manuel Antonio is scenic but not walkable — take transport.
An easy flat walk along the waterfront from the tender dock into the heart of town. Browse the Mercado Municipal, grab a Casado at a local soda, and see the central plaza and church.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →The Malecón seawall promenade extends from the marina along the harbor, with ocean views, local art, and benches. Good for a relaxed walk before or after excursions.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Quepos, Puntarenas, Costa Rica (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 83°F / 28°C | 74°F / 23°C | 14 | 5:57 AM | 5:35 PM |
| Feb | 85°F / 29°C | 75°F / 24°C | 9 | 5:55 AM | 5:45 PM |
| Mar | 86°F / 30°C | 76°F / 24°C | 12 | 5:43 AM | 5:47 PM |
| Apr | 85°F / 29°C | 76°F / 24°C | 22 | 5:26 AM | 5:46 PM |
| May | 83°F / 28°C | 75°F / 24°C | 28 | 5:16 AM | 5:49 PM |
| Jun | 82°F / 28°C | 74°F / 23°C | 28 | 5:17 AM | 5:57 PM |
| Jul | 82°F / 28°C | 74°F / 23°C | 28 | 5:24 AM | 6:01 PM |
| Aug | 82°F / 28°C | 74°F / 23°C | 28 | 5:28 AM | 5:53 PM |
| Sep | 82°F / 28°C | 74°F / 23°C | 29 | 5:26 AM | 5:36 PM |
| Oct | 81°F / 27°C | 73°F / 23°C | 30 | 5:24 AM | 5:19 PM |
| Nov | 81°F / 27°C | 73°F / 23°C | 27 | 5:30 AM | 5:11 PM |
| Dec | 82°F / 28°C | 74°F / 23°C | 18 | 5:44 AM | 5:19 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Official red taxis (marked with a yellow triangle and number) wait at Marina Pez Vela. The short ride to Quepos city center costs roughly 1,500–2,500 CRC ($3–5 USD); confirm the fare before departing as meters aren't always used.
Local buses run every 15–30 minutes between Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park from around 5:45 AM to 10 PM. Pay in cash (small bills); fare is about 410 CRC ($0.75 USD).
Shared and private shuttle services connect Quepos to Manuel Antonio National Park, with round-trip options available through local operators. Good choice if traveling with a group or luggage.
Uber operates in Costa Rica and has been reported in Quepos, though availability is limited and driver cancellations can occur. Bolt launched in Costa Rica in late 2024 and may also serve the area.
Marina Pez Vela is a short walk from central Quepos — the town center with restaurants and shops is roughly 10–15 minutes on foot. Flat, easy terrain.
Upcoming cruises that call at Quepos, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.