Cruises to Quepos

15 Reviews
Quepos (Photo:Watch_The_World/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Quepos

Quepos may just be the biggest town you see on a cruise along Costa Rica's Pacific coast, and it's the perfect jumping-off point for all sorts of land and sea activities. The area's past is tied to the former United Fruit Company and the production and export of bananas; the favorite plant is now the palm, for the production of palm oil. But tourism reigns supreme, due to Quepos' proximity to the Manuel Antonio National Park, as well as beaches, mangroves, rainforest and the sea.

There's truly something for everyone in Quepos. Nature lovers can explore the park, cameras ready to capture monkeys, sloths and other exotic wildlife, or take a boat ride through the mangroves. Adventure travelers can zip through the jungle on a canopy tour, while fishing enthusiasts can head to sea in search of marlin and sailfish. Foodies can quest for high-end coffee to take home or choose among the numerous restaurants lining the hill between Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Sun lovers have their choice of beaches and water sports.

The town of Quepos isn't the most attractive, but its downtown is tiny and easy to get around. (The streets don't really have names, so we've given directions by landmarks here.) You'll find restaurants catering to tourists, taxis, a bus station and a "supermarket" (more like a corner store), so don't be afraid to go it alone.

  • More about Quepos

  • Why Cruise to Quepos?

  • Quepos Cruise Port Facilities?

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More about Quepos

Why Cruise to Quepos?

Pros:

Manuel Antonio National Park and beaches are within close proximity of Quepos, and it has a quaint downtown

Cons:

It can be oppressively hot and humid here, so be sure to stay hydrated and dress appropriately

Bottom Line:

Quepos provides access to a wonderland of options for active travelers and nature lovers

Quepos Cruise Port Facilities?

There is nothing right by the pier, but the town of Quepos is a 10-minute walk or very quick taxi ride. Once in town, you'll find stores, cafes and restaurants, ATMs, a bus terminal and a taxi stand. There's also a beach, but most people go to the much nicer one near Manuel Antonio.

Good to Know?

The heat and humidity. Most Costa Rican cruises run during the winter months, when northerners have trouble remembering life without winter coats and hats. If you're going to the beach or even just walking around town, wear plenty of sunscreen and bring more to reapply. Drink a lot of water (mix it up with juice or Gatorade for electrolytes), wear a hat and consider dressing in "wicking" fabrics, so your clothes don't get so soaked with sweat.

Getting Around?

On Foot: The pier is a 10- to 15-minute walk from the center of town. Once in town, all restaurants and shops are accessible on foot.

By Taxi: Cabs are available at the pier and by the bus terminal in town. A taxi from the pier into town is about $2, and from the bus terminal to Manuel Antonio is about $15. Taxis are supposed to be metered, but drivers don't always run them, so be sure to negotiate a price before you get in.

By Bus: The public bus from Quepos to Manuel Antonio costs 3.10 colones (you'll want local coins), regardless of whether you stop at the national park, the beach or the restaurants at the top of the hill.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

The currency is the Costa Rican Colon. Many restaurants, shops and other vendors will accept U.S. dollars. If you'd like to get local currency, turn right at the street just past the Best Western, and there's an ATM halfway down the block and another one at the next corner.

Language?

Spanish is the official language, but many people working in the tourist industry speak some English.

Where You're Docked?

You must take a Zodiac or tender from the ship to the pier, which has no facilities. However, taxis do wait nearby to take passengers into town or to Manuel Antonio.


Quepos Cruise Reviews
Go to Manuel Antonio National Park. Go early as this country is very humid but lots of shade in park n on trails..,go with guide or hire one at entrance. We used Mikenaturetour online. They were so good we used them Read More
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weezer7612
Took independent nature tour with Jose through Tours with a Local--probably our favorite event of the trip (other than canal transit). Saw tons of animals, & Jose had telescope to see animals up close.Read More
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Cruise Worm
Booked with Odessey again. Manuel Antonio park hike and beach.Read More
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rsamtleben
We walked into Quepos and then took a local bus to the Manuel Antonio National Park. Very straightforward and much cheaper than the ship's excursionRead More
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Mocamps

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