Puntarenas ferry to close for seven days on Wednesday

The ferry shuttling passengers between the Pacific port of Puntarenas and the Nicoya Peninsula will be closed for seven days (through Sept. 18) while workers dredge near the docks, the Public Works and Transport Ministry (MOPT) said in a press release.

Some 15,000 cubic meters of sand sediment has accumulated in the area of the Puntarenas ferry terminal, the statement said.

According to MOPT’s Maritime Division, some 10,000 passengers and 2,500 vehicles will be affected by suspension of service, and while the interruption of the ferry service comes during low season for the tourism sector, local businesses – which already have been affected by strong earthquake activity since Sept. 5 – could see a drop in activity.

Motorists traveling in the region are advised to use alternate routes including the Friendship Bridge over the Tempisque River, and routes 18 (Pueblo Viejo-Limonal), 21 (Nicoya-Jicaral) and 160, which runs along the Nicoya Peninsula.