Costa Rica expects around 150,000 cruise passengers to arrive in Puntarenas during the 2026–2027 season, a sharp increase that could bring more business to tour operators, restaurants, transportation companies and shops along the Pacific coast. The Costa Rican Pacific Ports Institute (INCOP), projects 72 cruise ship visits during the season. That compares with 64 ships and approximately 90,000 passengers during the previous period.
If the projection holds, Puntarenas will receive about 60,000 more cruise passengers than it did last season, an increase of nearly 67%. The number of ship visits would rise by 12.5%. The longer-term increase is even larger. Puntarenas received 63 cruise ships and 79,000 passengers during the 2024–2025 season. That means passenger traffic is expected to climb by almost 90% over two seasons, according to INCOP.
The figures represent passengers arriving at Costa Rica’s Pacific cruise terminals and should not be confused with the broader number of international tourists entering the country through airports and land borders. INCOP President Wagner Quesada said each arriving ship creates opportunities for local businesses while promoting Puntarenas and Costa Rica’s natural and cultural attractions internationally.
Cruise passengers typically spend only part of a day in port, making transportation and short trips particularly important. Popular options from Puntarenas include trips to wildlife areas, beaches, coffee farms and adventure attractions, as well as visits to the city’s waterfront, restaurants and souvenir shops.
The expected increase could also benefit guides, taxi and bus operators, artisans and small businesses that depend on visitors reaching the city directly from the cruise terminal. For Puntarenas, the challenge will be turning the higher passenger count into meaningful local spending. Cruise tourism can bring thousands of visitors into the city within a few hours, but the economic benefit depends partly on whether travelers remain near the port or leave immediately on excursions arranged elsewhere.
The season also gives Costa Rica an opportunity to encourage cruise visitors to return for longer vacations. Many passengers receive only a brief introduction to the country during their stop, but tourism businesses can use that visit to promote future stays in destinations such as Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula.
INCOP said the expected growth should strengthen tourism, commerce, transportation, food services, crafts and other businesses in Puntarenas and surrounding communities
