Costa Rica
From CruisersWiki
Costa Rica
| Costa Rica | |
 Costa Rica | |
 Flag | |
| Capital: | San Jose` |
|---|---|
| Language: | Spanish |
| Currency: | Costa Rican Colon |
| More notes about the country | |
The background and history of Costa Rica is best observed on Wikipedia
Notes on regional cruising/sailing?
Climate & Weather
Submit the climate & general weather details.
Sources of weather forecasting here:
Charts
Submit details of the charts required for safe navigation of the area.
Any navigation notes here.
Local Radio Nets
Also see Cruiser's Nets
Submit details of Cruiser's Nets and VHF operating/calling channels here.
Arrival/Departure procedures
Arrival
It is advised to make first landfall at an official port of entry if possible.
A clearance certificate from the last port or country visited must be presented, and be sure that all crewmembers' passports have an exit stamp from the last country.
Clearance must be done in sequence: Port Authority, then Customs and lastly Immigration (all crew to visit Immigration). The port officials visit the yacht on entering Costa Rica.
In subsequent ports of entry, the skipper may go ashore to clear with the Port Captain and present the Zarpe (clearance certificate).
Departure
The port captain at the port of departure will issue an international departure certificate Zarpe specifying the country of destination. Immigration must be visited before your departure.
Immigration, Visas & Customs
Immigration
Visas are issued on arrival to citizens from most countries. No visas are required for stays of up to 90 days for citizens of the E. U., Argentina, Canada, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, South Korea, USA, and Uruguay.
No visas are required for stays of up to 30 days for nationals of Antigua, Albania, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Colombia, Chile, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Iceland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kuwait, Monaco, Mexico, New Zealand, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, St Kitts, St Lucia, San Marino, St Vincent, Singapore, Suriname, Trinidad, UAE, and Venezuela. Visas are required for all others.
Customs
A Temporary Import Certificate (Certificado de Entrada) for the yacht is issued by Customs - that is valid for three months. An additional 90 day extension may be obtained by applying to Customs in San José or Liberia.
Firearms and all ammunition MUST must be declared on arrival.
PETS- Pets require a Health Certificate issued by a licensed Veterinarian which must show the Veterinarians name and license number, address of clinic/pet hospital, telephone number and email in addition to the pet's name, species, sex, vaccination details and dates and must show that the pet is free from any parasites and any clinical signs of infectious diseases. A document declaring pets market value is also required. Further details
Fees & Charges
- Visa =
- Cruising Permit =
- Marine Park Fees =
- Fishing licence =
- Scuba licence =
Health
Prophylaxis for Malaria is highly recommended and please note that Dengue Fever is endemic in the country.
Security
Details?
Ports & Popular Stops
- Caribbean Coast
- Puerto Limon (Port of entry)
- Pacific Coast
- Golfito (Port of entry)
- Playa Herradura
- Playa de Coco (Port of entry)
- Puntarenas (Port of entry)
- Quepos (Port of entry)
Offshore Islands
- Cocos Island, National Marine Park, World Natural Heritage Site (UNESCO 1997) and Wetlands of International Importance (RAMSAR 1998). Two Coast Guard officers are stationed on the island, and one or two park rangers. Approximately 300 miles southeast of Puntarenas in the Pacific (approximately 5° 33’N, 87° 02’ W), the 24 square kilometer (~10 sq. miles) is famous as a pirate hideout dating back to the 14th Century. Legend says that there is pirate treasure buried somewhere on the island. The island receives more than 22 feet of rain a year, which supports a tropical rain forest and many waterfalls. It used to be free to anchor here, but now there are fees charged for anchoring. Chatham Bay is a lovely, but deep anchorage. There is a persistent ocean swell that can make the anchorage very rolly and uncomfortable.
The water is exceptionally clear, and it is considered by SCUBA divers to have the greatest collection of large sea life in the world. One can see huge schools of hammerhead sharks, and there are large Manta Rays, some of which welcome the divers and present themselves for riding. Their behavior is apparently intended to rid themselves of the Remoras that attach themselves to the Mantas.
Cruiser's Friends
- Stellar Sails (Sails and Canvas) - Offers a pick-up service to cruisers and always happy to offer information about Costa Rica. David Ware's Phone: 506 8995 9770, Email
References & Publications
Books, etc.
Links to Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
Submit useful website links for the region
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
- Have spent quite a fair bit of time sailing in and around Gulf of Nicoya, where Yacht Club Putarenas is located. Great cost effective mooring on the estuary with nice facilities. Wonderful sailing breezes on the Gulf and more and more regattas, as sailing catches on here in Costa Rica. An extremely sophisticated, and in general and English speaking, Costa Rica Yacht club membership, will no doubt regale you with great stories of their wonderful country. Super friendly people. Be advised , it can get rather hot on the Estuary, but the Yacht Club offers AC rooms at reasonable rates, huge pool and probably the most cruiser friendly locale in Costa Rica, if you need to get off the boat for a bit. Great food and ambience. Tell the manager, Carlos Chincilla , that David Ware (Stellar Sails) recommended the club.( Our brochures are on the members notice board.) The owner of the Restaurant also Carlos limited English but great host will make you feel at home. Go for the Fillet Mignon as opposed to the Lobster.
Mechanical repairs are available, slips also at the Puerto Azul, new development next door. Owner is Fabio. Not sure the rates.
Puntarenas is the original beach town of Costa Rica reminiscent of parts of Old Spain and the Caribbean. It is a poor town and as everywhere get local knowledge before venturing out in depth.
Welcome to Costa Rica - David Ware, Stellar Sails.
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