Last checked: September 23, 2026, against both operators' published schedules and fares.
How long is the ferry ride?
About 70 minutes to Paquera, with lovely views of the islands and coastline on the way. From the Paquera dock it's about 27 miles (43 km) to Santa Teresa, paved except the last few kilometers, roughly 1 to 1¼ hours by car. All in, expect 5½ to 6 hours from San José to Santa Teresa, including the drive to Puntarenas and waiting at the dock. On board there's a snack bar, air-conditioned indoor seating and an open upper deck.
How much does it cost, and do you need to book?
Fares are low. On the Paquera ferry, a foot passenger pays ₡810 (under $2) and a car with its driver comes to roughly ₡13,700 (about $27 to $31, depending on the exchange rate). The car ticket doesn't cover the driver, so everyone in the car needs a passenger ticket.
You don't have to book, but we strongly recommend it on weekends, around Christmas and Easter, and through the busy dry season (December to April). Only part of each boat is sold online, and the ticket office at the dock takes cash only, and won't accept $50 or $100 bills. Lines can be long, so arrive early: at least 45 minutes before departure, and 1 to 2 hours in high season.
| Fare (at last check) | Paquera (Naviera Tambor) | Playa Naranjo (Coonatramar) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult passenger | ₡810 | ₡1,000 |
| Child | ₡480 | ₡600 (ages 3 to 12) |
| Senior | Free | – |
| Car (light vehicle), tax included | ₡12,882 (₡11,400 + 13% tax) | ₡10,170 |
| Driver | Passenger ticket on top (₡810) | ₡1,000 on top |
| Motorcycle | ₡3,400 + tax | ₡3,390 |
| Bicycle | ₡2,200 + tax | ₡2,260 |
| Quad or trike | ₡6,800 + tax | ₡6,780 |
Insider tip: Schedules change a few times a year. Always check the operator's site the day before you travel, and carry enough colones in small bills for the whole car.
Ferry Puntarenas - Paquera
Naviera Tambor
This is the ferry to take for Santa Teresa and Malpaís. The same eight departures leave from both docks (schedule in force since April 2026). See the latest on Naviera Tambor's website; online tickets are sold through QuickPay CR.
From Puntarenas to Paquera: 4:00 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.
From Paquera to Puntarenas: 4:00 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.
Ferry Puntarenas - Playa Naranjo
Coonatramar
Playa Naranjo is about 12 miles (20 km) north of Paquera, so it adds to your drive to Malpaís. It's handy if you're heading to the middle of the peninsula, or as a backup when the Paquera boat is full. Cars pay ₡10,170 plus ₡1,000 per passenger, and vehicles without a ticket can't board. Check the latest on Coonatramar's website.
From Puntarenas to Playa Naranjo: 5:15 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 8:30 p.m. (plus 11:30 a.m. on Fridays and Sundays)
From Playa Naranjo to Puntarenas: 5:15 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. (plus 2:30 p.m. on Fridays and Sundays)
Coonatramar runs just two boats, so one breakdown hits the timetable: from July 30 to about August 23, 2026, with one boat out for repairs, the 8:30 p.m. from Puntarenas and the 5:15 a.m. from Playa Naranjo were dropped.
Last checked: September 23, 2026, against the operators' published schedules and fares (Naviera Tambor for Paquera, Coonatramar for Playa Naranjo). The Playa Naranjo times run through November 30, 2026.
What if you miss the ferry?
Don't panic: there's another boat. Paquera sailings are two to three hours apart through the day, so missing one usually means a long lunch in Puntarenas and the next departure. If the Paquera boat is full, the Playa Naranjo ferry is the backup (with a ticket), and it's about 30 minutes further to drive once you land.
Evenings are trickier. The last Paquera sailing leaves Puntarenas at 10:00 p.m., and the next one isn't until 4:00 a.m. Miss that and you either spend the night in Puntarenas or drive around the Gulf of Nicoya over the La Amistad bridge, which is a long way round at night. If you booked online for a specific sailing, check the operator's terms before you go.
How do private transfers handle the ferry?
A private transfer to Santa Teresa from San José usually works one of three ways: the van drives onto the ferry with you; you cross as foot passengers and a second van meets you at Paquera, which skips the car line; or the driver goes around by road over the La Amistad bridge, which takes 6 to 6½ hours and isn't tied to the sailing times. With us you choose the ferry route or the road route when you book: from $385 per vehicle via the ferry, or from $675 around by road. For a late landing, the road route or a first night near San José beats a wait at the dock. See the San José airport to Santa Teresa transfer or all private transfers.
Getting on from Paquera
From the Paquera dock, the road runs through Tambor and Cóbano to the crossroads at Playa Carmen: turn left for Malpaís or right for Santa Teresa. Montezuma is about 50 minutes from the dock. Fill up in Paquera or Cóbano, since there's no gas station in Santa Teresa. The Santa Teresa driving map shows the route, and getting to Santa Teresa compares the ferry with flying to Cóbano and the water taxi from Jacó.
Skip the ferry line: your driver is waiting at arrivals
- Your driver meets you at arrivals, or at your hotel, with a sign bearing your name.
- Safe, friendly, English-speaking drivers with the credentials for tourist transport, arranged by Anywhere Costa Rica (IATA and ASTA accredited).
- Modern, spacious, air-conditioned vans.
- Up to an hour of stops is included: groceries, cold drinks, photos or lunch on the way.
- 24/7 in-country support by phone, text and WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Puntarenas ferry to Paquera?
About 70 minutes. From the Paquera dock it's another 1 to 1¼ hours by road to Santa Teresa and Malpaís.
How much is the Puntarenas ferry?
On the Paquera ferry, ₡810 for an adult foot passenger and ₡480 for a child. A light vehicle is ₡12,882 including tax, and the driver pays a passenger ticket on top, so a car and driver come to about ₡13,700 (roughly $27 to $31, depending on the exchange rate).
Do I need to book the ferry in advance?
You don't have to, but book on weekends, around Christmas and Easter, and from December to April. Only part of each boat is sold online, through QuickPay CR; the rest is sold at the dock, cash only.
How early should I get to the ferry?
At least 45 minutes before departure normally, 1 to 2 hours on weekends and in high season, and 2 to 3 hours at Christmas and Easter if you don't have a ticket.
Which ferry is best for Santa Teresa and Montezuma?
The Naviera Tambor ferry to Paquera. Playa Naranjo is about 12 miles (20 km) further north, which adds around 30 minutes of driving, so use it only if the Paquera boat is full or you're heading to the middle of the peninsula.
What happens if we miss the last ferry?
The last Paquera sailing leaves Puntarenas at 10 p.m. and the next one at 4 a.m. Your choices are a night in Puntarenas, or the long drive around the Gulf of Nicoya over the La Amistad bridge.
Can I take the ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers pay ₡810. Local buses meet the ferry in Paquera and run to Cóbano, Montezuma and Santa Teresa, and taxis run from Paquera to Santa Teresa too.