Posted on behalf of SY Wings (USA)

We went to Puntarenas to get some engine work done. We anchored overnight near the end of the spit and came into Puerto Azul on the last of the flood tide the next morning. We followed the waypoints in Sarana’s guide, but the CM93 chart we had would have served as well. With our 8ft draft we went slow, (the estuary is not dredged) however we had at least 1.5 feet under our keel at all times, usually more, on a 2.5-meter tide.

Costa Rica Yacht Club had told us via telephone that they could not accommodate our draft, and anyhow, we needed power since we had an engine problem which precluded charging our batteries. Puerto Azul welcomed us and helped us into a berth with enough water for our draft. The rate at Puerto Azul was fair (if you buy a monthly berth) and water, power, and all hotel facilities were included.
The facility was clean, well cared or, and the staff excellent. The pool and bar are a luxury.

Puntarenas is a delightful little town, a working town, not a tourist town, and we found it to be inexpensive and friendly. You won’t however, find western style beach bars and billibong surf clothing stores. You will find local restaurants with typical Costa Rican food at a fair price, cold beer, and many shops with inexpensive clothing and other items. It is a fishing town and there are great mechanics available and many parts available, but no west marine style stores. Provisioning is fine in Puntarenas with its several large supermarkets, but not as good as Panama.

The current in the estuary runs several knots, so take care docking and tie your boat securely. We don’t recommend long term anchoring, there is really no good dingy access and the shoreline is rough and dirty, to say nothing about the alligator infestation (we saw them every time we went out in our dingy, big ones) and theft is reputed to be a problem.

We took bus trips to San Jose, Poas Volcano, Jaco, Quepos, and Manuel Antonio National Park. The buses are excellent and cheap, although not air conditioned.
Fred & Judy, SV Wings, Puntarenas