Puntarenas projects 150,000 cruise guests for 2026-2027
Costa Rica’s Pacific port authority expects 72 cruise ship calls, continuing growth from the two previous seasons.
The Costa Rican Pacific Ports Institute projects that the Port of Puntarenas will receive 72 cruise ships carrying 150,000 guests during the 2026-2027 season.
According to the institute’s figures, Puntarenas hosted 63 cruise ships and 79,000 passengers in 2024-2025. The totals increased to 64 ships and 90,000 passengers for the 2025-2026 season.
The 2026-2027 projection would represent cumulative growth of 14.29% in ship calls and 89.87% in guest numbers compared with 2024-2025, the institute said.
Wagner Quesada, the institute’s executive president, said the results demonstrate renewed cruise activity and reinforce Puntarenas’ role as an entry point for visitors exploring Costa Rica. He added that cruise arrivals can support the local economy, generate revenue for businesses and entrepreneurs, and showcase the country’s natural and cultural attractions.