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Port of Puntarenas

CRPAS🇨🇷Costa Rica

Port Location

About Port of Puntarenas

Also known as: Muelle Nacional

Puntarenas is a seaport on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, serving as a gateway for bulk carriers, container ships, and general cargo. It handles various vessel types including tankers and passenger ships, with facilities for wharf and anchorage loading/offloading.

Background
Puntarenas is a city in the Puntarenas Province, on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. As the seat of the Municipality of Puntarenas canton, it is awarded the title of city, which comprises the Puntarenas, Chacarita and El Roble districts. As the city of the first canton of the province, it is the capital city of the Puntarenas Province as well, according to the Administrative divisions of Costa Rica.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
8.01m
Channel Depth
9ft
Tidal Range
3ft
Elevation
2m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Mobile
Drydock
U
Repair Code
B

History

Established
1858

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

UN/LOCODE
CRPAS
Country
🇨🇷Costa Rica
Time Zone
UTC-6
Feature Type
DCK (Dock)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Open roadstead
Shelter
Fair

Region

Subdivision
CR-P
Area
West Coast Central America
Latitude
9.9748°
Longitude
-84.8191°

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
15510 →
GeoNames ID
12364938 →
Wikidata
Q30687 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.puntarenas.go.cr →
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Puntarenas?+
The controlling depth at Puntarenas is 8.01 meters. Draft restrictions should be confirmed with the port authority before arrival, as silting, dredging operations, and tidal conditions can affect available depths. Pilotage is typically required for larger vessels.
How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Puntarenas?+
The approach to Puntarenas is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Puntarenas Lighthouse at 0.7 NM to the WSW. Other aids include Puntarenas Pier (0.7 NM WSW), Punta de Puntarenas (1.9 NM W), Puerto Caldera (7.3 NM ESE), Isla Negritos (9.2 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Puntarenas on?+
The Port of Puntarenas is situated on the Caribbean Sea in CR. The area falls within the tropical climate zone with warm waters and seasonal monsoons, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Puntarenas?+
You can track vessels near Puntarenas (CRPAS) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for CRPAS on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Puntarenas?+
The Port of Puntarenas operates in the UTC-6 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.
What is the Port of Puntarenas?+
PUNTARENAS (UN/Locode: CRPAS), Costa Rica is a seaport located at approximately 9.97478° N, -84.81905° E.
Where is the Port of Puntarenas located?+
Coordinates: 9.97478° N, -84.81905° E. Nearby terminals/ports:PUERTO CALDERA — UN/Locode: CRPTC — 9.92000° N, -84.72000° ECALDERA — UN/Locode: CRCAL — 9.91400° N, -84.72100° EQUEPOS — UN/Locode: CRXQP — 9.42567° N, -84.17033° E
What facilities are available at the Port of Puntarenas?+
Harbor type/size: Open Roadstead and Very Small. Cranes: mobile cranes. Lifting: 0–24 MT lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading and anchorage loading/offloading. Depths: channel depth 9.4m - 10m; anchorage depth 7.1m - 9.1m; cargo pier depth 7.1m - 9.1m; oil terminal depth 6.4m - 7.6m and maximum draft approx. 8.01 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Puntarenas?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: restrictions present; ice: none; overhead limits: none and other: may apply.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Puntarenas?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: available; first port of entry: available and additional quarantine services available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: available and tug salvage: not available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Puntarenas?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Container, General Cargo, Offshore, Passenger, Pleasure Craft, Ro Ro and Tanker.