Puerto Limon, Costa Rica - Central American Caribbean Port of Call

Costa Rica is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Central America, and Puerto Limon is the most important Costa Rican port on the Caribbean. Columbus "discovered" Costa Rica on his fourth voyage to the Americas and was so impressed that he named it Costa Rica. Columbus landed at an ancient village near Puerto Limon and it proved to be one of the best ports on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. The country is full of volcanic mountains, lush valleys, and virgin tropical rainforests supporting a diverse mixture of plant and animal life. Costa Rica has preserved almost one quarter of its land area as national parks or preserves. Some of the interesting shore excursion options revolve around these national parks or the Costa Rican countryside. Here are five possibilities of things to do with a day in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica.

• Riding an aerial tram across the canopy of the rain forest in the Braulio Carrillo National Park is one way to visit and enjoy the treasures of this ecosystem without having to hike the challenging terrain. The tram glides above the forest, and a naturalist guide answers questions and points out the highlights. Participants will have lunch at the Tram facilities before the ride back to the ship past the banana plantations and rural countryside.
• The capital city of San José is also accessible to cruise ship passengers porting at Puerto Limon. Although the drive to San José is about 2 1/2 hours, the lush countryside and beautiful exotic scenery should make the drive enjoyable. After arriving in San José, participants will visit the National Museum of Pre-Columbian Art and the Opera House. A typical "Tico" lunch will be served before the group returns to the ship.
• Cruisers who are looking for something more strenuous and adventurous might choose to go white water rafting in Costa Rica. Although the 1 1/2 hours of rafting are strenuous, it's the three-mile walk through the forest that might get you! The "cruise" down the river promises to be a combination of exciting rapids and exotic wildlife such as monkeys and sloths.
• If rafting (or hiking for three miles) sounds like a little too much, then how about horseback riding at a ranch near Puerto Limon? The ride meanders along a spectacular trail in the Star Valley, passing through a lush tropical region, along river banks, and across streams into the jungle.
• The last shore excursion option also involves a trek through the countryside of Costa Rica--in a six-wheel drive vehicle. The converted Russian missile launcher will drive along the rural and secondary roads, stopping to enjoy the flora and fauna and spectacular scenery. It's not as strenuous as hiking through the jungle or horseback riding, but it should be fun!

With all of the wonderful shore excursion options in Puerto Limon, it's easy to understand why many people rate Costa Rica as a favorite place to spend their entire Central American vacation. The Seven Seas Navigator sailed from Central America after only one day in Puerto Limon. No one was too disappointed; however, because our next port of call was at Grand Cayman Island in the Cayman Islands.