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Paquera is a small, off-the-radar town on the Nicoya Peninsula, best known as the landing point for the Puntarenas to Paquera Ferry. While many travelers pass through on their way to Santa Teresa, Montezuma, or north, Paquera has a few hidden gems that make it worth an overnight stay.
We spent a night in Paquera before heading further up the coast, and while it’s not a major destination, it was a great stopover to break up the trip and experience the bioluminescent bay. If you’re considering a visit, here’s what you need to know.
Beautiful Playa Órganos
How to Get to Paquera
Paquera is located on the southeastern edge of the Nicoya Peninsula, making it an important gateway for travelers heading to destinations like Santa Teresa, Montezuma, and Tambor. The most common way to get there is by taking the Puntarenas to Paquera Ferry, but you can also reach it by road or public transportation.
An epic ferry trip!
By Ferry
Most travelers take the Puntarenas to Paquera Ferry, which offers a scenic and time-saving route across the Gulf of Nicoya. Instead of driving around the gulf (which adds hours to the trip), the ferry gets you to Paquera in about 90 minutes. We recommend taking the ferry for the overall experience and the scenic views of the Gulf of Nicoya.
Beach stops along the way
By Car
For travelers coming from the northern Nicoya Peninsula, including Tamarindo, Nosara, or Santa Teresa, driving to Paquera can be a scenic and rewarding journey. The route takes you through rolling hills, dry tropical forests, and small rural towns, giving you a glimpse of everyday life in Costa Rica. Unlike the ferry route from Puntarenas, driving down the peninsula allows for spontaneous stops at beaches, roadside sodas (local restaurants), and scenic viewpoints.
Things to Do in Paquera
Bioluminescent Bay Tour
Paquera is home to one of Costa Rica’s bioluminescent bays, where the water glows when disturbed due to microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates. This was our main reason for visiting, but our experience was a mixed bag.
We booked a Bioluminescence Tour, and while the tour itself was great, the visibility of the bioluminescence was only so-so because of the bright moonlight. If you really want to see the glowing water at its best, it’s crucial to book on a new moon when the sky is darkest. Otherwise, you might not see much luminescence.
There are several tour operators in the area, and since they all visit the same spots, any decently rated company should be a good choice. Just make sure to check the moon phase before booking to avoid disappointment.
Eddy’s Bioluminescence Tour Boat
A little Bioluminescence!
Snorkel Isla Tortuga
A short boat ride from Paquera, Isla Tortuga is one of the best snorkeling spots at the end of the Nicoya Peninsula. The island’s clear waters, rock formations, and vibrant marine life make it an ideal place to spot angelfish, pufferfish, moray eels, and even sea turtles. Most tours to Isla Tortuga from Paquera include snorkeling, beach time, and a light lunch on the island’s shores. The best conditions for snorkeling are during the dry season (December–April) when the water is calm and visibility is at its peak. Check tour availability here.
Playa Órganos
A quiet, scenic beach about 10-15 minutes from town known for its calm waters, golden sand, and open stretches. If you’re looking for a place to relax, this is one of the best options near Paquera.
Directions to Playa Órganos
Curu Wildlife Refuge
A small but diverse nature reserve just outside of Paquera. It’s a great spot for hiking and spotting wildlife like monkeys, iguanas, deer, and exotic birds. The refuge also offers boat tours to Tortuga Island, which is one of the most popular day trips in the area. Many hotels offer tour services, but you can view tour options here for private tours with a certified guide.
Howlers in the trees
Where to Stay in Paquera
We stayed at Hotel Vista Las Islas, which was a great mix of budget and ambiance. The property itself was beautiful, and the views were incredible. This is definitely a nice place to relax for a night and we’ll be back for sure.
Other accommodation options:
- Budget-Friendly: Cabinas Naomy – Simple, clean, and close to the ferry dock.
- Unique Stay: Curu Lodge – Located inside Curu Wildlife Refuge for a nature-focused experience.
Can’t beat this view
A perfect one night stopover
How Long to Stay in Paquera?
1–2 nights is plenty. We stayed just one night before heading to Montezuma, Santa Teresa, and eventually our condo in Playa Flamingo, and that felt like the right amount of time. Unless you plan to explore Curu Wildlife Refuge or take a day trip to Tortuga Island, we consider Paquera best as a short stopover rather than a multi-day destination.
Travel Tips for Paquera
- Check the moon phase before booking a bioluminescence tour. Going on a full moon? Forget about it. You really need to be close to the complete darkness of a new moon to see bioluminescence.
- Rent a car if you want to explore beyond town, as public transportation is limited.
- Bring cash, as some small businesses don’t accept credit cards.
Let’s go!
While Paquera isn’t a major tourist hotspot, this small authentic Costa Rican town is a great stopover for travelers heading to the Nicoya Peninsula. The bioluminescent bay, secluded beaches, and Curu Wildlife Refuge make it an interesting place to visit for a night or two.
If you’re passing through on the ferry, it’s worth spending a night to see the bioluminescence. Just make sure to go on a dark night for the best experience!
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For more tips on car rentals in Costa Rica, check out our Guide To Renting A Car in Costa Rica.
