Beauty And Stability
Costa Rica is a federal republic with a strong constitution that has led to over 59 successive years of democratic government. It is fast becoming a major destination for ex-patriates from the United States looking for a stable Latin American country with a relatively inexpensive lifestyle.
Located on the Central American isthmus, it reaches from the Caribbean Sea in the East to the Pacific Ocean on the West. Costa Rica's natural beauty ranges from the Caribbean beaches to craters of still steaming volcanoes such as "Volcan Poa".
Costa Rica's official language is Spanish but the coastal city of Limon is also home to speakers of Mekatelyu, a creole of English.
Tourism is growing at a fast pace, and Puerto Limon serves as the major entry destination for cruise lines. This lens concentrates on the aspects of Costa Rica that relate primarily to its role as a cruise destination.
This lens is one of a series that the author is providing on over twenty cruise destinations in the Caribbean. Each lens will include general information on the destination, suggested shore excursions, and video and photographic illustrations where appropriate.
Falls On The Rio Savegre
Suggested Shore Excursions For Costa Rica
As in other destinations, you have a wide range of shore excursions that you can choose from, but you can only choose one or two shore excursions within the time you have available.
Remember that you can always see the rest on your NEXT cruise to Costa Rica. I am listing a few of the shore excursions listed by Carnival cruise lines below. The full list of twenty-two plus excursions can be found HERE.
If you go to the Carnival Cruise Lines site above, you will be able to click on links for each excursion which will give detailed descriptions of each excursion.
The photos with the excursions below are from Carnival's site and are specific to their excursions. Other cruise lines may have different excursions.
Follow the links on the linked excursions to see the original pictures and a more detailed description of the excursion.
- A Taste Of The Tropics 4.5 hours "Take this educational journey through one of Costa Rica's pineapple plantations and learn everything you wanted to know about this delicious tropical fruit.On this fascinating excursion you will: Take a one-hour journey to Hacienda Ojo de Agua, the Del Monte pineapple farm; Walk through the plantation and feel awed by the beauty and immensity of the Hacienda; Witness the complete process of harvesting, processing, and packing of the pineapples; Enjoy the sweet flavor of one of the highest quality pineapples in the world; Board your vehicle for a scenic ride along the lush rain forest back to the pier".
High There 6.75 hours Get an aerial view of Costa Rica from the treetops in this excursion. "On this excursion you will: Begin with a two-hour scenic journey from Puerto Limon to the aerial tram site located at an eco-tourism and research facility near Braulio Carrillo National Park; See the private reserve that protects 1,200 acres of primary rain forest and an amazing biodiversity; Take a 70-minute aerial tram ride, in an open-air gondola; Strap on a harness and zip over the canopy for a bird's eye view of the rain forest."
Caribbean Train, Boat & Bus Experience 4.5 hours "Discover the natural beauty of Costa Rica by train, boat and bus. Ride a historical train that has been in service over 100 years; Relax in comfort as you travel from Limon to Moin Empalme; Journey along the beautiful countryside stopping for photos of monkeys, sloths and other wildlife; Arrive at Empalme for a short transfer to the dock acilities; Board a covered, open-air boat that will take you along the Tortuguero Canals; Explore the impressive network of lakes and canals surrounded by lush vegetation. See the amazing array of wildlife, including: monkeys, white-faced capuchin, crocodiles, sloths, toucans, and over 300 species of birds; Return to the dock for a complimentary fruit buffet and refreshments; Board your motor coach for a scenic ride to a banana plantation. Learn about Costa Rica's main agricultural product and the packing process." 
Pontoon Jungle Ride 6.75 hours "Try this jungle adventure excursion down a tranquil river through areas of lush vegetation. On this excursion you will: Take a scenic 40-minute ride to the pontoon launch site; Board the pontoon specifically designed for navigating through the jungle on river waterways; See many different species of birds, reptiles and mammals in their natural jungle habitat; Listen as your guide keeps you entertained by telling stories and pointing out important sights; Shop for local handcrafted souvenirs back at the dock."
White Water Rafting Class III 6.5 hours "Depart Puerto Limon aboard an air conditioned motor coach. Take a one-hour ride to the heart of the Caribbean Section of Costa Rica; Arrive at the rafting site and receive a safety briefing and your gear; Begin with an exhilarating and continuous set of rapids; Raft the dam-controlled Reventazón River's powerful rapids, big waves and clean waters; Relax during the long calm stretches and quiet pools; Have wonderful opportunities to enjoy stunning scenery, wildlife and exotic landscapes; Feel the adrenaline rush as you flow down the river surrounded by the natural beauty of the rain forest; Return to the Rios Tropicales Center for a delicious Costa Rican lunch and refreshments, before the return drive to your ship."
Sloth Sanctuary & Canoe Adventure 5 hours "Take the time to learn about these incredible slow-moving creatures, their habits, and hopes for their future. Begin with a 45-minute motor coach ride from the port to Aviarios del Caribe; Board your canoe and your guide will row silently through the natural waterways; Visit where over 300 species of wildlife live in this protected setting; Explore nature trails with your guide and arrive at the sloth sanctuary; Watch a brief video and visit the sloths; Enjoy refreshments and a tropical fruit buffet before you depart the sanctuary."
More About Limon, Costa Rica
Limón, also known as Puerto Limón, is the capital of Limón Province in Costa Rica. It is the country's main Caribbean port city, including the terminals of Limón and Moín, and has a population of around 105,000 (including many neighboring small cities). The city, and the province in general, is home to most of Costa Rica's citizens of African descent. Originally from Jamaica, these workers were brought to the area in the late 19th century to build the railroad line from San José to Limón. The rail line boosted the country's banana exports and economy in general. By the time the line was closed, the city was the country's primary harbor. Limón is also home to speakers of Mekatelyu, a creole of English.
Costa Rica's Poas Volcano
The Poás Volcano, in Spanish Volcán Poás, is an active stratovolcano in central Costa Rica. Poás has erupted 39 times since 1828.
Welcome to Costa Rica - Tourism Video
If You want to get a good overall view of Costa Rica and its tourism in general, You can beat the "Travel Excellence" video. It is full of views of Costa Rica's natural beauty. At the same time it gives a good overall perspective of the country and its people. It is an eight minutes of viewing that you will enjoy.
Current Weather In Limon, Costa Rica
Current weather conditions in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
Local Pollen Reports
28°C (Feels like 32°C)
Last update: 11/27/09 2:00 PM Local Time
Humidity: 79%Visibility: 10.0 km
Dew Point: 24°C
UV Index: 3 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 1009.1mm falling
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 3km/h From: Airport Conditions
Tonight
Moderate
Low: 23°C
Sunrise: 5:32 AM
Sunset: 5:08 PM
Friday
Nov 27
N/A
High: 27°C
Low: 23°C
Sunrise: 5:32 AM
Sunset: 5:08 PM
Saturday
Nov 28
Scattered T-Storms
High: 28°C
Low: 23°C
Sunrise: 5:33 AM
Sunset: 5:08 PM
Sunday
Nov 29
Scattered T-Storms
High: 29°C
Low: 23°C
Sunrise: 5:33 AM
Sunset: 5:08 PM
Cruise Tool Box
"Know Before You Go"
It is always a good idea to know the basics before you leave on your cruise. The following links will aid you in preparing for your cruise. From currency exchange to travel warnings, it is all here. And, don't forget your passport. Never leave home without it.
- Universal Currency Converter
Check out the current exchange rates before you sail.
- Latest Customs Restrictions & General Information
Get the latest Customs warnings, regulations, etc.
- Foreign Entry Requirements
Different situations require different documents. Please become familiar with the specific document requirements for the country(s) you are visiting. More information on these documents can be found here.
- Travel Advisories
Travel documentation requirements and international travel reminders.
- U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings
Get the latest U.S. Department of State travel warnings at this site.
- Book Your Travel Here Or Research Options Further
This is my full service travel web site where you can research and book cruises, flights, car rentals, hotels, or even purchase travel insurance.
- U.S. State Department Registration
Travel registration is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. Registration allows you to record information about your upcoming trip abroad that the Department of State can use to assist you in case of an emergency. Americans residing abroad can also get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Other Western Caribbean Cruise Destinations
Limon, Costa Rica is only one destination on the Western Caribbean Cruise Routes. Although the specific destinations vary by cruise line, there are certain destinations that are common to most of these cruises. Several more of these are listed below.
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Caribbean Cruise Destinations: Belize
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Belize, the former British Honduras, is the only country in Central America where the official language is English. The Mayan civilization flourished in this area until about 1200 AD and there are still many archeological sites that reflect their a...
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Caribbean Cruise Destinations: Cozumel, Mexico
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Cozumel, Mexico is included in the Caribbean Cruise Destinations series because it is one of the main stops on most Western Caribbean Cruise itineraries. And of the stops in Mexico, Cozumel is the most frequented. It is an island just off the coast...
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Caribbean Cruise Destinations: Cayman Islands
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TThe expression: "to hell and back", has a special meaning on Grand Cayman Island. Here, you can go to the small community called "Hell" and actually send a postcard back home postmarked from Hell. They say that a British Commissioner, arriving in th...
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Caribbean Cruise Destinations: Jamaica
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Jamaica is one of the largest Caribbean Islands, lying South of Cuba and Southwest of Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic). It was inhabited by the Arawak Indians at the time of Columbus' first visit. by Columbus. The Spanish controlled the isla...
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Caribbean Cruise Destinations: Costa Maya, Mexico
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Costa Maya, Mexico is included in the Caribbean Cruise Destinations series since it is one of the stops on some Western Caribbean Cruise itineraries. Costa Maya is a small tourist region in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, located between Cancun a...
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