Good Costa Rica Marina?

[Pacific]

We are currently at Marina Puesto del Sol in Nicaragua and LOVE it. Very reasonable rates, nice people, all the amenities, two pools, restaurant, amazing beaches, surf.....

Unfortunately we need to shove off pretty soon and head south, next stop somewhere in Costa Rica. We are reading some negative reports of Costa Rican marinas being very costly and some not very safe. Can anyone please give a recommendation?

Thanks!

[Benz]

The only marinas I've heard of as being remotely affordable are in Puntarenas, where the tidal current is shocking fast, and Golfito, where it's so sheltered a marina is hardly necessary. The few other existing marinas are sickly expensive.
I would recommend getting through Costa Rica as fast as possible for the far better and safer crusising grounds in Panama.

[bruce smith]

I enjoyed being up the river in Puntarenas. (Coata Rica Yacht Club) I needed a guide both ways for my 6'draft, but the bartender became a friend, the pool was a treat, good food in the bar /restaurant, prices were cheap.
Costa Rica in general is place of low violent crime but lots of thieving , so be careful.

[SKG56]

You might want to check out, if you haven't already, Cruising Ports the Central American Route by Capt. Pat Rains. They mention the marina that your in now and gave high marks. Some web sites; www.centralamericanboating.com www.costaricayachtclub.com www.marinapezvala.com don't know what the status is on that one. www.bananabaymarina.com www.marinapapagayo.com

[jeremiason]

We stayed in Marina Papagyo and Marina Quepos in April of this year.. We also took a mooring in Golfito. These marina were very nice, but only had about 20% occupancy.

Costa Rica is an interesting place and yes very expensive, especially when comparing it to Mexico, El Salvador or NIcaragua.

Dock rates run between $2.25 to $2.75 per foot, electricty not included.

Also stock up on oil, because 15/40 deisel oil will run you $35-40 per gallon.

When you arrive at Marina Papagyo they will require you to use an agent to check into country. The issue I had was the agent did not charge a set fee. Some boats paid as little as $150 and some paid as high as $300 service charges to the agent. Although the marina makes it sound like the $300 rate is firm, do not hessitate to negotiate with the Agent.

In Golfito, Land & Sea Services was the best deal at $8 per day for moorings. Fish Hook Marina came a close second with a special deal of $25 dollars per day for a dock up to 50 feet, not including electricty.

Unfortunately, this is the rainny season and there is a lot os Flotsdam and the anchorages are very muddly.

With that said Costa Rica is an interesting country with some beuatiful jungles... Take you time and look around.