Puntarenas is Costa Rica's largest province, stretching along most of the country's Pacific coastline from the Gulf of Nicoya south to the Panama border. It serves as the gateway to surf towns, national parks such as Manuel Antonio and Corcovado, and island reserves reached by ferry from Puntarenas city.
Current safety advisory
Generally Safe With Normal Precautions
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Never leave valuables unattended on the beach or visible in parked cars. — Opportunistic theft of phones, cameras, and bags is the most common crime affecting tourists. Lock valuables in your hotel safe. Use a beach bag with minimal valuables. At Manuel Antonio and Jacó beaches, theft from unattended bags while swimming is reported.
Always swim at beaches with lifeguard flags and respect water conditions. Never swim at unmarked beaches alone. — Rip currents are the leading cause of tourist fatalities in Costa Rica. Jacó, Dominical, Esterillos, and Playa Hermosa all have powerful surf and currents. If caught in a rip, swim parallel to shore, not against it. Dominical beach is NOT safe for swimming — surfing only.
Do not feed wildlife, maintain a safe distance from all animals, and watch for wildlife on roads at night. — Monkeys may snatch food from bags at Manuel Antonio. Crocodiles inhabit the Río Tárcoles, Río Tempisque, and coastal estuaries — never swim in rivers or estuaries. Howler monkeys and coatis can bite if fed. Snakes including the fer-de-lance are present — stick to trails and wear closed shoes when hiking.
Exercise standard urban awareness in Puntarenas City, especially after dark. — Puntarenas City is a working port town and requires more vigilance than beach resorts. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night. The Paseo de los Turistas is safe during the day and early evening. Avoid the bus terminal area after dark.
Drive cautiously, obey speed limits, and avoid driving on unpaved roads at night. — Costa Rica's roads can be hazardous — potholes, sharp curves, and narrow bridges are common. Unpaved roads in Monteverde, the Osa Peninsula, and the Nicoya Peninsula require 4WD vehicles. Never drive through flooded river crossings during rainy season. Animals on roads at night are a major hazard.
Apply SPF 50 sunscreen every 2 hours, wear a hat, and stay hydrated throughout the day. — The Pacific coast receives intense tropical sun year-round. Heat exhaustion is common among tourists underestimating the intensity. Cloudy days can still cause severe sunburn. Bring minimum 2 litres of water for any outdoor activity or park visit.
Tap water in most of Puntarenas province is safe to drink. In Puntarenas City, stick to bottled water to be safe. — Costa Rica has generally excellent water quality. Hotels and restaurants in tourist areas use clean water. However, Puntarenas City's water supply has had occasional quality issues — ask your hotel. Always carry water when hiking in national parks.
Hire a certified guide for Corcovado, stay on marked trails, carry sufficient water and food, and tell someone your plans. — Corcovado National Park entry requires a certified guide. Even shorter hikes like Nauyaca Waterfalls (18 km round trip) should not be done alone. Start hikes early to finish before afternoon rains. Wear sturdy waterproof shoes with ankle support. Bring a whistle and basic first aid kit.
Avoid purchasing or accepting illegal drugs. Keep drinks covered in bars. — Jacó has a reputation for drug availability — possession or purchase can result in arrest. Drink spiking, while rare, has been reported. Keep drinks covered at all times. Stick with trusted companions in nightlife areas. Licensed establishments are safer than unlicensed bars or street parties.
Use only licensed tour operators, metered taxis, and always confirm prices before agreeing to services. — Common scams include overcharging for taxi rides (always use metered red taxis), fake tour operators, and inflated prices for services. Book tours through your hotel or reputable operators. Confirm all prices before agreeing. Be wary of unsolicited offers of tours, transport, or services on the street.
Save key emergency numbers before arriving. — Police: 911 (Costa Rica unified emergency), Red Cross (Cruz Roja): 128, Fire (Bomberos): 118. Coast Guard: 1-800-800-8000. Tourist Police (POLTUR) patrol Jacó, Manuel Antonio, Quepos, and Puntarenas City.
Always purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. — Medical facilities in Puntarenas province are limited outside San José. Serious injuries or illness may require helicopter evacuation to San José hospitals, which can cost $10,000–50,000+ without insurance. Ensure your policy covers adventure activities like surfing, zip-lining, and hiking.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.