Making the most of Bahia Culebra
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships anchor in Bahia Culebra and carry their passengers to land by tender.
Bahia Culebra is an attractive bay rather than a substantial town, with several luxury resorts and natural sights. Liberia is the nearest town, about 35 kilometres away, and acts as the regional centre for a broad range of amenities and services.
Watch the video.
Bahía Culebra, or Culebra Bay, has a snake-like outline and attracts large numbers of visitors from Costa Rica and abroad. Because its natural environment is well preserved and supports a wide variety of species, this area has become a biological model for Guanacaste.
Several of the province's most significant beaches lie around Bahía Culebra, including Playa Nancite, Playa Nacascolo and Playa Iguanita. Iguanita Wildlife Shelter and Manzanillo Beach are close to the last of these. The area suits both water sports and relaxing beside the sea.
Food and shopping
Eating out is straightforward in Costa Rica, and kitchens generally maintain good standards of hygiene, leaving very little risk of food poisoning wherever you go. Higher prices do not necessarily bring better food. Smaller local establishments called sodas are worth trying for authentic dishes that frequently match or exceed the standard of more expensive restaurants.
Money
Local currency is the Colón(es), with an approximate exchange of 575 Colones for 1 US Dollar. Cash machines are available in most places and normally issue both Colones and US Dollars.