Exploring the beautiful southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula, including Santa Teresa, Malpais, and Montezuma, involves a scenic ferry ride from Puntarenas to Paquera. This ferry ride offers stunning views of the Gulf of Nicoya and its picturesque islands and beach landscapes.
Once on the peninsula, the adventure continues along the infamous Guanacaste dirt roads that connect these popular beach destinations. If you’d prefer to avoid driving on these bumpy and sometimes dusty or muddy roads, we offer two convenient private transportation options go to/from Malpais, Santa Teresa, Montezuma, and other locations in the southern Nicoya Peninsula.
Option 1: Private Transfer with “Van Switch” at the Ferry
1. Initial Pickup:
- Our driver will pick you up from your location, whether it’s the airport, hotel in San Jose, Arenal, or any other area.
- You will be driven to the ferry dock in Puntarenas.
2. Ferry ride
- You will board the ferry with your luggage, while the van does not travel on the ferry.
- Enjoy the ferry ride and have your camera ready to capture the stunning views.
3. Arrival at Paquera:
- On the other side of the Gulf, another van and driver will be waiting for you with a sign displaying your name.
- This driver will take you the rest of the way to Tambor, Montezuma, Malpais, or Santa Teresa.
The trip in the opposite direction operates in exactly the same way.
Benefit:
- Cost-Effective: No additional charges for taking the van on the ferry.
- Time-Efficient: Passengers are always prioritized over vehicles, ensuring you will board the first available ferry.
Option 2: Private Transfer with “NO Van Switch” at the ferry
1. Continuous Service:
- The same van that picks you up will travel with you on the ferry, carrying your luggage.
- This ensures a seamless journey to your final destination without changing vehicles.
2. Early Arrival:
- To ensure the van gets on the first ferry, it’s crucial to arrive at the port early, especially during the busy dry season months (December to April).
- If the van doesn’t make it onto the first ferry, there may be a wait of 2 to 3 hours for the next one.
This option is more expensive due to the ferry charging $50 each way for the van.
Important Note on Transfer Pick-Up Times
When planning your transfer, it is essential to calculate pick-up times according to the ferry departure schedule. You can find the latest ferry departure times on the Naviera Tambor website. Coordinating your pick-up time with the ferry schedule ensures a smooth and timely transition between the different legs of your journey. Contact us for assistance in planning this trip.
Why Choose Our Private Transportation Services?
- Comfort and Convenience: Avoid the hassle of driving on challenging dirt roads.
- Tailored Experience: Personalized service from pick-up to drop-off.
- Scenic Enjoyment: Relax and enjoy the beautiful ferry ride without the stress of driving.
Click here to find specific Private Transfer Prices and online booking
As in all our private transportation, the price includes: the driver, fuel, insurance, parking, road tolls, ferry tickets and all other expenses.
I hope one of these options will work for you, please write if you have questions or you’d like more details. We are here to ensure your journey is smooth and enjoyable.