Entering by boat: Costa Rica
What to do to enter Costa Rica by sea: the procedures, the papers to present and the ports where you can clear in.
Check with the authorities before you leave (last checked on 28 October 2026).
Before you arrive
- Notify the authorities 72 hours before arrival.
The steps
- Notify customs 72 h ahead (via agent or marina).
- Immigration (exit stamp from previous country required).
- Customs: temporary import certificate.
- Port captain: arrival and zarpe; SENASA quarantine.
Papers to have on board
- Passports for the whole crew
- Crew list
- Boat papers (registration certificate)
- Outward clearance from the previous country
- Insurance certificate
Good to know
- Ideally 72 h notice to customs (port and ETA), sent through an agent.
- Port captain free 08:00-15:00, overtime outside; quarantine (SENASA) is payable even without inspection.
- Cocos Island: off limits when arriving directly from abroad; permit requested 15 days ahead after entering Costa Rica.
- Quepos and Puntarenas cost more; Golfito cheaper (≈ $300 in 2022).
Ports of entry
The ports where you can clear in, and the services available there.
- GolfitoCustomsImmigrationHealthBiosecurityHarbour office
- Los Sueños (Herradura)CustomsImmigrationHealthBiosecurityHarbour office
- Playas del Coco / Marina PapagayoCustomsImmigrationHealthBiosecurityHarbour office
- Puerto LimónCustomsImmigrationHealthBiosecurityHarbour office
- PuntarenasCustomsImmigrationHealthBiosecurityHarbour office
- Quepos (Marina Pez Vela)CustomsImmigrationHealthBiosecurityHarbour office
Prepare your arrival with Hullteam
In the app, free: the map of every port of entry and its offices with their contacts, the crew list and the entry forms filled in for you, ready to print or send to an agent.
Create my free accountSources
- v2.noonsite.com/place/costa-rica/view/clearance
- marinapezvela.com/superyacht-destination-guide-costa-rica/
- noonsite.com/place/costa-rica/
This information is gathered from public sources and sailors’ experience. It does not replace the country’s authorities, whose word is final: check before you leave.