2005 Panama Canal Cruise -- Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Updated August 10, 2005

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Our second stop in Costa Rica was Puntarenas, located on the Pacific Coast. This was our stop after transiting the Panama Canal. We were here in December on the Legend of the Seas, and pretty much did the same thing in July as in December: walk around a little and shop. This part of Costa Rica is very scenic, and Puntarenas is a jumping-off place for many beautiful areas. This particular beach is quite popular with the locals, and was really full in December. Probably a bit too hot in July for the beach crowd.

These pictures were taken primarily with our (now not so) new Kodak DX6490, which we love. The 10x optical zoom is great, and the electronics do a fine job of automatic adjustment and flash operations.

We arrived in Puntarenas next to a bulk carrier.	The busses lined up early to take people on shore excursions.	A view of the beach at Puntarenas from our cabin.	Due to the tide level, they had to create a rather fancy gangway. This took much time to complete.	The security on the pier included sniffer dogs.
The busses had all the amenities!	The bulk carrier...	is from India!	The beautiful Gulf of Nicoya is a very large inlet of the Pacific Ocean. Puntarenas is the primary port town.	There are many islands and beaches aound this Gulf.
High mountains rise up on the landward side.	You can see the mountains rising behind the coastline.	Puntarenas means "sand point" in English, and it is just that, a spit of sand.	Looking down the pier towards the town.	The Pride tied up at Puntarenas
Distance photo of the Pride, taken from the beach area.	Remember that photo of the gangway? Well, now everyone is trying to get back on board...

2005 Panama Canal Cruise -- Puntarenas, Costa Rica

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