Naviera Tambor Ferry Schedule 2026: Puntarenas–Paquera

Naviera Tambor Ferry Schedule 2026: Eight Daily Puntarenas–Paquera Departures

Updated September 20, 2026

Naviera Tambor is operating eight daily departures in each direction on its Puntarenas–Paquera ferry route across Costa Rica’s Gulf of Nicoya. The current timetable took effect on April 20, 2026, and the operator lists it as valid until further notice. The route serves passengers, vehicles and cargo traveling between mainland Costa Rica and the southern Nicoya Peninsula.

Travelers comparing the Paquera crossing with the separate Playa Naranjo service can consult the Costa Rica ferry guide for Puntarenas, Paquera and Playa Naranjo.

Quick Answer

Naviera Tambor’s current 2026 schedule lists eight daily ferries from Puntarenas to Paquera and eight from Paquera to Puntarenas. Departures run from 4:00 a.m. through 10:00 p.m. The timetable has applied since April 20, 2026, until further notice, giving travelers several options for coordinating mainland and Nicoya Peninsula transportation.

Key Facts

• Naviera Tambor operates between Puntarenas and Paquera across the Gulf of Nicoya.

• The company lists eight daily departures in each direction.

• Both terminals use the same published departure times.

• The current timetable took effect on April 20, 2026, until further notice.

• Naviera Tambor describes the crossing as 11 nautical miles.

• Passengers, vehicles and cargo can travel on the ferries.

• Online inventory is limited; additional space is sold at Naviera Tambor ticket offices.

• The operator identifies Tambor II, Tambor III and Tambor IV as its current fleet.

What Is the Current Naviera Tambor Ferry Schedule?

The published departure times from both Puntarenas and Paquera are 4:00 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Because Naviera Tambor marks the schedule as valid “until further notice,” travelers should confirm it directly before departure. Weather, maintenance, holidays or operational requirements can affect service even when a regular timetable is published.

What Are the Current Passenger and Vehicle Fares?

Naviera Tambor currently publishes passenger fares of ₡810 for adults and ₡480 for minors; the listed senior-adult fare is ₡0. Its published light-vehicle rate is ₡11,400 plus VAT. Motorcycles are listed at ₡3,400 plus VAT and bicycles at ₡2,200 plus VAT.

These are operator-published rates reviewed on September 20, 2026. Travelers should verify the applicable passenger and vehicle category before purchasing because fares can change.

How Does Ticketing Work?

Naviera Tambor offers online purchasing through QuickPayCR, but states that only a limited portion of the vessel’s space is available online. Remaining space is sold at its ticket offices.

An online purchase and a road transfer are separate reservations. Travelers arriving through Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), commonly called San José Airport, can arrange private transportation from San José Airport to Puntarenas Ferry, but the ferry ticket must still be handled separately.

Why Does the Puntarenas–Paquera Route Matter?

Paquera is an important gateway for Santa Teresa, Montezuma, Tambor, Cóbano, Mal País and other southern Nicoya Peninsula destinations. The ferry avoids treating the mainland road network and the peninsula as one continuous drive around the Gulf.

After disembarking, passengers still need a road connection to their final accommodation. For example, private transportation from Paquera Ferry to Santa Teresa can be coordinated around an expected ferry arrival. In the opposite direction, Santa Teresa to Paquera Ferry private transportation should be timed to reach the terminal before the selected sailing.

Travelers prioritizing speed can also compare the ferry itinerary with domestic air access through Cóbano Airport (ACO). That is a different itinerary and still requires local ground transportation after landing.

What Should Travelers Plan Before Departure?

Confirm the current sailing, ticket status, terminal, passenger count and vehicle category. Build in time for road traffic, terminal procedures and vehicle boarding rather than treating the departure time as the moment to arrive. Also provide the exact hotel or villa when arranging onward transportation because destinations such as Santa Teresa cover a broad coastal area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many daily Naviera Tambor ferries operate in 2026?

Naviera Tambor currently lists eight daily departures from Puntarenas to Paquera and eight from Paquera to Puntarenas. The timetable took effect on April 20, 2026, and is published as valid until further notice.

That equals 16 scheduled crossings per day across the Gulf of Nicoya.

What time is the last Naviera Tambor ferry?

The final scheduled departure is 10:00 p.m. from both Puntarenas and Paquera. Travelers should reconfirm the schedule on their travel date because ferry operations can change.

The operator also lists earlier services throughout the day, beginning at 4:00 a.m.

Can vehicles travel on the Puntarenas–Paquera ferry?

Yes. Naviera Tambor transports passengers, vehicles and cargo. Vehicle fares depend on category, and online availability represents only part of the vessel’s space.

Confirm your category and space availability before traveling, especially during busy holiday periods.

Does the ferry go directly to Santa Teresa?

No. The ferry travels between Puntarenas and Paquera. Santa Teresa requires an additional road journey after arriving at Paquera, so the onward transfer should be planned separately.

The onward journey crosses the peninsula by road toward Cóbano and the coast.

Is a ferry ticket included with private transportation?

Not automatically. Road transportation to or from a ferry terminal and the Naviera Tambor crossing are separate services unless a booking explicitly states otherwise. Confirm each segment before paying.

Read the product inclusions carefully so neither segment is assumed.

Conclusion

The Naviera Tambor ferry schedule for 2026 gives travelers eight daily opportunities to cross between Puntarenas and Paquera. The frequency helps, but a successful itinerary still depends on confirming the sailing and coordinating road transportation on both sides. Travelers who need a dedicated vehicle can review private transportation options in Costa Rica and provide their selected ferry time when requesting service.