Welcome to Isla Chiquita
Isla Chiquita is a tiny island in the Gulf of Nicoya, located right across from the community of Paquera in the Gulf of Nicoya. It offers an abundance of tropical nature and Pura Vida vibes, perfect for the modern ecotourist!
The uniqueness of Isla Chiquita comes from your accommodations - you'll be glamping it up in tented luxury while enjoying the trails and beaches of the island. Guests on the island can use kayaks and paddleboards free of charge. So get out onto the water and have an adventure! It's a small island, and you'll get to know every inch of it by hiking the trails that cross Isla Chiquita. Follow the sound of howler monkeys and find little hidden beaches for swimming and relaxing.
Best Time to Travel to Isla Chiquita
The best time to come to Isla Chiquita is the months of May, June, and November. These are the "cusp" months in this part of the world, the transition months where the seasons' change—May and June change from the dry to the wet season, and November vice versa. You can expect the island to get green again during these periods, with maybe a short shower to cool things down in the afternoon.
The Weather on Isla Chiquita
You can expect the weather on Isla Chiquita to be hot, with humidity, but the cooling breezes can take off. December through April is the dry season, with rain from May to October. However, September and October can get very wet.
Is Isla Chiquita Safe?
Perfectly safe. As an island in the Gulf of Nicoya with no inhabitants apart from guests at the only hotel, Isla Chiquita is as close to being as crime-free as possible. So all you have to watch out for is slipping over on the trails.
How To Get to Isla Chiquita
Juan Santamaria Airport (Airport Code SJO), outside the capital city of San José, is the closest international airport to Isla Chiquita, via the port of Puntarenas.
Distance and Driving Time to Isla Chiquita
From SJO Airport: 53 miles (85 kilometers), about 1 hour and 20 minutes
To get to Isla Chiquita, you need to get to the port of Puntarenas and then take a boat from there.
If you're driving to Puntarenas from the airport, give yourself about 1.5 hours of driving time and an hour to arrange your car rental. Then, be sure you arrive early enough in the day to get a boat over to the island.
Once you have your car, get onto the Panamerican Highway and head west. Come off the highway at Coyol and follow the signs to Ruta 27, the fast track to the coast. Follow Ruta 27 to the ocean, passing through the various toll posts. You'll hit the ocean at Caldera, and the highway will swing north, with the ocean on your left. This is now Ruta 23.
Keep on the north to El Roble, and follow the signs to the center of Puntarenas. Then, head to the docks and get your boat to Isla Chiquita. The boat ride takes about 45 minutes.
