Border Crossing Costa Rica to Nicaragua by Boat

20 Jan 2014 3 min read 11 comments Costa Rica Travel Guide

This article may be sponsored or include a provided product or affiliate link. See the footer and Affiliate Disclaimer for full details.

Border Crossing Costa Rica to Nicaragua by Boat – Most tourists who are traveling in Costa Rica also want to visit other Central American countries. Nicaragua, the land of volcanos and lakes, is one popular option. While most people cross the border in Peñas Blancas, I chose the more adventurous option.

At 5:30 in the morning, I took the bus from the Bus Terminal de San Carlos in San Jose to Los Chiles.

The bus drive took about five hours and cost 2.100 Colones (around $4). Los Chiles is the most northern town of Costa Rica, located at the Rio Frio.

I went straight to the government house from the bus stop in Los Chiles, past some small shops, sodas, and a soccer field in midtown. The town is rather small, and I arrived at the office within a few minutes.

It was immediately my turn against the “normal” border crossing with long waiting lines and lots of paperwork.

I filled out the immigration form, handed it over to the officer together with my passport, and within a few minutes, I had my exit stamp.

From the office, I went down the road to the small port of departure. There were already 20 people, mainly Nicaraguan, waiting for the next boat to San Carlos in Nicaragua. The boat ticket for the one-hour drive costs $11.

We help you plan and book your Costa Rica Vacation

image 14

With our local tourism agency partner onboard, organizing a customized Costa Rica vacation has never been this hassle-free!

Share your travel dates, places of interest, and other details that would make your travel to Costa Rica memorable.

After completing this form, one of our Costa Rica experts will contact you. Tours, transport, other travel services – you name it, we’ll arrange it!

Port of departure in Los Chiles
Port of departure in Los Chiles
travelling-universaltravellerDSC_0182

So far, everything went quite easy, and the boat tour feels more like an adventure than a border crossing. During the jungle drive, I was many birds, heard howler monkeys, and enjoyed the amazing landscape.

travelling-universaltravellerDSC_0161
The kind of boat that is used for the border crossing from Costa Rica to Nicaragua

The actual border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua is not more than a pole and a sign.

We only stopped at a small military outpost. A group of three very friendly soldiers had a quick look at us, and we could continue our way. No controls, no endless waiting lines.

We did not even have to leave the boat. Soon we arrived at Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America.

Almost arrived in San Carlos, Nicaragua
I almost arrived in San Carlos, Nicaragua.

The boat stopped in front of the arrival terminal. I said goodbye to the boat driver and got welcomed by very friendly border officials.

I filled out the immigration form and paid USD 14 arrival tax. After a small talk with the official, I was in San Carlos, Nicaragua. Wow, what an easy and fun border crossing!

Arrival terminal in San Caros, Nicaragua
Arrival terminal in San Caros, Nicaragua

Before I continued my way, I walked around San Carlos. Clarisa, a local girl from San Carlos who I got to know on the boat, gave me a small sightseeing tour of her town.

It is a quiet place with nicely colored houses right on the lake. In the center, there is a playground and a small church. On the hill behind the park is a small fort that defended the town in the past from pirates.

View over San Carlos, Nicaragua
View over San Carlos, Nicaragua

Normally border crossings are pretty stressful and a rather unpopular part of traveling. An unavoidable part. This border crossing, however, was the first highlight of my trip through Nicaragua.

When you have enough time and do not mind traveling a bit further to the next big town, I definitely recommend choosing this border instead of the main border in Peñas Blancas.

From Peñas Blancas, you can arrive quickly at all popular places like San Juan del Sur, Rivas Granada, and Managua. However, the border crossing is stressful; you must wait in line.

COMMENT: What was your most adventurous border crossing?

5/5 – (1 vote)
Share:

11 responses to “Border Crossing Costa Rica to Nicaragua by Boat”

  1. Hi Tim,
    We are planning to cross the border via boat this summer with our whole family (including a small child). Do you know if it is still an option?
    We are coming from La Fortuna and would hope to travel to San Carlos within one day. Is that realistic?
    Thank you very much in advance!
    Best, Marie

  2. Mathieu Bories Avatar
    Mathieu Bories

    Do you think it’s still possible to do this now in 2021 with covid restrictions ?

    1. I’m not sure. Right now, it is possible to cross the border by land from Costa Rica to Nicaragua; however, tourists can’t enter Costa Rica by land.

  3. You are welcome :) Let me know if you have any questions and I will try to help :)

  4. Thank you for sharing! Very helpful info to me right now!

  5. Till what time the government house is open in Los Chiles? :-)

  6. nicaraguayestravel Avatar
    nicaraguayestravel

    Yeah I agree this is the only boat..And I love that trip every time I do it!

  7. Linda Basilick Avatar
    Linda Basilick

    Thank you for this information. My husband and I will do this exact process next week. Are there any other boats that cross the border or is the only one in Los Chiles?

    1. Hi Linda! I am very sorry for my late response. Did you already start your trip? As far as I know the only boat is going from Los Chiles, but I am not 100% sure.

  8. Angel and Michelle Avatar
    Angel and Michelle

    Wow! That must have been exciting. I, hopefully can do it on the same way in a few months =]

    1. It definitely was!!! A great adventure. I am sure you’ll enjoy it :)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *