Stopping along the coast before clearing into the country is not officially allowed, but in the north, at least, checks are not often made. However, you may be told to proceed immediately to a Port of Entry. Formalities can be lengthy and some visiting boats in the past have had difficulties with the officials.
It will certainly be necessary to employ an agent if you wish to get a permit to visit Isla del Coco. See Documents for details on visiting Isla del Coco and Cana. Ensure you have sufficient copies up to 5 each of all the required documents boat papers, passports, insurance, zarpe from previous port, list of the 5 ports previously visited and crew list. US cruisers have reported being asked for original documentation in Golfito and have had to place their boat in bond at a marina until the originals could be couriered to them.
Because of problems which may be encountered with officials in other ports, it is essential to make sure at the first Port of Entry that all requirements are complied with, such as the temporary importation permit.
Clearance papers from the last port or country must be shown and passports must have an exit stamp from Immigration in the last country. In Puntarenas Port authority working hours are Overtime may be charged for clearance outside these hours. Port officials will usually visit the yacht on entering Costa Rica.
This is mandatory and must be pre-paid at the bank before the inspection. They will want to see your fresh and frozen produce. See Fees for further details. You need a national Zarpe to go from one port to another even if just going across the bay from an anchorage to a marina. In subsequent ports of entry, the captain may go ashore to clear with the port captain and show the clearance certificate zarpe. The port captain at the port of departure will issue an international departure certificate zarpe specifying the country of destination.
