Limon without doing a tour??

[bar10der421]

It is my understanding that there is not much to do at the immediate port area. (correct me if I am wrong since most of what I have read is a few years old)  Is it possible to take a cab to a nearby town for shopping, dining, etc, Or even a beach area with chairs, umbrellas, dining faciities. We are not interested in booking a tour.

[janice2348]

On 4/24/2023 at 1:12 PM, bar10der421 said:

It is my understanding that there is not much to do at the immediate port area. (correct me if I am wrong since most of what I have read is a few years old)  Is it possible to take a cab to a nearby town for shopping, dining, etc, Or even a beach area with chairs, umbrellas, dining faciities. We are not interested in booking a tour.

I’m interested in this as well. After watching several YouTube videos of Limom, we’re leaning towards staying on the ship. 

[VintageCheap]

Is there a "best restaurant for tourists" in/near town for lunch?  One called the Red Snapper is apparently closed.  What I would like- a modest rain forest tour, see the town, lunch.  No gift shops, long bus rides, high pressure sales of rugs/baskets, or rum tastings.  

 

   

[VintageCheap]

To answer our own question, there is a good craft market (50+ stalls) in the secure port area.  Downtown felt safe and has lots of shops, none high end.  I got a belt and iPad case.  They take dollars readily.  We did not see an obvious lunch place but that was not my goal.

[Trish Traveler]

On 12/5/2023 at 1:12 PM, VintageCheap said:

To answer our own question, there is a good craft market (50+ stalls) in the secure port area.  Downtown felt safe and has lots of shops, none high end.  I got a belt and iPad case.  They take dollars readily.  We did not see an obvious lunch place but that was not my goal.

Thanks for the updated info and the cool pictures!

[Go-Bucks!]

I was very pleasantly surprised with the indoor market stalls at the port of Limon! I mainly wanted coffee...especially certain brands that a friend from Costa Rica told me that locals drink. I found all the coffee brands for half the cost of good beans in the US! Got plenty. There were also 3 places, right inside the entrance, that did foot massages and other things for a reasonable price. I got a fabulous 30 min foot massage for $20! The best thing was that the many vendors were polite, not pushy, spoke English, took US dollars, were friendly and kind when I said "no" or I'd think about it!! Lots of passengers were buying...I think it might have been because there was no pressure. It was pretty hot and humid but there were fans and lots of places to sit and relax. 

[VintageCheap]

Yes the authorities put a ton of work into making the port shopping area tidy and safe.  They had a dedicated police team and lots of private security and checked IDs going in.  They did seem to have a good coffee selection right there.  The hand made crafts looked to be of good quality.  

[QUIGONATOR]

How’d you get there? taxi? How much from the port?