This town is ideally located for ocean-going adventure. Visitors come here to set off on fishing trips, and Nicoya has a lovely coastline for boating and kayaking. Puerto Caldera is also a popular place to stay before visiting Tortuga Island, which is on the other side of the gulf and offers more beaches, bars, and seafood restaurants.

Inland Puerto Caldera has hills with hiking trails and zip-lines. Shops in town sell excellent Costa Rican coffee and local handicrafts.