I've found one outfit offering transportation by van for 1-4 people for $120 total from San Jose airport to Puerto Caldera. You can find them at www.costaricataxi.com.

I haven't used this service, so can't vouch for their reliability. But I'm taking a Windstar cruise in February out of Caldera and I'm trying to solve the same problem.

Thanks, Don. Too bad we're not going at the same time -- we could share!

Personally I would go with the Windstar transfers. Puerto Caldera is a long ride and in the middle of nothing. The taxi, or whatever, would probably have to "dead-head" (empty) all the way back to San Jose.

I'm not sure I care whether the taxi has to return to San Jose empty, so long as it gets me to Caldera. I suspect the possiblity of an empty return is factored into the price. In any case, the particular service I mentioned operates on a reservation system, probably to limit this problem.

If you take the Windstar transfer they likely contract to one of the local transport services, possibly the very one I mentioned. Somehow I doubt Windstar has their own fleet of taxis in Costa Rica.

Of course you don't care if the taxi is empty on the return, but yes it will factor in on the cost. Point being you may not save that much in the end - much as I agree that $80 ea is a bit steep. Windstar will charter "buses". The trip is several hours and over very poor roads.

Thank you all for your input. I am inclined to agree with H, and go with Windstar's transfers. That way, I won't have to be worried all the time about breaking down an missing the ship. Besides, it's a good way to get a head start on meeting my fellow-passengers! Can't wait . . . .

I will be on a Windstar cruise out of Port Caldera on January 26. I have been looking at websites or different car services and it seems to range from $170 to $200 for one way from San Jose for two people. That makes the Winstar shuttle look reasonable in my estimation.