Most vehicles arrive by sea, by way of a shipping vessel. Some shipping companies make stops in Honduras, or other destinations, prior to arriving in Costa Rica, while others make a direct route. The length of time required to ship your vehicle depends on which shipping company you work with, but most vary between 4 days and 10 days. Depending on the type of vessel you choose, your vehicle can be shipped either in a container or on what is called a car deck. The most secure means to transport your vehicle is in a container, as the car is placed and secured within the container before departing, and not opened until it arrives or goes through customs.
Some larger containers can accommodate several cars simultaneously, while others only one.
Car decks accommodate numerous vehicles, all of which have to be driven on and off the vessel. The possibility of damage and theft exists more with this type of shipment. If you can afford it, we recommend a container. Clearing your vehicle yourself is not a complicated procedure, however, being fluent Spanish is definitely required. The procedure to clear your vehicle can be accomplished within one day, if you followed the directions properly.