Costa Rica Experience

Arrive Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica. A private driver will escort you to your ship, the Wind Star.

The day is yours to enjoy as your ship is at sea.

San Juan Del Sur is the port of entry on the Pacific coast to Nicaragua, the largest republic of Central America. From here you can visit Granada, which lies at the foot of Mombacho Volcano on the northwestern shore of Lake Nicaragua. Founded in 1523 Granada was raided by pirates from the Caribbean many times in the 17th century and William Walker sacked and burned the city in 1857. Granada is typically Spanish in appearance and features many fine mansions and massive ornate churches.

Optional Shore Excursion: Granada, Masaya Volcano & Craft Market Tour

You will have a unique opportunity to observe the active Masaya volcano and stand right at the edge of its immense crater, taking in the breathtaking view of the entire area. Learn about the park’s indigenous wildlife and vegetation. After your visit to the volcano, it will be time to delight your appetite with a delicious buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Masaya.

Next, continue to the Indian Market, where a huge selection of colorful ceramics, leather, carved wood, hammocks and native paints are available for purchase. Then you will be off to the colonial city of Granada, founded in 1524 and the first city founded on the American continent. Its Spanish churches and convents have survived centuries of wars and invasion, as well as the erosion of time, and still their historic legacy remains preserved in beauty. The San Francisco Convent houses the world’s largest collection of pre-Columbian stone sculptures. Its colonial and Renaissance-style buildings surround a beautifully landscaped central plaza which typifies 16th-century Spanish cities. You will have time to view the convent’s gardens, the cathedral and squares. Lunch will be served before you return to the ship.

The waters near Playa del Coco hold all sorts of delightful surprises. Whether your pleasure is snorkel, scuba, or simply sailing, the natural wonders of Playas Huevo, Blanca, and Nacazcolo, and the Bat and Catalina Islands, are sure to delight.

Microclimates characterize Costa Rica, but in a nation of verdant rain forest, the region around Quepos, on Coronado Bay is one of the richest and most bio-diverse places on earth. Its unspoiled natural beauty has secretly drawn visitors for decades and a cottage tourism industry has arisen to accommodate city-dwellers seeking a glimpse of the planet's vanishing wilds. Try to visit the Mangroves, rainforest and Manuel Antonio National Park where you can see howler monkeys, two and three toed sloths, crocodiles and iguanas.

Bahia Paraiso is located on the far western edge of Osa Peninsula just bordering the Corcovado National Park to the south. Due to its remoteness, it is only possible to get to the lodge by boat or helicopter charters. Paradise begins as a new day dawns where lush rain forest meets clear, blue ocean water. Two small islands provide protected swimming, snorkeling and sea kayaking.
Optional Shore Excursion: Snorkeling at Caño Island Biological Reserve
Caño Island is located 12 nautical miles from Drake Bay. Enjoy a scenic 75-minute boat ride aboard the Natural Mystic, with frequent sightings of dolphins, marine birds, and perhaps whales and sea turtles. The 600-acre island is a significant historical archaeological site for Costa Rica, where two mysterious, perfectly-round spheres from the pre-Columbian era were discovered along with other historical items. Caño is an ideal spot for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing. Two trails are available for light hiking, the first leading to the site of many of the archaeological discoveries, where a few artifacts still remain, and the second to a beautiful lookout on the south side of the island. Aquatic life around the island is spectacular, and snorkelers will find a broad and colorful spectrum of Pacific coast reef fish: triggerfish, trumpetfish, damselfish, parrotfish, angelfish and puffers as well as rays and sea turtles. After a relaxing and fun-filled day, you will head back to the ship.

Spend a morning exploring the Curu National Wildlife Refuge—a private reserve of which two-thirds is preserved as primary forest. The reserve includes 4.5 kilometers of coastline, with tiny coves and three beaches. Although it is small, there is an abundance of wildlife to be seen in this reserve—including up to 200 species of birds! Be on the lookout for capuchin and howler monkeys, as well as sloths and anteaters.

The afternoon is spent on Tortuga. Tortuga Island is actually two islands – uninhabited and picture perfect– that lie just off the Nicoya Peninsula. Characterized by palm-fringed beaches and lush tropical flora, Tortuga is pretty and peaceful and offers terrific sheltered swimming and snorkeling in warm waters. Nearby, Curu Biological Reserve is small and privately owned. Easy walking paths within the forest might reveal an ocelot, an anteater, or a colony of capuchin monkeys.

Disembark the ship. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to begin exploring on your own. Your Tour Director will be on hand to answer any questions.

This morning, head east through mountains and rainforests, toward the Caribbean Sea. At Cano Blanco Dock your boat is waiting to start your expedition of Tortuguero National Park. Cruise deep into the jungle, via narrow canals, watching for monkeys, toucans and egrets.

Enjoy a second day exploring the Park with your English-speaking tour guide. Boat tours will take you into the small canals of the park and a walk through the rain forest gives you the chance to see some of the flora and fauna close-up. Sloths, iguanas, crocodiles and hundreds of species of colorful birds inhabit this park.

Head out via waterways and land to tiny Sarapiqui. This beautiful community is situated in a valley and surrounded by rain forests. The area is relatively unknown, and home to some of Costa Rica's most diverse and dense vegetation and wildlife. Your afternoon is at leisure with plenty of time to explore the surrounding environs

This morning, the Alma Ata Archaeological Park reveals the country’s pre-Columbian heritage. After your visit here, head to Arenal. Thrill to spectacular views of one of world’s most active volcanoes. Arenal has emitted regular eruptions of ash and rocks since 1968. It is truly an awesome sight to behold. Delight in the thermal mineral pools, waterfalls and hot springs of varying temperatures at Tabacon Hot Springs. Tonight, watch the mini-eruptions of Arenal while leisurely dining at the Hot Springs.

A free morning to enjoy Arenal and your resort. You may want to join one of the optional tours available, including a canopy tour, spa treatments, horseback riding, the Aerial tram or a volcano hike. Continue to peaceful Monteverde Cloud Forest this afternoon. Your mountain lodge overlooks much of the Cloud Forest and the setting is spectacular.

Take a guided walk with a park naturalist through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve this morning. Hundreds of species of animals, birds, insects and plants make their homes here. Watch for quetzals, hummingbirds, monkeys and more, and enjoy the unique flora of the forest. Also included at your leisure is the SkyWalk, a chain of six suspension bridges above the Cloud Forest. The forest canopy is home to many unique flora and fauna species, which you would not see from ground level. Definitely a memorable experience!

Transfer to the Liberia Airport for your flight home.