A black inflatable skiff filled with guests in life jackets cruise the teal ocean water by a small island in Costa Rica.

A bright red, yellow and orange macaw bird stretches its wings as it perches on a green palm tree leaf in Costa Rica.

Two male travelers wear orange life jackets and tan wide brimmed hats paddle a yellow double kayak off the coast of Costa Rica.

A girl in a bikini wades into a clear turquoise pool beneath a small waterfall inside forest of a Costa Rican jungle.

An underwater photo of a turtle swimming solo in the deep blue ocean of Costa Rica's Bat Islands.

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Wild Costa Rica Escape: Guanacaste Cruise

Photo by: Ralph Lee Hopkins

Photo by: David Vargas

Photo by: David Vargas

Photo by: Ralph Lee Hopkins

Photo by: David Vargas

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Central America Costa Rica Cruise

Wild Costa Rica Escape: Guanacaste Cruise

Discover the treasures of one of Costa Rica’s richest regions, Guanacaste, on this 6-day voyage aboard the 100-guest National Geographic Quest. Snorkel and kayak among a multicolored galaxy of tropical fish and palm-lined beaches in the Guanacaste Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hike, ride horseback and zipline amid mist-shrouded volcanic peaks in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, where 32 rivers and streams cut their way through incredible biodiversity. As you travel from uninhabited isles to wildlife-rich jungles, bask in the “pura vida” that infuses this ecologically rich country.

This Costa Rica small ship cruise offers the opportunity to venture where few have gone before and truly experience wild Costa Rica. Have this paradise to yourself and experience the thrilling marine life by snorkel. Hike or walk the beach where the scrub forest meets the ocean. Other highlights in the Guanacaste Costa Rica region include Rincón de la Vieja National Park, home to an incredibly rare and unique dry forest. Start off in the lush forest filled with spectacular waterfalls that plunge into turquoise pools. Hike along, watching the forest and plant life change from green to gold, learning about the flora that is well-adapted to life in the dry environment. Then explore Curú Wildlife Refuge in search of exotic wildlife, like macaws and white-faced capuchin monkeys moving from tree to tree.

Travel aboard the 100-passenger National Geographic Quest, a purpose-built small expedition ship ideal for exploring Central America’s coastline. Plus, the experts and equipment on board provide the finest intellectual and educational experience of any small ship cruise in the region.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Costa Rica cruises and Costa Rica trips.

Itinerary

Wild Costa Rica Escape: Exploring Guanacaste’s Natural Wonders Itinerary

This 6-day northwestern Costa Rica cruise begins and ends in San Jose, Costa Rica and spends time exploring the Guanacaste region with a special visit to its Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site plus a day exploring Rincón de la Vieja National Park.

Map of Wild Costa Rice Escape: Guanacaste cruise around the west coast of Costa Rica.

Day 1

Arrive San Jose to Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica & Embark

Upon arrival in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, transfer by land to Puerto Caldera and embark the ship. Enjoy a sunset dinner on board as the ship charts a course for the Guanacaste region on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

Accommodations

National Geographic Quest

Meals

dinner

Day 2

Zapotal Beach & Bahia Huevos

Drop anchor off remote Zapotal Beach, and spend the morning soaking up the sun or snorkeling in waters fringed by offshore islets, which create outstanding habitat for a variety of tropical fish. Or choose to walk along a rarely used four-wheel drive track, which takes us back into a beautiful gallery forest. The area is rich with bird and plant varieties, and our naturalists describe the intricate web of life in these oceanside ecosystems.

After lunch on board, cruise north to the Papagayo Peninsula, dropping anchor in Bahia Huevos. Zodiacs will take you on an exploration of the bay and the peninsula. If conditions, permit, drop kayaks and paddleboards and explore the nearby mangroves.

Accommodations

National Geographic Quest

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3

Santa Rosa National Park - Guanacaste Conservation Area

Depending on conditions, explore Santa Elena Bay in Santa Rosa National Park, Junquillal Wildlife Refuge, or Cuajiniquil Bay, all part of the extraordinarily biodiverse Guanacaste Conservation Area. While venturing out by kayak or taking a relaxing Zodiac cruise, immerse in the tropical environment, alive with color. Yellow and black great kiskadees sally from exposed perches looking to capture a flying insect for an evening meal, and orange-fronted parakeets chatter overhead. Predators such as mangrove hawks may take wind, setting out on a late afternoon hunt, while ringed kingfishers, richly colored in brick red and deep blue, wait patiently, watching the shallows for a fish’s silvery flash.

Please note: The ship will sail to Nicaragua overnight where necessary immigration requirements will be completed prior to returning to Costa Rica on Day 4.

Accommodations

National Geographic Quest

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4

Rincón de la Vieja National Park & Hacienda Guachipelin

The adventure continues as we set off inland to explore Rincón de la Vieja National Park. This mountainous region is also a part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area and encompasses more than 34,000 acres. The area, with its forests carpeting the sides of two active volcanoes, is alive with geothermal activity as gurgling, bubbling mud pots spout and steam rises above the canopy.

Choose between several activity options including a hike through the transition zone where tropical dry habitat meets the temperate cloud forest. Here, we keep an eye out for exotic wildlife, with the possibility of encountering mantled howler monkeys and regionally special birds including the noisy and conspicuous whitethroated magpie-jay. Alternatively, after a short hike into the forest, opt to swim below Las Chorreras Waterfall. Or choose to ride horseback across lush meadows, or soar through the canopy by zipline before enjoying a sumptuous lunch served poolside at Hacienda Guachipelin while local marimba guitarists play and fresh ceviche is prepared.

Accommodations

National Geographic Quest

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5

Curu National Wildlife Refuge & Isla Tortuga

Along the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, and in many ways demarcating the line between the wetter jungles of the south and Guanacaste’s drier environment, sits Curu National Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica’s first private national wildlife reserve. Learn about the hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, and mammals that inhabit this thriving ecosystem while exploring the park’s tracks and trails. Look for white-faced capuchin monkeys, turquoise-browed motmots, and with luck, scarlet macaws. The northern tamandua resides here, and while often elusive and quiet, this primarily arboreal member of the anteater family may be spotted.

Later, enjoy lunch on board and cruise to a cluster of offshore islets collectively called Isla Tortuga. Choose to stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or simply relax on the beach shaded by swaying palms and tropical vegetation. As the sun begins to set on our Guanacaste adventure, a waterside barbecue dinner awaits—the perfect way to finish the voyage.

Accommodations

National Geographic Quest

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6

Disembark Puerto Caldera to San José, Costa Rica & Depart

Disembark after breakfast in Puerto Caldera. Drive to the airport in San José for flights home.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Details

Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations aboard ship; meals as indicated; non-alcoholic beverages aboard ship; excursions; services of expedition leaders, naturalist staff, expert guides and a ship’s doctor; park fees; use of kayaks and snorkeling equipment; all port charges and service taxes. Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens. Complimentary beer & wine on National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Lion, National Geographic Sea Bird, with a complimentary full bar on all other ships (2023); beer, wine & full bar (2024).

Exclusions

Horseback riding; immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

For expeditions booked prior to May 1, 2023:
Please refer to your invoice for your payment and cancellation terms.

For expeditions booked after May 1, 2023:
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special payment terms apply for groups of 8 or more; inquire for details. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Wild Costa Rica Escape: Guanacaste cruise begins and ends in San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO). Embarkation time on Day 1 may vary based upon arrival of group flights from Miami, Florida (MIA). Disembarkation is after breakfast on the final day of the outlined itinerary; departure times may vary depending on group flights to Miami, Florida. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include hiking, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, photography, morning yoga and stretching, land treks and wildlife observation.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Travelers under the age of 18 at time of travel save $500, at double occupancy. Skilled staff members are trained in organizing activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

2024 2025

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Jan 04 - Jan 09, 2024