Costa Rica by Land & Sea

Today you’ll stop at Quepos, a small town known for its stunning natural beauty, national parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Your onboard crew will be able to maximise your time here, by helping to arrange excursions out to tour the national parks where you might see sloths, monkeys, and a variety of birds. You might also like to explore the adventure opportunities Quepos has to offer, for example zip lining, kayaking, and white-water rafting.  

Star Clipper ship

You’ll enjoy a full day at sea today. Perhaps sunbathe on the deck and enjoy the luxury facilities, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, borrow the shop’s snorkel equipment, kayaks, sailing dinghies, water skiing or windsurfing equipment. The ship also offers traditional sailing activities, from knot tying to navigating.  

Star Clipper ship

San Juan del Sur is a laid-back coastal town in Nicaragua, known for its golden sand beaches, breath-taking sunsets, and work-class surfing. It features a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere and a wide selection of bars and restaurants. Today you might explore the peaceful fishing villages and observe sea turtle nexting grounds. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy water sports like paddle boarding, or explore the local markets and shops.  

Star Clipper ship

Returning to northwest Costa Rica, you’ll stop at one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches. The area is renound for pristine white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The area is popular for swimming, snorkelling, hiking, and birdwatching.  

Star Clipper ship

This morning you’ll port in the charming coastal village and beach destination of Bahia Potrero, located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Explore local markets and artisan shops, taste local cuisine, and indulge in a variety of outdoor activities like fishing, snorkelling, and Kayaking. 

Star Clipper ship

Islas Tortugas, also known as the Turtle Islands, is a group of small islands located off the coast of Costa Rica. These islands are renowned for their stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and diverse marine life. You might not be able to resist spending the day on the beach with a cocktail! If you’re looking for adventure, Star Clippers will provide all the equipment you need to explore these islands to the fullest, and it’s the perfect destination for snorkelling and fishing.  

Star Clipper ship

Finish your cruise at Puerto Caldera, and transfer to San Jose to begin your G Adventures tour! Tonight you will meet your group and tour CEO at the hotel.  

Hotel Radisson San Jose (or similar)

Today you’ll take a tour of a G Adventures-supported coffee cooperative. Learn about the production of coffee from bean to cup by touring the plants grown in shade, learning about the processes of harvesting, drying, and roasting. After a typical lunch of plantain and Talapia,that is accompanied by a fragrant cup of coffee, continue to La Fortuna, a town located at the base of the magnificent Arenal Volcano. To learn how to make tortillas, you’ll go to a local residence this evening. Black beans, plantains, and your own homemade tortillas make up a typical Costa Rican meal that you can enjoy. 

Hotel Monte Real (or similar)

Today is a free day to explore La Fortuna. Perhaps try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding on the placid Lake Arenal, canyoning, or relaxing in the naturally heated outdoor spa under the shadow of the Arenal Volcano. You also might enjoy taking a boat tour of the Cao Negro Wildlife Refuge, one of the most significant wetlands in the world. 

Hotel Monte Real (or similar)

Travel up the mountain range from La Fortuna to Monteverde, home to lush cloud forests and a haven for nature lovers. Keep an eye out for toucans, monkeys, and sloths while you’re here.  

El Establo Hotel (or similar)

Today, you’ll see massive ferns and vibrant orchids as hike through the stunning Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. If you're fortunate, you might be able to see the majestic quetzal bird, which was revered in Maya and Aztec cultures. Visit the National Geographic-supported research and educational institution Monteverde Institute afterward. Learn about some of the institute's conservation efforts, such as a fruitful reforestation project, from a researcher. 

El Establo Hotel (or similar)

After leaving the cloud forest, travel to the country's expansive Pacific coast and check into a hotel in the seaside town of Manuel Antonio. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and spend your day unwinding on the beach.  

Hotel Villas Lirio (or similar)

Explore Manuel Antonio’s lush tropical forests and pristine beaches today on your park visit. The smallest national park in Costa Rica, but one of the most beautiful, boasts a plethora of wildlife, including monkeys, armadillos, sloths, iguanas, and numerous bird species. Hike through the thick forest, scale rocky outcrops to see the brilliant Pacific Ocean, and swim in the park's lovely lagoons and tidal pools. Keep your eyes peeled for the 350 species of bird living in the park, as well as monkeys, armadillos, coatimundis, and sloths! 

Hotel Villas Lirio (or similar)

On your final day, you’ll return to San Jose. This evening, you’ll join the group for a farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant. 

Hotel Radisson San Jose (or similar)