Costa Rica by Sea: Wildlife and Rainforests of the Pacific Coast

Arrive in San José and transfer to the ship in Puntarenas, a narrow finger of land jutting into the dramatic Gulf of Nicoya. (D)

Sail to the historic gold mining town of Puerto Jimenez, gateway to the wild wonders of the Osa Peninsula. Among the planet’s most biodiverse places, the pristine rainforests here remain a haven for jaguars, pumas, tapirs, sloths, and vibrant scarlet macaws.

Choose one of four excursions today: On a visit to a traditional cacao plantation, learn about the ancient crop, gain insights on the role farms play in protecting the region’s wildlife, taste cacao fresh from the pod, and savor chocolate fondue in a tranquil tropical garden. Opt for a wildlife cruise with a naturalist guide along the crystalline waters of the southern Pacific, where encounters with large pods of dolphins as well as sea turtles and manta rays are common; or kayak the calm waters of the Golfo Dulce, listening for the squawks of scarlet macaws and watching for bottlenose dolphins along the mangrove-edged coast. Alternatively, observe two-toed and three-toed sloths in the wild on a walk through the region’s “sloth gardens” with the local family that cares for this rainforest habitat, capping off the experience with traditional empanadas prepared by your hosts.

This evening, cruise to the mouth of the Rio Esquinas, which meanders deep into the tropical forests of the Osa Conservation Area. (B,L,D)

Venture into the pristine primary rainforest that flanks the Rio Esquinas, where an abundance of wildlife can be found. On a naturalist-led walk along jungle trails, look to the bustling tree canopy for spider monkeys, kinkajous (“honey bears”), and extraordinary birdlife including trogons, flycatchers, tanagers, and parrots. (B,L,D)

Discover the endless sands of Playa Espadilla, edged by the lush rainforest of celebrated Manuel Antonio National Park. There are four ways to explore today: Head into the park with a naturalist to encounter tropical flora and fauna, including sloths; several species of monkey; and both terrestrial and sea birds, such as toucans, pelicans, hummingbirds, terns, and more. Choose a riverboat cruise on the Damas Island estuary among coastal mangroves that teem with waterfowl, caimans, and monkeys. Alternatively, walk to tumbling cascades, keeping an eye out for blue morpho butterflies and an array of birdlife, and opt to take a dip in a waterfall pool, or go for a rafting adventure on the twisting Savegre River. (B,L,D)

Explore the horseshoe-shaped bay of Bahia Coco on the edge of the Gulf of Papagayo, also known as Costa Rica’s “Gold Coast.” Choose among three excursions: Sail a catamaran on the sparkling sea, scanning for dolphins, sea turtles, and flying fish and, if you choose, snorkel the colorful reefs. Or take a scenic drive to an expansive pool of mineral-rich hot springs and opt for a soak in its volcanic waters, followed by a traditional lunch and insights on the history of sugarcane cultivation here. Alternatively, join a naturalist guide in the dry tropical forest of Rincón de la Vieja National Park, home to an active volcano, and traverse hanging bridges on your way to a jaw-dropping waterfall and canyon. (B,L,D)

Drop anchor today at Playa Mantas, a protected cove along the Central Pacific coast. Get immersed in the area’s scenic treasures one of three ways: In Carara National Park—named “river of lizards” in the indigenous Huetar language—take a nature walk through forests teeming with wildlife, from reptiles to laughing falcons and endangered yellow-billed cotingas. Or set out on a riverboat cruise along the crocodile-heavy shores of the Tárcoles River. Both activities offer the chance to step onto a glass-floored platform over massive crocodiles lounging in the mud along the riverbanks, followed by a chocolate-making demonstration. Alternatively, choose to ascend to the top of the rainforest, traversing a trio of suspended cable bridges lofted high in the tree canopy. (B,L,D)

At the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula lies the Curú Wildlife Refuge, a bastion of biodiversity set amid sandy beaches, dense jungle, and tropical mangroves. This morning, follow the paths of this spectacular sanctuary to see white-faced capuchin monkeys, iguanas, some 200 bird species, and more. Enjoy a stop on the laid-back beach of Isla de Cedros, then spend time relaxing on picturesque Tortuga Island, an uninhabited archipelago ringed by white-sand beaches, aquamarine waters, and volcanic rock reefs. (B,L,D)

Arrive back in Puntarenas and disembark the ship. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)