Costa Rica’s Pure Life Adventure Cruise
Come aboard 66-guest Safari Voyager for an active Costa Rica adventure cruise through expansive wildlife refuges, national parks and secluded bays. Kayak, stand-up paddle, snorkel, hike and search for unforgettable wildlife.
Come aboard 66-guest Safari Voyager for an active Costa Rica adventure cruise. Kayak through tropical fjords, hike through dense rainforests and search for wildlife you can’t find anywhere on North America. Visit expansive wildlife refuges, plus national parks and secluded bays. This is the best way to see Costa Rica’s wild side.
Explore Costa Rica’s Pacific coast for multiple highlights. Search for unique species in the Curú Wildlife Refuge. Explore one of four tropical fjords on the planet. Hike through dense, tropical rainforests. Search for a variety of beautiful, colorful birds. Relax on white-sand beaches and snorkel around coral reefs.
The Safari Voyager is home base for discovering a world of breathtaking beauty. Active explorations for various activity levels can be made by kayak, paddleboard, snorkel and skiff in impossibly brilliant turquoise blue waters.
Read on for details about this Costa Rica adventure cruise, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Costa Rica cruises and Costa Rica trips.
Costa Rica's Pure Life Adventure Cruise Itinerary
This Costa Rica adventure cruise operates round-trip from Liberia, with included airport transfers. Cruise the Pacific coast for unique species, stunning beaches, tropical fjords and lush rainforests.
Welcome to the land of pura vida (pure life)! Upon arrival at Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to the marina. Onboard the Safari Voyager, you’ll settle in with a safety presentation, meet the crew and enjoy a welcome dinner followed by a route talk with your leadership team. Get ready for a week of adventure!
Your adventure begins in the remote and scenic Murciélago Bay, part of Santa Rosa National Park. Accessible only by boat, this area provides opportunities for immersion into the natural wonders of Costa Rica, far away from crowds. Hikes of various difficulties, water sports and snorkeling will be available. The area is known for its natural beauty, dotted with small islands such as Isla Colorada and Isla San José.
In the Curú Wildlife Refuge, at the southeastern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, the local wildlife is abundant and diverse. There is a possibility to see exotic birds, deer, howler and spider monkeys, as well as frogs, butterflies and even the occasional crocodile, this is a haven for nature lovers. In the afternoon, there may be time for a beach party or kayaking. The vibrant waters near Isla Tortuga offer opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Explore one of the world’s only tropical fjords, Golfo Dulce, a true biological treasure. Known as a birding paradise, this vibrant tropical Pacific rainforest is home to toucans, hummingbirds and a kaleidoscope of other bird species, hidden among lush tropical vegetation like bromeliads, heliconias and ginger plants. Golfo Dulce, one of only four tropical fjords on the planet, offers incredible biodiversity. You’ll have the chance to explore its mangrove forests, some of the healthiest Pacific tropical rainforests in Central America, by kayak and skiff. The lower saline conditions of the ‘Sweet Gulf’ contrast with the Pacific Ocean, thanks to an underwater mountain at its entrance and the heavy rainfall from rivers like the Rio Esquinas, which feeds one of the largest mangrove systems in the area. As you venture through this botanical wonderland, you’ll encounter mischievous monkeys, vibrant butterflies and more, creating an unforgettable sensory experience.
The wild, untouched Osa Peninsula, near Corcovado National Park, is rich in wildlife and considered one of the most biologically intense places on Earth. We’ll hike along Drake Bay’s rugged coast, keeping an eye out for some incredible wildlife including various monkey species, reptiles and colorful birds. Marine life is abundant as well, and you might even see humpback whales—some of which migrate here from Alaska. Enjoy a river swim or snorkel as an added bonus. Osa Conservation Area is home to the country’s largest national park, Corcovado.
Discover the captivating history of Isla San Lucas National Park, home to Costa Rica’s most infamous maximum-security prison, which operated from 1873 until its closure in 1991 after evolving into a model penal colony. The prison’s legacy is immortalized in the internationally acclaimed book La Isla de los Hombres Solos (“God Was Looking the Other Way”), written by a wrongly accused inmate whose story led to an investigation and his eventual release after 30 years. Today, visitors to Isla San Lucas can explore the preserved prison facilities, enjoy easy hikes, kayak along the coast, and take in stunning views of the mainland, all within a lush tropical dry forest just five miles from Puntarenas.
In Puntarenas, Costa Rica’s first commercial port and capital of the largest province, you can stroll along the Paseo de los Turistas, a scenic two-mile boardwalk overlooking volcanic black-sand beaches. The city is rich in history, featuring landmarks such as the Catedral de Nuestra Señora del Carmen, the oldest church in the province, dedicated to the patron saint of sailors. Here, you can immerse yourself in local culture, shop, and enjoy a perfect blend of history and natural beauty.
Your northernmost stop is Santa Elena Bay, renowned for its rich marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles and coral reefs. Located in Santa Rosa National Park, one of the oldest ecosystems in the Americas, this area offers pristine white-sand beaches and a variety of water activities. You can kayak, snorkel, or embark on a hike through the surrounding landscapes. End the day with the captain’s dinner and a farewell photo slideshow to relive the highlights of your week’s adventures.
After breakfast on board, bid farewell to your crew and fellow passengers. You’ll transfer to Liberia Airport for your flight home, taking with you memories of an unforgettable Costa Rican adventure.
Included
Accommodations aboard vessel; onboard meals; premium wine, beer and liquor (excludes super-premium wines); non-alcoholic beverages; group transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embarkation/disembarkation day; entry fees to national parks/preserves; all from-the-vessel activities and equipment; exclusive activities and shore visits; wellness amenities; presentations by onboard expedition/heritage guides and guest experts; taxes and port fees.
Exclusions
Airfare to and from your home city; discretionary gratuities to vessel’s crew; travel insurance and insurance of any kind; optional excursions and land tours; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature.
Payment & Cancellation
For bookings made on or after October 1, 2025
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of 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 holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
121 days or more – 50% of deposit
120 to 91 days – 50% of total trip cost
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
For bookings made up to September 30, 2025
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
91 days or more – 100% of deposit (transferable to a Future Travel Certificate)
90 to 61 days – 67% of total trip cost
60 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
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 Costa Rica’s Pure Life Adventure Cruise begins and ends in Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR). Plan flights to arrive to Liberia by 1:30pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Liberia no earlier than 12:00pm Noon on the final day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
Whether you are looking for moderate activity or vigorous, extended and challenging outdoor pursuits, the crew can tailor most any expedition to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, morning yoga and stretching, land treks and wildlife observation. Snorkeling gear and wetsuits are available, along with a limited quantity of hiking poles. To ensure availability and fit, we encourage you to bring your own gear.
Room Configuration
Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy at 150-175% of the per-person listed rate; special triple-occupancy rates may also be available in select cabins. Call AdventureSmith for more details, as availability and rates vary by ship and cabin category.
Families & Children
Kids 8 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates; exceptions for children 7 years and under may be allowed with special pre-approval. Save $500 per child, ages 8 to 17, with the exception of holiday departures. Children under 18 years old traveling with a third party of legal age (grandparent, aunt/uncle, etc) require a special consent document by Mexican Migration Law.
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. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. 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.
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The 66-guest M/V Safari Voyager (formerly the Sea Voyager) is a 174-foot vessel offering a comfortable basecamp for travelers wishing to experience a Central America small ship cruise. She is a leader in expedition functionality and features the most advanced skiff launching platform among her sister ships Safari Explorer and Safari Endeavour. She is also specifically built to handle the humidity and heat that can challenge lesser-designed vessels.
Safari Voyager Review
AdventureSmith Explorations' Safari Voyager review includes a detailed description of the small ship, including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our expedition cruise experts have been aboard the Safari Voyager firsthand. Please read our Safari Voyager ship review below then contact us to compare the Safari Voyager with other small cruise ships and yachts offering Baja cruises and Costa Rica cruises.
The Safari Voyager was built in 1982 by Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland, with specifications that enable her to handle the humidity and heat of Central America, which can challenge lesser-designed vessels. A seamless extension of her cruise destinations, the ship and her mostly Costa Rican or Panamanian crew exude pura vida (pure life). Her most recent renovation, a $15 million upgrade in 2016, included structural changes to accommodate the kayak launch platform, a new galley, new electrical and air conditioning systems, new carpet, soft goods and local art throughout the ship.
Common Areas Aboard Safari Voyager
Three public decks offer breathtaking views, and during the heat of the day, a window-lined, air-conditioned lounge provides refuge and offers an uncompromised 270-degree view with seating for all 66 guests. The lounge's full-service bar offers complimentary refreshment including liquors, wine and microbrews. Other features include an elegant dining room and a DVD/book library on the Cabin Deck featuring 8 floor-to-ceiling windows, plush furniture and handcrafted decor. The Observation Deck's Sun Deck area offers an al fresco public space with fitness equipment and lounge chairs. Please note: Safari Voyager is equipped with limited internet connectivity; instead, enjoy the opportunity to disconnect. Cell phone reception may be available when the ship is in more populated areas; a satellite phone is available (added cost) for emergencies.
Dining Aboard Safari Voyager
The dining room, located on the Main Deck seats all 66 guests in a casual open seating atmosphere. The skilled chef offers unique and delicious creations for every meal, and mixed-meal plates are an option for the indecisive eater. Weather-permitting, meals will be served outside on the Sun Deck. Breakfast is served buffet-style while lunch and dinners are plated, three-course affairs. Early risers are treated to coffee and muffins. Self-serve coffee and tea is available early in the morning, through the day and into the night. Buffet breakfasts give guests the flexibility to enjoy healthy and delicious options on a flexible schedule between activities and wildlife sightings.
Activities Aboard Safari Voyager
Every day provides new opportunities to go off-vessel. An aft EZ Dock launch platform provides convenient access into and out of adventure activity vessels. The small ship is outfitted with a fleet of double kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and inflatable skiffs, in addition to snorkel gear and hiking poles. Hydrophones for listening and an underwater camera for viewing allow guests to connect with the underwater environment from the comfort of the ship. The onboard wellness program with fitness equipment and yoga mats (including daily sunrise yoga classes) allows guests to rejuvenate and relax between activities. The open bridge policy encourages interaction with the captain and crew as they discuss navigation, itinerary and logistics.
Crew & Guides Aboard Safari Voyager
Safari Voyager's professional and service-oriented crew creates a casual-yet-attentive atmosphere. Local guides teach about the wildlife, history and culture of each visitor stop. During the daily sunset cocktail hour, guides brief guests on the next day's activities, offering various options, including casual walks to strenuous hikes, that suit a variety of activity levels as well as nightly presentations after dinner. On select departures, onboard expert naturalists and guides are complemented by guest hosts in the fields of ornithology, photography, marine biology, wine and wellness, among others.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Safari Voyager
Generously-sized stateroom categories include 8 Navigator, 14 Trailblazer, 3 Pathfinder, 2 Admiral, 4 Jr Commodore Suites and 1 Commodore Suite. In some categories, single and triples can be accommodated. All Safari Voyager cabins feature turndown service, wide panoramic view windows above the waterline, individually controlled air conditioning, generous storage and closet space, handcrafted artwork representative of the Central American communities she visits, desk and chair, iPod/MP3/4 docking station, TV/DVD player, binoculars, reusable water bottles. speaker from which to privately take-in nightly presentations if desired, private bath with shower, hair dryer, bathrobes, and conditioning shampoo and body wash.
Current Deals on This Trip
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Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary
The Safari Voyager small ship carries her guests in comfort and style. All cabins are above the waterline with large picture windows. An elegant dining room, library and ample deck space make this ship ideal for comfortable and adventurous small ship cruising.
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