Exploring Costa Rica: Guanacaste, Santa Rosa & Rincon de la Vieja
Navigate the pristine coastline of Costa Rica’s national parks and preserves on this 6-day voyage aboard the 100-guest National Geographic Quest. Discover tropical forests on foot, horseback, and soaring by zipline throughout wildlife-rich parks and preserves.
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 Guanacaste cruise, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Costa Rica cruises and Costa Rica trips.
Exploring Costa Rica: Guanacaste, Santa Rosa & Rincon de la Vieja 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.
After arrival in San José this afternoon, transfer to the Pacific Coast town of Puerto Caldera. This evening, embark the ship and chart a course north to Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region.
Drop anchor off the remote Papagayo Peninsula and spend the day soaking up the sun and enjoying beach time alongside 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 you back into a beautiful gallery forest. The area is rich with bird and plant varieties, and your naturalists describe the intricate web of life in these oceanside ecosystems.
After lunch on board, continue to explore the coastline of Bahía Huevos and Playa Celestia. Take Zodiacs on an exploration of the bay and the peninsula. If conditions permit, drop kayaks and paddleboards and explore the nearby mangroves.
Weather permitting, don a snorkel and fins to discover a rich underwater world or hike into the upper reaches of the Guanacaste Conservation Area for commanding views over the full length of this rarely visited archipelago.
Back on board, sail toward the mainland while enjoying a delicious lunch. Depending on conditions, you may choose to 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 yourself 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.
The adventure continues as you 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 white-throated 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.
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. Celebrate the finale of your Guanacaste adventure with afternoon refreshments and hors d’oeuvres on the beach.
Disembark after breakfast in Puerto Caldera. Drive to the airport in San José for flights home.
Included
Accommodations aboard ship; meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar; 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; basic WiFi (enhanced and premium packages available for purchase). Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens.
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
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. 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 Exploring Costa Rica cruise begins and ends in San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO). Plan flights to arrive to San Jose by 1:00pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. Disembarkation is after breakfast on the final day of the outlined itinerary. Plan flights to depart San Jose no earlier than 12:30pm 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 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 horseback riding, 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
See the Deals section of this trip for any applicable child discounts. There is no special kids programming on this itinerary.
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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Purpose built to cruise coastal waters, shallow coves and fast-moving channels, the 100-guest National Geographic Quest is a state-of-the-art, expedition vessel designed for supreme comfort and enhanced wildlife viewing. Spacious cabins, open decks and specialty exploration tools make her the ideal small ship for sailing in the waters of Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, California, Baja, Costa Rica and Panama.
Built in 2017 and designed with 50 years of expedition experience in mind, National Geographic Quest more than comfortably accommodates 100 guests in 50 cabins. Her twin expedition craft landing platform allows guests to get on and off the ship quickly to maximize on wildlife sightings. Created with a shallow draft, the Nat Geo Quest draws only nine feet of water, allowing her to sail into places where much larger ships cannot go. She joins her identical sister ship, the National Geographic Venture, in being among the most luxurious expedition ships to explore waterways worldwide.
Why Sail Aboard National Geographic Quest
Choose the National Geographic Quest to be immersed in nature and wildlife aboard one of the most purpose-built expedition ships in the world. Know you're traveling aboard an environmentally friendly ship, plus enjoy unique added features like better views from the bridge and windows made of premium glass with a straight tint to offer the clearest, most natural view possible. Plus, the experts and equipment on board provide the finest intellectual and educational experience of any small ship cruise. Find this ship among our vetted selection of luxury Alaska cruises, and trust her level of service extends to all her sailings worldwide.
AdventureSmith Explorations has been aboard the National Geographic Quest firsthand and can help you compare this expedition vessel to others offering Alaska small ship cruises, Costa Rica cruises, Panama small ship cruises, Pacific Northwest cruises, U.S. cruises, Canada small ship cruises and more. Read our dedicated National Geographic Quest Reviews written by two of our specialists, or consult this page further for a detailed description of the Nat Geo Quest, including the deck plan and a photo gallery of every cabin. Let us be your resource for finding small cruise ships worldwide.
Common Areas & Amenities Aboard National Geographic Quest
The Nat Geo Quest features a specially designed open bow and an observation deck for gathering to watch for wildlife or enjoying an evening cocktail. The open bridge on this ship is unique because it features comfortable spaces for guests to sit and enjoy a better vantage point than most bridges offer. Join the captain and officers while scanning the horizon with onboard binoculars or simply chat about sailing while sipping morning coffee.
The lounge has wraparound windows for an optimal view and features multiple high-definition screens for presentations. There is a small reference library with boardgames and cards. The sundeck has tables, chairs and lounge chairs. To ease the organization of embarkation and disembarkation for daily activities, there is a mud room with lockers to conveniently store boots and other gear. An elevator accesses all decks, and public restrooms are available on every deck. There is also a global market stocked with local artisan products. Special features aboard the National Geographic Quest include internet access and laundry service. A ship's doctor and video chronicler are also on board.
Nat Geo Quest offers internet access (one device at a time) via three tiers: time-limited complimentary "basic" internet, for app messaging, email and simple social media; time-limited "enhanced" internet, adding general web browsing and video conferencing capabilities; and "premium" internet, for unlimited access to all features under the "enhanced" plan. WiFi is satellite based and may not always be accessible in poor weather or extremely remote areas.
Dining Aboard National Geographic Quest
Meals are served in single seatings in the dining room with an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. When weather conditions allow, lighter fare may be served outside on the observation deck. During meals the expedition leader, naturalists and any guest speakers aboard will dine alongside guests. Food served aboard is fresh, local and sustainably sourced whenever possible. A variety of beverages are available for purchase including specialty wine by the bottle, cocktails and spirits. Next to the full-service bar is a 24-hour self-service beverage station with coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer, water, ice and snacks.
Activities Aboard National Geographic Quest
The National Geographic Quest carries expedition equipment including 8 landing crafts, 24 kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, a remotely operated vehicle, snorkeling gear and wetsuits, underwater video camera, video microscope and electronic charts. The 8 landing crafts were custom built by Zodiac Milpro and are the first and only Mark V Zodiacs constructed entirely in the USA. These boats are superior, military-grade construction, but customized with features like extra holds for passenger stability and topside treads to improve footing for stepping on and off. Guests will embark and disembark via custom-designed ladders to improve safety and ease of movement.
Also aboard the Nat Geo Quest is a wellness specialist, offering treatments in the LEXspa and leading morning stretches on the deck. There is also a unique floating massage platform for use in calm waters. The gym features an elliptical machine, treadmill, exercycle, handweights, machine weights and resistance bands.
Sustainability Aboard National Geographic Quest
The internal systems aboard the National Geographic Quest were built with the best available in the market. Advanced waste management and treatment systems exceed international standards. To lessen the need for fuel, she features a streamlined hull design and bulbous bow. Everything from the propellers to the engines have been specifically chosen to minimize vibration and improve fuel efficiency. Working in concert, these systems enable the vessel to use less fuel than many ships far smaller.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard National Geographic Quest
National Geographic Quest comfortably accommodates 100 guests in 50 outside-facing cabins. 22 of the cabins feature small balconies with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that bring in the spectacular views and ample natural light. 12 cabins connect via internal doorway access allowing families to combine their rooms. Every cabin has two portholes, a large window or balcony, WiFi access and temperature controls. Bathrooms are modern and stocked with botanically inspired hair products, soap and shower gel, plus a hairdryer. Every cabin has standard outlets and USB outlets for charging your camera gear or electronics, space for luggage storage and an Expedition Essentials Kit.
Current Deals on This Trip
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Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary
Purpose built to cruise coastal waters, shallow coves and fast-moving channels, the National Geographic Quest is a state-of-the-art expedition vessel designed for supreme comfort and enhanced wildlife viewing.
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Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Costa Rica Cruise
Choose from a wide variety of other AdventureSmith Costa Rica trips to extend your journey, or opt for a pre–cruise extension with your fellow passengers on this cruise. Cano Negro Rainforests and Reserves Pre-Voyage Extension is a 5-day pre-cruise expedition to Costa Rica’s remote Caño Negro district, which is celebrated for its prolific bird population and one of the world’s most important wetlands. See San Jose Pre-Voyage Extension is a 2-day pre-cruise expedition to get a jumpstart on exploring Costa Rica’s wilds and wonders before embarking the ship. Tour a local coffee cooperative to learn about roasting methods while sampling its finest offerings, enjoy a local lunch and search for crocodiles, scarlet macaws and more along the Tárcoles River.
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