Costa Rica Tall Ship Cruise & Escorted Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – fLY TO sAN JOSE
Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city. The rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring, with a welcome dinner at your hotel this evening.
Dinner Included.
DAY 2 – Travel to Tortuguero
Travel across Costa Rica to the Caribbean coast, passing through the spectacular rainforest of Braulio Carrillo National Park as well as open pastures and small farming towns. Transfer to a boat and cruise through the wilderness-encompassed canals of Tortuguero, looking out for wildlife and colourful birds as you go, to reach your rainforest lodge. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Tortuguero Village, soaking up its Afro-Caribbean vibes and learning about the locals’ sea turtle conservation efforts.
FULL BOARD- All meals included
Day 3 – Tortuguero National Park
Head deeper into the lush rainforest of Tortuguero National Park, using the network of life-filled canals that criss-cross the area. You’ll likely spot a wealth of wildlife, including otters, howler and capuchin monkeys, toucans, herons and maybe even a sloth lounging in the trees. Return to your lodge for a free afternoon.
FULL BOARD – All meals included
Day 4 – Travel to Arenal
Board boats to return through the canals to the pier, and travel on by road to Arenal. Drive through the northern lowlands with views of mountains and vast agricultural fields. Pause to meet a local family at their palm plantation to learn about the cultivation and harvesting process of the traditional product, heart of palm. Arrive under the watchful gaze of Arenal Volcano, its perfect cone swathed in a verdant blanket of green.
FULL BOARD – All meals included
Day 5 – Volcanoes & Local Flavour
Follow the Mirador Arenal 1968 trail, walking across old lava fields for spectacular views of the volcano and Lake Arenal. Your guide will be on hand to give insight into geology and the surrounding ecosystems. This afternoon, enjoy an interactive chocolate and coffee experience, learning about the process from cultivation to preparation of these two iconic Costa Rican products.
FULL BOARD – All meals included
Day 6 – Travel to Monteverde
Take a scenic boat cruise across Lake Arenal for a final glimpse of the mighty volcano before continuing by road to Monteverde. Arrive in Santa Elena and begin exploring with your local guide, learning all about the town’s journey to ecotourism hub. The afternoon is free until twilight, when you’ll head out into Monteverde’s cloud forest for a night walk. Discover the species that emerge after dark and gain a deeper appreciation of the forest’s biodiversity.
FULL BOARD – All meals included
Day 7 – Cloud Forest & Rural Traditions
Take a guided walk of the Curi Cancha Reserve, exploring its rich biodiversity. Follow wandering trails through the cloud forest, spotting the birds, mammals and native flora that make this ecosystem so unique. This afternoon, enjoy a sustainable farm and artisan cheese tour, an authentic rural experience with a local family that includes a cheese tasting!
FULL BOARD – All meals included
Day 8 – Board Star Clipper
Transfer to Puerto Caldera and board your Star Clippers tall ship, Star Clipper. The rest of the day is free to explore the ship’s facilities and settle in. Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense.
FULL BOARD – All meals included
Day 9 – Day at Sea
Day 10 – Coiba National Park
Cross into Panamanian waters and arrive at the UNESCO-listed Coiba National Park, a marine reserve of rich rainforest-covered islands and azure waters. Here, you can explore on land, searching out rare flora and fauna or the world under the waves, snorkelling vibrant coral reefs or spotting sharks, dolphins and whales.
FULL BOARD – All meals included
Day 11 – Golfo de Chiriqui
Another spectacular marine park, Golfo De Chiriqui protects 25 islands and 19 coral reefs which host abundant wildlife. Snorkel, surf or kayak in the park’s calm, clear waters or take a big game fishing trip.
FULL BOARD – All meals included
Day 12 – golfito
Cross the calm waters of the Golfo Dulce, looking towards the intense wilderness of the Osa Peninsula to reach the town of Golfito, a former banana town. Today offers opportunities to surf at Pavones, go sport-fishing or dolphin watching on the life-filled waters or kayak in the nearby mangrove forest.
FULL BOARD – All meals included
Day 13 – Quepos
The gateway to the magical Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos is a small and busy but authentic Costa Rican town. From here, you can walk the trails of the national park, passing from rainforest onto paradisical beaches, or try out some excellent local restaurants.
FULL BOARD – All meals included
Day 14 – isla tortuga
Back in Costa Rican waters, stop at what is considered the country’s most beautiful island, with powder white sands, swaying palms and crystal clear waters. Here you can relax on the beach, rent a kayak, take a glass-bottom boat cruise or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, embark on a canopy tour.
FULL BOARD – All meals included
Day 15 – arrive at puerto caldero
Bid the Star Clipper and her crew farewell as you disembark at Puerto Caldera. Meet your guide and transfer across the Pacific lowlands and into the Central Valley. Stop for a coffee tour and learn more about Costa Rica’s rich coffee heritage before arriving back into San Jose. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.
FULL BOARD – All meals included
Day 16 – San Jose to Ireland
Transfer to the airport and fly home to Ireland, arriving home the following day.
Breakfast Included.
