South & Central America, Central America
Wild Costa Rica Escape: Guanacaste’s Coral Reefs & Volcanic Peaks
Discover the treasures of one of Costa Rica’s richest regions, Guanacaste, on a six-day voyage. 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 we venture from uninhabited isles to wildlife-rich jungles, bask in the “pura vida” that infuses this ecologically rich country.
• Navigate the pristine coastline of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region, snorkel crystalline waters, and explore wildlife-rich parks and preserves
• Discover diverse tropical ecosystems while exploring via kayak and paddleboard, on foot, on horseback, and soaring by zipline
• Spend an afternoon enjoying Isla Tortuga’s palm-shaded beaches before a barbecue dinner on the sand
• Explore the volcanic landscapes of Rincón de la Vieja National Park and search for exotic wildlife, from monkeys to macaws
Highlights
• Navigate the pristine coastline of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region, snorkel crystalline waters, and explore wildlife-rich parks and preserves
• Discover diverse tropical ecosystems while exploring via kayak and paddleboard, on foot, on horseback, and soaring by zipline
• Spend an afternoon enjoying Isla Tortuga’s palm-shaded beaches before a barbecue dinner on the sand
• Explore the volcanic landscapes of Rincón de la Vieja National Park and search for exotic wildlife, from monkeys to macaws
Upon arrival in San José, the capital of Costa
Rica, transfer by land to Puerto Caldera and
embark our ship the National Geographic Quest.
Enjoy a sunset dinner on board as we chart a
course for the Guanacaste region on Costa Rica’s
Pacific coast. (D)
Drop anchor off remote Zapotal Beach, where
we’ll spend the morning soaking up the sun or
snorkeling in 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 us back into a
beautiful gallery forest. The area is rich with bird
and plant varieties, and our naturalists describe
the intricate web of life in these oceanside
ecosystems.
After lunch on board, we cruise north to the
Papagayo Peninsula, dropping anchor in Bahia
Huevos. Our Zodiacs take us on an exploration of
the bay and the peninsula. If conditions, permit,
we drop kayaks and paddleboards and explore the
nearby mangroves (B,L,D)
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, we sail toward the mainland while
enjoying a delicious lunch. Depending on
conditions, we 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, we immerse
ourselves 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.
(B,L,D)
**Please note: National Geographic Quest will sail
to Nicaragua overnight where necessary
immigration requirements will be completed prior
to returning to Costa Rica on Day 4
Our adventure today continues as we 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 enticing options
today 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 gu
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. Here we 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, as we enjoy lunch on board, we 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. As the sun begins
to set on our Guanacaste adventure, a waterside
barbecue dinner awaits—the perfect way to finish
our voyage. (B,L,D)
Disembark after breakfast in Puerto Caldera. Drive
to the airport in San José for flights home. (B)
Itineraries are subject to change
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Book now |
Category 1
$5,240 AUD pp
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 2
$5,930 AUD pp
Cat 2 #307-315 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 3
$6,270 AUD pp
Cat 3 #201-206 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and a large view window. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 4
$6,840 AUD pp
Cat 4 #207-229 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door and small, private balcony. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 5
$7,280 AUD pp
Observation Deck #101-108 (Suite) Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, large view windows, an expanded bathroom, writing desk, ample storage space, and a convertible sofa bed to accommodate a third person. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 1 Single
$8,080 AUD pp
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 2 Single
$8,900 AUD pp
Cat 2 #307-315 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
|
Book now |
Category 1
$5,240 AUD pp
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 2
$5,930 AUD pp
Cat 2 #307-315 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 3
$6,270 AUD pp
Cat 3 #201-206 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and a large view window. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 4
$6,840 AUD pp
Cat 4 #207-229 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door and small, private balcony. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 5
$7,280 AUD pp
Observation Deck #101-108 (Suite) Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, large view windows, an expanded bathroom, writing desk, ample storage space, and a convertible sofa bed to accommodate a third person. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 1 Single
$8,080 AUD pp
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 2 Single
$8,900 AUD pp
Cat 2 #307-315 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Length: 72 metres
Passenger Capacity: 100 guests (in 50 cabins)
Built: 2017
Designed with decades of expedition experience in the region, National Geographic Quest more than comfortably accommodates 100 guests in 50 cabins. Her twin expedition craft landing platform allow us to rapidly get on and off the ship to take advantage of wildlife sightings and to ensure we maximize our time off the ship exploring. Created with a shallow draft, Quest draws only nine feet of water allowing her to sail into places where much larger ships cannot go.
PUBLIC AREAS: Global gallery; fitness centre; LEXspa; lounge with full service bar and facilities for films and presentations; observation deck; mudroom with lockers for expedition gear, and a partially covered sundeck with chairs and tables. Our ‘open bridge’ provides guests an opportunity to meet our officers and captain and learn about navigation.
MEALS: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and dinner is served family-style. Menu emphasises local fare.
CABINS: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls. Some cabins have balconies.
EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: Expedition landing craft, a fleet of 24 kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, splashcam, underwater video camera, video microscope, snorkelling gear for all guests (where applicable).
SPECIAL FEATURES: Guest internet access, elevator, National Geographic certified photo instructor, a video chronicler and undersea specialist.
WELLNESS: The vessel is staffed by a Wellness Specialist and features a gym with an elliptical machine, treadmill, exercycles, handweights and resistance bands. Treatments in the LEXspa are available by appointment.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• All meals while on board
• Non alcoholic beverages
• Experienced expedition team and leader
• All excursions
• Zodiac and kayak exploration
• Snorkeling, including wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkel where relevant
• Lectures and presentations on board
Exclusions
• International and domestic flights unless otherwise stated
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Alcoholic beverages on board unless otherwise stated
• Gratuities unless otherwise stated
• Wifi on board
• Any items of a personal nature including laundry
Small Ship Cruise
6 Days from
$5,240 AUD pp
Our Associates Include
