PACIFIC EXPLORER CRUISES:  THE GEMS OF COSTA RICA

Tortuga, Curu Wildlife Refuge, Manuel Antonio, Corcovado, Drake Bay, Cano Island, Golfo Dulce, Coiba Island

CRUCWGCR - 8 days / 7 nights

Departure Dates:  
April 09, 16, 2005
November 05, 12, 2005
December 03, 10, 2005

The wildlife-rich national parks and pristine islands of Costa Rica's Pacific shore form a sparkling chain of jewels linked only by the sea. From Curú Wildlife Refuge in the west to Isla de Coiba National Park in Panama, the Pacific Explorer provides magical access to these often roadless wonders. Each day, you'll take Zodiacs to the beach. Expert naturalists escort you through the forest, alert to the cry of a toucan, the slow-motion movement of a sloth, or the flash of an iguana. 

The warm water beckons, for kayaking, snorkeling, or simply soaking. Then when it's time to weigh anchor, back to the ship, and off you go to the next day's adventures in the sun. Seek white-faced capuchins and scarlet macaws at Manuel Antonio National Park, Corcovado Conservation Area and Curú Wildlife Refuge. The ship that carries you to these tropical wonders is the 100-guest Pacific Explorer. She is completely air-conditioned, with spacious lounges and a Sun Deck with unobstructed views on all sides. All cabins feature view windows. Limited numbers of fellow travelers ensure that your experience, both on board and ashore, is up-close, intimate, and very personal. You and your fellow travelers never overwhelm a village, a beach, or an island – especially when you’re the only ones there.

Highlights

Pacific Explorer Information    -   Costa Rica & Panama Information

Daily Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive San Jose 
The transfer from the San Jose Airport to the Pacific Explorer at Los Sueños departs at 3:00 p.m. After settling into your comfortable stateroom, you’ll want to be out on deck as the ship ventures out to sea. (D)

DAY 2 Curú Wildlife Refuge and Tortuga Island 
At Curú, a 207-acre private wildlife sanctuary, you will seek wildlife in five distinct habitats, from mangrove lagoons to hill forest. Three miles of shoreline are dotted with tiny coves and three beautiful white-sand beaches, home mainly to fiery-red land crabs. Leatherback, hawksbill, and olive ridley sea turtles nest here, and white-faced capuchin, howler and spider monkeys live in the forest. Just two miles offshore, Tortuga is a picture-perfect tropical isle. Flawless white-sand beaches are fringed with swaying coconut palms and turquoise water teeming with tropical fish. Snorkeling, swimming and sea kayaking whet your appetite for a Tico-style beach barbecue. The crew may light a bonfire on the beach sands. (B,L,D)

DAY 3 Corcovado Conservation Area 
This 100,000-acre sanctuary of biological diversity dominates the Osa Peninsula in southwest Costa Rica. The park’s 13 habitats are characterized by an abundance of endangered wildlife, including all four species of monkeys and six species of wild cats found in the country. Giant trees draped with vines and lianas, and supported by massive buttress roots, tower over the forest floor. Nearly 300 species of birds live in Corcovado. Zodiacs carry you ashore for an early morning bird-watching walk. The scarlet macaws are the most spectacular, as they loudly announce their arrival with high-pitched squawks. You may have an opportunity to paddle up a stream in a kayak, swim in a river, or enjoy snorkeling, swimming, or relaxing in the sun. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Isla de Coiba, Panama 
Some of the richest waters and spectacular tiny islets of Central America’s Pacific coast may be found surrounding Isla de Coiba, Panama’s largest island and one of its newest parks. The waters are ideal for snorkeling, and expert staff provide lessons and help you discover the stunning diversity of the most extensive coral reef in the region. The snorkelers will seek white-tipped reef sharks, manta rays and the comical puffer fish. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Golfo Dulce 
Located on the eastern shore of the Golfo Dulce is a little slice of heaven – an 800-acre, palm-lined and orchid-trimmed beach. Here at the foot of the rain forest, you may choose to take a hike seeking toucans and howler monkeys. You’ll also visit the Casa Orquideas (Orchid House), a private 90-acre botanical garden with masses of ornamental tropical plants that attract a multitude of birds. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Drake Bay & Caño Island 
Named after Sir Francis Drake, who sailed here in 1579, Drake Bay remains a wild and pristine place. You may motor by Zodiac up the Agujitas River, to swim in cool waters looking up at the forest canopy where monkeys, ospreys and macaws are commonly seen. This afternoon, continue to Caño Island, ten miles offshore. This protected Pacific island is a treasurehouse of brilliant marine life and mysterious pre-Columbian artifacts. You’ll wonder at the extraordinary stone spheres, some up to six feet in diameter, which are estimated to be up to 1500 years old. The coral reef snorkeling here is spectacular. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Manuel Antonio National Park 
The most popular national park in Costa Rica is one of the highlights of your cruise. You will delight in exploring long strands of magnificent white-sand beach, backed by an exuberant jungle sheltering hundreds of fascinating plant species. While hiking the open forest trails, you may spot iguanas, white-faced capuchin monkeys and the lazy three-toed sloth. After lunch on the Sun Deck, prepare for an afternoon of water sports and leisure time on the beach. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Return
Disembark and transfer to the San Jose Airport. (B)

INCLUDED:

Not Included:

INSURANCE NOTE: Cancellation policies are strictly enforced! We highly recommend to protect your travel investment should you need to cancel your trip. We have designed an exclusive insurance plan to provide broad protection!