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Two-week trip of Costa Rica with a cruise

14 days – from €14,800 per person

cruise – nature – wildlife – coast

  • Spot humpback whales and dolphins in the Marino Ballena N.P.
  • Explore the most beautiful natural areas along the Pacific coast
  • Discover Costa Rica’s extraordinary underwater world
  • Take hikes in rainforests and spot monkeys, sloths, tapirs and tropical birds
  • Set off on an adventure with a kayaking trip on the Savegre River

Itinerary

Day 1 | Amsterdam – San José

Your trip to Costa Rica begins today. You’ll be flying from Amsterdam to San José today. On arrival at the airport, you’ll be welcomed by one of our local staff and taken to your hotel in San José. You’ll be staying at the charming boutique hotel Grano de Oro, situated in the heart of the city. The hotel also boasts one of the best restaurants in San José.
Overnight stay: Hotel Grano de Oro | bed and breakfast

Day 2 | San José – Uvita

You will be collected from your hotel and travel on to the coastal town of Uvita in the southern part of Costa Rica. Uvita is surrounded by beautiful beaches and rainforests and borders the Marino Ballena National Park. This park is renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning beaches. You’ll stay at the exclusive Kura Boutique Hotel, situated in the Uvita rainforest. All rooms have a private terrace and offer panoramic views of Marino Ballena National Park and Uvita beach. Read more about this hotel on our blog.
Accommodation: Kura Boutique Hotel | bed and breakfast

Day 3 | Uvita

A free day in Uvita. You can choose to spend the day relaxing and recovering from your journey, or you can set out to explore the surrounding area. For example, the Marino Ballena National Park is located close to your accommodation. Between December and April, you’ll have a good chance of seeing humpback whales swimming through the waters here, and dolphins are present all year round. If you love nature, do pay a visit to the Barú National Wildlife Refuge. Here, for example, you’ll find a beach where hawksbill turtles and monitor lizards come to lay their eggs. Barú is also home to more than 310 different species of birds and mammals. There are several indigenous reserves in the surrounding area, inhabited by the Boruca and Bribri tribes. If you drive towards the village of Boruca to visit the Boruca reserve, you’ll be rewarded with the most stunning views of the Río Terraba gorge. The Bribri indigenous reserve, the Cabagra Reserve, can be reached from the village of Brujo. Of course, there are also plenty of beautiful beaches in the area where you can relax, such as Playa Ventanas. At low tide, you can admire the sea caves along the coast here.
Accommodation: Kura Boutique Hotel | bed and breakfast

Day 4 | Uvita – Kontiki Yacht – Golfo Dulce

Today you’ll check in on board the boutique-style Kontiki Yacht, where you’ll be greeted with a welcome cocktail and a detailed briefing providing information about your stay on board and the itinerary for the coming days. In the afternoon, you’ll set sail for the stunning Golfo Dulce, which separates the Osa Peninsula from the Costa Rican mainland. It is one of the world’s four tropical fjords and is best known for its rich biodiversity, vibrant marine life and stunning rainforests. In the afternoon, you’ll disembark to spot playful dolphins, paddle a kayak through serene mangroves and enjoy a breathtaking sunset.
Overnight: Kontiki Yacht | full board

Kontiki Yacht

For travellers seeking luxury and adventure, the Kontiki Yacht offers an unforgettable experience amidst the beauty of the Costa Rican coastline. This magnificent yacht features modern facilities and an expert crew, who will be delighted to take you on a voyage of discovery through the waters of the Pacific Ocean. There are nine exclusive cabins, each carefully designed with a contemporary flair, using the finest materials and modern amenities. Enjoy maximum comfort and stunning views of the ocean in complete tranquillity and privacy!

Day 5 | Golfo Dulce – Puerto Jimenez

After breakfast, you’ll disembark at Puerto Jimenez for a visit to Palo Seco, where you’ll delve into the history of Theobroma Cacao. You’ll stroll through the lush plantations and discover the secrets of chocolate-making. Of course, there’ll also be time for a tasting of tropical fruits and a chocolate fondue. In the afternoon, you can take part in the water activities offered by the yacht or simply relax on the sun deck.
In the evening, witness the magical spectacle of bioluminescence, as the water transforms into a wonderland.
Overnight stay: Kontiki Yacht | full board

Day 6 | Golfo Dulce – Drake Bay – Corcovado National Park

The Osa Peninsula is also known as ‘the Amazon of Costa Rica’ due to its diversity of mammals, amphibians and birds. Because of its remote location and difficult access, it still retains the charm of a vast oasis. Around 75 per cent of the land is taken up by Corcovado National Park. It is home to many unique bird species, macaws, various types of frogs and tapirs, and with a bit of luck you may even spot wild cats here. Accompanied by a professional guide, you’ll take a walk along the La Leona-Sirena trail, from where you’ll get to know Corcovado Park well. Enjoy the natural surroundings and the stunning views over the Pacific Ocean. After lunch, you’ll have the afternoon to relax and enjoy the water park facilities on board the yacht. You can also go snorkelling and/or kayaking.
Overnight stay: Kontiki Yacht | full board

Day 7 | Caño Island

Today you will visit Caño Island, situated some 20 km off the coast. This is an amazing marine nature reserve.
The island is of great geographical and archaeological importance as it was once the site of a burial ground dating back to the pre-Columbian era. It is also one of the most adventurous diving spots in the world. Surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, it is a paradise for snorkellers and divers. Whilst snorkelling or diving (if you hold a diving certificate), you’ll have a great chance of spotting sea turtles, dolphins, stingrays, manta rays, moray eels, barracudas, tuna, grouper and snappers. This area is also home to various species of shark and humpback whales.
Accommodation: Kontiki Yacht | full board

Day 8 | Manuel Antonio National Park

Time for a new national park! Today you’ll be visiting Manuel Antonio National Park, which, at around 7 km², is Costa Rica’s smallest national park. Keep your senses sharp during your walk through the park as you look out for the iconic capuchin monkeys, various bird species, sloths, amphibians and reptiles. There are several beaches throughout the park where you can go snorkelling and observe wildlife. In the afternoon, you can relax on the beach or go snorkelling or diving.
Overnight stay: Kontiki Yacht | full board

Day 9 | Savegre River

Get ready for some adventure today! You’ll take part in a special white-water rafting session on the Savegre River. The Savegre River features second- and third-class rapids and is guaranteed to provide thrills and excitement. During the trip, try to admire the abundant flora and fauna around you! You’ll also have opportunities to step off the raft and float in calmer waters, allowing you to really take in the surroundings.
Overnight stay: Kontiki Yacht | full board

Day 10 | Tortuga Island

After breakfast, you’ll visit the uninhabited, tropical Tortuga Island. The island is best known for its stunning scenery, as a perfect snorkelling spot and for its calm bays, which are ideal for swimming. From the moment the island comes into view, you’ll be amazed by the white sandy beaches and the dazzling turquoise waters. The snorkelling here is fantastic; various colourful species of fish, turtles and (harmless) sharks are commonly spotted here. Lunch today will be a delicious picnic on the island!
Overnight stay: Kontiki Yacht | full board

Day 11 | Kontiki Yacht – Bajos del Toro

After breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to the crew and disembark from the Kontiki Yacht. You’ll disembark at Los Sueños Marina, where one of our staff members will be waiting to take you to Bajos del Toro. You will be staying at the charming El Silencio Lodge for the next few nights. The lodge is set amongst beautiful gardens and terraces featuring a wide variety of plants that attract many birds, butterflies and reptiles.
Accommodation: El Silencio Lodge | bed and breakfast

Day 12 | Bajos del Toro

A day to spend at your leisure at the lodge. The lodge offers a range of activities which you can take part in for a fee. For example, you can visit the Las Gemelas waterfalls, a walk of around 7 km during which you can admire four different waterfalls characterised by their distinctive light blue colour. Another challenging walk is the one to the 88-metre-high, roaring Del Toro waterfall, which plunges into an extinct volcanic crater. During this walk, you’ll enjoy the sounds of tropical birds and howler monkeys as you make your way along the steep jungle path. Be sure to take time out along the way to rest and enjoy the breathtaking views from the vantage points. Not in the mood for an active day? Then enjoy a relaxing day at the lodge’s spa.
Overnight stay: El Silencio Lodge | bed and breakfast

Day 13 | Bajos del Toro – San José – Amsterdam

Your unique journey comes to an end today. You will be taken to San José airport, where you will board your intercontinental flight to Amsterdam.

Day 14 | Amsterdam

You will arrive in Amsterdam today.

Travel price

From € 14,800 per person

  • Based on two people travelling together
  • Depending on when you book, the availability of local flights and accommodation, and the time of year you are travelling

Included:

  • 5 nights’ accommodation, meals as stated
  • 7 nights on board the Kontiki Yacht, including full board and excursions led by professional guides
  • All transfers and excursions as stated
  • local taxes, where applicable
  • entrance fees, where applicable
  • Public levy Calamity Fund travel; €2.50 per booking
  • SGR contribution of €5 per person per booking
  • 24/7 our backup; locally and in the Netherlands
  • Comprehensive travel information pack with a small gift

Not included:

  • International flights, we will book them for you if required
  • Early check-in/late check-out, based on availability sometimes given by hotel. If you want to make sure you have this, please enquire with us about the extra cost.
  • travel and cancellation insurance

Request a travel proposal - Customised trip of Costa Rica

Would you also like to go on this personalised trip of Costa Rica? We can, of course, organise the above trip for you, but we’d also be happy to put together an itinerary based on your wishes and ideas. Please feel free to get in touch. Call +31 73 610 62 04, send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl or request a bespoke quote below. We’d be happy to help.

Request a travel proposal

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