Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

9° 44′ N 83° 45′ W

A Howler monkey snacks on lush green leaves shortly before sunset in a dry forest in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica

Wild Costa Rica Escape: Exploring Guanacaste's Natural Wonders

Wild Costa Rica Escape: Exploring Guanacaste’s Natural Wonders

Highlights

Guests from Lindblad Expedition ships tours on a zodiac to explore diverse habitats like mangrove-lined beaches and islands

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

Day by Day

Embark

Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

Disembark

Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

Day 1
San José, Costa Rica / Puerto Caldera / Embark

After arrival in San José this afternoon, we transfer to the Pacific Coast town of Puerto Caldera. This evening, we embark our ship National Geographic Quest and chart our course north to Costa Rica's Guanacaste Region.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 1
San José, Costa Rica / Puerto Caldera / Embark

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2
Zapotal Beach / Bahia Huevos

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2
Zapotal Beach / Bahia Huevos

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3
Santa Rosa National Park / Guanacaste Conservation Area

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3
Santa Rosa National Park / Guanacaste Conservation Area

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4
Rincón de la Vieja National Park / Hacienda Guachipelin

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 guitarists play and fresh ceviche is prepared.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4
Rincón de la Vieja National Park / Hacienda Guachipelin

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5
Curu National Wildlife Refuge / Isla Tortuga

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5
Curu National Wildlife Refuge / Isla Tortuga

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6
Puerto Caldera / Disembark / San José / U.S.

Disembark after breakfast in Puerto Caldera. Drive to the airport in San José for flights home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6
Puerto Caldera / Disembark / San José / U.S.

Disembark after breakfast in Puerto Caldera. Drive to the airport in San José for flights home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Dates & Rates

Ships

National Geographic Quest

Guests

100

Cabins

National Geographic Quest: Designed for Adventure

Built in 2017, National Geographic Quest is built for the fast-moving channels and shallow coves of the pan-American waters. Her design and engineering were informed by our nearly 40 years of experience in the narrow straits of Alaska, the coast of Costa Rica, and into the gray whale nursery lagoons of Baja.

Examples of features unique to Lindblad Expeditions include twin boarding platforms that enable our team to load two Zodiacs at once, so our guests can get off the ship quickly to take advantage of wildlife sightings and maximize exploring time. She also features a shallow draft, allowing her Captain to navigate the inner reaches and provide more intimate experiences.

Modern, clean-lined, with large expanses of glass to take in the extraordinary views, National Geographic Quest enables guests to see, do, and experience the best of her geographies.

Decks & Cabins

Explore Ship

Book now and join us on an unforgettable journey

Make a reservation

Book now

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

+1.800.397.3348

Expedition Team

Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.

Captain Andrew Cook with guests and Staff on the Bridge of National Geographic Venture, Baja California, Mexico

See Team Directory

Special Offers

special offers

Details

$700 AIR CREDIT

Book by April 30, 2023, to receive a $700 air credit per person on select departures. New bookings only. Subject to availability. Credit will be deducted from cabin fare prior to any additional applicable savings. Call for details.

special offers

Details

FREE ROUND-TRIP AIRFARE ON SELECT DATES

Book by April 30, 2023, to receive free roundtrip airfare from Miami to San Jose on select departures. Complimentary air is based on economy group flights and must be ticketed by Lindblad Expeditions. In the case that Lindblad's group flight is not available at time of booking, we reserve the right to issue a credit. Baggage fees may be additional. New bookings only and may not be combinable with other offers or pre- or post-extensions. Call for details.

BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS

Save 10% on any consecutive journeys taken on board one of our expedition ships. This savings is applicable on voyage fares only, and are not valid on extensions or airfare.

BRINGING THE KIDS

We believe sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. So take $500 off for each child under the age of 18.

CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES

Join us and celebrate your great milestones, including birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions, retirements, and more. Groups of eight or more traveling together in celebration receive 5% off and a complimentary group photograph, while the cabin-of-honor receives onboard ship credit, beautiful cake, and more onboard celebrations. Milestone celebration must be communicated at time of booking. Milestone amenity package is one per group, intended for the guest celebrating the Milestone event. Group discount is applicable to cruise portion only, and does not apply towards additional services such as hotels, extensions, airfare, etc. Group cancellation terms also apply. Not combinable with certain offers.

COMBINING OFFERS

Certain offers may be combinable, up to two savings opportunities, except where noted otherwise. For example, travel with a group of 8 or more on back-to-back expeditions, and take advantage of both savings.

View our brochure for more details

Central America

Request copy

View online

Request copy

On this six-day voyage in Guanacaste, guests are surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. From picture-perfect beaches to hidden jungle waterfalls, enjoy the diversity of the Guanacaste Conservation Area, one of the oldest and largest UNESCO World Heritage sites.

This remote part of Costa Rica is overflowing with wild allures. Over millennia, eruptions from the Arenal Volcano have created hyper-rich soil that nurtures a unique tropical dry forest. More than 30 rivers wind their way through this swath of green, pumping nutrients into the surrounding waters, which in turn nourish healthy, vibrant reefs that invite exploration.

From

$4,190

/ per person

Does not include flight

Book Now

dates

Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov and Dec

duration

6 Days

ships

National Geographic Quest

starts at

San José, Costa Rica

ends at

San José, Costa Rica

View our brochure for more details

Central America

Request copy

View online

Request copy

special offers

Details

$700 AIR CREDIT

See all offers

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

+1.800.397.3348

From

$4,190

/ per person

Book Now

dates

Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov and Dec

duration

6 Days

ships

National Geographic Quest

starts at

San José, Costa Rica

ends at

San José, Costa Rica

View our brochure for more details

Central America

Request copy

View online

Request copy

From

$4,190

/ per person

Book Now

dates

Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov and Dec

duration

6 Days

ships

National Geographic Quest

starts at

San José, Costa Rica

ends at

San José, Costa Rica

View our brochure for more details

Central America

Request copy

View online

Request copy

special offers

Details

$700 AIR CREDIT

See all offers

Special Offers

special offers

Details

$700 AIR CREDIT

special offers

Details

FREE ROUND-TRIP AIRFARE ON SELECT DATES

BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS

Save 10% on any consecutive journeys taken on board one of our expedition ships. This savings is applicable on voyage fares only, and are not valid on extensions or airfare.

BRINGING THE KIDS

We believe sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. So take $500 off for each child under the age of 18.

CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES

COMBINING OFFERS

Day by Day

Embark

Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

Disembark

Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

Day 1
San José, Costa Rica / Puerto Caldera / Embark

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 1
San José, Costa Rica / Puerto Caldera / Embark

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2
Zapotal Beach / Bahia Huevos

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2
Zapotal Beach / Bahia Huevos

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3
Santa Rosa National Park / Guanacaste Conservation Area

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3
Santa Rosa National Park / Guanacaste Conservation Area

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4
Rincón de la Vieja National Park / Hacienda Guachipelin

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4
Rincón de la Vieja National Park / Hacienda Guachipelin

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5
Curu National Wildlife Refuge / Isla Tortuga

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5
Curu National Wildlife Refuge / Isla Tortuga

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6
Puerto Caldera / Disembark / San José / U.S.

Disembark after breakfast in Puerto Caldera. Drive to the airport in San José for flights home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6
Puerto Caldera / Disembark / San José / U.S.

Disembark after breakfast in Puerto Caldera. Drive to the airport in San José for flights home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Wild Costa Rica Escape: Exploring Guanacaste’s Natural Wonders

Highlights

Day by Day

Day 1San José, Costa Rica / Puerto Caldera / Embark

Day 1San José, Costa Rica / Puerto Caldera / Embark

Day 2Zapotal Beach / Bahia Huevos

Day 2Zapotal Beach / Bahia Huevos

Day 3Santa Rosa National Park / Guanacaste Conservation Area

Day 3Santa Rosa National Park / Guanacaste Conservation Area

Day 4Rincón de la Vieja National Park / Hacienda Guachipelin

Day 4Rincón de la Vieja National Park / Hacienda Guachipelin

Day 5Curu National Wildlife Refuge / Isla Tortuga

Day 5Curu National Wildlife Refuge / Isla Tortuga

Day 6Puerto Caldera / Disembark / San José / U.S.

Day 6Puerto Caldera / Disembark / San José / U.S.

Dates & Rates

Ships

National Geographic Quest

Book now and join us on an unforgettable journey

Expedition Team

Special Offers

Dates & Rates

Ships

National Geographic Quest

Book now and join us on an unforgettable journey

Expedition Team

Special Offers

Day by Day

Day 1San José, Costa Rica / Puerto Caldera / Embark

Day 1San José, Costa Rica / Puerto Caldera / Embark

Day 2Zapotal Beach / Bahia Huevos

Day 2Zapotal Beach / Bahia Huevos

Day 3Santa Rosa National Park / Guanacaste Conservation Area

Day 3Santa Rosa National Park / Guanacaste Conservation Area

Day 4Rincón de la Vieja National Park / Hacienda Guachipelin

Day 4Rincón de la Vieja National Park / Hacienda Guachipelin

Day 5Curu National Wildlife Refuge / Isla Tortuga

Day 5Curu National Wildlife Refuge / Isla Tortuga

Day 6Puerto Caldera / Disembark / San José / U.S.

Day 6Puerto Caldera / Disembark / San José / U.S.

Day 1
San José, Costa Rica / Puerto Caldera / Embark

Day 1
San José, Costa Rica / Puerto Caldera / Embark

Day 2
Zapotal Beach / Bahia Huevos

Day 2
Zapotal Beach / Bahia Huevos

Day 3
Santa Rosa National Park / Guanacaste Conservation Area

Day 3
Santa Rosa National Park / Guanacaste Conservation Area

Day 4
Rincón de la Vieja National Park / Hacienda Guachipelin

Day 4
Rincón de la Vieja National Park / Hacienda Guachipelin

Day 5
Curu National Wildlife Refuge / Isla Tortuga

Day 5
Curu National Wildlife Refuge / Isla Tortuga

Day 6
Puerto Caldera / Disembark / San José / U.S.

Day 6
Puerto Caldera / Disembark / San José / U.S.

Day 1
San José, Costa Rica / Puerto Caldera / Embark

Day 1
San José, Costa Rica / Puerto Caldera / Embark

Day 2
Zapotal Beach / Bahia Huevos

Day 2
Zapotal Beach / Bahia Huevos

Day 3
Santa Rosa National Park / Guanacaste Conservation Area

Day 3
Santa Rosa National Park / Guanacaste Conservation Area

Day 4
Rincón de la Vieja National Park / Hacienda Guachipelin

Day 4
Rincón de la Vieja National Park / Hacienda Guachipelin

Day 5
Curu National Wildlife Refuge / Isla Tortuga

Day 5
Curu National Wildlife Refuge / Isla Tortuga

Day 6
Puerto Caldera / Disembark / San José / U.S.

Day 6
Puerto Caldera / Disembark / San José / U.S.