Costa Rica is a small country, yet its particular topography and position between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans result in it being one of the most biologically diverse places on earth. It has, over recent years, grown in its appeal to the UK traveller. No wonder when you consider its attractions: bountiful rain forests, cloud forests, soaring volcanoes, sugar sand beaches and a remarkably diverse landscape and culture. Added to this is the famous wildlife of the region: spider, howler and capuchin monkeys, coatimundis and over 300 species of birds including brilliant toucans and scarlet macaws. We are therefore delighted to be offering this new, unique journey to Costa Rica which combines a six night escorted tour with a five night voyage aboard the 100-passenger National Geographic Quest, aboard which our associates at Lindblad Expeditions have provided us with an allocation of cabins.
Costa Rica offers some of the best tourism facilities with comfortable hotels, relatively good roads and excellent transportation and as we journey overland, we will discover a wealth of fascinating cultural and natural world marvels. After a night in San Jose, we journey to the Arenal Volcano region where we explore the forest, bathe in the nearby hot springs and hike to take in the volcano’s natural beauty. Next we will explore Monteverde; famous for its lush rainforests and impressive assortment of flora and fauna, the area has a high biodiversity and we hope to spot many species of bird, butterfly, reptile, plant, tree and insect here as we explore with our guides.
Embarking the National Geographic Quest in Puerto Caldera, we set sail on a voyage to discover the treasures of one of Costa Rica’s most intriguing provinces: Guanacaste. The Guanacaste Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there will be opportunities to explore the magnificent underwater world and palm-lined beaches as well as to hike and learn about the hundreds of species of birds, reptiles and mammals that inhabit this thriving ecosystem. Other highlights include the mist-shrouded volcanic peaks in Rincon de la Vieja National Park and Curu Wildlife Refuge where we will explore in search of exotic wildlife, like macaws and white-faced capuchin monkeys moving from tree to tree. Your experience will be made all the more memorable by the onboard team of experts who will accompany you on the Zodiacs, hold daily lectures and briefings and lead guided nature walks ashore.
National Geographic Quest
Purpose-built to explore the North American coast, the National Geographic Quest accommodates just 100 guests in 50 outside cabins. The design and engineering of the National Geographic Quest were informed by nearly 40 years of experience of expedition cruising. Her twin boarding platforms, for example, enable the expedition team to load two Zodiacs at once, meaning guests can disembark the ship quickly to take advantage of wildlife sightings and maximise time spent exploring ashore. The vessel features a shallow draft, allowing the Captain to navigate the inner reaches and the onboard Zodiacs offer opportunities to get even closer to the action and land in remote locations. There are also kayaks, paddleboards and snorkelling equipment on board.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to San Jose, Costa Rica.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the Real Intercontinental Hotel San Jose for our overnight stay. Meet your fellow travellers for dinner this evening.
Day 2 San Jose to Arenal.
This morning after a leisurely breakfast, drive by coach to the lowlands and Arenal Volcano. En route we will visit the Poas Volcano National Park and enjoy a short walk before visting a coffee plantation. On arrival at Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa Hotel, our base for the next three nights, weather permitting we will get our first glimpse of this magnificent and imposing volcano. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure before dinner is served in the hotel this evening.
Day 3 Arenal.
Today there will be a morning tour of a local organic chocolate plantation. The rich volcanic soil of the Arenal area is perfect for growing cocoa. We will learn about the history of chocolate production in Costa Rica, see how it is made and of course try some of the local produce. In the afternoon enjoy a guided walk through the forests in the hope of seeing sloths. Dinner will be at the hotel this evening.
Day 4 Arenal.
After breakfast we will head towards Arenal Volcano for a hike that will take in its natural beauty. We will explore the unique flora and fauna and there will be a stop at a viewpoint to see the ancient lava flows. Along the way our local guide will point out the wildlife that calls the vegetation home. After the hike we will transfer to a natural hot spring where there will be time for a dip in the different temperature pools. Relax in the waters while taking in the sounds of the forests around you. After lunch at a local restaurant the rest of the afternoon will be at leisure to relax at the hotel. Dinner will be in the hotel this evening.
Day 5 Arenal to Monteverde.
Today we will move away from the lowlands and its volcanoes to the beautiful cloud forests of Monteverde. Located over 1,200 metres above sea level, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve offers a different natural environment to those seen so far on this tour. The dense forest is topped with low lying clouds and fog creating a great amount of moisture, and it is this moisture which helps promote a huge amount of biodiversity. The Monteverde National Reserve is home to over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles. After lunch in a local restaurant, we will head out to explore the canopy of the forest. Taking the sky tram we will slowly start to rise through the trees to above the canopy into the forest clouds. From here we will be able to walk along the 2.5 kilometres of skywalk bridges that create a path through the treetops. Enjoy the spectacular views while keeping an eye out for local bird and wildlife. After descending, we head to the El Establo Mountain Hotel for our two night stay. Dinner will be in the hotel this evening.
Day 6 Monteverde.
This morning we will explore the Monteverde National Reserve at ground level with guided walks. Take in the local flora and fauna and spot the wildlife above and at ground level. The afternoon will be at leisure and in the evening there will be the option to take part in a night walk in the National Reserve. Explore the trails with your guide seeing how the cloud forest changes at night.
Day 7 Monteverde to Puerto Caldera.
After a leisurely breakfast we transfer to the coastal town of Puerto Caldera stopping for lunch en-route. Embark the National Geographic Quest this afternoon and enjoy dinner on board this evening.
Day 8 Zapotal Beach & Bahia Huevos.
This morning, anchoring off the remote Zapotal Beach, we have the option to soak up the sun or snorkel in the waters fringed by offshore islets that have created an outstanding habitat and home for a variety of tropical fish. Alternatively join a walk with one of the onboard naturalists through the beautiful forests which are rich with bird and plant varieties. After lunch on board we continue sailing north to the Papagoya Peninsula, anchoring in Bahia Huevos. There will be the opportunity to explore the bay and peninsular by Zodiac as well as the nearby mangroves.
Day 9 Santa Rosa National Park & Guanacaste Conservation Area.
Today, start the day with a snorkel or a hike into the upper reaches of the Guanacaste Conservation Area for spectacular views over the full length of this rarely visited archipelago. Back on board we will sail towards the mainland. Depending on conditions we will explore Santa Elena Bay in Santa Rosa National Park, Junquillal Wildlife Refuge or Cuajiniquil Bay. All are part of the extraordinary biodiversity of the Guanacaste Conservation Area. Whether venturing out by kayak or Zodiac immerse yourself in the tropical environment. Keep an eye on the tree line for yellow and black great kiskadees, orange fronted parakeets and mangrove hawks setting out for a late afternoon hunt.
Day 10 Rincon de la Vieja National Park & Hacienda Guachipelin.
Today we will head inland and explore the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. This mountainous region that encompasses more than 34,000 acres is part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area. With forests carpeting the sides of two active volcanoes, this area is alive with geothermal activity. While in the National Park there will be the chance to hike and experience the transition zone where tropical dry habitat meets temperate cloud forest. Alternatively, there is the option of a shorter hike to the beautiful Las Chorreras waterfall. Afterwards, enjoy a sumptuous lunch served poolside at Hacienda Guacipelin.
Day 11 Curu National Wildlife Refuge & Isla Tortuga.
This morning we will explore the Curu National Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica’s first private national wildlife reserve. While exploring the park’s many trails learn about the hundreds of species of birds, reptiles and mammals that inhabit this thriving ecosystem. Look out for white faced capuchin monkeys, turquoise-browed motmots and with any luck scarlet macaws. As we enjoy lunch on board, we cruise to a cluster of offshore islets, known as Isla Tortuga, where there will be time to relax on the beaches, kayak or paddleboard. As the sun starts to set enjoy a waterside barbeque dinner.
Day 12 Puerto Caldera to London.
After breakfast disembark the National Geographic Quest in Puerto Caldera. Transfer back to San Jose for a city tour and lunch before heading to the airport for the overnight indirect scheduled flight to London.
Day 13 London.
Arrive into London today.
Dates and Prices
14 to 26 November 2025 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
1 Main Deck with two portholes | £8795 | £8295 |
2 Main Deck with two portholes | £9295 | £8795 |
3 Upper Deck with large window | £9795 | £9295 |
4 Upper Deck with sliding door & small balcony | £10595 | £10095 |
5 Observation Deck Suite with large windows | £10795 | £10295 |
1 Main Deck with two portholes for sole use | £11595 | £11095 |
2 Main Deck with two portholes for sole use | £12095 | £11595 |
Tour Reference Code: SCNGQ071124/SCNGQ141125
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Six nights hotel accommodation in Costa Rica as described with breakfast • Lunch and dinner daily • Five nights aboard the National Geographic Quest on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks whilst on board • Onboard expedition team • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, premium drinks, Wi-Fi.
During this expedition you will be visiting out of the way destinations and will be accompanied by an expedition team. Landings and excursions will be made by Zodiac landing craft. The use of Zodiacs will be key to the operation of the itinerary as shown. If you have any queries pertaining to the use of Zodiacs or the level of fitness required for this voyage, please do not hesitate to ask one of our experienced travel consultants.
National Geographic Quest
Purpose-built to explore the North American coast, the National Geographic Quest accommodates just 100 guests in 50 outside cabins. The design and engineering of the National Geographic Quest were informed by nearly 40 years of experience of expedition cruising. Her twin boarding platforms, for example, enable the expedition team to load two Zodiacs at once, meaning guests can disembark the ship quickly to take advantage of wildlife sightings and maximise time spent exploring ashore. The vessel features a shallow draft, allowing the Captain to navigate the inner reaches and the onboard Zodiacs offer opportunities to get even closer to the action and land in remote locations. There are also kayaks, paddleboards and snorkelling equipment on board.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000