Costa Rica Family AdventureOn this cruise, we especially welcome children aboard to enjoy summer fun on the beach and at sea. A special children's activity director creates safe and fun learning experiences tailored to specific age levels, from beginner's Spanish lessons to special short hikes in the forest looking for monkeys and other wildlife. Recommended for:
Cruise Highlights
The ShipCruise West's 100-guest Pacific Explorer is the perfect way to travel in comfort through your Central American adventures. The intimate vessel is staffed by friendly, knowledgeable, English-speaking Costa Ricans, with an activities coordinator. All cabins are air-conditioned with private baths and showers. Delicious international cuisine with Central American specialties is prepared daily using only the freshest fruits, vegetables, meats and fish. All staterooms offer picture windows and private facilities.Detailed ItineraryDay 1 Arrive San JoseTransfer from San José’s Airport to the Pacific Explorer at Los Sueños. After you settle into your comfortable stateroom, come out on deck as the ship ventures out to sea. Day 2 Curu Wildlife Refuge and Tortuga Island The whole family will love exploring Curú, a 207-acre private wildlife sanctuary on the Nicoya Peninsula. Despite its small size, the privately-owned reserve offers a surprising diversity of plants and animals, including more than 110 species of land and sea birds, ranging from the great frigate bird to delicate flycatchers. Miles of shoreline are dotted with tiny coves and beautiful white-sand beaches that are home to fiery-red land crabs. Sea turtles nest here and monkeys frolic in the canopy. Just 2 miles offshore, Tortuga is a picture-perfect tropical isle for family volleyball and sand castle contests. Day 3 Corcovado National Park Here inflatable excursion craft will carry you ashore for exploration. The scarlet macaws will loudly announce your arrival with high-pitched squawks. There will be time to hike and whet your appetite for a Tico-style barbeque (weather permitting). This area is home to endangered wildlife, including 4 species of monkeys and 6 species of wild cats. Nearly 300 species of birds live in Corcovado National Park. Later you will sail toward Golfo Dulce looking for dolphins and whales along the way. Day 4 Golfo Dulce The shores of the “Sweet Gulf” are often lined with mangrove forests, fascinating to explore by small craft or kayak (weather permitting). Kids will love the family-run botanical garden, Casa Orquideas (Orchid House). Accessible only by sea, the gardens shelter an imaginative collection of tropical fruit trees, palms, ornamental plants, and over 100 varieties of orchids. Children can enjoy banana boat rides in this calm bay or go swimming. Note: If the tide does not allow us to go up Rincon River, then we will visit Caña Blanca, which is a private reserve and a rescue and rehabilitation center for scarlet macaws. Day 5 Drake Bay and Cano Island Named after Sir Francis Drake, who sailed here in 1579, Drake Bay remains a wild and pristine place. Your family may motor by small craft up the Agujitas River, to swim in cool waters looking up at the forest canopy where monkeys, toucans and macaws are seen. Continue to Caño Island, 10 miles offshore. This protected Pacific island is a treasure of brilliant marine life and mysterious pre-Columbian artifacts. Hear about the perfectly round stone spheres, some up to 6 feet in diameter, estimated to be 1,500 years old that were found here and few other places in the world. The coral reef snorkeling is also spectacular. Day 6 Manuel Antonio National Park The most popular national park in Costa Rica is one of the highlights of your cruise. You’ll explore long strands of magnificent white-sand beach, backed by an lush jungle sheltering hundreds of fascinating plant species. While hiking the open forest trails, you may spot iguanas, chattering capuchin monkeys, and lazy three-toed sloth. After lunch on the Sun Deck, have an afternoon of water sports or leisure time on the beach. Day 7 Transfer Disembark at Los Sueños Marina and transfer to the San José Airport. Cost of This Trip6 Night tripThe least expensive cabin costs: $300 per person per night The most expensive stateroom costs: $475 pp pn Children 12 and under sharing a cabin with an adult save 50% on the Family Adventure cruise fares. Youth 13-21 save 25%. |
