Linblad Expeditions

Costa Rica & Nicaragua Adventure

Nowhere are Central America’s tropical offerings as diverse and accessible as in Costa Rica. This country is one of the world’s most family-friendly places, widely known for its dedication to peace and communication among cultures. We have planned this Costa Rica vacation package with activities that will please everyone:

• Follow the antics of howler and capuchin monkeys as they swing through the forest canopy. Watch sea turtles nesting on sandy beaches. Walk in forests where some leaves grow bigger than children.
• Join naturalists for guided walks ashore, on Zodiac rides and at dinner at the end of the day. They interpret the wildlife and geology of the region in a very hands-on, informal way, and make learning fun.
• Meet our Family Coordinator, who will organize a host of special activities.
• Join our optional extension to the lowland rain forest rivers of Tortuguero National Park.

Ship

Detailed Itinerary

Day 2 - Manuel Antonio National Park
Since the forest comes to life at dawn, we start our day early, with time for a swim and jungle-lined walk. At Manuel Antonio, see squirrel monkeys, three-toed tree sloths and tropical birds. The more adventurous can try to body surf on Pacific breakers!

Day 3 - Santa Elena
Spend the day at the Rancho Los Inocentes, an authentic working ranch, nestled at the foot of a dramatic volcano. Explore the dry forest by horseback, tractor or on foot. Watch howler and spider monkeys swing through the trees, or toucans fly across open fields. There is also a pool for a refreshing swim.

Day 4 - Santa Elena/Islas Murcielagos
Explore the stunning Islas Murcielagos with our naturalists. There will be ample opportunity for walking, snorkeling, kayaking and swimming from an isolated beach. These uninhabited islands, close to the mainland, are perhaps the most inaccessible part of the Santa Elena National Park — except to us from our expedition ship.

Day 5 - San Juan del Sur/Rivas, Nicaragua
Drive to historic Rivas. Visit the Museum of History and Anthropology. At the museum, children from the nearby elementary school come out to meet our group. There’s usually an exchange of small tokens of greeting followed by a traditional dance performance. Lunch is hosted by a prominent local figure at a colonial estate bordering Lake Nicaragua. Wander through gardens or unwind on a freshwater beach. We may challenge a local children’s baseball team to a game — Nicaragua -vs- USA!

Day 6 - Cabo Velas/Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Awaken near Cabo Velas, an inlet north of the surfing haven Playa Tamarindo. Spend time exploring the stores in the nearby town, or wander the numerous wide sandy beaches. In this bustling surfer town, you can shop for batiks and hand-fashioned wares.

Day 7 - Refugio Curu/Tortuga Island
Visit the privately owned Refugio Curu. Trails may reveal howler monkeys, coatis, macaws and all manner of other wildlife. An afternoon at Tortuga allows time for swimming, relaxing, frisbee and for an adventurous ride through the forest canopy on a zipline which has us soaring through the trees like monkeys!

Day 8 - Herradura/Disembark/San Jose/Miami
This morning after breakfast we disembark Sea Voyager in Herradura and drive to the airport for flights home. The Miami-bound flight departs in late morning, arriving at approximately 4:30 p.m.

Cost of This Itinerary

The least expensive cabin costs:
$413 per person per night

The most expensive stateroom costs:
$566 per person per night