Discover an enchanting marine world. Beautiful reefs and colorful and pristine beaches are the sites where you will see the marine life abundant in the tropics.  Board your catamaran for a 50-minute sail to your snorkeling destination. Snorkeling around the Flamingo area, where you will have 90 minutes to discover an enchanting marine world. Gaze off the boat with a refreshing tropical drink and snacks served by the crew, as you scan the seas for dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish and so much more. It is an experience you should not miss!

Please note:  Wear light clothing, hat, bathing suit under your clothes, bring sunscreen, insect repellent, suntan lotion, and a towel. Snorkeling equipment will be provided.

Adrenaline lovers – this is a tour for you.  You’ll arrive at the canopy tour after a 30-minute drive from the pier. This private reserve protects an important tropical dry forest area. The reason is simple: for the last decade, thousands of hectares of this precious forest have been cut down for its beautiful selection of hardwoods. Today, throughout the entire American continent it is only possible to find dry forest reserves in northwestern Costa Rica. A platform located at ground level on the upper side of a canyon will mark the beginning of your experience. Using industry-approved, ultra-safe harness equipment, you will travel on a network of steel cables that connect eight trees in the forest. This will be your road to excitement while you learn the secrets of the dry forest. Gliding from tree to tree, you will have a bird’s-eye view of the forest. 

Please note:  There are 90 steps to manage in order to reach the first platform. This tour is not suitable for guests with fear of heights and it is only recommended for people in good physical condition. A waiver must be signed before the tour starts. Wear comfortable clothing, a hat, comfortable close-toed shoes, and bring insect repellent and sunscreen. Wet landing is required please wear water shoes.

The Gulf of Papagayo is located in the northwestern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica and is known for its beautiful beaches, its amazing year-round good weather, the abundant wildlife that lives in its waters and the wide variety of activities that visitors can be a part of while visiting this beautiful country. During this tour, you will sail aboard a beautiful catamaran through the waters of the Gulf of Papagayo, and discover its enchanting marine world: beautiful reefs, colorful and pristine beaches, dolphins, flying fish and other marine species that are only part of the spectacle you might witness during this adventure. You can even relax on the boat and sip delicious refreshing tropical drinks and snacks that are served by the crew as you simply enjoy and delight yourself with the amazing views of the ocean, the surrounding beaches and feel the marine breeze on your face.  On arrival at Playa Heuvos there will be time to swim, snorkel or explore in the tranquil warm ocean.

Please note:  The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible. Bring your bathing suit and a towel and your own snorkel equipment if you wish. 

You’ll have a 30-minute drive to the Congo Trail Private Reserve where your adventure will begin. A platform located at ground level will mark the beginning of your experience. Industry-approved, ultra-safe harness equipment and a network of steel cables that connect eight trees in the forest will be your road to excitement while you learn the secrets of the dry forest. Gliding from tree to tree, you will have a birds-eye-view of the forest. The fauna is especially abundant here. Hundreds of different species of birds have been sighted, along with the howler monkey, many different snakes, coatis, and other mammals. At the end of the last cable, you will head back to earth and your ride back to your ship. 

Please note: This is a very active tour only recommended for guests who are in good physical condition. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Wet landing required. A waiver must be signed by all participants.

Are you ready to whip mud and get splashed? Board your Honda (buggy type) mule and ride through the forest on an adventure you will not forget!  You will depart from the pier in an air-conditioned minibus for the short drive to Punta Leona. You may want to use the restrooms or browse around the shops. The mules will be there waiting for you.  First your guide will instruct you on safety information followed by an easy test drive and for the next hour you will cross several rivers and creeks, whip mud, drive on sand banks and appreciate the sites of some of Costa Rica's wildlife until you arrive to Playa Agujas. You will wind down with the river rainforest trails as you descend toward an isolated beach called Bochinche where you will enjoy a refreshing snack, drinks and time at leisure with lush forest and ocean vistas. Return to Punta Leona and then board the minibus for your ride back to the pier and change the driving of the mules with your fellow partners.. On the way you will make a quick stop at Tarcoles River where you will have the opportunity to observe and photograph large crocodile colonies.

Please note:  Please wear clothes that you can get dirty. Bring extra dry clothing, and wear comfortable shoes (sandals are welcome), a hat or visor, sunscreen and  insect repellent.  Bring a a rain poncho and driver’s license.

If walking through a tropical forest is exciting, then imagine the experience of traveling on cables on top of it. The tropical forest is one the most complex ecosystems on Earth, more species of flora and fauna inhabit this type of forest than in any other on the planet.  The richest part of the forest is the canopy, as most plants, including orchids and ferns, climb on the trees to receive more sunlight. Here is your chance for an adrenaline-filled encounter with the rainforest, at 100 feet above the ground! You will fly over exotic trees and flora while experiencing spectaculars views of Herradura Bay, the Pacific Coast, as well as the Nicoya Gulf. You will cross an exuberant primary forest on 12 cables and 14 platforms suspended on the treetops discovering the unique comparison of two different ecosystems, the Tropical and the Dry Tropical eco-systems, two different climates and many singular species of birds and animals not seen anywhere else. At the end of your adventure enjoy a delicious buffet of tropical fruits. 

 

Please note:  This tour is only recommended for those who are able to participate in moderately strenuous activities and high adventure programs. Guests who suffer vertigo should not participate on this tour. Comfortable light clothing is recommended. Weight limit is approximately 235 pounds. You will be required to sign a waiver.

This adventure takes place along the estuary of Guacalillo and the Tarcoles River, near Carara National Park. You will board your jungle cruise boat for your tour up the estuary noted for its mangrove forests. In fact, four different species of mangroves are found in this area: tea, black, red and white mangrove. The mangroves are a group of unrelated woody plants that grow in protected tropical coasts. The mangroves also provide a great habitat for many endemic birds like swallows, hummingbirds, flycatchers and many ibis and woodpeckers.You will cruise up the Tarcoles River that’s shores house one of the largest colonies of crocodiles. Some of these reptiles are easily 9 feet long. Iguanas, as well as many birds like herons, egrets, and ducks are easily seen looking for food along the riverbanks. This journey will help you learn about the importance of mangroves and why they must be preserved as a way of conservation to save all living species on Earth. Enjoy tropical fresh fruits and iced cold drinks before, during or after your cruise.

 

Please note: Bring your camera, sunscreen, insect repellent and wear comfortable clothing.

              

 

 

A boat ride through the mangroves is like visiting another world.  The species of trees that grow in the mixed waters of the ocean and the river make a unique and very fragile ecosystem.  Most of these trees grow along the estuary, developing an aerial root system. As the tide goes down the roots become suspended in the air creating a perfect home for crabs and caimans. In the upper part of the forest you will see monkeys and a great variety of birds including herons, egrets, and spoonbills. The launch will take you to a private property for refreshments as your naturalist tour guide gives you more information about this amazing ecosystem. Your shaded boat will then take you deep into the mangroves, where you will try to spot all the incredible wildlife making their home there.  After a 2- hour boat ride you will arrive at the village where transportation will be waiting to drive you back to the ship.  An optional drop off in Quepos is also available, where you will find several restaurants and shops.

Please note: Wear light clothing, good walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.  

Experience a fun and informative tour of local cuisine, learn where the organic ingredients come from, how dishes are prepared, and how to recreate recipes at home. Once in the small town of Londres, at a private ranch and dining area, you will be greeted by the team. They will proceed to guide you through the garden to pick out some finishing flavors, colors and textures for your meal. Now, to the preparation guided by their expert local cooks. Participate in the kitchen and experience the process of making corn tortillas by hand, exotic “ceviches” with plantain, rice cooked the old-fashioned way, chicken in a hearty tomato sauce, “picadillos” and more. Once you sit down for your meal, not only will your appetite be satiated but also your curiosity for Costa Rican local flavors. Let your imagination soar on how to recreate at home with your own seasonal ingredients. There will be leisure time available for you to explore the ranch.

Please note: Wear light comfortable clothing.

Travel through the beautiful countryside to Esquipulas Rainforest, a lovely private nature reserve located 50 minutes away from Quepos. The property is refreshed with crystal-water creeks, and surrounded by giant trees that you can only find in tropical jungles, a land with an amazing number of species of birds and butterflies. Your naturalist guide will lead you through the trails of the rainforest, sharing the guide’s vast knowledge of this fragile ecosystem. Enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful place, while you walk on easy trails. Search with your binoculars and discover between branches and leaves the secrets of the wildlife in this amazing forest. Be ready with your senses to hear the songs of the different species of birds and even see them! Be on the lookout for toucans, hummingbirds, and animals like monkeys and other small mammals. After this unforgettable encounter with nature, learn more about Costa Rica followed by an introduction to one of the most important crops in the local economy the coffee.   In their private museum, your tour guide will show you the process to convert this fruit in one of the most famous drinks around the world. To get the best of your day in Quepos you will then be served a hearty traditional Costa Rican casado lunch.

 

Please note: Bring suntan lotion, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, a hat/visor, and insect repellent. Wear light clothing, long pants and hiking shoes. Part of the fun of this experience is the interaction with a colorful local nature guide. As an example, the following in an abbreviated biography of one of our participating guides. Rudy Guzman has always had a passion for nature from his days as a boy scout. For over 40 years he has been a licenses nature tour guide traveling through many Costa Rican environments. With the help of 3 brothers, Norberto , Carlos and Cristian Bonilla, they created The  Esquipulas Rainforest Project to introduce visitors  to Costa Rican natural history and share great tasting coffee.

 

           

 

This is an excursion for adrenaline lovers. You will be picked up at La Marina and go to the property where you will start your horseback riding tour. During the 30-minute drive to Londres - where the tour starts - your guide will give you an interesting briefing about the history of Quepos. Once you reach Londres you will set foot on a picturesque property that has bathrooms, stables, a corral and an open air waiting area. You will receive riding instructions, safety tips and practice time, before heading out to explore the rainforest. This tour will allow you to uncover the exotic secrets that lie within this secondary rainforest. The maximum altitude of this area is 1,900 feet. You will ride through the mountains without reaching the mountain top. Your horse ride lasts about 2.5 hours (round trip) and it will be highlighted by amazing valley views, verdant vegetation and numerous wildlife species such as birds and reptiles. At the end of the trail there is a beautiful waterfall where you will be able to rest for about 30 minutes. You can lie on the grass or take a swim or both! After the break, you will return by the same trail. Back to the stables; enjoy a refreshing beer and Costa Rican-style BBQ, just as a real cowboy would do! 

Please note:  This tour is not suitable for guests without any horseback riding experience or who may not be comfortable around horses. Children riding alone must be at least 6 years old. Maximum weight for riders is 235 pounds.  Bring suntan lotion, sunglasses, a camera, a hat/ visor, insect repellent and bathing suit. Wear long pants and comfortable hiking shoes. Signed waiver is required. 

Experience a unique piece of Costa Rican rural heritage just about an hour from Quepos on a scenic country drive by van. This guided nature, conservation, and cultural expedition takes you along the lush, jungle-shrouded slopes of the nearby Fila Chonta Mountains to the farm village of Santa Juana. You will enjoy exploring along the 1.5-mile user-friendly nature trail as your guide will share knowledge of this pristine sanctuary of flora and fauna where both the Rodeo and Paquita Rivers are born. You will continue to where you can swim beneath the pristine waterfalls that feed the Rodeo River.  You will have free time to fish for tilapia or explore the tropical gardens and waterfalls. You will visit the tiny farm village of Santa Juana, overlooking the panoramic coastline of the Pacific Ocean as you enjoy an authentic Campesino (country) lunch in a typical village rancho, co-hosted by members of the local community.   

Please note: This tour is not wheelchair accessible. The road is bumpy and winding and there are stairs involved. This tour includes a light breakfast and a buffet lunch.  There is an option for swimming so wear your bathing suit under your clothes. 

 

 

 

Arriving to San Jose, the capital and largest city in Costa Rica, San Jose has a lot to offer its visitors that hail from around the world. It is a contrasted city with exhilarating expressions of history, traditions, art and architecture. The tour will begin with an initial orientation and drive through the beautiful Sabana Park. Next, you will take a walking tour through the historic National Theater. Completed in 1897, the theater is a masterpiece in art and architecture. Afterwards, you will visit one of the many unique museums of Costa Rica, The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum which has an extraordinary collection of gold objects that reflect the world view, social structure, and gold-working techniques of the Pre-Columbian peoples of Costa Rica. The exhibition showcases the use and function of the pieces, the technology of their fabrication, and their relationship to the natural world and the daily life of these societies. The collection consists of 1,600 pieces of Pre-Columbian gold work that date from 500 A.D. to 1500 A.D. After this extraordinary museum tour, you will continue heading to the National Museum, Atlantic Ferrocarril Station. Rail transport in Costa Rica is under the ownership of Instituto Costarricense de Ferrocarriles (INCOFER). The Estación al Atlántico (Atlantic Station) today serves as the San José hub for the commuter train to Heredia and Cartago provinces. 

Please note:  Travel will be along winding roads. Earliest flight time is 3 p.m. to allow for 3-hour check-in required for international flights.

Arriving to San Jose, the capital and largest city in Costa Rica, San Jose has a lot to offer its visitors that hail from around the world. It is a contrasted city with exhilarating expressions of history, traditions, art and architecture. The tour will begin with an initial orientation and drive through the beautiful Sabana Park. Next, you will take a walking tour through the historic National Theater. Completed in 1897, the theater is a masterpiece in art and architecture. Afterwards, you will visit one of the many unique museums of Costa Rica, The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum which has an extraordinary collection of gold objects that reflect the world view, social structure, and gold-working techniques of the Pre-Columbian peoples of Costa Rica. The exhibition showcases the use and function of the pieces, the technology of their fabrication, and their relationship to the natural world and the daily life of these societies. The collection consists of 1,600 pieces of Pre-Columbian gold work that date from 500 A.D. to 1500 A.D. After this extraordinary museum tour, you will continue heading to the National Museum, Atlantic Ferrocarril Station. Rail transport in Costa Rica is under the ownership of Instituto Costarricense de Ferrocarriles (INCOFER). The Estación al Atlántico (Atlantic Station) today serves as the San José hub for the commuter train to Heredia and Cartago provinces. You will be transferred to your Windstar Hotel.

Please note:  Travel will be along winding roads. There may be a stop to drop off Windstar guests at the airport before the final stop at the Windstar Hotel.

At the port you will be greeted by your naturalist guide and board the air conditioned bus for a relaxing 75-minute drive through the countryside. Along the way, your guide will provide you with fascinating information regarding Costa Rica’s culture and history, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions. This is an exclusive tour into the elusive Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center, located in the town of Turrucares, an old fashioned town. Never before has a cruise ship guest had an all access pass to the most amazing fauna conservation effort in the country and had the chance to interact first hand with all the wildlife imaginable; toucans, hawks, monkeys, sloths, tamanduas, ant eaters, and parrots are some of the few animals you may encounter in this magical location where the foundation is working endlessly to restore all of these animals to good health so they can later be released back into the wild. At the conclusion of your unforgettable morning, you’ll re-board your private coach and enjoy a delightful 30-minute ride through the countryside to Brasil de Mora, situated on the outskirts of San José. At Costa Rica's Craft Brewing Co. you will see first-hand how Costa Ricans have integrated their “pura vida” lifestyle into what has been considered one of the 100 best breweries in the world and see first-hand how the process to make quality beer is developed, and above all get to enjoy a beer tasting session with these fine brews.  Finish off your tour with a hearty lunch of food cooked and stewed in the beer itself. Finally you will be dropped off at the Juan Santamaria International Airport.

Please note: Wear comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and credit card. This tour is for disembarking guests with flights 3 p.m. or later. This tour concludes at the airport.