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.

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 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.

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.

Manuel Antonio National Park is the jewel of Costa Rica's large number of national parks. Its fragile rainforest ecosystem shelters a variety of wildlife including mammals and tropical birds. The dense rainforest opens into small trails where your naturalist tour guide will acquaint you with all the information regarding the transitional forest. Another great attraction is the white-sand beach that meets the jungle. The park protects 683 hectares of tropical rainforest and over 1,000 different species of flora . This walk is by far one of the best in the Central Pacific, and a great opportunity to get closer to the forest. The trail followed will be a moderate walk with paths made out of gravel, dirt, and sand. There are also exposed roots that you need to manage. After a 20-minute drive your 1.5-hour guided walk will lead you to the beach where you will have time for sunbathing or swimming. At the end of this walk your naturalist tour guide will prepare a tropical fruit buffet to regain your energy and then you will head back to Quepos where an optional drop off in the town of Quepos will be available. Please note : In order to enter the National Park, we are required to submit your full name, passport number, age and nationality. We will need this information more than 72 hours in advance and there will be no cancellations within 72 hours of departure. This shore excursion is non-refundable. If you booked Trip Protection through Windstar Cruises this shore excursion is covered under the trip protection plan. As a result, your trip protection premium will increase. The walking is moderate with some uphill climbs. It is recommended to wear light clothing, good walking shoes/hiking boots, a hat, sunscreen, water, and insect repellent. Wear a bathing suit under your clothes and bring a towel if you want to sunbathe at the beach. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Remain hydrated as the temperature is usually humid and hot. Manuel Antonio Park is considered one of most visited National Parks in Costa Rica. Please expect congestion in the park and long lines at the park's only entrance. The early start will help reduce wait time and increase chances to view wildlife.

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.

Explore the rainforest of the Osa Peninsula on a guided tour through a locally owned small preserve. The Valverde family protected this small area in La Perica on the Osa Peninsula from being developed into farmland like much of the region. After a brief orientation with your knowledgeable English speaking guide, you'll spend 90 minutes walking the trails with your guide looking for wildlife and learning the history of the preserve. Sloths, macaws, and other wildlife are attracted to this peaceful and well-preserved forested area. After your tour of the preserve, you'll enjoy fresh fruit, homemade empanadas, and refreshments. Please note : It's recommended that guests wear sandals or water shoes as this tour involves a wet landing. Additionally, guests should bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and sunglasses.

A brief transfer from Jimenez leads to one of the most stunning and vibrant retreats in the vicinity - Botánika Osa Peninsula, a part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, nestled in the untouched tropical beauty of Costa Rica's southwest coast. The rugged and secluded Osa region offers a glimpse into Costa Rica's history while providing an escape from the ordinary. This resort seamlessly blends with nature, offering top-tier amenities and the exceptional service Hilton is known for. Revel in a natural lagoon-style pool and prioritize wellness while embracing the distinctiveness of this breathtaking locale. Food and drinks are available for purchase with a selection of fresh fruit juices, local artisanal brews, and Costa Rican-inspired exotic cocktails available to order. Or indulge in a contemporary bar menu featuring tapas, ceviche, Peruvian-style "tiraditos," crisp salads, and the town's finest burgers, all within the backdrop of the expansive lagoon-style pool, creating an open and refreshing atmosphere. Please note : You will be offered a complimentary non-alcoholic welcome drink upon arrival at the resort, there will be additional drinks and snacks available for purchase. Please note, the Cahui Beach club facilities are not included. We recommend you wear beach attire, bring a towel, extra change of clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. This port involves a wet landing, so please bring your sandals or water shoes.

Costa Rica's warm seas are home to one of the most biologically diverse marine habitats in the world. The best place to observe these magnificent mammals is in the waters off the Osa Peninsula . You will board your boat and head for a place known by National Geographic to be "the most biologically intense area on earth." A place where large groups of dolphins swim in clear blue tropical waters putting on an amazing show! As you cruise around the bay your tour will be enhanced by the informative commentary provided by a trained naturalist guide. You will learn about the biology, behavior and habits of the wildlife you will spot. You will have amazing photo opportunities and if weather permits you will have free time to swim in the serene waters of Punta Encanto (Enchanted Beach). Please note : This tour is not recommended for those with limited mobility or back problems as it involves an optional nature walk over a gravel surface and the boat ride might get bumpy.

Go across Golfo Dulce where life goes at a slow pace and through the humid mangroves with the squeaking sounds of the unique scarlet macaws that mingle in this area, the most common birds. Your kayak guides will be waiting with your kayaks and paddles ready for you to begin this fun experience! Paddle up the mangrove estuary with the rising tide until you can go no further and return with the falling tide, dragging your kayak across the sand spit and into the Golfo Dulce to cruise the shoreline, stopping to swim at the best beach. Pods of bottle-nosed porpoises return daily along this coast on their way to the open Pacific, affording a great chance to view them. Please note : This tour is operated at high tide only. A waiver is required and there is a weight restriction of 235 lbs. Wear light clothes, hat or visor, sunscreen, and sun glasses. Wear your bathing suit under your clothes for those who want to swim at the beach and bring a towel.

Experience the interesting cacao manufacturing process by visiting a traditional cacao plantation at Kobo Farm. Board your minivan for the 25-minute drive to this untouched and mystical area, where you will see the cacao forest, the flowers, and fruit. The history and culture of this tropical crop reaches back to the Mayas. You will learn about the origin of the cacao tree, the history, the first contact with Europeans, and the principal disease called monilia. You will take a guided walk where you will see different species of cacao fruit, take a break in this beautiful spot and taste fresh fruit from the "chocolate tree." You will be shown the various steps of making good chocolate and have the opportunity to taste a wonderful chocolate fondue with fresh fruit and homemade banana bread from the farm in the middle of a tropical garden. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes as you will be walking over both paved and dirt paths. It also involves a wet landing so bring your sandals or water shoes as well. Bring your hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and sunglasses. The guide will be waiting for you at the chocolate farm.