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Wild Costa Rica Escape (NG Quest)

Wild Costa Rica Escape (NG Quest)

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Description

Discover the treasures of one of Costa Rica’s richest regions, Guanacaste, on a six-day voyage. Snorkel and kayak among untouched corals and palm-lined beaches in the Guanacaste Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hike, ride horseback, and zipline amid mist-shrouded volcanic peaks in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, where intriguing archaeological sites provide insight into Costa Rica’s ancient past. As we venture from uninhabited isles to wildlife-rich jungles and friendly surf towns, bask in the “pura vida” that infuses this ecologically-rich country.

Trip Name
Wild Costa Rica Escape (NG Quest)
Days
6
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 72 metres Passenger Capacity: 100 guests (in 50 cabins) Built: 2017 Designed with decades of expedition experience in the region, National Geographic Quest more than comfortably accommodates 100 guests in 50 cabins. Her twin expedition craft landing platform allow us to rapidly get on and off the ship to take advantage of wildlife sightings and to ensure we maximize our time off the ship exploring. Created with a shallow draft, Quest draws only nine feet of water allowing her to sail into places where much larger ships cannot go. PUBLIC AREAS: Global gallery; fitness centre; LEXspa; lounge with full service bar and facilities for films and presentations; observation deck; mudroom with lockers for expedition gear, and a partially covered sundeck with chairs and tables. Our ‘open bridge’ provides guests an opportunity to meet our officers and captain and learn about navigation. MEALS: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and dinner is served family-style. Menu emphasises local fare. CABINS: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls. Some cabins have balconies. EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: Expedition landing craft, a fleet of 24 kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, splashcam, underwater video camera, video microscope, snorkelling gear for all guests (where applicable). SPECIAL FEATURES: Guest internet access, elevator, National Geographic certified photo instructor, a video chronicler and undersea specialist. WELLNESS: The vessel is staffed by a Wellness Specialist and features a gym with an elliptical machine, treadmill, exercycles, handweights and resistance bands. Treatments in the LEXspa are available by appointment.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: San José, Costa Rica/At Sea
Arrive in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, and embark the National Geographic Sea Lion. Enjoy a sunset dinner onboard as we chart a course for the Guanacaste region on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. (D)
Day 2 - DAY 2: Bat Islands/Santa Rosa National Park
Today we set our sights on the Bat Islands in the World Heritage-designated Guanacaste Conservation Area. Weather permitting, don a snorkel and fins to discover a rich underwater world, spotting rays, turtles, and tropical fish. Back onboard, enjoy a delicious lunch as our ship glides into a secluded cove in Santa Rosa National Park. The first park established in Costa Rica, Santa Rosa is home to countless bird species, including toucans, ospreys, and parrots. Venture out by kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the coastline or relax on a white-sand beach. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - DAY 3: Cuajiniquil/Rincón de la Vieja National Park
After an optional morning yoga session, go ashore to explore Rincón de la Vieja National Park, encompassing more than 34,000 acres and housing two active volcanoes. Hike through a dense green woodland, dotted with bubbling mud pots, keeping an eye out for exotic and rare wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, emerald toucanets, and the curious kinkajou. Soak in the Rio Negro hot springs or choose between several exciting excursions. Ride horseback across lush meadows, strap on a harness for a canyoning expedition, or soar through the canopy by zipline. If you wish, explore archaeological sites around Hacienda Guachipelín, featuring ancient petroglyphs and tomb markers. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - DAY 4: Zapotal Beach/Tamarindo
Drop anchor off remote Zapotal Beach, where we’ll spend the morning soaking up the sun, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and exploring the coastline by kayak or paddleboard. Head off in search of local flora and fauna with our naturalists, then return to the ship for lunch. Cruise south to the surfing town of Tamarindo, where we hop into expedition landing crafts to explore a coastal maze of dense mangrove forests. Navigate a secluded estuary where crocodiles and sloths can be spotted. Or, choose to spend the day relaxing on the beach or strolling the streets of Tamarindo, lined with craft shops and cafés. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - DAY 5: Curu National Wildlife Refuge/Isla Tortuga
Along the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, delve into a hotspot of biodiversity at Curu National Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica’s first private national wildlife reserve. Learn about the hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, and mammals that inhabit this thriving ecosystem while exploring the park’s winding trails. Later, as we enjoy lunch onboard, cruise to a cluster of offshore islets collectively called Isla Tortuga, named for their turtle-like shape. Explore idyllic white-sand beaches shaded by swaying palms and tropical vegetation. Cap off the day with a sunset barbecue dinner on the beach. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - DAY 6: San José
Disembark in San José and transfer to the airport to connect with your flight home. (B)
Day 7 - Please note:
All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit, conditions permitting.

Trip Dates

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Inclusions

    • Navigate the pristine coastline of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region, snorkeling crystalline waters, and exploring wildlife-rich parks and preserves.
    • Discover diverse tropical ecosystems while exploring via kayak and paddleboard, on foot, on horseback, and soaring by zipline.
    • Spend an afternoon enjoying Isla Tortuga’s palm-shaded beaches before a barbecue dinner on the sand.
    • Explore the volcanic landscapes of Rincón de la Vieja National Park, soaking in hot springs and searching for exotic wildlife, from tapirs to toucans.

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