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Featured Tour

11 days/ 10 nights

This is a wonderful educational adventure eco-tour highly recommended for all ages. It is perfect for those that want to get in sync with nature, feel rejuvenated, and experience an overall heightened sense of well-being. The sites visited include rainforest, beaches, oceans, rivers, and the Arenal volcano. Possible activities are unlimited, from dolphin (and, with luck, whale) watching, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, yoga , fishing , birdwatching, the hot springs at Arenal, or just relaxing in a hammock and enjoying the splendid lush vegetation that surrounds you.

Destinations included: The Southern coast Golfo Dulce/Osa Peninsula region, which has been called one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet; Ballena Puntarenas, one of the best spots for dolphin and whale watching on the Central Pacific Coast; and the famous Arenal Volcano and hot springs.

Tour is offered from May through November.

ITINERARY

Day 1 ― Arrival in San Jose, lodging at Hotel Aeropuerto (1 Night)

Meet and Greet at the International airport and transfer to Hotel Aeropuerto.

• Includes lodging and breakfast the next morning

Day 2 ― Nicuesa Rainforest Eco Lodge (3 Nights)

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport to take your domestic flight to Golfito, which is less than an hour´s flight. From Golfito, a representative of Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge will greet you and transfer you by boat to the lodge. Nicuesa Lodge is located in the Golfo Dulce, an incredible place for bird watchers, and one of only three tropical fjords in the world. Once you arrive at the lodge, lose yourself in the tropical paradise that surrounds you and let the adventure begin.

• Includes lodging, three fabulous meals per day, boat transfers to and from Golfito, unlimited self-guided hikes on the preserve, and use of kayaks, snorkeling, and fishing equipment at no additional charge. All of the guided half-day and full-day tours are customized to meet your interest and skill level. These tours range from approximately $25 to $100 per person depending on the trip, number of participants , and hours requested. Most tours may be paid directly to the lodge in cash or credit card. Available upon request are alcoholic and carbonated drinks, prepared fruit drink, and cocktails.

Day 3 ― Golfo Dulce Dolphin Tour and Coastal Adventure

After a delicious breakfast, depart on the wonderful Golfo Dulce Dolphin Tour and Coastal Adventure. Golfo Dulce is a protected gulf off the Pacific Ocean. You have a great chance to see at least one of the three types of dolphins most common in the Golfo Dulce (spinner, spotted, and bottlenose). You will spend several hours touring the blue-green waters of the Gulf looking for dolphins, sea turtles, and marine birds with one of Nicuesa´s guides and boat captains. You will also stop for a snorkel at one of the area´s reefs and /or a secluded beach and enjoy fresh coconut and other snacks. Guest will learn about the natural and cultural history of the Gulf, one of the deepest in the world, and one of the few tropical fjords that exists in the world. Tour is approximately 4 hours.

• This guided full-day tour is included in the package rate. If not interested, we can customize your itinerary to an activity of your interest.

Day 4 ― Free Day

Today you have the day open to take the many tours and activities offered at Nicuesa Lodge. Here are some recommendations: Sunset Boat Tour, surfing, inshore fishing, kayaking, waterfall hike, botanical gardens, horseback riding, yoga /meditation classes, canopy zip lining, early morning birding, therapeutic massage… or just enjoy paradise by relaxing in a hammock on the pristine beach under a lush Almond or Palm tree.

Day 5 ― Hotel Villas Gaia (2 Nights)

After breakfast, boat transfer from Nicuesa Lodge to Golfito. Our representative will greet you in Golfito to transfer you to Hotel Villas Gaia (or similar hotel, depending on availability) located on the Central Pacific Coast near Ballena Marine National Park. Hotel Villas Gaia is a beautiful, authentic, exotic rustic lodge, offering swimming pool, A/C bedrooms, and bar and restaurant. Villas Gaia is within close proximity to the Ballena Marine National Park. The large marine reserve was named for the many humpback whales that frequent its waters. Visitors to the beach are most likely to see the magnificent creatures between December and April each year when the animals migrate through the adjacent bay. Dolphins can also be observed in these waters and splashing offshore.

In the afternoon you may select a wide variety of tours while lodging at Villas Gaia. Highly recommended is visiting the Ballena Marine National Park, approximately $6 per person, which offers a beautiful sandy beach ideal for swimming, walking, and spotting wildlife. Horseback riding tour to the Naujyaca waterfall, birdwatching, exploring the caves, enjoying the waves and much more can be done on your free time. Or just relax , sunbathe, and spend quiet time on the beach.

Tours are available for an additional fee, can be arranged directly at Villas Gaia.

• Includes lodging and breakfast

Day 6 ― Snorkeling at Caño Island; full-day tour, good chance of spotting whales and dolphins

Caño Island is located 16.5 km west of the Osa Peninsula. This island has been declared a biological reserve, one of the richest on the planet because of its unique flora and fauna and its dedication to the protection of the abundant marine life that abounds there.
Return approximately at 6:00 PM to your hotel, Villas Gaia

• Includes bus and boat transportation, park entrance, bilingual guide, lunch, and snorkeling equipment.

Day 7 ― Villa Lapas Rainforest Hotel, Central Pacific (1 Night)

After lunch transfer to Villa Lapas, a favorite hotel for birdwatchers and nature lovers. This hotel is surrounded by lush tropical gardens sitting in the midst of a private 500-acre rainforest reserve, with a beautiful river flowing alongside the resort complex. Experience the power of the rainforest via their SkyWay walking tour or the canopy zip-line adventure tour, or simply lounge by the pool or jacuzzi.

• Includes three meals per person and lodging.

Day 8 ― Arenal Volcano, Hotel Los Lagos Resort and Spa (2 Nights)

After lunch transfer to Hotel Los Lagos or similar for lodging in superior rooms. The hotel offers its own hot springs to its guest, as well as one of the most spectacular views of the majestic Arenal Volcano. During the evening enjoy a delicious dinner at the Baldi Hot Springs at the base of the volcano. These medicinal hot springs waters are certified by NAL (National Water Laboratory) from the Government of Costa Rica. You will enjoy pools ranging from 93 F up to 152 F, suitable to all guests.

• Includes breakfast , lodging, transfer, and entrance fee with dinner at Baldi Hot Springs.

Day 9 ― Free day for tours or activities of your choice

Select from any of the following which can be arranged directly at your hotel or contact us for further information and rates: La Fortuna Waterfall Tour, canopy zip-line, Hanging Bridges, hiking Arenal Volcano, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, stand-up paddle boarding on Lake Arenal, Canyoning Tour, kayaking on Lake Arenal.

Day 10 ― San Jose, Hotel Aeropuerto (1 Night)

After breakfast transfer to your hotel, approximately a three-hour scenic drive. Be prepared for the farewell dinner that evening at 7:00 pm.

• Includes lodging, breakfast, departure transfer to the San Jose International Airport, and farewell dinner with two of Turtle-Trax representatives. We would like to hear your comments and reviews about your trip experience, as your feedback is very important to us.

Day 11 ― Departure transfer to the SJO International Airport

Cost

Rates starting at $2,600 per person based on double occupancy. Inquire about our single supplement and special discounted group rates (minimum of 4 for group rates).

• Includes all lodging, meals and tours where specified and private transportation.
• Option with private car rental can also be arranged, inquire if this option suits you better. The rental car option is available from Day 5 to 11 of the program.

Contact Us

For more information or to make a reservation, email Carmen Mejías-Balsalobre, cmejiasbal@gmail.com, International Reservations Manager, or call us at (506) 8324-9725.[:]