5 Fun Costa Rica Shore Excursions
Costa Rica is a paradise. While you must also explore the areas such as Arenal, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Rio Celeste, today we are focused on the Pacific coast and some amazing experiences you will want to include on your next visit.
These trips are specifically curated by and for those traveling on a Star Clippers cruise. In January 2024, we will explore the country on a 7-night sailing adventure. Cool, right? Reach out soon if you hope to join us. We would LOVE to have you along.
Here are five of my favorites. Check back in mid-January and I will share more about the experiences first-hand.
Quepos: Manuel Antonio National Park
Every visit should include this jewel that shelters an intriguing variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and over a thousand different species of flora. From the port of Quepos it will take just 20 minutes to arrive. Your walk, approximately 1.5 hours with a park ranger, takes you through the dense rainforest. The biodiversity will surely captivate, awakening every one of your senses. There’s time for a swim or to sunbathe, so wear your bathing suit under your clothes. And, duh, it’s rainforest, so you may want to bring along waterproof protection for your camera and mobile. Oh. Don’t forget the sunscreen, insect repellant, and hat. A water bottle and non-skid shoes are smart, too. The ship will give you a towel if you want one, and your guide will provide some yummy tropical fruit at the beach.
Duration: about 4.5 hours Price in 2023: 95E Activity level: Moderate
Playa Panama: A River Float on the Corabici
This experience includes a beautiful ride (about 1:15 hours) through the countryside, passing cattle ranches and plantations of both sugarcane and cantaloupe. Max weight is 235 and minimum age of 8. The rafts accommodate 4-6 passengers. Safety instructions and geared up, you will be dropped in one of two places depending on dam closures from Lake Arenal.
This is a relaxing trip, with Class I or II rapids only, but you should still be an active person to be able to get in and out of the rafts easily. Wait until you see the flora and wildlife! You will possibly have sightings of motmots, parrots, herons, howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys, wood storks and spoonbills, lizards and occasionally even crocodiles who love to sunbathe on the riverbanks. After the float you will have some scrumptious local cuisine at a nearby restaurant before heading back. Sounds like the perfect way to spend a day to me.
Swimming experience is required. Things to bring include waterproof protection for cameras and phone (again…it is the rainforest!) water shoes, insect repellant, a towel and water, along with extra dry clothes. You will be able to leave belongings on the bus which will be locked during your trip.
Duration: 6 hours Price: 105E Activity level: Strenuous
Bahia Portrero: Conga Canopy Adventure
OK, so maybe I just love that the name includes the words Conga and adventure. Grin. It is a short drive to the canopy tour departure point. The private reserve protects over 100 hectares of tropical dry forest, although it is also currently being logged for its beautiful hardwoods. This is the only place on the entire American continent for dry forest reserves.
Hundreds of different bird species have been seen here, along with howler monkeys, snakes, coatis and other mammals. There are 8 lines, the first starting at ground level; Likewise at the end. You will swoop from tree to tree, marveling as you go with a bird’s eye view of the forest. Yes. It is a zip line.
Maximum weight: 235 pounds Price:105E Drive is about 30 minutes. Strenuous
Isla Tortuga: Curu Private Reserve
Your naturalist guide will share a wide variety of wildlife, including up to 200 bird species, monkeys and sloths and anteaters. Imagine 4.5 km of coastline with white sandy beaches to play on! About two thirds of the reserve is preserved as primary forest.
This one is leisurely. After your walk in the forest, a short tender ride will take you to a pristine beach for some sun and fun. This is a “wet landing” and, of course, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. You will be walking on uneven sandy and rocky surfaces for about 2 km. Remember to bring those necessary items for comfort.
Duration: 2 hours Price 59E Activity level: Moderate
Puerto Caldera: Espiritu Santo coffee and Sarchi
Star Clippers offer this wonderful trip as a way to disembark and get to the airport in San Jose (it’s only about an hour from Puntarenas, but your flight would have to be after about 4 pm or so to be timely and not rushed.)
As you probably know, coffee is one of Costa Rica’s main crops and exports. You will travel through the Panamerican Highway towards Naranjo and the Espiritu Santo coffee plantation. Learn all about the coffee history and taste a fresh cup. You will walk through the entire process: from the stages of the plant to the roasting room. Wait until you experience the aromas.
Witness firsthand at “La Casita de Juancho” how ancestors used to brew coffee in a “chorreador” instead of a coffee maker. Savor a delicious cup then visit the gift shop for your favorite blend. After your tour, your guide will bring you to the town of Sarchi for a typical Costa Rican lunch. Grinning about this one…take a photo of the largest oxcart in the world. Oxcarts (“caretas” in Spanish) were used by farmers to transport crops to market.
Driving time: 1.5 hours to Espiritu Santo: 15 minutes to Sarchi; 1 hour to airport by 3 PM.
Duration: 6.5 hours Price: 99E Moderate
Visit Costa Rica soon! You’ll love the people, animals, and the natural beauty. The eco-system is truly fascinating.
