SHORE EXCURSIONS

Join us as we explore the region and learn about its history, culture and heritage; drive past quaint villages and fertile plantations on the way to the Pachira Lodge dock where you’ll embark on a cruise to the peaceful Tortuguero Canals a network of natural and man-made waterways; As you cruise the canal in your covered boat, keep your eyes open as you might be able to spot wildlife, such as sloths, howler monkeys, crocodiles and many waterfowl species, participate in a guided walk through the tropical rain forest using a network of above-ground cemented pathways. At the dock, you’ll be served a boxed fruit snack. Afterwards, re-board your transportation for the short drive to the train stop where you’ll depart on an open-air train that made its first trip in 1950 and gave birth to the banana industry. Upon arrival at the stop, you will re-board your transportation and head for a visit to a demonstrative banana and other fruits with a chance to purchase some locally made souvenirs, before heading back to your ship.

OVERVIEW

Double your adventure with this full-day experience that combines a serene pontoon boat ride through the world-famous Tortuguero Canals with an immersive journey into the Veragua Rainforest. Begin with a scenic drive to the canal dock, where you’ll board a covered flat-bottom boat for a relaxing ride through waterways often called “Costa Rica’s Amazon.” Your naturalist guide will point out orchids, water lilies, monkeys, sloths, toucans, and other wildlife that thrive in this lush ecosystem. After enjoying a tropical fruit snack, continue to Veragua Rainforest Research & Adventure Park. Here, expert guides will lead you through the live frog, snake, and butterfly exhibits before you board the open-air aerial tram for a breathtaking glide through the rainforest canopy. As you descend to the river level, you’ll be surrounded by towering 300-year-old trees and unspoiled jungle. Conclude with a nature walk on the Trail of the Giants, or choose the optional 350-step hike to the spectacular two-tiered Puma Waterfall. The day ends with a visit to the Foundation for Rainforest Research labs for a presentation by a rainforest researcher, a delicious hot lunch and time for souvenir shopping before your return to the ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise the Tortuguero Canals and spot monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, and more.
• Visit the frog, snake, and butterfly exhibits at Veragua Rainforest.
• Glide through the treetops on the open-air Sky Gondola with panoramic views.
• Walk the Trail of the Giants or hike to the dramatic Puma Waterfall.
• Enjoy a Costa Rican lunch and browse the rainforest gift shop before heading back.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes, light clothing, sunscreen, hat/visor, insect repellent, and bring a poncho or umbrella.
• Bring cash or a credit card for optional purchases at the gift shop.
• Wildlife sightings are common but cannot be guaranteed.

OVERVIEW

Discover two of Costa Rica’s most remarkable ecosystems on this full-day adventure that combines a canal cruise with an in-depth rainforest experience. Begin with a scenic bus transfer to a private dock, where you will board a covered boat for a gentle cruise through the Tortuguero Canals, often called “Costa Rica’s Amazon.” As you drift past orchids, water lilies, and lush mangroves, your naturalist guide will help you spot wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, iguanas, crocodiles, toucans, and other tropical birds. After enjoying a seasonal tropical fruit snack, continue to the Veragua Rainforest Research & Adventure Park, set high in the mountains. Here you will explore frog and reptile exhibits, one of the country’s largest butterfly gardens, and the Foundation laboratories to learn about groundbreaking scientific research. Then glide through the rainforest canopy aboard the Sky Gondola, descending from the mountaintop to the river below with spectacular views along the way. Enjoy a nature walk on the Trail of the Giants or choose the more challenging 350-step trail to the Puma Waterfall. Your visit concludes with a delicious Costa Rican lunch and free time for souvenir shopping in the gift shop, where proceeds support local rainforest conservation efforts.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise the lush Tortuguero Canals and spot a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Explore the Veragua Rainforest, including frog and reptile exhibits and the butterfly garden.
• Ride the Sky Gondola for a breathtaking view of the rainforest canopy.
• Take a guided nature walk or optional hike to the Puma Waterfall.
• Enjoy a Costa Rican lunch and shop for local crafts that support rainforest research.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes, light clothing, and bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a poncho or umbrella.
• Bring cash or credit card for optional purchases in the gift shop.
• Wildlife sightings are common but not guaranteed.

Ride a restored vintage train into the spectacularly picturesque jungle while the guides describe the history of the railroad and the fascinating story of its construction.

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy an enlightening drive to the Saborio Village, where you will board a vintage train for a wonderfully scenic ride through the countryside. The Atlantic Railroad or so-called “Jungle Train” was completed in 1890 to ship coffee and bananas directly to the sea for export, and it was a monumental feat of engineering.

As you chug along through some of the most stunning scenery in Costa Rica, you will hear the story of its arduous construction. The Costa Ricans, Chinese and Jamaicans that built the railway suffered unimaginable physical hardships until the route was finally opened.

More than 100 years later, the narrow-gauge railway is remembered mostly for the incredible scenery that it presents. You will ride over towering trestles, through seemingly endless jungle and past sprawling plantations that still grow bananas.

Because some of the terrain is so remote and difficult to access otherwise, you can expect to see all sorts of wildlife. Howler monkeys and two-toed sloths are often spotted in the tree tops, and various tropical birds are commonly seen, especially in the more elevated regions.

To enhance the experience, the guides will point out the most outstanding sights and answer questions you have regarding the flora, fauna and Costa Rican lifestyle.

Many consider Limón to be a magical place and with its lush rainforest and amazing vistas. Join us as we explore the region and learn about its history and people; take a pleasant stroll through the tropical rain forest and cruise the Tortuguero Canals in this half day excursion.

Travel in air-conditioned comfort as your guide points out places of interest around the city that retain its old roots. Limón was originally founded as a city to ship bananas to Europe and North America. As you drive past quaint villages and fertile plantations, you will enjoy a walk through the rainforest using cemented walkways. As you saunter along keep your eyes open (and camera ready!) for wildlife that might peek out, such as monkeys and other creatures that call this paradise home.

Next, board an open-air covered boat for a journey along the peaceful Tortuguero Canals, also known as the Caribbean version of the Amazon. Your boat ride offers one of the most exuberant landscapes in Costa Rica, with a rich biological diversity and more than 400 species of trees, 2,000 species of other plants and 60 species of amphibians. Birds common along the canals which you may see include green and great blue herons, egrets, belted kingfishers and jacanas. Once you arrive at the restaurant facilities, enjoy delicious tropical fruits and natural refreshments. You'll have time to stop by the family gift shop for souvenirs before boarding your transportation for a city tour around Limon, before heading back to your ship.

Relax and enjoy your two hour drive to the rainforest and discover this private reserve that is connected to the 2nd largest national park in Costa Rica, Braulio Carrillo National Park. Experience the rainforest as never before! This fascinating open-air gondola ride will give you a bird's-eye view of the most interesting part of the rainforest – the canopy. Your aerial tram will take you into the heart of the rainforest.

The rainforest canopy is teeming with wildlife. You’ll see towering trees, giant ferns, bursts of color and myriad wildlife form part of this natural hanging garden. After your ride, take an optional one hour guided walk through the rainforest, garnering a deeper appreciation from this perspective of this complex environment.

A short 20-minute ride from the pier to our private dock in Moín will take you on board a jungle pontoon boat specially designed to cruise comfortably through beautiful canals in the jungle. These canals are part of a river system which runs parallel to Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.

The Tortuguero Canals are known as Costa Rica’s Amazon due to the surrounding rainforest that, with the help of heavy annual rainfall fills the area with an extremely rich flora and fauna. You will observe orchids, water lilies, spot birds, monkeys, lizards, sloths and toucans in this unique system of natural and man-made canals used as waterways for transportation and exploration. Wonderful views of the lush jungle foliage mirrored in the canal’s waters will delight your eyes. Wave to friendly natives in dugout canoes and watch women scrubbing their laundry on the river’s bank, while children swim along the banks or dive from tall trees.

After this exciting boat tour, enjoy complimentary drinks and tropical fruit.

A professional naturalist certified guide will introduce you to the most important aspects of the Afro-Caribbean Culture of Costa Rica, and show you the rich wildlife of this fascinating region.

During this tour you will visit: • Moin Lookout point, where the guide will explain the details of the economy of Costa Rica.
• Banana Plantations, from outside the guide will provide you the facts about this fruit, including the crop, harvesting, processing, packing and exportation.
• Bananito Town, where you will see how the people that works at the banana plantations live.
• Fruit Market, you will have the opportunity to visit a small fruit market.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Puerto Limon coastline during the bus drive back to the pier.

Learn about Costa Rica and its history and enjoy the beautiful landscapes during your journey on a train and boat ride.

Cruise through Tortuguero’s impressive network of canals where waterfowls, white-faced and spider monkeys, as well as many other animal species are easily spotted. Enjoy fresh fruit, ice-cold water and soft drinks at the boat station.

During the 20th Century, railroads gave birth to Costa Rica’s banana industry. Ride in the historic but newly restored car of an open-air train. Colorful creatures that live along the tracks such as sloths and monkeys will give an even more interesting ride through this Costa Rican region.

Raft down one of the world’s most celebrated white-water rivers as it winds through a dense rainforest teeming with wildlife, especially birds. After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a scenic drive into Costa Rica’s interior north of Limon, where the Reventazon River winds through the primordial rainforest on its way to the Caribbean Sea. The river is one of the world’s top sites for easy white-water rafting and is incredibly scenic, especially in the section that you will raft.

Following a brief orientation, you will embark the raft and head downstream with the current. You will raft through Class I and Class II rapids, which are considered moderate. The expert guide will instruct you on when to paddle, so you can skillfully maneuver around the river rocks and maximize your experience on the water.

You can expect it to be an exhilarating adventure as you race down the rapids and glide through the calm pools between the rapids. Be sure to scan the jungle for animals during these breaks from the stronger rapids. Chances are, you will spot monkeys in the trees and all sorts of birds, including toucans, herons, and black-cheeked woodpeckers.

After this exciting adventure, a delicious snack will be waiting for you at the welcome center, where you can relax and regain your energy before returning to your ship.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy the perfect mix of nature and flavor on this immersive half-day excursion. Just a short 25-minute ride from the pier, board a covered boat for a gentle cruise through the Tortuguero Canals, often referred to as “Costa Rica’s Amazon.” Your naturalist guide will point out orchids, water lilies, and lush vegetation, while you keep your eyes open for monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, toucans, and other fascinating wildlife. After your canal adventure, savor a tropical fruit snack before visiting a local cacao artisan for an interactive chocolate-making demonstration. Learn about the history of cacao in Costa Rica, see how it is transformed into chocolate, and sample fresh cacao and handmade chocolate treats. Stroll through the artisan’s tropical garden, where fruit trees and vibrant flowers attract colorful birds, and conclude your visit with free time at the small on-site shop offering locally made chocolate and souvenirs.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise the Tortuguero Canals, spotting monkeys, sloths, exotic birds, and more.
• Learn about cacao cultivation and chocolate making from a local artisan.
• Taste fresh cacao and handmade chocolate during a fun demonstration..
• Explore tropical gardens filled with fruit trees and vibrant flowers.
• Shop for locally crafted chocolate and souvenirs that support the community.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and light clothing; bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent.
• Bring cash or a credit card for optional purchases at the artisan shop.

OVERVIEW

Immerse yourself in the history, culture, music, and flavors of Puerto Limón on this enriching half-day experience. Begin with a short ride to Parque Vargas in downtown Limón for a guided walking tour of this historic park and town center. Admire seaside views of Uvita Island, where Christopher Columbus landed in 1502, and browse an outdoor art exhibit at Pasaje Cristal, where local artists display their work. Next, take a scenic coastal drive to Playa Bonita Beach for a brief photo stop, time to meet local vendors, and a chance to shop for souvenirs. Continue to Limón’s Cultural House for a lively presentation of world-famous Calypso music, complete with dancers and plenty of Caribbean rhythm. Your final stop is the historic United Fruit Company building, where you’ll take part in an interactive Caribbean cooking experience. Led by an entertaining local chef, you’ll prepare traditional dishes such as rice and beans, meat patties, and sweet pastries—then sit down to taste your creations before returning to the ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Stroll through Parque Vargas and the historic town center, with views of Columbus’ landing site.
• Shop for local crafts and meet artists at Pasaje Cristal.
• Stop at Playa Bonita Beach for photos and time to browse local vendors.
• Experience a live Calypso music and dance performance at Limón’s Cultural House.
• Join a fun and flavorful Caribbean cooking class inside the historic United Fruit Company building.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes, light clothing, and bring a poncho or raincoat, hat/visor, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.
• Bring cash for souvenirs and tips.
• Be ready to walk about 1 mile on uneven surfaces, including cobblestones, gravel, and sand.