Experience scenic Costa Rica while touring a rainforest in the Estrella Valley and enjoy a visit to Bocuare Jungle for lunch and a swim. A scenic drive will take you past quaint towns and plantations en route to the rainforest. Join a guided hike to explore this unique ecosystem, cross a lagoon on a hanging bridge, view plantations and other stunning flora. Over 115 different bird species have been spotted here. You’ll visit the site of an old sugar mill and learn how sugar cane is processed, help in the extraction and sample the sweet results. Upon arrival you can take a swim or lounge by the pool, enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch, and browse for souvenirs before returning to the port.

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.

Explore different elevations of a rainforest by riding an aerial tram through the tree canopy and walking along the forest floor with a naturalist guide. The tram is open-air on all sides to provide unobstructed views of the Braulio Carrillo National Park in every direction. As you glide through the rainforest canopy for well over an hour, the guide will point out and describe the natural wonders, which include an enormous variety of indigenous flora and fauna. You may spot spider monkeys swinging among the tree branches, flocks of brightly colored parrots and iridescent hummingbirds flitting from flower to flower. The rainforest is teeming with wildlife, so there is no telling what you may encounter. Similarly, as you follow a trail that winds along the rainforest floor, you will learn about the plants and animals that inhabit the ground level and the understory. You can expect it to be an enlightening and wonderfully fulfilling experience.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride an open aerial tram through the rainforest in Braulio Carrillo National Park.
• Follow a naturalist guide along a trail for a look at the flora and fauna at ground level.
• Reflect on your immersion into the natural world over lunch at a café in the park.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

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.

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a leisurely and immensely scenic drive through the countryside for an enlightening look at rural life on the outskirts of Puerto Limon. As you travel through the verdant fertile landscape, you will learn much about the importance of agriculture to the economy and how it influences the local lifestyle. While pausing at one of the many banana plantations, you will discover how the fruit is grown, packaged and shipped worldwide. Bananas were first cultivated in Costa Rica in 1878, making it the first Central American country to grow the crop. You will see bananas and an array of other fresh produce while stopping at an outdoor market. Pineapples, mangos and more exotic fruits such as mamey sapotes will likely be displayed in abundance. A look at Bananito town will lend insight into the typical daily lives of the Costa Ricans that work on the fruit plantations.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a relaxing drive through the fertile countryside on the outskirts of Puerto Limon.
• Pause at a banana plantation for an understanding of the fruit’s economic importance.
• Stop in Bananito town for a look at the local lifestyle and culture.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

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.