On this 12-day cruise aboard SH Diana, discover the hidden treasures of Puntarenas, a captivating destination that showcases the authentic and diverse culture of Costa Rica. Nestled on a narrow peninsula stretching into the Pacific Ocean, this vibrant city is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, offering a mix of stunning beaches, mouthwatering seafood, and a festive atmosphere. But Puntarenas is not just a beach town. It also serves as a gateway to explore the region's natural wonders. Embark on an adventure to the Tortuga, Chira, and Coco islands, or lose yourself in the beauty of the Nicoya Peninsula and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Puntarenas is a treasure trove of experiences, where you can immerse yourself in the rich culture of Costa Rica and discover the breathtaking beauty of this extraordinary destination.
Highlights
Explore stunning beaches and indulge in mouthwatering seafood in Puntarenas
Embark on an adventure to the Tortuga, Chira, and Coco islands
Witness the beauty of the Nicoya Peninsula and the Monteverde Cloud Forest
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Puntarenas is a place to experience the authentic and diverse culture of Costa Rica, located on a narrow peninsula that stretches into the Pacific Ocean. Puntarenas is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, who come to enjoy its beaches, seafood, and carnival atmosphere. Puntarenas is also a gateway to explore the region's natural wonders, such as the Tortuga, Chira, Coco islands, the Nicoya Peninsula, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Curu Wildlife Refuge is a private reserve on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, near Paquera. It is a hidden gem for nature lovers, who can explore its diverse habitats, such as tropical forests, mangroves, grasslands, and beaches. Curu Wildlife Refuge is home to many species of animals, such as monkeys, deer, armadillos, iguanas, and birds.
Isla Tortuga is a tropical island in the Gulf of Nicoya, off the coast of Costa Rica. It is a popular destination for day trips from the mainland, offering stunning scenery, white sand beaches, and clear blue waters.
The bustling town of Quepos is a great base for accessing Manual Antonio National Park, one of the most popular parks in Costa Rica. The park has it all really, beautiful mountain vistas, mangrove forests, lagoons, beaches and lush rainforest. With over 350 species of birds and over 100 species of mammal, wildlife enthusiasts will be in heaven. Head along the stunning Perezeso trail to spot scarlet macaws, toucans, hawks, sloths, armadillos and much more. Back in Quepos, take walk through the pretty Marina Pez Vela to see the impressive fishing boats.
The deep and well sheltered Golfo Dulce, or ‘Sweet Gulf’, borders the Osa Peninsula’s eastern shore. The northeast section of the gulf is part of the 35,000-acre Piedras Blancas National Park, a stunning tract of rainforest that used to be part of Corcovado, and still protects the same amazing biodiversity. As you explore the lush rainforest here, you’ll come face to face with some of the tallest trees in the world, you’ll also come across pretty waterfalls and perhaps also toucans, macaws, anteaters, sloths, howler monkeys and more.
Cebaco Island is a private island in the Gulf of Montijo, off the coast of Panama. It is a hidden gem for nature lovers, who can enjoy its pristine beaches, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. Cebaco Island is ideal for diving, snorkeling, fishing, and hiking, as it has a rich marine life, including fish, rays, and turtles.
Today, visit the authentic Emberá tribe in the Darien Jungle, who rarely receive outside visitors. After a briefing on local customs, you’ll meet the indigenous people, explore their village, and maybe play volleyball with the locals. Learn how the Emberá relies on the jungle, using its plants for food, medicine, and clothing. This unique visit offers an immersive look at an ancient culture still thriving in the Panamanian wilderness.
Located west of Panama City, at the Pacific terminus of the Panama Canal, Fuetre Amador is a manmade causeway, constructed with material excavated from the canal. Before boarding your boutique cruise ship, be sure to stop in at the Miraflores Locks’ visitor’s centre. Here you will learn about the impressive engineering that went into building this legendary waterway. Watch the mighty barges make their way through the canal from the panoramic observation deck.
Cruising Panama Canal is a bucket-list experience that allows you to witness one of the most astonishing human-made wonders in the world. The Panama Canal is a 48-mile waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, saving ships from sailing around South America. Cruising Panama Canal lets you enjoy the scenery through three sets of locks, an artificial lake, and a narrow mountain cut. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you will never forget.
Lemon Cay is one of the 49 inhabited islands of the San Blas Archipelago, a stunning network of cays and islands off the coast of Panama. It is a small and secluded island where you can enjoy the pristine white sand beach, the turquoise water, and the palm trees. Lemon Cay is also home to a community of indigenous people, the Guna, who live in traditional huts and welcome visitors with their hospitality and culture.
Within the walled Old City of Cartagena, a historic coastal city in Colombia, 16th- to 18th-century military architecture, unmatched in the Americas, stands tall.
Day 12: Cartagena
1 Breakfast
Vibrant streets host museums like the Gold Museum, overlooked by the hilltop Castillo San Felipe fortress. Along the picturesque coast, La Boquilla fishing village is known for folkloric drumming and dancing and is the gateway to one of Colombia's largest mangrove forests.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Select a Date
Oceanview D4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Select a Date
Oceanview M4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Select a Date
Balcony D5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Select a Date
Balcony M5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Select a Date
Balcony D6
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Select a Date
Junior Suite
SH Diana’s Junior Suites features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area with homely flame-effect fireplace, private kitchen, luxurious en-suite bathroom and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
Select a Date
Suite
Our Suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
Select a Date
Premium Suite
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious en-suite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Initial deposit is 20% (30% for Suite bookings), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
11 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Room Service
Wifi
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
We recommend every traveler to take out a travel cancellation insurance, travel interruption insurance and a travel health insurance policy with an assumption of the return transport costs of repatriation
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
1 week ago
Adventure Life took care of everything! All we had to do was show up when we were supposed to, which made our first trip to Costa Rica largely stress-free and incredibly fun. Our trip reps, Hannah and Mariethony, were helpful and responsive, getting back to us by email usually within a few hours. Our accommodations were all great, and we got incredibly blessed with some absolutely stellar guides and drivers.
Our Jungle & Beach trip was an excellent balance of adventure and rest. We got to try out a lot of different activities, including snorkeling, hiking, white water rafting and kayaking, while also partaking of some rest around the pool or by the ocean. We enjoyed seeing and exploring the beautiful Caribbean side of the country.
Joy Knowles
2 weeks ago
The company made our adventure trip hassle-free, and a lot of fun! I will definitely be using them again
Carolena F
1 month ago
For our first trip to Costa Rica, Adventure Life designed a tour that meets the interests, ecological and adventure, of our party; but also takes into account our physical limitations sine we are all septuagenarian. We are looking forward to the trip.
John Zent
1 month ago
COSTA RICA a trip of a life time travelling round this beautiful country. All went like clockwork even when the weather was against us and all transfers seemed to be part of the holiday not a chore. Would definitely use Adventure Life again having previously used them 20 years ago!!
Cynthia Calton
1 month ago
Our Costa Rica trip was amazing! Kassandra planned everything and the excursions, hotels, overall organization were outstanding. Everything worked out smoothly, the excursions guides were knowledgeable allowing us to see so much of the fauna and flora of the country. The hotels were great as well, all in fantastic locations and with beautiful views.
