Natural Treasures of Costa Rica

Upon arrival in San Jose, meet the Aurora Expeditions representative for a transfer to the assigned hotel. Please visit the hospitality desk to collect cabin luggage tags and consult the ground operations team regarding pre-embarkation procedures or recommendations for dining, withdrawing cash, and purchasing last-minute items.

The remainder of the day offers free time to explore, with dinner this evening at personal expense.

This morning, luggage is collected from the hotel and transferred directly to the port for sanitization and clearance, ensuring delivery to the cabin prior to boarding. Take time to settle in before attending the mandatory safety briefings. Enjoy the thrill of departure as the ship casts off, setting sail on this exciting tropical adventure.

Boasting over 100 species of mammals, 184 species of birds and an impressive variety flora, Manuel Antonio National Park understandably attracts wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world. Costa Rica’s star attractions - two and three toed sloths, as well as white-faced monkeys, toucans, agoutis, armadillos and coatis are a few of the exciting animals that you may encounter within the park. Explore the park in the cool, early hours of the morning before returning to the vessel for lunch. In the afternoon, you have the option to explore Quepos town or enjoy some water activities.  

The untamed Osa Peninsula is considered by National Geographic to be ‘one of the most biologically intense places on earth’. You plan to hike the trails at Rio Claro Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary that encompasses 500 hectares of tropical rainforests, making it one of the most important natural preserves in Central America. Rio Claro is one of the last refuges for pumas, ocelot, jaguarundis, tapirs, white-lipped peccaries and a host of other rainforest animals. The high plateau forests, with trees towering over 43 m (140 ft), supports hundreds of species of ferns, bromeliads and orchids, and creates a biological corridor between palm swamps and mangroves. It is an extension of Corcovado National Park, the country's largest and one of the most remote parks in Costa Rica.

Punta Leona is home to one of the last remaining forests that are found in the transitional life zone between the rainforests of the Southwest and the dry forests of the Northwest. Created over 25 years ago to protect the region’s varied flora and fauna, the Punta Leona Refuge is a 300-hectare (750 acres) private nature reserve mainly consisting of lush primary and secondary forests. 

Also functioning as a center for bird and mammal research, this reserve is the habitat of over 330 migratory and native bird species. Home to rare and endangered Scarlet Macaw, the reserve is also the dwelling place of a number of indigenous birds and animals like the Marbled Wood Quail, the Three-wattled Bellbird, Hummingbirds, Toucans, Spider Monkeys, White-faced Monkeys, White-nosed Coatimundis, iguanas and a variety of beautiful butterflies. 

Located near a pristine white sand beach, Punta Leona has three varied walking and hiking trails, all of which are easily accessible and perfect for bird watching. 

Curú National Wildlife Refuge is a privately-owned nature reserve offering visitors outstanding eco-tourism experiences. The refuge is the first privately-owned refuge in Costa Rica, encompassing more than 3,700 acres of tropical forests, mangroves, and well-marked paths. 17 hiking trails wind through the varied terrain within the reserve, where you may see white-tail deer, armadillos and iguanas. Various monkey species are prolific within refuge including native capuchin, spider, and howler monkeys. Located on the southern Nicoya Peninsula of north-western Costa Rica, the refuge is brimming with wildlife and hosts one of the most beautiful beaches and protected bays on the Nicoya Peninsula, a great place to enjoy water activities. 

Afterwards, enjoy lunch on board as you sail to nearby Isla Tortuga (Turtle Island), where you can snorkel, swim, paddle or relax. The water is teeming with a dizzying array of tropical fish, big pufferfish, turtles, sting rays, white tip reef sharks, and occasionally dolphins.  

This evening, celebrate a memorable journey at Captain’s Farewell reception.   

Disembark in Puntarenas, where you farewell your expedition team before transferring to San Jose. 

Note: At the conclusion of the voyage, it is not recommended to book flights departing San Jose prior to 12.00 pm. Please advise your departure flight information to your reservations consultant.