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Costa Rica Diving: Catalina Islands via Arenal & Monteverde

Costa Rica Diving: Catalina Islands via Arenal & Monteverde

10 Days / 9 Nights


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Short, varied and built around one of Costa Rica’s best dive sites. You begin at Arenal for hot springs and volcano views, cross to the Monteverde cloud forest for wildlife in the treetops, then settle on the Guanacaste coast at Tamarindo, your launch point for the Catalina Islands, famous for giant manta rays, turtles and reef sharks. Days above water, days below.

Highlights: diving the Catalina Islands, Arenal, Monteverde cloud forest, Tamarindo beaches.

Best for: divers who want a compact trip with volcano and cloud forest on the side. Manta sightings are best in the December-to-April dry season.

This is a sample itinerary. We tailor every trip to your dates, pace, hotels and budget — just tell us what you would like to change.

Day 1: Arrive to San José
Arrive to San José
Welcome to Costa Rica! For your added comfort, once you have passed immigration and customs and stepped out of the airport doors, you will have one of our representatives waiting for you outside with a sign with your name on it. He will drive you to your hotel in San José.
AC Hotel San Jose Airport Belen (1 Night)

Day 2: In the morning take your rented car and enjoy a scenic drive to Arenal/ Fortuna followed by a free afternoon in town to relax and explore at your own pace.
In the morning take your rented car and enjoy a scenic drive to Arenal/ Fortuna followed by a free afternoon in town to relax and explore at your own pace.
The Northern Plains of Costa Rica showcases some very scenic countryside towns. Small agriculture communities and cattle ranches cover rolling hills and deep valleys. The plains, rainforests and rivers make the north central a must-see in any Costa Rica program. The main attraction is the iconic Arenal Volcano. The Arenal Volcano area is Costa Rica’s premier region of exploration and excitement: Arenal is synonymous to adventure and Eco-discovery, where you can embark in a wide variety of activities. Enjoy the thrill of whitewater rafting or canyoning, or combine adventure with ecological discovery in a canopy tour. Hike the volcano or explore the rainforest strolling through hanging bridges. Feel transformed by the beauty and variety of our wildlife and tropical jungle. Get ready for a life changing adventure!
Lomas del Volcan Hotel (2 Nights)

Day 3: Free Day at Arenal/Fortuna
Free Day at Arenal/Fortuna
Spend the day unwinding at your hotel or exploring the area at your own pace.

Day 4: Enjoy the landscapes driving from Arenal to Monteverde
Enjoy the landscapes driving from Arenal to Monteverde
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, located in the Cordillera de Tilarán, is a top ecotourism destination, known for its rich biodiversity. Home to endangered species, it spans from 600 to 1800 meters above sea level and hosts 2,000 plant species, 400 birds, 100 mammals, and 1,200 reptiles and amphibians. Famous birds like quetzals and the Bellbird thrive here. Activities include hiking on hanging bridges and trails, private birding tours, and zip-lining. Due to the chilly, misty weather, be sure to bring warm clothing. are one of the main attractions in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve as a lot of them would migrate there and a variety of species are for everyone to see alive and freely hovering. Some of the famed birds found in the cloud forest are the bare-necked umbrella birds, the endangered Bellbird, quetzals and over 30 species of hummingbirds.
Sibu Lodge (2 Nights)

Day 5: Get ready to enjoy a guided walk across the stunning Suspension Bridges (Shared Excursion).
Get ready to enjoy a guided walk across the stunning Suspension Bridges (Shared Excursion).
Selvatura’s Tree Top Walkways consist of a 1.9-mile (approximately 3 kilometer) trail that leads you through the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Here visitors will walk on eight different bridges with various lengths ranging between 150 feet (50 meters) and 510 feet (170 meters) and altitudes ranging between 36 feet (12 meters) and 180 feet (60 meters). Each bridge has a capacity of up to 80 people which makes them both the longest and strongest bridges in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The Tree Top Walkways are suitable for people of all ages.
Transportation and bilingual guide.

Day 6: Enjoy the landscapes driving from Monteverde to Tamarindo.
Enjoy the landscapes driving from Monteverde to Tamarindo.
Tamarindo is Costa Rica’s top surf and party town, known for its 3.5 km stretch of white-sand beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beginner surfing. The beach is ideal for walking or jogging, and Witch’s Rock Surf Shop offers rentals, showers, and a beachfront restaurant. Tamarindo is also a hub for great food, sport fishing, and tours to see leatherback turtles at Playa Grande. Enjoy activities like horseback riding, zip-lining, birdwatching, snorkeling, or scuba diving at the Catalina Islands. Its central location makes it a great base for exploring the northern peninsula.
Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort Hotel (3 Nights)

Day 7: Get ready to immerse yourself in the breathtaking underwater world, as you explore the vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters of the area. Scuba Diving at Catalinas Islands.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the breathtaking underwater world, as you explore the vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters of the area. Scuba Diving at Catalinas Islands.
We meet at the dive shop at 7.00am, we give you all the equipment and go to the marina, where we board the boat that takes us to Catalinas Islands on a 20 minutes ride. There we do 2 dives at 2 different spots; we are usually back at the marina at around 1.00pm.
2 dives and snacks and drinks on board, All the necessary equipment, Transportation, Snacks and soft drinks on the boat, Gear rental and boat fees, PADI certified guide.

Day 8: This day continue the Scuba Diving adventure
This day continue the Scuba Diving adventure
Catalina Islands: a cluster of volcanic rock formations located approximately 40 minutes by boat from the shore—famous for their rich biodiversity and dramatic underwater landscapes. The Catalinas are teeming with marine life. Depending on the season, you may encounter: White-tip reef sharks, Giant manta rays (seasonal), Stingrays and eagle rays, Moray eels (jewel and green), Nudibranchs, Colorful reef fish like angelfish, butterflyfish, jacks, grunts, spadefish, and more. Water temperatures on Costa Rica’s North Pacific coast range from 16°C to 30°C (60°F to 86°F) throughout the year. Visibility varies daily, adding an element of surprise to every dive.
2 dives and snacks and drinks on board, All the necessary equipment, Transportation, Snacks and soft drinks on the boat, Gear rental and boat fees, PADI certified guide

Day 9: Get ready for your journey back to San José.
Get ready for your journey back to San José.
Enjoy your last night in the country and take some time to relax as you prepare for your departure tomorrow.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari (1 Night)
Day 10: Departure from San Jose to the International Airport
Departure from San Jose to the International Airport
  • What’s included?

    Accommodation Services:

    • 1 Night at AC Hotel San Jose Airport Belen, Breakfast Included
    • 2 Nights at Lomas del Volcan Hotel, Breakfast Included
    • 2 Nights at Sibu Lodge, Breakfast Included
    • 3 Nights at Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort Hotel, Buffet Breakfast Included
    • 1 Night at DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari, Buffet Breakfast Included

     

    Car Rental

    • 8 Days Car Rental MIDSIZE 4X4 (Suzuki Vitara Automatic or Similar)

     

    Transfers services:

    • Private Transfer from International Airport to San José
    • Private Transfer from San José to International Airport

     

    Excursions:

    • Shared Excursion | Suspension Bridges with guide
    • Shared Excursion | Scuba Diving – Day 7
    • Shared Excursion | Scuba Diving – Day 8
Prices
We design every journey specifically for you.
Pricing depends on your travel dates, preferences, and availability. Request your custom itinerary to receive a detailed proposal and price.

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