Volcanoes, Forests & Shores: A Costa Rica Expedition
This itinerary begins with your arrival in SJO (San José), followed by a visit to Fortuna to experience the iconic Arenal Volcano, Next, head to Flamingo for beach relaxation and water activities. You’ll then travel to Monteverde to explore the cloud forest and its wildlife. Afterward, enjoy the natural beauty of Manuel Antonio, including its national park and beaches, before continuing to Uvita to experience the stunning coastline. Finally, visit the remote and wildlife-rich Drake Bay (DRA) for boat tours and wildlife encounters before returning to SJO for departure.
Itinerary
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.
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari (1 Night)
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. Feel transformed by the beauty and variety of our wildlife and tropical jungle. Get ready for a life changing adventure!
Accommodation: Lomas del Volcan Hotel (2 Nights)
We’ll enjoy the viewpoint of the waterfall before starting our descent down a 500-meter (1640 ft.) trail with 480+ steps through the rainforest to the base. The waterfall drops 70 meters (230 ft.) of crystal-clear water from the Children’s Eternal Rainforest. With luck, we might spot animals like coatis, toucans, and butterflies. At the base, you can swim, take pictures, or just relax and admire the beauty.
Afterward, we’ll return via the same trail to the viewpoint, where we’ll have a refreshing snack of tropical fruit.
Visiting the La Fortuna Waterfall also supports the Community Development Association, funding projects like schools, nutrition centers, and tourism safety.
generate income for the Community Development Association to invest in social works to benefit schools,
nutrition centers, the local orphanage, recycling center, roads, tourism safety, and more.
Included:
Transportation, guide, entrance fee, snacks and drinks.
Playa Flamingo, located on Guanacaste’s North Pacific coast, is famous for its white sands and turquoise waters. This scenic beach, with its clear sea and views of the Catalina Islands, attracts both locals and tourists. Surrounded by luxurious homes and yachts, it’s a top spot for fishing. Visitors can enjoy activities like snorkeling, boogie boarding, paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing, along with nearby restaurants and cafés.
Accommodation: Margaritaville Beach Resort, Playa Flamingo (3 Nights)
The boat ride starts with a briefing from the tour guides regarding dive safety and procedures. During the ride, keep your eyes open for signs of dolphins, whales, mating turtles and the amazing jumping rays. Depending on the weather and daily conditions, you will visit 2 dive sites to perform 60ft max dives exploring the Catalina Islands in the Pacific Ocean, one of the best places to dive in Costa Rica. With the possibility of seeing White Tip Reef Sharks, Spotted Eagle Rays, Giant Manta Rays, Nudibranchs, Octopus, Big schools of fish, Eels and even maybe a Seahorse, the variety of life in this ocean is outstanding and never boring as it changes so much during the year. A refresher course can be undertaken before the boat leaves for those who have not been diving in a long time or who do not have much experience.
Included:
– Diving equipment
– Pick up and Drop Off: Land transportation from Tamarindo, Playa Langosta, Playa
Grande and Palm beach, Conchal, Playa Brasilito, Flamingo, Potrero and Catalinas.
– Boat ride to Catalina Islands.
– Two floors boat, full equipped with bath room, lockers and solarium.
– Refreshment on board: Non- alcoholic drinks, water, seasonal fruits & cookies.
– In Diving Tours: full diving equipment, PADI Instructors and Dive Masters
supervising dives.
– Nice and professional staff that will provide you the best diving experience.
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.
Accommodation: Poco a Poco Hotel & Spa (2 Nights)
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.
Included:
Transportation and bilingual guide.
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica’s smallest and most popular national park, offers stunning white-sand beaches, rainforests, and abundant wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and iguanas. The park’s trails lead to breathtaking views of the bay and offshore islands. Known for its beauty, it ranks among the world’s top destinations. Nearby, the town offers luxury hotels and fine dining with amazing views.
Activities include whitewater rafting, guided waterfall walks, snorkeling, and fishing. The park is closed on Tuesdays. **
Accommodation: Si Como No Hotel (3 Nights)
Our local boat dives are primarily around Manuel Antonio National Park, offering access to 12 islands and diverse dive sites. The area is rich in marine life, including tropical reef fish, octopus, turtles, and Manta Rays in season. While the Pacific coast lacks Caribbean-style coral gardens, it has unique underwater formations from volcanic activity.
Visibility ranges from 15-30ft in the rainy season and 30-65ft in the dry season. Each trip includes 2 tanks, dive equipment, a PADI guide, snacks, water, and fruit juices. Trips are available in the morning and afternoon (dry season only). Transportation not included.
Included:
Snacks in the boat (fruit, cookies, water and soft drinks) and soft drinks) Specialized PADI dive guide All diving equipment.
Join a guided hiking tour of the world-renowned Manuel Antonio National Park, home to monkeys, sloths, birds, and more. Your 2-mile hike leads to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, with lush rainforest, sandy shores, and crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a 20-minute beach stop and capture stunning wildlife photos with the help of telescopes provided by your guide.
The park is closed on Tuesdays.
Included:
Transportation from and to hotel, bilingual guides, park entrance fee.
Uvita is a laid-back village south of Dominical, known for its lush hills, quiet beaches, and the stunning Marino Ballena National Park—famous for humpback whale sightings and its whale tail-shaped sandbar. It’s ideal for off-the-beaten-path travelers and hosts the annual Whale and Dolphin Festival. Nearby waterfalls like Cascada Verde and Catarata Pavón offer great spots for swimming in crystal-clear waters.
Accommodation: La Cusinga Lodge Hotel (1 Night)
Bahía Drake, one of Costa Rica’s most isolated destinations, is bordered by Parque Nacional Corcovado. In this wildlife-rich area, howler monkeys and macaws fill the rainforest, while migrating dolphins glide through the turquoise waters of Isla del Caño. Its remote location makes it a perfect escape, with wilderness lodges offering an unforgettable experience.
Arriving by boat from Sierpe along the beautiful river and coastline adds to the adventure. In Drake Bay, you can relax in nature or explore outdoor activities to discover even more wildlife.
Accommodation: Pirate Cove Hotel (3 Nights)
We leave each day at 7:00 a. m. The transfer to the island takes between 50 minutes to 1 hour. When the boat arrives to the Island, the instructor will go to the Minaet Station on the Island in order to give the register and show the documents with the reservation and the entrances fees. After that the divers go with the instructor for the first dive. The dive takes 40 minutes or less, depending on the group. Afterwards the group can rest in the island and drink water. It is not allowed to eat on the island, neither are there toilets. After the short rest we will do the second dive. Our diving groups are small and always accompanied by PADI dive masters, assistant instructors or instructors.
Included:
Transport, Equipment, Bilingual Guide
Corcovado National Park is a reserve on southwest Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula that protects varied tropical ecosystems. Considered one of the world’s most biodiversity regions, its wildlife includes scarlet macaws, trogons, toucans, tapirs, jaguars, four types of monkeys, sloths, anteaters, and much more.
San Pedrillo is the closest Corcovado National Park Ranger Station to Drake Bay, Costa Rica and the 20-minute boat ride from Drake Bay offers possible sightings of dolphins and other marine and aquatic marine life, passing an island nesting spot for the Brown Booby. Our bilingual naturalist guide will lead a 3-hour hike through the primary and secondary forest, locating and explaining the extensive rainforest wildlife and flora.
After a lunch at the park ranger station, there is a second shorter hike to a beautiful waterfall – bring your bathing suite for a refreshing swim in the cool clear water!
We recommend that you bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, bug repellent, binoculars, bathing suit
and most importantly hiking shoes.
Included:
Entrance fee, transport and guide.
Enjoy your last night in the country and take some time to relax as you prepare for your departure tomorrow.
Accommodation: Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton (1 Night)
What´s Included
Accommodation Services:
- 1 Night at DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari, Breakfast Included
- 2 Nights at Lomas del Volcan Hotel, Breakfast Included
- 3 Nights at Margaritaville Beach Resort, Playa Flamingo, Breakfast Included
- 2 Nights at Poco a Poco Hotel & Spa, Breakfast Included
- 3 Nights at Si Como No Hotel, Breakfast Included
- 1 Night at La Cusinga Lodge Hotel, Breakfast Included
- 3 Nights at Pirate Cove Hotel, Full Board Included
- 1 Night at Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton, Breakfast Included
Car Rental
- 15 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:
- SIB | La Fortuna Waterfall Hike
- SIB | Certified Divers 2 tank dive with full diving gear
- SIB | Suspension Bridges with guide
- SIB | Local Dive at Manuel Antonio 1/2 day
- SIB | Guided Hike to Manuel Antonio National Park
- SIB | Scuba Diving at Caño Island
- SIB | Corcovado National Park, San Pedrillo Station
Extra information for divers
What to pack on your diving trips
Spare parts and accessories to carry in your suitcase for diving equipment. An extra mask strip or a replacement mask. So you do not have to abort for this inconvenience that can be solved as easily as carrying an extra one.
Fin strips. Think that each fin is a world and has its own strips, some will not serve you for others. Take at least one refill.
A spare snorkel clip. A replacement for the clip that holds the snorkel to the mask in case it breaks or you lose it.
American tape. It is very resistant and a good invention if at any given moment you need to make an improvised fix because something is breaking.
Multi-tool for diving. A multipurpose tool, a spanner or Allen keys, will be necessary if you need to change or adjust any part of your regulator, plate or arms of the camera.
Equipment for underwater photography and video equipment.
Anti humidity bags. If your case has anti-humidity bags to avoid fogging, do not forget to bring them. Bring enough to be able to do several dives in one day. You already know that if the case gets foggy while diving, it’s over to take pictures.
Extra batteries. Both for your dive computer and for the camera, flashes, etc. The ideal is to have rechargeable batteries. Thus, between dives you can leave some batteries charging while you use the others and always have the batteries ready. Keep in mind that if on a diving trip you do 3 or 4 dives a day, the most likely thing is that you will run out of battery.
Extra SD cards. When we are going to spend days diving and taking photos, believe us if we tell you that with a card you are going to fall short. The best thing is that you have several SD cards if you do not have a computer or hard drive where you can store them at the end of the day of diving.
Microfiber towel. To maintain your optimal equipment it is necessary to remove the salt and / or sand from the equipment once the photographic day is over. You will need to submerge all the equipment in a bucket with plenty of fresh water or use a hose to desalt it. Then you will have to dry the equipment with a dry and soft cloth, especially the front of the case, the viewfinders and the lenses, to avoid limescale.
Electricity and adapters
Universal electrical adapter, prevention is always better than cure. If you find that the electrical outlets at that dive site do not fit the plugs on your equipment, you will not be able to charge anything. Therefore, we recommend a universal adapter that is valid for any type of plug and for any part of the world. In which you can connect several things at the same time.
Strip with several sockets. Continuing with the electrical issue, if you need to charge several batteries, those of the flashes, the camera, the computer, the mobile … You may find that in the boat or center you only have a couple of shots available for you. Well, everyone wants to load their equipment. This would mean having to wait for each battery to charge one by one. And you may not have time to load everything you need before the next dive. That is why it is super useful to carry a power strip where you can load everything at once, without waiting.
Keeping the images you take during the trip safe is simple.
First of all, to avoid unforeseen events, take extra memory cards in case one fails or fills up. This way you will always be able to continue taking pictures during the trip. It may also be advisable to bring a hard drive to back up your photos. Especially if you shoot in RAW, because the files will take up much more and you may need extra space.
Waterproof plasters or bandages to heal the chafing or blisters that may come out during a week of diving. Cotton socks are also a very good option. Wear a sock to prevent chafing that occurs on your feet when doing repetitive dives.
Pills for seasickness, if you are one of those who get seasick. Especially if you are going to embark on a life on board and you are caught in bad weather.
Sunscreen, essential when we are going to be outdoors all day. Please use biodegradable sunscreen. If not, we recommend putting it on for at least an hour before going to the water so that the skin has absorbed it and has less impact.
Solution to prevent external otitis. Prolonged exposure to water can cause external ear infections and prevent you from diving. When diving several times a day for several days, such as on dive trips, this ailment can occur. To do this, we recommend that you visit your doctor or pharmacist and they give you a solution to use after diving or at night to prevent the growth of bacteria that cause external otitis.
Other medication you need, such as for headaches, repellent against mosquitoes (especially in tropical areas), etc.
Documentation for diving trips – what to bring in your suitcase diving trip documentation
Copies of documentation. This includes certifications for diving, nitrox, diving and travel insurance, flights and reservations. You can take them on paper and / or on your mobile. Although if at the moment you need them you are without battery or all your luggage is stolen, that would be bad luck … We recommend that you send yourself a copy by email or store it in the cloud, so you can always access them from your email!
It is always good to carry a copy of the documentation in case you lose your diving card or cannot find it. Or in case, let’s touch wood, you need to use your insurance policy. Thus, make sure you have the insurance telephone number for medical emergencies and all the reservation documentation, tickets and hours mentioned.
It is most recommended that you carry all the documentation in a waterproof bag.
Travel insurance
When purchasing dive and travel insurance, it is important to read the fine print. Not all companies cover air delays that prevent you from carrying out the contracted diving packages, for example. We trust Dive Assure with the Dive & Travel Plus plans, make sure you are covered in case of loss of diving luggage. They also offer unlimited medical coverage. So if you need prolonged medical attention, you will not find that they stop covering you and you have to start paying for it yourself. Or in the worst case that you have to interrupt the treatment because you cannot bear the cost. Remember that prevention is better than cure!
- International flights.
Price From US$ 3,755.00
Price Per Person, based on double Occupancy.
