Central America

Natural Treasures of Costa Rica

7 Days aboard Sylvia Earle. From AUD $7,277pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details

Overview

Costa Rica, meaning ‘rich coast’, is a nature lover’s paradise. While it is a small country, Costa Rica contains approximately 6 percent of the world’s biodiversity. The country has environmental conservation policies in place, roughly a quarter of the country is made up of protected jungle, and we are incredibly fortunate to explore the region on land and sea. We hope to observe the unique wildlife including a number of indigenous birds and animals such as the Marbled Wood Quail, hummingbirds, toucans, spider monkeys, iguanas, sloths and perhaps the rare and endangered Scarlet Macaw.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Enjoy hikes among some of the most biodiverse rainforests on earth, a chance to encounter wildlife including sloths, howler, spider, capuchin and squirrel monkeys
  • Keep your eyes and ears tuned for the regal Scarlet Macaws at Curú National Wildlife Refuge
  • Learn about the conservation efforts of Costa Rica as they continue to protect their precious corner of the earth
  • Pack your binoculars and spot an exquisite array of wildlife whilst hiking or participating in our included water activities

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Arrive San Jose
  • Day 2: Embarkation Day
  • Day 3: Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Day 4: Rio Claro Wildlife Refuge
  • Day 5: Punta Leona
  • Day 6: Curú National Wildlife Refuge / Isla Tortuga
  • Day 7: Disembark Puntarenas, transfer to San Jose

In true expedition style we encourage exploration and adventure, offering flexibility in challenging environments in a way that puts you among the action to see and do as much as possible. This itinerary is only a guide and subject to change due to ice and weather conditions.

Ship Information

For more information on the Sylvia Earle please view the ship page.

View Sylvia Earle

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Arrive San Jose

Having made your way to San Jose, you will be met by a representative and transferred to our group hotel. Please visit the hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket.

Enjoy free time, and in the evening, dine at your leisure (dinner not included).

Assigned accommodation: To be confirmed

Day 2: Embarkation Day

This morning, your luggage will be collected from the hotel and transferred directly to the port for sanitisation, clearance and delivered to your cabin ahead of your arrival on board. There is time to settle into your cabin before attending important safety briefings. Enjoy the thrill of departure as we ‘throw the lines’ and set sail for an exciting tropical adventure.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 3: Manuel Antonio National Park

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. We 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.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 4: Rio Claro Wildlife Refuge

The untamed Osa Peninsula is considered by National Geographic to be ‘one of the most biologically intense places on earth’. We 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.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 5: Punta Leona

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 centre 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.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 6: Curú National Wildlife Refuge / Isla Tortuga

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.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 7: Disembark Puntarenas, transfer to San Jose

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

Note: At the conclusion of the voyage, we do not recommend booking flights departing San Jose prior to 12.00 pm. Please advise your departure flight information to your reservations consultant.

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 23 Apr 2026
DatesCabinFromAdditional
23 Apr 2026 - 29 Apr 2026 AUD$7277ppExpand to view prices
Aurora Triple StateroomAUD$7277ppContact us
Aurora Superior StateroomAUD$7837ppContact us
Balcony Stateroom (C)AUD$8187ppContact us
Balcony Stateroom (B)AUD$8537ppContact us
Balcony Stateroom (A)AUD$9167ppContact us
Superior Balcony StateroomAUD$10077ppContact us
Junior SuiteAUD$12597ppContact us
Captain's SuiteAUD$14907ppContact us

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

Aurora Triple Stateroom

22.67m2 (244ft2) located on deck 3, 2 single beds, private en-suite bathroom, porthole window, desk area, closet space, room-controlled thermostat, safe & 42" flat-screen TV.

Aurora Triple Stateroom
Aurora Triple Stateroom
Aurora Superior Stateroom

20.1-22.3sqm, located on deck 7, french balcony, double bed, private en-suite bathroom, desk area, 42" flat screen TV, room-controlled thermostat, safe, closet space.

Aurora Superior Stateroom
Aurora Superior Stateroom
Balcony Stateroom (C)

21 - 24.8sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 4 & 6, twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, floor to ceiling window, desk space, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe & 42" flat screen TV.

Balcony Stateroom (C)
Balcony Stateroom (C)
Balcony Stateroom (B)

21 - 24.8sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 4 & 6 (fore and aft), twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, floor to ceiling window, desk area, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe & 42" flat screen TV.

Balcony Stateroom (B)
Balcony Stateroom (B)
Balcony Stateroom (A)

21 - 24.8sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 4 & 6 (close to internal stairs/elevator), twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, floor to ceiling window, desk area, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe & 42" flat screen TV.

Balcony Stateroom (A)
Balcony Stateroom (A)
Superior Balcony Stateroom

30.5 - 40.2sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 4, twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, full size window, desk area, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe & 42" flat screen TV.

Superior Balcony Stateroom
Superior Balcony Stateroom
Junior Suite

38.9sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 7, twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, full size window, desk area, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe, 42" flat screen TV & separate lounge area.

Junior Suite
Junior Suite
Captain's Suite

44.5sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 4, twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, full size window, desk area, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe, 42" flat screen TV & separate lounge area.

Captain's Suite
Captain's Suite

Sylvia Earle Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Cabins: 71
  • Number of passengers: 132
  • Crew & Staff: 60
  • Guide to Guest Ratio: 1:8
  • Decks: 6
  • Length: 104m
  • Beam: 18.4m
  • Draft: 5.1m
  • Year Built: Launching in 2022
  • Speed: 10-12 knots

What's included?

  • All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • One night’s hotel accommodation in San Jose, including breakfast, on Day 1.
  • On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service.
  • All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices during voyage.
  • Beer and house wine with dinner.
  • Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
  • All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
  • Educational lectures and guiding services from Expedition Team.
  • Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information.
  • Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
  • Included Activities: Bird Watching, Marine Mammal Spotting, Photography, Scenic Cruising, Trips Ashore, Walking, Lectures on wildlife, our environment, history and destinations, Zodiac Cruising, Wildlife Watching, Paddling, Snorkelling, Stand-Up Paddleboarding.
  • Wi-Fi*.

*Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable.

What's not?

  • International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
  • Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
  • Airport arrival or departure taxes.
  • Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
  • Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
  • Hotel accommodation and meals unless specified in the itinerary.
  • Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
  • Optional activity surcharges.
  • All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, wi-fi, email or phone charges.

Important notes and additional information

Note: A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Central America

Let us take you on an authentic journey throughout this rich and versatile region with its spectacular Caribbean beaches, smouldering volcanoes and lush green jungles sheltering a rich variety of fauna. Throw in its fascinating history, hidden Mayan ruins and the rhythm of Cuban salsa and we’re certain you’ll find this region is a treat to the senses.

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

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Natural Treasures of Costa Rica

7 Days aboard Sylvia Earle. From AUD $7,277pp.