Coast to Coast

Today begins three fascinating days in Tortuguero, Costa Rica. Depart from San Jos on a thirty minute flight to reach this secluded area. After a delicious breakfast at your lodge youll have the rest of the morning to enjoy the lodge. Enjoy a fabulous lunch at the lodge and then visit the colorful village of Tortuguero and the turtle museum before returning to the lodge in the late afternoon. Return to your lodge for the night. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, your guide will take you on an interesting jungle walk along trails around the lodge for close-up views of the prolific bird population and other wildlife that inhabit these lush tropical forests. There will be time to enjoy a dip in the pool by the canals or use the complimentary kayaks before lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon you will go by boat to visit some smaller secondary canals of Tortuguero National Park in search of wildlife. You will be returned to your lodge for dinner and another peaceful overnight. (B,L,D)

When staying at Manatus Lodge youll take a morning boat tour in the canals.

Travel early to the Tortuguero airstrip for the return flight to San Jos, switch planes and take the thirty minute flight to Quepos, where you’ll be transported to your comfortable hotel. Spend the afternoon in Manuel Antonio National Park, relaxing on the sunny beach, or, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, go sea kayaking, horseback riding, coastal paddling, hiking in the rainforest or sport fishing. Manuel Antonio is one of the most flourishing locations in Costa Rica, where spectacular sandy white beaches meet forest-covered hills. Located on the central Pacific coast and covering an area of just 1,688 acres, Manuel Antonio National Park protects beautiful beaches, the unique formation of Punta Catedral, stunning mangroves, quaint nearby islands and a humid tropical forest, a lovely stop on this Costa Rica ecological tour. The climate is warm, humid, and wet year-round. You will spend a comfortable night at a local hotel. (B)

NOTE:
Manuel Antonio National Park closed on Tuesday

Pick up for the Ocean Kayak & Snorkeling Tour. This tour is the perfect choice for those interested in getting wet and seeing nature!. You will kayak for approximately 2 hours (roundtrip), during your journey you will paddle past islands and inlets where you can observe and admire numerous marine aviary species and their nesting grounds. Partway through your route you will stop at a beautiful hidden bay to rest and enjoy a refreshing snack. You can take advantage of the 30 minute pit stop to snorkel on this secluded coastline that goes by the name of Bisanz beach. Water visibility varies depending on the season. You are most likely to spot parrotfish, starfish, angelfish and if you are lucky a sea turtle or two! The tour allows you to discover the stunning examples of nature both above and below the oceans surface; from pelicans to flying fish, you can see it all! Upon returning to the dock head back to base camp to enjoy a little conversation over a delicious homemade meal. Kayaks are available in 1 passenger and 2 passenger format. This tour does not require previous experience. Transfer back to your hotel and free afternoon.(B,L)

NOTE:
Manuel Antonio National Park closed on Tuesday

Morning pick up at your hotel to Manuel Antonio on this last full day of your Costa Rica ecological tour, overnight in Manuel Antonio. Costa Rica’s smallest park packs an impressive collection of natural attractions u002du002d wildlife, rain forests, white-sand beaches, coral reefs, rocky coves with abundant marine life. Then there’s the forest, which is thick with massive focus and two- and three-toed sloths, green and black iguanas, agoutis, four species of monkeys, and nearly 200 species of birds. Yes, it’s a wild, wild place. Nevertheless, Manuel Antonio is no undiscovered wilderness. It’s one of Costa Rica’s most-visited attractions, so if you’re looking for an undisturbed natural oasis, this is not it. But what Manuel Antonio does have is great wildlife that can be easily spotted from well-marked trails u002du002d a luxury you won’t find in the Amazon. And because animals are so used to humans, this is one of the best places to see them up close. In the afternoon choose to relax on the sunny beach or relax at your hotel. (B)

NOTE:
Manuel Antonio National Park closed on Tuesday

Morning pick up for the drive back to San Jose Airport ( 2 hours) in time for your return flight home, ending Southern Explorations services. (B)