remote destinations for small vessels

Remote Destinations • For Small Vessels • 2015/2016

Wheelchair Easy Moderate Strenous Lunch Snack Bathing Suit Shopping

Port of Call: GuanacasteCongo Canopy TourPalo Verde National Park by BoatCorobicí River Floating · Class I & IIRivers Of Joy, Hot Springs & Spa

Port of Call: QueposHorseback Riding & WaterfallsManuel Antonio National ParkSport FishingMangrove Wildlife & Boat CruiseTiti Canopy TourSavegre River Floating Adventure

Port Of Call: Drake BayMarenco to Rio Claro Nature WalkCorcovado National ParkHorseback Riding to the Last Frontier

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Port of Call: CurúCurú Private Reserve

Port of Call: GolfitoGolfo Dulce Rescue Center & GardensOff Road Canopy Tour Golfito National Wildlife Refuge

Port of Call: Herradura BayTropical Forest Skywalk & Pura Vida GardensLos Sueños Canopy TourEco Tropical Mangrove River Cruise

Port Of Call: Puerto JiménezDolphin Watch & Enchanted BeachChocolate Farm – A Sweet ExperienceOcean & Canals KayakingBotanical Gardens & Beach Escape

Port of Call: Guanacaste

Port of Call: Guanacaste - Costa Rica · Ground Operator: Swiss Travel Service S.A. · Tour Duration: 3:30 Hrs

You’ll arrive at the canopy tour after a few minutes drive. This private reserve protects over 100 hectares of tropical dry forest. The reason is simple: for the last decade, thousands of hectares of this precious forest have been cut down for its beautiful selection of hardwoods. Today, throughout the entire American continent it is only possible to find dry forest reserves in northwestern Costa Rica.

Your adventure starts when you arrive at the canopy. A platform located at ground level on the upper side of a canyon marks the beginning of your experience. Using industry-approved, ultra-safe harness equipment, a network of steel cables that connect eight trees in the forest. This will be your road to excitement while you learn the secrets of the dry forest. Gliding from tree to tree, you will have a birds-eye view of the forest. At the end of the last cable, you will head back to earth using a platform at ground level located at the end of the canyon. International universities, as well as medical centers from around the globe, are researching the forest floor for new medicinal plants and animals. The wealth of this forest is one of the highest in the world. A natural fertilizer used in banana plantations, as well as a natural anesthesia for human surgeries have been found in the forest’s animals and plants. The faunae is especially abundant in the dry forest. Hundreds of different species of birds have been sighted, along with the howler monkey, many different snakes, coatis, and other mammals.

2

Congo Canopy Tour

Strenous Snack Shopping

This tour will take you on a boat ride through the Tempisque River, bordering Palo Verde National Park, which flows into the Gulf of Nicoya, Guanacaste.

Birds are the biggest attraction at Palo Verde; during the wet season the floodwaters of Tempisque River spread out creating extensive marshes that welcome migrant birds from North and South America.

On the other hand the mammal fauna is equally rich and visible, particularly during the dry season when peccaries, armadillos, jaguarondis, coatis, agoutis, deers and monkeys are attracted to the river.

You will admire a Hacienda House, built in the IXX Century and recently refurbished. The views from the ample corridors bringextra value to your experience, as the savannas and the sugar cane fields come before your eyes to transport you into asetting of great Haciendas. After this relaxing tour enjoy a buffet of tropical fruits.

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Palo VerdeNational Park by Boat


Easy Snack Shopping

A comfortable ride will take you through Guanacaste’s bucolic countryside, passing by cattle ranches and cantaloupe, rice, and sugar cane plantations. The experience begins with this truly scenic drive.

At the drop-in site, you will be provided with life jackets and gear before boarding your raft. Then it’s off on a wonderful, relaxing trip down the Corobicí River, which has its source in Lake Arenal, guaranteeing plenty of water for precise navigation. During the next two hours, you can marvel at the dense tropical florae that provide the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable tour. Keep an eye out for howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, mot-mots, parrots, herons, wood storks and spoonbills, just to name a few.

A Costarican Lunch will be offered at a local Restaurant.

Waiver required

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Corobicí River FloatingClass I & II


LunchModerate

You arrive through a meandering country road, surrounded by a volcanic mountain range and a dwarf-forest, a rare habitat within the Costa Rican tropical dry forest. Upon arrival you will be greeted with a refreshing beverage.

Your visit starts with a scenic guided walk on one of the main trails, including a hanging bridge. As part of the walk visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the waters of this crystal-clear river.

Once within the 500+ acre private reserve, you are allured into a canyon where a thermo-mineral river flows strong and trees grow 10 times taller than those on the parched earth above.

The visit to Rivers of Joy Hot Springs and Spa, not only gives you the opportunity of enjoying the generous hot springs of "Rio Perdido" but the convergence with the "Rio Blanco" where you can enjoy the different pools temperatures that range from 90 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, the spectacular views of the "Rincon de La Vieja Volcano" and the SPA for those who want to pamper their soul.There are thermal pools just next to the building where you can also enjoy the thermal waters.

An authentic “Guanacaste” culinary experience will be served for lunch at the main restaurant.

SPA treatments available on reservation only and are not included in tour price. The treatments must be paid directly at the property.

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Rivers Of JoyHot Springs & Spa


Lunch Bathing SuitModerate

Port of Call: Quepos

After a 45-minute ride passing by the town of Quepos and plantations of oil palms, you will arrive to the farm where the horses will be waiting. Aftera few minutes of instructions and saddling up to the horses, your journey will start, crossing the rain forest and always keeping an eye out for monkeys or birds this forest shelters.

After a slow 45-minute ride you will arrive to the dismounting point and a walk of only 10 minutes will lead you to a tumbling cascade, where you are welcome to dip into its crystal clear waters at the pool beneath the waterfall. Refreshments will be available around the river. The horses will take you back to the vans for your ride back to the ship after seeing one of the most beautiful places along the Costa Rica's Pacific. An optional drop off in the town of Quepos is also available, where you will find several restaurants and shops.

Galloping not allowed. Waiver required.

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Horseback Riding& Waterfalls

Port of Call: Quepos - Costa Rica · Ground Operator: Swiss Travel Service S.A. · Tour Duration: 4:00 Hrs

Strenous Bathing SuitSnack

Manuel Antonio National Park is the jewel of the Costa Rica large number of national parks, its fragile rainforest ecosystem shelters a variety of wildlife including mammals and tropical birds.

The dense rainforest opens into small trails where your naturalist tour guide will acquaint you with all the information regarding the transitional forest. Another great attraction are the white sand beaches that meet the jungle.

The Park protects 683 hectares of tropical rain forest and over a thousand different species of flora. This walk is by far one of the best in the Central Pacific, and a great opportunity to get closer to the forest, the trail followed is a moderate walk with paths made out of gravel, dirt and sand there also exposed roots that you need to manage.

After twenty minutes’ drive your one and half hour guided walk will lead you to the beach where you will have time for sunbathing or swimmingManuel Antonio is consider one of most visited National Park in Costa Rica, so you may expect large groups of people while you are walking and there can be also big lines at the main and only entrance and therefore we are starting early in order to avoid this inconvenient and have more chances to spot wildlife.

Bring your hiking shoes or a type of shoes that give you a good grip, the temperature is usually humid and hot so be prepared with hydration, after the time at leisure at the beach another hour of moderate walking will bring you back to the exit/entrance.

At the end this walk your naturalist tour guide will prepare a tropical fruit buffet to regain the energy and head back to Quepos where an optional drop off in the town of Quepos is also available.

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Manuel AntonioNational Park


Moderate Bathing SuitSnack

For those who love to fish, Quepos is an excellent option. Unlike Northern Costa Rica, Quepos is protected from the winter winds and is considered one of the top fishing destinations in the World.

After approximately 45-minutes of sailing to the southwest (20-25 miles off shore) the boat will arrive to the deep-sea area, special for catching Sailfish, Marlin, Tuna & Mahi-Mahi. For the best and easiest fishing the bait that will be used is either Moli or Balihu.

Blue Fin II28 Foot Custom Sportfisher, 315 HP Inboard Cummins, tower with full controls, IGFA Tackle, Penn International Reels, LEE Fighting Chair, cabin with a bed, Marine Toilet, Captain and Mate with many years of experience in Fly Fishing, and Catch & Release.

Blue Fin III33 Foot Boston Whaler, Twin 315 HP Cummins, tower with full controls, IGFA Tackle, Penn International Reels, LEE Fighting Chair, fully equiped cabin, Marine Toilet, Captain and Mate with many years of experience in Fly Fishing and Catch & Release.

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Sport Fishing

Strenous Snack

A ride through the mangroves is like visiting a place of another world. The species of trees that grow in the mix waters of the ocean and the river make a unique and very fragile ecosystem.

Most of these trees grow along the estuary, developing an aerial root system. As the tide goes underneath, the roots become suspended in the air creating a perfect shelter for crabs. In the upper part of the forest you will see monkeys and a great variety of birds including herons, egrets, spoonbills among others. Your private vans will take you there in only 25 minutes from the pier to the take in point. Your naturalist tour guide will acquaint you with all the knowledge of the mangroves, an ecosystem extremely important and of which not too many people know.

Your shaded boat will then take you deeply into the mangrove, as you will try to spot all the incredible wildlife that makes their home in the mangroves. After two and a half hours boat ride you will arrive to the village, to enjoy a well deserved snack, and your vans will be ready to take you on a 30 minutes drive back to the pier.

An optional drop off in the town of Quepos is also available, where you will find several restaurants and shops.

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Mangrove Wildlife& Boat Cruise


Easy Snack

Port of Call: Drake Bay

Imagine yourself soaring high above the jungle floor as you fly through tree tops, amongst some of the most beautiful flora and fauna inthe Costa Rican rainforest!

Our Canopy Tour is an exciting adventure that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. You will fly for a mile over the jungle canopy suspended on solid steel cables attached to a personal, high-tech, lightweight harness.

During your journey you'll stop and rest at 16 strategically located platforms and 12 cables where you are most likely see the surrounding wildlife. Many of these platforms are almost 100 feet high, nestled in the trunks and branches of trees that are centuries old.

Our staff of professionally trained guides shows guests the abundant wildlife along the way; including Titi monkeys, two and three toed sloths, poison dart frogs, iguanas and toucans.

The exhilaration of a zip line is, most likely, unlike anything you have ever experienced.

Waiver required

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Titi Canopy Tour

Strenous Snack

You will depart Quepos on a 1-1/2 hour transfer by air-conditioned motor-coach by way of the rural town of El Silencio passing by palm, teak and melina plantations.

After a short comfort stop where you can often spot toucans and macaws, continue toward the town of Santo Domingo, where a group of qualified bilingual guides with professional equipment are waiting for you to start this 2 hour class I, II amazing river floating. A group of expert guides will give you an orientation about the river and its natural environment, which is considered one of the most beautiful rivers of CentralAmerica.

The scenery and wildlife along the Rio Savegre are legendary, your opportunity to enjoy beautiful landscapes, including some native African oil palm plantations, White Ibis, Cormorants, Egrets, Crocodiles and Herons, experiencing both action and periods of relaxation.

At the end of this exhilarating tour enjoy a delicious fruit buffet.

Waiver required

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Strenous Snack

Savegre RiverFloating Adventure

Marenco is the closest area to Corcovado National Park Ranger Station from Drake Bay. This 15 minute boat ride from Drake Bay offers the possibility of sightings marine and aquatic species. Passing isolated beaches, you will arrival at the beach location of Marenco Trails.

This is a wet landing, so bring your sandals in addition to sturdier footwear for the trails through the National Park.

Your bilingual naturalist guide will lead a 2.5 hour hike through the primary and secondary forest, locating and explaining the extensive rainforest wildlife and flora. The rich biological diversity of the biological corridor of Corcovado National Park is astounding, and sightings may include as many monkeys, butterflies, sea birds and more.

Bird lovers will be enchanted by a wide variety of birds, including tanagers, flycatchers, kingfishers, egrets, herons and spectacular scarlet macaws.

Bring your bathing suite for a refreshing swim in the fresh clear water!

Note: This tour is only suitable for guests in good physical conditions.

Notes for guests: Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, bug repellent, bring binoculars, bathing suit, towel, rubber sandals and most importantly hiking shoes. While hiking along the trails you'll find yourself crossing streams/rivers, in addition to traversing across slippery, sloping terrain.

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Marenco to Rio ClaroNature Walk

Port of Call: Drake Bay - Costa Rica · Ground Operator: Swiss Travel Service S.A. · Tour Duration: 4:15 Hrs


San Pedrillo is the closest Corcovado National Park Ranger Station from Drake Bay. This 30 minute boat ride from Drake offers the possibility of sightings dolphins and passing an island nesting spot for the Brown Booby, you will arrival at the beach location of the Corcovado National Park Ranger Station (depending on weather conditions the boat ride might get a bit rocky).

This is a wet landing, so bring your sandals in addition to sturdier footwear for the sandy and dirt trails through the national park plus bugs spray, sun block, hat, camera and binoculars if you have it. Your bilingual naturalist guide will lead you in a 2.5 hour moderate nature walk through the primary and secondary rain forest, locating and describing the extensive rainforest flora, plus interpreting for you the different ecological relationships between the species, such as symbiotic relations.

The biological diversity of the Corcovado National Park is astounding and considered by experts the must bio diverse place in the Americas.At the conclusion of the nature walk a tropical fruit buffet and drinks will be prepared for you to regain your energy additionally time at leisure will be offered so that you can enjoy the station at your own or you can simply enjoy the warm ocean water at the beach surf.

Notes:Bring your bathing suit for a refreshing swim in the cool clear water!There are no changing facilities at Corcovado National Park.

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Corcovado National ParkSan Pedrillo Station



Horses are available for the experienced and novice rider alike, as you spend 4 hours exploring the beaches, rivers, waterfalls and tropical rainforest of the area, spotting birds and wildlife with your naturalist guide.

Your horse can walk peacefully as you enjoy your surroundings, or take you for an exciting ride across the sand!

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Horseback RidingTo The Last Frontier



Port of Call: Curú

At the reserve your naturalist tour guide will introduce you to a variety of wildlife that thrives here, including up to 200 species of birds, capuchin and howler monkeys as well as sloths and anteaters.

The reserves includes 4.5 kilometers of coastline with beautiful white sand beaches and tiny coves.

Although it is a small reserve, two thirds is preserved as primary forest. This is one of the most scenic regions of Costa Rica, known for calm seas and transparent waters.

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CuruPrivate Reserve

Port of Call: Curú - Costa Rica · Ground Operator: Swiss Travel Service S.A. · Tour Duration: 1:30-2:00 Hrs

Moderate

Port of Call: Golfito

As you depart the main pier, travel by boat through Golfo Dulce with a great view of some of the most intense rainforest landscapes that there are in the World. The green blue landscape is beyond any description. There are occasions when a red bright spot comes into the picture, and you will be astonished with the scarlet macaws and their noisy freedom!

After a safe wet landing, you will arrive to the Animal Care Center and are welcomed by Carol and usually her two babies... Sweetie and Winkie, two juvenile spider monkeys that will accompany you throughout your visit.

Just follow Carol into the rainforest to see and learn about animal behavior, pad the monkeys, take a close look at the tayra, the sloths, the macaws all surrounded by an amazing rainforest. After experiencing this wonderful example of love to life, the feeling of peace and tenderness, will captivate your senses, knowing that there are still great human beings that take good care of the wellbeing of living creatures on Earth!

After this gratifying experience, a visit follows to Casa Orquideas, a beautiful garden that contains all sorts of tropical plants, and samples of other species brought from all over the world. There is so much to learn while you visit the medicinal garden and indulge your senses with the beauty and perfume of the enormous amount of flowers and palms in different colors and shapes.

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Golfo DulceRescue Center & Gardens

Port of Call: Golfito - Costa Rica · Ground Operator: Swiss Travel Service S.A. · Tour Duration: 4:00 Hrs

SnackModerate

An exhilarating way to get to know the Primary Forest - from the true perspective of a canopy dweller! See it as the sloth, monkeys and toucans do - from 100 feet up 'flying' from tree to tree!

10 Cables and 11 platform stations wind through the exuberant forested mountains over Golfito Bay exposing expansive views over the Pacific and close up looks at the canopy habitat inside and out. Under the care of a professional trained guides you will strap in your patented security harness and hook up to the network of cables and go!

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Off RoadCanopy Tour


Strenous Snack

Follow a professional guide through one of South Pacific’s most famous National Parks. Spectacular natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere attract many visitors to Golfo Dulce annually; explore a park that gathers numerous species of butterflies, monkeys, reptiles, orchids, etc.

The National Wildlife Refuge of Golfito has special characteristics since the town with the same name is at its borders. The flora and fauna found there are considered the northern most point for many species found in the southern part of the Continent, and many of these are endemic. For this reason, the area around Golfito is ideal for Scientific Tourism which makes it unique within the entire country for its great value and exuberance. It was created in 1945 by the Banana Company of Costa Rica who later passed it on to the Costa Rican government in 1984 and it has 6,944 acres.

Golfito is surrounded by a spectacular primary rainforest. As part of the National Park System, the Wildlife Refuge of Golfito provides a home to more than 125 species of trees, including 4 that are in danger of extinction such as: the Peltogyne Purpurea, the Tachigalia Versicolor, the Butternut and the M.Guianensis. There are 11 species of Heliconias, 31 species of orchids, and more than 12 species of ferns. Four species of monkeys also live here, along with 300 species of birds (120% more than those found in North America), 139 mammal species and more than 200 species of amphibians and reptiles.

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Golfito NationalWildlife Refuge


SnackModerate

Port of Call: Herradura Bay

Only a short distance from the pier there is a place that evokes the power of life, where your senses touch the beauty and immensity of Mother Nature, and where admiration, discovery and gratitude become one with sweet birdsongs and the elegant flight of the butterfly. The Sky Walk will take you into a world of green tropical forests. The abundant wildlife inhabits the forest surrounding the Tarcoles River and protected biological reserves, making for interesting observation. After a short, easy walk you will arrive at the first of three suspended cable bridges over the canopy of the forest. Each bridge stretches between 270 and 330 feet and all are displayed on top of the exuberant florae of the rainforest up to 126 feet above the ground. During an hour and fifteen minute walk downhill (moderate to mild) you will enjoy the sights of the forest below and around you as you walk towards the ground trails before reaching the next bridge or air trail.

First, you will be met by an impressive view of the marshlands of the Tarcoles River. As you continue your way, your eyes will meet the endless ocean, while surrounded by the sounds and sights of the forest. Your naturalist tour guide will point out the most outstanding features of the forest, including several species of birds, monkeys, butterflies and mammals that inhabit the area. After the walk continue to Pura Vida Gardens for lunch. Manicured walkways meander along a river and at the crest of a mountain, through the largest most spectacular gardens in Costa Rica, with stunning beauty as well as panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding mountains. Pura Vida Gardens has 1 mile of walkways with trails, for all levels. Bijagual, one of the tallest waterfalls in Costa Rica, borders it. You will find an enormous amount of flowering plants, including 60 varieties of heliconias, 10 varieties of ginger, blooming banana plants and of course, orchids.

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Tropical Forest Skywalk& Pura Vida Gardens

Port of Call: Herradura Bay - Costa Rica · Ground Operator: Swiss Travel Service S.A. · Tour Duration: 5:00 Hrs


If walking through a tropical forest is exciting, then imagine the experience of traveling on cables on top of it. The tropical forest is one the most complex ecosystems on Earth, more species of flora and fauna inhabit in this type of forest than in any other on the planet. The richest part of the forest is the canopy, as most plants, including orchids and ferns, climb on the trees to receive more sunlight. The canopy had been reserved in the past for scientists, as it was difficult to reach this part of the forest. Now with the canopy you will experience the great natural wonders of the tropical forest… An adrenaline-filled encounter with the rainforest, at 100 feet above the ground! Fly over exotic trees and flora while experiencing spectaculars views of the Herradura Bay, pacific coast, as well as the Nicoya gulf. Cross an exuberant primary forest on 12 cables and 14 platforms suspended on the treetops discovering the unique comparison of two different ecosystems, the Tropical and the Dry Tropical eco-systems, two different climates and many singular species of birds and animals not available anywhere else.

At the end of your adventure enjoy a delicious buffet of tropical fruits.

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Los SueñosCanopy Tour



Only a short distance from the pier there is a place that evokes the power of life, where your senses touch the beauty and immensity of Mother Nature, and where admiration, discovery and gratitude become one with sweet birdsongs and the elegant flight of the butterfly. The Sky Walk will take you into a world of green tropical forests. The abundant wildlife inhabits the forest surrounding the Tarcoles River and protected biological reserves, making for interesting observation. After a short, easy walk you will arrive at the first of three suspended cable bridges over the canopy of the forest. Each bridge stretches between 270 and 330 feet and all are displayed on top of the exuberant florae of the rainforest up to 126 feet above the ground. During an hour and fifteen minute walk downhill (moderate to mild) you will enjoy the sights of the forest below and around you as you walk towards the ground trails before reaching the next bridge or air trail.

First, you will be met by an impressive view of the marshlands of the Tarcoles River. As you continue your way, your eyes will meet the endless ocean, while surrounded by the sounds and sights of the forest. Your naturalist tour guide will point out the most outstanding features of the forest, including several species of birds, monkeys, butterflies and mammals that inhabit the area. After the walk continue to Pura Vida Gardens for lunch. Manicured walkways meander along a river and at the crest of a mountain, through the largest most spectacular gardens in Costa Rica, with stunning beauty as well as panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding mountains. Pura Vida Gardens has 1 mile of walkways with trails, for all levels. Bijagual, one of the tallest waterfalls in Costa Rica, borders it. You will find an enormous amount of flowering plants, including 60 varieties of heliconias, 10 varieties of ginger, blooming banana plants and of course, orchids.

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Eco Tropical MangroveRiver Cruise


Easy Snack Shopping

Port of Call: Puerto Jiménez

The country’s warm seas are home to one of the most biologically diverse marine habitats in the world.

The best place to observe these magnificent mammals is in the South Pacific waters off the Osa Peninsula.

A place known by ¨National Geographic to be the most biologically intense area on earth.... A place where large groups of dolphins, sea turtles and manta rays swim in clear blue tropical waters in an amazing show!

Other possible sightings in the area may include, manta rays, 6 different species of turtles, large schools of tuna feeding, and an occasional billfish, such as marlin or sailfish, looking for those schools of tuna for their dinner.Your Dolphing-watching tour for Peninsula de Osa is enhanced by the informative commentary provided by a trained naturalist guide. You will learn about the biology, behavior and habits of the wildlife you will spot as you sail across the area.

The photographic opportunities on a dolphin-watching tour are phenomenal! With the vessel at rest, you can snap away while listening the stories about the Pacific Ocean's ecosystem narrated by your tour guide.

If weather permits there will be time at leisure where you can enjoy and swim in the placid waters of Punta Encanto (enchanted point)

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Dolphin Safari & Enchanted Beach

Port of Call: Puerto Jiménez - Costa Rica · Ground Operator: Swiss Travel Service S.A. · Tour Duration: 4:00 Hrs

Moderate Bathing SuitSnack

Cacao production is the main economic crop of Finca Köbö. We invite you to experience this marvelous manufacturing process.

First we visit the area of the “traditional cacao plantation”. It is an untouched and mystical area, where we can have first impressions of the “cacao forest”, the flowers and fruit. The history and culture of this tropical crop is highly interesting, reaching back to the Mayas. You will get information about the origin of the cacao tree, the history, the first contact with Europeans, and the principal disease called “Monilia”.

Passing the biological corridor we can understand its purpose and its benefit to the animals living next to us, like monkeys, coatis, sloths, and many more. Here they feed, the corridors allow them to linger and move from one farm to another safely and without interference.

On the way to the organic cacao plantation we pass the secondary forest with its pioneer plants and its typical flora and fauna.

During the walk in the area of organic cacao cultivation we show you different species of cacao fruit. We will have a little rest in this beautiful spot to open up and taste a fresh fruit from the “chocolate tree”. You will hear about the international market situation, the main producers, and the main consumers of the world.

Next to the cacao plantation we will show you the various steps of making good chocolate. First we visit the fermentation area, then we pass the drying patios, and later we observe the transformation of a roasted cacao-bean into pure chocolate. Last but not least we invite you to taste a wonderful chocolate fondue with fresh fruit and homemade banana bread from the farm in a quiet place in the middle of a tropical garden.

1

Chocolate FarmA Sweet Experience


Moderate Snack

Cacao production is the main economic crop of Finca Köbö. We invite you to experience this marvelous manufacturing process.

First we visit the area of the “traditional cacao plantation”. It is an untouched and mystical area, where we can have first impressions of the “cacao forest”, the flowers and fruit. The history and culture of this tropical crop is highly interesting, reaching back to the Mayas. You will get information about the origin of the cacao tree, the history, the first contact with Europeans, and the principal disease called “Monilia”.

Passing the biological corridor we can understand its purpose and its benefit to the animals living next to us, like monkeys, coatis, sloths, and many more. Here they feed, the corridors allow them to linger and move from one farm to another safely and without interference.

On the way to the organic cacao plantation we pass the secondary forest with its pioneer plants and its typical flora and fauna.

During the walk in the area of organic cacao cultivation we show you different species of cacao fruit. We will have a little rest in this beautiful spot to open up and taste a fresh fruit from the “chocolate tree”. You will hear about the international market situation, the main producers, and the main consumers of the world.

Next to the cacao plantation we will show you the various steps of making good chocolate. First we visit the fermentation area, then we pass the drying patios, and later we observe the transformation of a roasted cacao-bean into pure chocolate. Last but not least we invite you to taste a wonderful chocolate fondue with fresh fruit and homemade banana bread from the farm in a quiet place in the middle of a tropical garden.

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Chocolate FarmA Sweet Experience


Moderate Snack

Go across Golfo Dulce where life goes in a slow pace through mangroves humidity and the squeaking sounds of the unique scarlet macaws that mingle in this area as the most common birds...

Your kayak guides will be waiting for you at the put in area with your kayaks and paddles ready for you to go into this fun experience!

Paddle up the River mangrove estuary with the rising tide until you can go no further and return with the falling tide, drag your kayaks across the sand spit and into the Golfo Dulce to cruise the shoreline, stopping to swim at the best beach.

Pods of bottle-nosed porpoises return daily in the afternoon along this coast on their way to the open Pacific, affording a great chance to view them.

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Ocean & CanalKayaking



As you depart the main pier, travel by boat through Golfo Dulce with a great view of some of the most intense rainforest landscapes that there are in the World. The green blue landscape is beyond any description. There are occasions when a red bright spot comes into the picture, and you will be astonished with the scarlet macaws and their noisy freedom!

After this gratifying experience, a visit follows to Casa Orquideas, a beautiful garden that contains all sorts of tropical plants, and samples of other species brought from all over the world. There is so much to learn while you visit the medicinal garden and indulge your senses with the beauty and perfume of the enormous amount of flowers in different colors and shapes.

If weather permits there will be an optional time for swimming

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Botanical Gardens& Beach Escape


SnackModerate

remote destinations for small vessels

Documents

forest floor

precious forest

dry forest reserves

dry season

floodwaters of tempisque

tour duration

ground level

welcome migrant birds