National Geographic Quest
Category SSF - Seven Seas Suite Forward
Seven Seas Suite (Forward)
Photos are examples only. Actual cabin colors and features may vary.
This cruise has already sailed

5 Night Exploring Costa Rica Guanacaste Santa Rosa and Rincon de la Vieja Cruise from Puerto Caldera

Ship: National Geographic Quest
Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions
Sailed: Sunday, Dec 28, 2025 from Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica
Ended: Friday, Jan 2, 2026
The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Sunday, Dec 28, 2025 departure of the National Geographic Quest. If Lindblad Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.
Want to book National Geographic Quest
104 Departures. Starting from $4121

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Sunday - Dec 28, 2025
Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica
Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica
Arrive in San Jose this afternoon and transfer to Puerto Caldera, the main port for Costa Rica. This evening, embark the National Geographic Quest and set sail south on your Central American journey. Opt to arrive early for a pre-voyage extension in the rainforests and reserves of Cano Negro.
Day 2 - Monday - Dec 29, 2025
Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica
Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica
Drop anchor off the remote Papagayo Peninsula, where you'll spend the day soaking up the sun and enjoying beach time alongside waters fringed by offshore islets, which create dynamic habitat for a variety of tropical fish. Or choose to walk along a rarely used four-wheel drive track, which takes you back into a beautiful gallery forest. The area is rich with bird and plant varieties, and your naturalists will describe the intricate web of life in these oceanside ecosystems. After lunch onboard, continue to explore the coastline of Bahia Huevos and Playa Celestia. Zodiacs take you on an exploration of the bay and the peninsula. If conditions permit, explore the nearby mangroves by kayak or paddleboard.
Day 3 - Tuesday - Dec 30, 2025
National Park Santa Rosa, Costa Rica
Weather permitting, don a snorkel and fins to discover a rich underwater world or hike into the upper reaches of the Guanacaste Conservation Area for commanding views over the full length of this rarely-visited archipelago. Back onboard, sail toward the mainland while enjoying a delicious lunch. Depending on conditions, you may choose to explore Santa Elena Bay in Santa Rosa National Park, Junquillal Bay Wildlife Refuge, or Cuajiniquil Bay, all part of the extraordinarily biodiverse Guanacaste Conservation Area. While venturing out by Zodiac, immerse yourself in the tropical environment, alive with color. Yellow-and-black great kiskadees sally from exposed perches looking to capture a flying insect for an evening meal, and orange-fronted parakeets chatter overhead. Predators such as mangrove hawks may take wind, setting out on a late afternoon hunt, while ringed kingfishers, richly colored in brick red and deep blue, wait patiently, watching the shallows for a fish's silvery flash.
Day 4 - Wednesday - Dec 31, 2025
Cuajiniquil, Costa Rica
Bus Travel
Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Costa Rica, Costa Rica
Bus Travel
Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin, Costa Rica
Bus Travel
Cuajiniquil, Costa Rica
Your adventure continues as you set off inland to explore Rincon de la Vieja National Park. This mountainous region is also a part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area and encompasses more than 34,000 acres. The area, with its forests carpeting the sides of two active volcanoes, is alive with geothermal activity as gurgling, bubbling mud pots spout and steam rises above the canopy. Choose between several enticing options today, including a hike through the transition zone where tropical dry habitat meets the temperate cloud forest. Here, keep an eye out for exotic wildlife, with the possibility of encountering mantled howler monkeys and regionally special birds including the noisy and conspicuous white-throated magpie-jay. Alternatively, after a short hike into the forest, opt to swim below Las Chorreras Waterfall or soar through the canopy by zipline. Afterwards, enjoy a sumptuous lunch served poolside at Hacienda Guachipelin, including fresh ceviche.
Day 5 - Thursday - Jan 1, 2026
Curu Reserve, Costa Rica
Tortuga Island, Costa Rica
Along the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, and in many ways demarcating the line between the wetter jungles of the south and Guanacaste's drier environment, sits Curu National Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica's first private national wildlife reserve. Learn about the hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, and mammals that inhabit this thriving ecosystem while exploring the park's tracks and trails. Look for white-faced capuchin monkeys, turquoise-browed motmots and with luck, scarlet macaws. The northern tamandua resides here, and while often elusive and quiet, this primarily arboreal member of the anteater family may be spotted. Later, as you enjoy lunch onboard, you'll cruise to a cluster of offshore islets collectively called Isla Tortuga. Relax on the beach shaded by swaying palms and tropical vegetation, then celebrate the finale of your Guanacaste adventure with afternoon refreshments and hors d'oeuvres on the beach.
Day 6 - Friday - Jan 2, 2026
Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica
Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica
Disembark in Puerto Caldera and drive to the airport in San Jose for flights home.

Other Sail Dates and Itineraries on National Geographic Quest

Sail Date Itinerary Name Inside
From
Outside
From
Balcony
From
Suite
From
Details
Feb 23, 2026(Monday) 7 Night Costa Rica and the Panama Canal
Departing from Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica
Call
For Price
$7,539per personCall
For Price
$10,995per personView
Mar 2, 2026(Monday) 7 Night Costa Rica and the Panama Canal
Departing from Colon, Panama
Call
For Price
$6,253per personCall
For Price
$9,118per personView
Mar 9, 2026(Monday) 5 Night Exploring Costa Rica Guanacaste Santa Rosa and Rincon de la Vieja
Departing from Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica
Special Promotions
  • Suite Exclusives Package
  • Call
    For Price
    $4,778per personCall
    For Price
    $7,277per personView
    Mar 14, 2026(Saturday) 7 Night Costa Rica and the Panama Canal
    Departing from San Jose, Costa Rica
    Call
    For Price
    $6,752per personCall
    For Price
    $9,848per personView
    Mar 21, 2026(Saturday) 7 Night Costa Rica and the Panama Canal
    Departing from Colon, Panama
    Call
    For Price
    $5,885per personCall
    For Price
    $8,582per personView
    Overlay Title