The all-inclusive aspects of selecting a cruise to Costa Rica, or anywhere else in the Eastern or Western Caribbean, means your accommodation, meals, and other travel expenses are identified and paid for long before you reach the dock to board.  If the idea of “no hidden fees” appeals to you, especially in this time of ever-increasing fees for almost everything, you’ll be glad to know all the details about your travel costs up-front.

Costa Rica is a great example of a cruise destination.  The country is accessible, touching both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and its territory size means visitors can travel from coast-to-coast within the country in less than a 3-hour drive.  Costa Ricans are rightly proud of the natural beauty of their country.  This neo-tropical climate boasts nature and biological reserves and National Parks such as Tortuguero, famous for sea turtle nesting, which are active and popular tourist areas.  Professionally-guided tours can be arranged dockside at Puerto Limon.

On to the details…

A valid passport is a requirement for entering Costa Rica, along with an entry and exit ticket.  Visas are not required for residents of the US, Canada, and most European countries.  Those wishing to drive in Costa Rica may do so for up to three months with their valid, point-of-origin driver’s license.  Be forewarned – most parks are not wheel-chair accessible.

For an added holiday bonus, plan your Caribbean cruise including Costa Rica, to catch the Limon Carnival in October and in the Capital city of Puntarenas from February 21st to March 3rd each year.

You may think that car hire in the land of Mojito and Coquito is tough but that is absolutely wrong. Caribbean has many popular car rental companies and you can be rest assured that you will get the sedan that you are looking for. The rental companies provide cars across the island and several other destinations in the Caribbean region. The objective of most of the car rental agencies is to make commuting across the region simple and easy and that is why they offer both economic and luxury wagons. If your purse strings are tight you can go in for a car sans the state-of-the-art facilities. The best thing about Caribbean car rentals is they have rental desks in all the major capitals including Havana, Kingston, Santiago de Cuba, Port of Spain, San Juan, Nassau and Willemstad and therefore you can hire a car from anywhere you want to.

Here are some tips for car hire in the Caribbean.  First, check whether your car insurance policy covers you when you are driving a rented car. In most cases rented cars come under the purview of auto insurance and therefore it is essential to talk to your insurance agent before you rent a car in the Caribbean Islands. When you come to the Islands, make sure that you have a copy of your insurance card with you. Since the Caribbean Islands include countries like Cuba, Haiti, Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Puerto Rico amongst others, you must check out the terms of international coverage since you will visit at least three or four of these countries. If you intend to cross national borders read the fine print on the car hire agreement carefully.

For herons, owls, parrots and various types of wading birds, these forests are an excellent nesting and feeding place.

However, the diversity of the forest is striking not only with birds, but reptiles, among them – caimans, crocodiles, boas, tree frogs, iguanas and river turtles. Even mammals are not left unattended in this flooded forest, which is home to various types of monkeys (howler, squirrel monkeys, white-Capuchins), as well as sloths, and nosuhi.

Mangrove forests are very important to the overall environmental situation in the region, because they are a breeding ground for many species of fish and shrimp. In the absence of such forests, their biological diversity would be significantly reduced.

Traveling at a comfortable boat, accompanied by professional guides will leave an unforgettable experience on tourists. The green maze of canals, rivers and unspoiled wildlife await you.

You can just sit back and relax – the boat will gently guide you on all the most beautiful places.

Tours, lasting from 4 to 6 hours, start at the pier Aguila, where you had 25 minutes to reach the delta of mangrove forest. Here a study of numerous rivers, lagoons and hidden channels will begin.

Costa Rica is shored by the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, which allows to fully enjoy the cruises during the trip. It’s no wonder that the best cruise to Central America is along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.

You can enjoy a cruise to the islands of Tortuga and Punta Coral in the Pacific Ocean or to organize a sailing cruise from Manuel Antonio in Quepos, or in Guanacaste. Depending on where you wish to rest you may enjoy Costa cruises watching the dolphins, various species of fish and other marine inhabitants.

Cocos Island
Cocos is the perfect place, almost indescribable, where the island is stretched for 600 miles along the Pacific coast. There are about 200 waterfalls on the island, and the area which it occupies is only about 35km. You can practice diving with huge flocks of sharks, large ramps, turtles, guinea pigs, tuna, white, and even whale sharks.

Corcovado National Park
The natural beauty and the rumors of hidden treasures, for which this territory is being hunted for centuries, make it an ideal place to visit.
The park covers an area of 545 sq/km of pristine of rainy forests on the remote of Osa Peninsula in south-eastern coast. Corcovado forests represent one of the most complex ecosystems on the planet with their many endemic species. Huge trunks of trees hung with vines and epiphytes rise up to 45-75 meters.

Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is famous for its numerous birds and the wildlife. This is one of the smallest national parks of Costa Rica, it is about 7 sq/km. Manuel Antonio is proud for its beautiful beaches with the white coral sand. Islands of Manuel Antonio are heavenly gorgeous, it’s a suitable place of mating and nesting for birds such as frigate, an American brown pelican, brown booby, white ibis and darter. Flora and fauna consists of tridactylous sloths, white-necked capuchin, howler and anteaters, as well as tiger herons, long-tailed parrot, and American pygmy kingfisher which is the smallest kingfisher on the continent.

Punta Coral
Island Punta Coral is a private reserved area of 12 hectares, home to wide wildlife which is located in one of the grounds of tropical dry forests.

Poas Volcano
The Poas Volcano refers to the Central Volcanic Cordillera. However, gazing at the Poas from the Central Valley – as well as at the other volcanoes of Costa Rica, it can be really very hard to guess what a mad temper these wooded mountains conceal themselves. To imagine the force the volcano keeps in itself becomes much easier by tending at the top of the edge of the crater.

Just below the crater of the volcano Poas begins the 1.5-kilometer trail that leads to Lake Botos which is filled with rain waters and covered with thick vegetation. One section of the road passes through a rather creepy area covered with small, stunted forest. The branches of the local trees, gnarled and turned out are the reason of the harsh climatic conditions and the vulnerability to such a considerable height. When climbing to Lake Botos, the highest point of the park (2704 m) can be reached. Here, as a rule, one can observe a very interesting and diverse species of birds, such as the fired-necked hummingbirds.

Barva Volcano
The misty top of the volcano Barva is covered with a densely mountain vegetation, and as it’s considered a sleeping volcano, the variety of wildlife in its territory is wider than the one above mentioned. Balanced on at more than 2900 meters above the sea level, Volcano Barva is covered with forests 200 meters higher than the volcano Poas, although it is far from the volcano Irazu, with its 500-meter mark.

Right at the entrance path of Braulio Carrillo National Park the virtually flat land route to 1,5 km will open in front of any visitor, which leads to Laguna Barva, that’s lake of the rain water formed inside the extended inactive crater. La Selva Biological Station offers a special path for the brave travelers with a good physical education, which moves down to a depth of about 35 feet below the sea level, which is in other words, by overcoming the 60 km road, one can go down for up to 3000 meters!

Irazu Volcano
Volcano Irazu, which is 3.432 meters high above the sea level, is considered the highest one in the Central Volcanic Cordillera. The fields of potatoes, cabbages and other vegetables are spread on the southern angle, like a patchwork cover, with some dairy farms on higher altitudes. This peaceful picture, towering over the town of Cartago, is not combined in any ways with the turbulent past of the volcano.

However, as approaching the top of the volcano, its destructive forces are becoming more and more vivid which is proved by its burnt but still standing trees. There are some deep craters surrounded by unproductive, constantly sweep opt wind soil at the top of the volcano which makes the local landscape more like the Moon than the familiar to us Earth. The top of the volcano is located just slightly above the growth of the trees that makes them grow in their full force. Among the small birds living here are the quite concisely named: Junko volcanic and the volcanic hummingbirds.

Playa del Coco is situated in the far northern part of the coast, which can be considered as a real sea coast for a family vacation. There are also other sea coasts, namely, Playa Flamingo, Playa Grande for which the surfers are very fond of and where for thousands of years the giant leatherback turtles are laying their eggs.

It is in the province of Guanacaste, where one of the most attractive cities in Costa Rica, the so called “white city” Liberia, Guanacaste National Park with volcanoes Oroshi (1486 m) and Cacao (1660 m) can be admired. Numerous mud volcanoes and sulfur springs in the National Park Rincon de la Vieja, Tabakon hot springs, waterfalls, rain forest Monteverde Reserve, the National Park Manuel Antonio can also be found near the north-western coast of the province.

The grounds of the golf, tennis, horseback riding and the water sports are placed at the north-western side of the resort place.

Throughout the year the north-west coast of the Pacific offers excellent opportunities for scuba diving. One can discover the secrets of the rocky reefs which clear waters make it possible to maintain visibility at a depth of 6 to 24 meters. There are special hours for the courses of the beginners.

Hermosa Beach
Join us along our way to the coasts of Hermosa towards the favorite surfers beach, with its bright pastures, merged with the rows of coconut palms all the way up to the riverbed Tulin, where the National Wildlife Refuge of Hermosa is placed. In case that would be possible (depending on the season), on your way of returning back, you will be able to release into the ocean dozens of young olive turtles Ridley, from where they start their long journey around the world.

Village Mata de Platano
Starting from Jaco Beach, the trip continues towards the southern part. Passing by the highway, we get off the road and drive along the green pastures, by a couple of rain forests, till we get the small village of Mata de Platano, where we can have a little rest in one of the many local bars. On the way back we will stop at the famous beach of Hermosa, where we can buy or take some pictures of the beautiful scenery, which will remain as an unforgettable adventure.

Mountains of Bijagual
The trip starts in the center of Jaco Beach, where guides will accompany you to the northern direction, passing the off-road through the towns of Herradura, Quebrada Ganado and Tarcoles, which ride up the mountains, where you may enjoy the best views of the coastline. Here is the huge waterfall of Bijagual Mountains National Park and Carara, where you can easily see the majestic red Aru and make some admirable pictures the same as the postcards. Slightly upwards you may reach a typical small town, a beautiful place to learn about the rural life in Costa Rica. During a short rest in the cozy bar, you will have a short time to look around and try their local beer or other drinks. When everything is ready, you can go back on the top range of the mountains down to Jaco.

Off-road Costa Rica
Discover the real rural life of Costa Rica within this 115 km lasting trip! You will pass more than 10 different villages, and come to the delight of the colorful landscapes of the surrounding forests, magnificent views of the Pacific coast, breeding farms, plantations, teak trees, estuaries and local hospitable people.
Slightly upwards on your way, near the village of Mata de Platano next to the river Turrubaritos you will be able to stop for lunch at an exact typical small town. After having rest under the songs of the birds and the murmur of water, you will take the last stretch of the route leading to a lovely place of surfers in Hermosa beach.

Tortuguero is a small resort located in the north Atlantic coast of Costa Rica. The national park lies near the town Tortuguero. The town is located about 254 km away from San Jose. This park is considered to be one of the most famous parks in the country and is known worldwide with its unique ecological system.

The City of Tortuguero is located on a narrow strip of the land between the Caribbean Sea and the shadowy muddle of the jungle. Very often the city is called “Venice of Costa Rica”, but, in fact, the landscape and the nature has much more in common with the South American Amazon. The green sea turtles lay eggs on the beaches of the resort from June to October. This region is really a remarkable sightseeing which attracts tourists from all over the world.

One of the popular tourist services is boating through Tortuguero.

The climate is very favorable and is rather stable. The climate here is only changeable during the dry and rainy season. The temperature variations during the year are very slight. A great difference between the night and the daytime temperatures are observed during the “dry season”, but they do not exceed five degrees of Celsius. “Rainy Season” is characteristic of a rainfall in the afternoons.

There is a luxurious resort place in Galgamank , which is famous for its great coffee taste. Moreover, you can find a great variety of fish, where almost no place can have it.

Garza is for lovers of active leisure. Diving is widely developed at this resort place with its exotic nature and the warm ocean.

Golfo Dulce is considered the most ecologically prosperous place on earth. They cook here freshly caught tuna and Mahi-Mahi for the gourmet. There is a lavish local beef as well.

Drake Bay is a diving resort place. The water in the ocean is full of the diverse wildlife and is very transparent. In the island of Cano you are likely to meet swarms of exotic fish, sea turtles and white reef sharks.

Amazing city of La Cruz: despite the oil refining industry, its completely neat resort area is special for a wonderful family vacation.

Lemon City and Los Suenos are very well known among tourists. They are typical Caribbean towns with beautiful beaches, flourishing vegetation and wildlife.

In Miramar focused, perhaps, the most of the attractions throughout Costa Rica. It’s the most favorite place for almost all the tourists.

In Monteverde enjoy their rest the lovers of adventure and wildlife. It’s the coolest place in Costa Rica.

Papagayo is a typical Costa Rican resort place, and the weather is much milder, with no winds and intense heat. Good for a holiday with family and children and lovers of solitude.

The best place for surfing is Playa Hako and Playas del Coco. The town is engrossed in the tropical plants, here one can find plenty of fruits. In Playas del Coco the infrastructure and numerous attractions are widely developed.

Playa Flamingo is the best place for scuba diving. It is situated near Cahuita National Park Oroshi with its volcanoes, mud volcanoes and sulfur springs.

Film-makers often choose the town of Potrero to make films for its marvelous nature. It has one of the most beautiful lakes.

Punta Arenas and San Pedrosa Montes are provincial Costa Rican resort towns with plenty of attractions. Here is a place for lovers of serene and calmness. In contrast, Puntarenas is a city of night life with its great infrastructure entertainment.

Puerto Viejo is famous fir its Devil’s Bridge with its amazing nature shape .

Puerto Limon Viejo is located on the shores of a volcanic lake. Here is rather quiet, windless with its beautiful beaches.

Sarapiqui stands on the river with the same name. Tourists are boating, enjoy the nature, visit the National Park Tortuguero.

Most travelers like to visit the National Park of  Manuel Antonio. This is somehow a jungle with a huge number of animals that go on the trail and get underfoot visitors. There are monkey-jumpers, and iguanas, and birds, and many other colorful animals.

Here is the world famous park of a small town Zarkero, the park has become famous worldwide by its cypress sculpture, which was created by the miraculous artist Evangelista Blanco Renes. He supported the creation for more than forty years in perfect condition. He received offers from other countries to create similar parks, but kept refusing all of them by staying in Costa Rica.

The most popular sport in the country is swimming in the river kayaks. The most suitable for this kind of sport is the river Arenal. Just boating is also possible on the same lake, but it is better to go for skating on canals Tortugero or Nikoysky Bay. Nearby is the Arenal Volcano, which remained silent for 300 years. There was an eruption in 1968 and since then smokes have been coming from it, which is said to be again an active volcano.
Costa Rica is also famous for its magnificent beaches. Their length is of more than 1000 km. While in Costa Rica, you can swim in two oceans: in the Atlantic and in the Pacific. All the beaches have small hotels and bungalows. Here you can find everything you need for your proper rest.

Lovers of diving and snorkeling must visit the island Cocos. Water is transparent to a depth of 24 meters. It allows you to see the rich fauna of Costa Rican depths, to admire the quaint rocky reefs. Here you can also catch some fish.

In addition, Costa Rica can offer its guests horseback riding and biking, hot air ballooning and jumping from a bridge into the abyss.