Our Costa Rica Tall Ship Adventure tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.
Embark on a cruise through the resplendent waterways of Tortuguero National Park, passing between the marshy islands that provide shelter for a diverse range of wildlife, including sea turtles, otters and monkeys.
Visit a local family on their palm plantation to learn all about the traditional Costa Rican delicacy, 'palmito' or heart of palm. Learn about sustainable practices, how the hearts are extracted and taste this mild, nutrient rich vegetable.
Discover more about two of Costa Rica's most prolific exports; cacao, a native fruit long sacred to indigenous communities and coffee, introduced by the Spanish in the 18th century. On an interactive experience, follow the process of each from cultivation to product and enjoy a tasting.
Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica's vibrant capital city. The rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring, with a welcome dinner at your hotel this evening.
Travel across Costa Rica to the Caribbean coast, passing through the spectacular rainforest of Braulio Carrillo National Park as well as open pastures and small farming towns. Transfer to a boat and cruise through the wilderness-encompassed canals of Tortuguero, looking out for wildlife and colourful birds as you go, to reach your rainforest lodge. Later, enjoy a guided walking tour of Tortuguero Village, soaking up its Afro-Caribbean vibes and learning about the locals' sea turtle conservation efforts.
Head deeper into the lush rainforest of Tortuguero National Park, using the network of life-filled canals that criss-cross the area. You'll likely spot a wealth of wildlife, including otters, howler and capuchin monkeys, toucans, herons and maybe even a sloth lounging in the trees. Return to your lodge for a free afternoon.
Board boats to return through the canals to the pier, and travel on by road to Arenal. You'll drive through the northern lowlands with views of mountains and vast agricultural fields. Pause to meet a local family at their palm plantation to learn about the cultivation and harvesting process of the traditional product, heart of palm. Arrive under the watchful gaze of Arenal Volcano, its perfect cone swathed in a verdant blanket of green.
Follow the Mirador Arenal 1968 trail, walking across old lava fields for spectacular views of the volcano and Lake Arenal. Your guide will be on hand to give insight into geology and the surrounding ecosystems. This afternoon, enjoy an interactive chocolate and coffee experience, learning about the process from cultivation to preparation of these two iconic Costa Rican products.
Take a scenic boat cruise across Lake Arenal for a final glimpse of the mighty volcano before continuing by road to Monteverde. Arrive in Santa Elena and begin exploring with your local guide, learning all about the town's journey to ecotourism hub. The afternoon is free until twilight, when you'll head out into Monteverde's cloud forest for a night walk. Discover the species that emerge after dark and gain a deeper appreciation of the forest's biodiversity.
Take a guided walk of the Curi Cancha Reserve, exploring its rich biodiversity. Follow wandering trails through the cloud forest, spotting the birds, mammals and native flora that make this ecosystem so unique. This afternoon, enjoy a sustainable farm and artisan cheese tour, an authentic rural experience with a local family that includes a cheese tasting!
Transfer to Puerto Caldera and board your Star Clippers tall ship, Star Clipper. The rest of the day is free to explore the ship's facilities and settle in. Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense.
Spend the day enjoying life on a tall ship, watching the wind fill the sails, relaxing around the pool, keeping watch on the top deck or even climbing the rigging and steering the ship.
Cross into Panamanian waters and arrive at the UNESCO-listed Coiba National Park, a marine reserve of rich rainforest-covered islands and azure waters. Here, you can explore on land, searching out rare flora and fauna or the world under the waves, snorkelling vibrant coral reefs or spotting sharks, dolphins and whales.
Another spectacular marine park, Golfo De Chiriqui protects 25 islands and 19 coral reefs which host abundant wildlife. Snorkel, surf or kayak in the park's calm, clear waters or take a big game fishing trip.
Cross the calm waters of the Golfo Dulce, looking towards the intense wilderness of the Osa Peninsula to reach the town of Golfito, a former banana town. Today offers opportunities to surf at Pavones, go sport-fishing or dolphin watching on the life-filled waters or kayak in the nearby mangrove forest.
The gateway to the magical Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos is a small and busy but authentic Costa Rican town. From here, you can walk the trails of the national park, passing from rainforest onto paradisical beaches, or try out some excellent local restaurants.
Back in Costa Rican waters, stop at what is considered the country's most beautiful island, with powder white sands, swaying palms and crystal clear waters. Here you can relax on the beach, rent a kayak, take a glass-bottom boat cruise or, if you're feeling more adventurous, embark on a canopy tour.
Bid the Star Clipper and her crew farewell as you disembark at Puerto Caldera. Meet your guide and transfer across the Pacific lowlands and into the Central Valley. Stop for a coffee tour and learn more about Costa Rica's rich coffee heritage before arriving back into San Jose. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.
Transfer to the airport and fly home to New Zealand, arriving home two days later.
A true clipper ship in every sense, Star Clipper reflects her heritage in every inch of polished brass and gleaming brightwork. At 115 metres, she carries just 166 guests, and life on board is relaxed and unhurried - closer in feel to a private yacht than a conventional cruise ship.
Deck space is generous, with two swimming pools and expansive teak decks that offer more room per passenger than most ocean-going vessels. The interiors are decorated with antique prints and paintings of famous sailing ships, with teak and mahogany throughout that nod to the era that inspired her design.
On board, dining is open-seating in an elegantly appointed dining room. The Tropical Bar and Piano Bar form the social heart of the ship, and an Edwardian-style library - complete with a Belle Époque fireplace - provides a quieter retreat.
All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected
We have a selection of dedicated departures for solo travellers. These departures feature a maximum group size of 18 and exclusive benefits including a single room throughout your tour, complimentary return airport transfers (within 50km radius of major Australian airports) and a cocktail on arrival at your destination. Travellers from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne also receive a complimentary Australian airport lounge pass for use prior to departure.
Extend your holiday or break up your journey with one of our extensions and stopovers. Choose from city breaks or some beach time, or spend more time in your chosen destination.
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All of our tours offer a single room supplement, which means you’ll have a room to yourself throughout your chosen tour. Continue the check-out process for the applicable supplement.
On most tours, you can choose our 'Happy to Share' option, which may enable you to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance.
If you are booking on a Dedicated Solo departure, a single room is already included in the price and there are no additional single supplements to pay.
With our flight inclusive option, we'll do the planning for you and meet you on arrival.
We include airport pickup upon arrival at your destination and drop off at the end of your tour (on the scheduled tour arrival and departure days) and when booking pre or post tour accommodation with us.
We partner with established and reputable airlines for your international flights.
We can assist with upgrading your seat to premium or business class for an additional cost.
Our team will work with you to choose your ideal routing and if we make changes to your tour itinerary that impact flights, we’ll rebook them for you.
Our On-Tour Support Team is available to provide advice about how to handle flight changes.
