5-night Wild Costa Rica Escape – Exploring Guanacaste's Natural Wonders Cruise

The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities
The Signature Collection Sailings offer Exceptional Value and Exclusive Amenities.

Cruise Inclusions

5-nights accommodations
All meals aboard ship
And more

Available Add-Ons

Optional roundtrip airfare
Optional pre or post cruise nights

Destination Guide
Suggested Shore Excursions

Destination	Arrival	Departure
San Jose (C.R.) San Jose (C.R.) 11/13/2024 Upon arrival in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, transfer by land to Puerto Caldera and embark your ship, the National Geographic Quest. Enjoy a sunset dinner onboard as we chart a course for the Guanacaste region on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. (D),	11/13/2024	11/13/2024
Cruise Starts (Embarkation) Cruise Starts (Embarkation) 11/13/2024 Upon arrival in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, transfer by land to Puerto Caldera and embark your ship, the National Geographic Quest. Enjoy a sunset dinner onboard as we chart a course for the Guanacaste region on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. (D),	11/13/2024	11/13/2024
Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas) Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas) 11/13/2024 Upon arrival in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, transfer by land to Puerto Caldera and embark your ship, the National Geographic Quest. Enjoy a sunset dinner onboard as we chart a course for the Guanacaste region on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. (D),	11/13/2024	11/13/2024
Zapotal Beach Zapotal Beach 11/14/2024 Drop anchor off remote Zapotal Beach, where we'll spend the morning soaking up the sun or snorkeling in waters fringed by offshore islets, which create outstanding habitat for a variety of tropical fish. Or choose to walk along a rarely used four-wheel drive track, which takes us back into a beautiful gallery forest. The area is rich with bird and plant varieties, and our naturalists describe the intricate web of life in these oceanside ecosystems. After lunch onboard, we cruise north to the Papagayo Peninsula, dropping anchor in Bahía Huevos. Our Zodiacs take us on an exploration of the bay and the peninsula. If conditions permit, we drop kayaks and paddleboards and explore the nearby mangroves. (B,L,D),	11/14/2024	11/14/2024
Bahia Huevos Bahia Huevos 11/14/2024 Drop anchor off remote Zapotal Beach, where we'll spend the morning soaking up the sun or snorkeling in waters fringed by offshore islets, which create outstanding habitat for a variety of tropical fish. Or choose to walk along a rarely used four-wheel drive track, which takes us back into a beautiful gallery forest. The area is rich with bird and plant varieties, and our naturalists describe the intricate web of life in these oceanside ecosystems. After lunch onboard, we cruise north to the Papagayo Peninsula, dropping anchor in Bahía Huevos. Our Zodiacs take us on an exploration of the bay and the peninsula. If conditions permit, we drop kayaks and paddleboards and explore the nearby mangroves. (B,L,D),	11/14/2024	11/14/2024
Santa Elena Bay Santa Elena Bay 11/15/2024 Today, we set our sights on Islas Murcielagos (also known as the Bat Islands) in the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Guanacaste Conservation Area. Weather permitting, don a snorkel and fins to discover a rich underwater world or hike into the upper reaches of the islands for commanding views over the full length of this rarely visited archipelago. Back onboard, we sail toward the mainland while enjoying a delicious lunch. Depending on conditions, we may choose to explore Santa Elena Bay in Santa Rosa National Park, Junquillal Wildlife Refuge, or Cuajiniquil Bay, all part of the extraordinarily biodiverse Guanacaste Conservation Area. While venturing out by kayak or taking a relaxing Zodiac cruise, we immerse ourselves 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. (B,L,D); Please note: National Geographic Quest will sail to Nicaragua overnight where necessary immigration requirements will be completed prior to returning to Costa Rica on Day 4.,	11/15/2024	11/15/2024
Cuajiniquil Cuajiniquil 11/16/2024 Our adventure today continues as we set off inland to explore Rincón 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, we 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 choose to ride horseback across lush meadows, or soar through the canopy by zipline before enjoying a sumptuous lunch served poolside at Hacienda Guachipelín while local marimba guitarists play and fresh ceviche is prepared. (B,L,D),	11/16/2024	11/16/2024
Rincon de la Vieja National Park Rincon de la Vieja National Park 11/16/2024 Our adventure today continues as we set off inland to explore Rincón 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, we 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 choose to ride horseback across lush meadows, or soar through the canopy by zipline before enjoying a sumptuous lunch served poolside at Hacienda Guachipelín while local marimba guitarists play and fresh ceviche is prepared. (B,L,D),	11/16/2024	11/16/2024
Curu (Reserve) Curu (Reserve) 11/17/2024 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 Curú 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. Here we 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 we enjoy lunch onboard, we cruise to a cluster of offshore islets collectively called Isla Tortuga. Choose to stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or simply relax on the beach shaded by swaying palms and tropical vegetation. As the sun begins to set on our Guanacaste adventure, a waterside barbecue dinner awaits—the perfect way to finish our voyage. (B,L,D),	11/17/2024	11/17/2024
Tortuga Island (Curu) Tortuga Island (Curu) 11/17/2024 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 Curú 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. Here we 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 we enjoy lunch onboard, we cruise to a cluster of offshore islets collectively called Isla Tortuga. Choose to stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or simply relax on the beach shaded by swaying palms and tropical vegetation. As the sun begins to set on our Guanacaste adventure, a waterside barbecue dinner awaits—the perfect way to finish our voyage. (B,L,D),	11/17/2024	11/17/2024
Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas) Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas) 11/18/2024 Disembark after breakfast in Puerto Caldera. Drive to the airport in San José for flights home. (B),	11/18/2024	11/18/2024
Cruise Ends (Debarkation) Cruise Ends (Debarkation) 11/18/2024 Disembark after breakfast in Puerto Caldera. Drive to the airport in San José for flights home. (B),	11/18/2024	11/18/2024
San Jose (C.R.) San Jose (C.R.) 11/18/2024 Disembark after breakfast in Puerto Caldera. Drive to the airport in San José for flights home. (B),	11/18/2024	11/18/2024
Hacienda Guachipelin Hacienda Guachipelin 11/16/2024 Our adventure today continues as we set off inland to explore Rincón 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, we 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 choose to ride horseback across lush meadows, or soar through the canopy by zipline before enjoying a sumptuous lunch served poolside at Hacienda Guachipelín while local marimba guitarists play and fresh ceviche is prepared.,	11/16/2024	11/16/2024

Lindblad Expeditions: National Geographic Quest

Purpose-built to deliver the best possible expedition cruising experience, the National Geographic Quest recently wrapped up her inaugural voyages, spending the summer and early fall exploring the northern reaches of Alaska's Inside Passage and the remote islands and charming towns of the Pacific Northwest. With that noteworthy milestone under her belt, Quest will soon venture south to the tropical coasts of Costa Rica, Panama, and through the Canal to Belize. And as spring arrives she'll return north to make her maiden journey on the Columbia & Snake Rivers. To build her cruise turned to Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, the company that built the beloved National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion—vessels that, with regular maintenance schedule and recent refurbishment, have been operating successfully for decades. Proudly she was built entirely in the USA. Additionally, the Quest cruise ship achieves some other notable firsts. She is the first ship in the fleet voyaging in these geographies with step-out balconies (available in 22 of the 50 spacious cabins), plus 6 sets of connecting cabins perfect for families and groups; and a designated mudroom for expedition gear.

Ship Statistics

Maiden Voyage: 2017
Registry: Alaska

Passenger Capacity: 100

Dining

Bars & Lounges

Onboard Activities

Entertainment

Internet Access
There are wireless access points onboard located in various public spaces and outside decks. They are available for guests' use 24 hours a day. Each cabin is also wired for internet access via an ethernet cable located within the cabin. Wireless access may occasionally be accessible from a cabin but is not reliable. Wireless access will be stronger and more reliable is designated public areas, which are described onboard each ship in the Guest Directories.
Classes and Workshops
Guest Lecturers

Oceanview

Outside Cabin (01) $4,544

Category: 01

Cabin#301-306. These Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hairdryers are also available in each cabin.

Outside Cabin (02) $5,185

Category: 02

Cabin #307-315. These cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hairdryers are also available in each cabin.

Outside Cabin (03) $5,490

Category: 03

Cabin #201-206. These cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and a large view window. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hairdryers are also available in each cabin.

Outside Cabin (04) $5,985

Category: 04

Cabin#207-229. These cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door and small, private balcony. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.

Suite

Prices are per person and include cabin fare, taxes, fees, excursions and all meals while onboard.  Airfare is available at an additional charge unless otherwise stated.

Price is per person, double occupancy.

Cost Includes: All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), tips (except to ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.

Not Included: Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry. Gratuities to ship’s crew at your discretion.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

Observation Deck