Arrive in San José and transfer to the Central Valley, a wide plateau beautifully fringed by majestic mountains. Your hotel for the night - the Buena Vista - benefits from an elevated location overlooking the valley and several nature trails serve as a wonderful introduction to Costa Rica’s rich flora and fauna.

Three nights are afforded in Arenal, a tranquil region with lush countryside, calm lakes and rich flora and fauna. Your time here is your own to explore the fertile landscapes that lie in the shadows of the imposing conical Arenal Volcano. Bathe in the natural hot springs of your hotel – Arenal Springs Resort & Spa, hike in the rainforests observing wildlife in their natural habitat, visit highly regarded conservation centres or take an exhilarating zip-line through the canopies. 

Travel to Monteverde, one of the very few places on earth remaining to experience the fragile biosphere of a natural cloud forest. Stay for two nights in the elegant Senda Monteverde hotel and fill your days exploring the mystical verdant landscapes and observing a myriad of wildlife species in their natural habitat. Monteverde is also an excellent destination to learn about Costa Rica’s world-renowned coffee, and there are plenty of opportunities to visit a local plantation and discover the entire crop to cup process.

Transfer to Puntarenas, the embarkment point of your Star Clippers adventure. Meet your fellow travellers and the Star Clippers staff before perhaps indulging in the ship’s facilities which include two swimming pools, a piano bar, an Edwardian library, expansive observation decks and a convivial alfresco tropical bar.

Your first stop on the Star Clipper cruise is Quepos, a small but bustling town with a Tico population and a genial atmosphere. Quepos also serves as the gateway to the Manuel Antonio National Park and your onboard staff will be able to maximise your time here, whether it is arranging an excursion to the park or making other local recommendations. 

Golfito is Costa Rica's most southern port town. You can engage in several activities, including horseback riding, kayaking and take a trip to nearby mangrove forests.

Today, enjoy the facilities of the Star Clippers ship. As a traditional sailing vessel, there are also hands-on activities you can participate in such as knot tying and navigation classes, or climbing the mast to the crow’s nest. 

Returning to Costa Rica, this morning the Star Clippers vessel will anchor at one of the country’s most beautiful yet underdeveloped beaches - Playa Nacascolo. The beach is located on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast and, with limited infrastructure and a remote location, it is wonderfully secluded. Spend the day at the beach, where the ocean’s waters are calm enough for swimming and the perfect, white-powdered sand is fringed by healthy vegetation, attracting many coatis and monkeys to the shore. 

Port in the charming seaside village of Potrero, wonderfully underdeveloped and virtually untouched by tourism. Complementing Potrero are a further two small villages – the more developed Flamingo and Surfside, both easily accessible within your time here. All three have pristine beaches and swimmable waters, and Star Clippers will provide paddleboards, kayaks or snorkel equipment for you to explore the offshore islets dotted around the crystal-clear ocean to the backdrop of lush vegetation. 

Arguably saving the best for last, the final stop of your Star Clippers cruise is the beautiful Isla Tortuga. Whilst many water sports activities and hikes can be arranged here, it will be difficult to resist simply spending the day on the soft white sand beaches and bathing in the cooling azure waters whilst sipping cocktails underneath giant coconut palms.

Disembark your cruise in Puntarenas and transfer to San José airport for your onward flight.