Costa Rica by Sea: Wildlife and Rainforests of the Pacific Coast – with Smithsonian Journeys
About This Cruise
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture. Costa Rica has done more than any other Central American country to preserve and protect its natural treasures, and this voyage takes full advantage of the results, as we explore the luxuriant tropical vegetation and fascinating fauna that inhabit this remarkable country. Cruising up and down Costa Rica's Pacific coast, our itinerary focuses attention, first, on the Osa Peninsula, described as one of the most biologically intense regions on earth, and then on the parks in and around the Gulf of Nicoya, including iconic Manuel Antonio National Park.Departing from San José airport for embarkation in Puntarenas. Sail southward along Costa Rica's Pacific Coast to call at Puerto Jiminez, to explore the rich biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula. You may visit a cacao farm to learn about the production of chocolate or join a guided walk through La Perica garden, showcasing sloths in their natural environment. If you prefer to be on the water, you may choose a guided kayaking adventure through the mangrove, or board a local catamaran and cruise one of the most biologically diverse marine ecosystems in the world. A second day on the Peninsula is spent exploring Rio Esquinas, where the ship's naturalists lead walks through the lush green forest that lines the banks of the river, watching for the squirrel monkeys, white ibis, ospreys, toucans, and great blue herons that can be found here.Day four of the voyage finds you at Manuel Antonio National Park, the crown jewel of Costa Rica's parks and reserves, where you may join a naturalist-guided tour of this remarkable place, where the rainforest meets the beaches, to search for the amazing variety of terrestrial wildlife and birdlife that calls the park home. Other options for the day include a boat cruise through the mangrove of the Damas Islands Estuary; a walk along the Rio Seco that leads to an inviting waterfall; and a rafting adventure down the Savegre River.Bahia Coco, the northernmost point of the voyage, offers a choice of excursions into the interior, both of which include a lunch of Costa Rican specialties. One takes you to the Vandara Hot Springs, where you are invited to soak in mineral-rich waters and luxuriate in a mud bath. The other explores Rincón de la Vieja National Park, with its volcanic landscape of bubbling muds and fumaroles. For those who prefer to stay near the coast, a catamaran cruise of the bay, including time for swimming and snorkeling, will also be available.At the mouth of the Gulf of Nicoya, Playa Mantas is your gateway to Carara National Park and the Tarcoles River. Choose between an easy walk on beautifully maintained paths in the park, famous for its population of brilliant scarlet macaws, or a cruise through dense mangrove along the banks of the river that is famously home to large colonies of crocodiles. Alternatively—for a completely different perspective on the jungle—visit the Tropical Forest Skywalk, where elevated walkways, and suspension bridges allow you to literally walk through the treetops and observe life in the forest canopy.The final day of your voyage begins with a morning of discovery at the Curú Wildlife Refuge, the oldest protected park in Costa Rica and a research center for scientists from around the world. The forest here is home to Costa Rica's most emblematic species—spider monkeys, scarlet macaws, sloths, and iguanas—as well as more than 200 species of birds. During lunch aboard ship, Le Bougainville sails to Tortuga Island for an afternoon of lazing on the beach, before continuing to Puntarenas.The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.Type
Ocean, Luxury
Ship
Le Bougainville
Departure Date
16 February 2028
Cruise Line
PONANT EXPLORATIONS
Duration
7 Nights
Select Your Cabin Type
Call Us at 1800 814 008Overview
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture. Costa Rica has done more than any other Central American country to preserve and protect its natural treasures, and this voyage takes full advantage of the results, as we explore the luxuriant tropical vegetation and fascinating fauna that inhabit this remarkable country. Cruising up and down Costa Rica's Pacific coast, our itinerary focuses attention, first, on the Osa Peninsula, described as one of the most biologically intense regions on earth, and then on the parks in and around the Gulf of Nicoya, including iconic Manuel Antonio National Park.Departing from San José airport for embarkation in Puntarenas. Sail southward along Costa Rica's Pacific Coast to call at Puerto Jiminez, to explore the rich biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula. You may visit a cacao farm to learn about the production of chocolate or join a guided walk through La Perica garden, showcasing sloths in their natural environment. If you prefer to be on the water, you may choose a guided kayaking adventure through the mangrove, or board a local catamaran and cruise one of the most biologically diverse marine ecosystems in the world. A second day on the Peninsula is spent exploring Rio Esquinas, where the ship's naturalists lead walks through the lush green forest that lines the banks of the river, watching for the squirrel monkeys, white ibis, ospreys, toucans, and great blue herons that can be found here.Day four of the voyage finds you at Manuel Antonio National Park, the crown jewel of Costa Rica's parks and reserves, where you may join a naturalist-guided tour of this remarkable place, where the rainforest meets the beaches, to search for the amazing variety of terrestrial wildlife and birdlife that calls the park home. Other options for the day include a boat cruise through the mangrove of the Damas Islands Estuary; a walk along the Rio Seco that leads to an inviting waterfall; and a rafting adventure down the Savegre River.Bahia Coco, the northernmost point of the voyage, offers a choice of excursions into the interior, both of which include a lunch of Costa Rican specialties. One takes you to the Vandara Hot Springs, where you are invited to soak in mineral-rich waters and luxuriate in a mud bath. The other explores Rincón de la Vieja National Park, with its volcanic landscape of bubbling muds and fumaroles. For those who prefer to stay near the coast, a catamaran cruise of the bay, including time for swimming and snorkeling, will also be available.At the mouth of the Gulf of Nicoya, Playa Mantas is your gateway to Carara National Park and the Tarcoles River. Choose between an easy walk on beautifully maintained paths in the park, famous for its population of brilliant scarlet macaws, or a cruise through dense mangrove along the banks of the river that is famously home to large colonies of crocodiles. Alternatively—for a completely different perspective on the jungle—visit the Tropical Forest Skywalk, where elevated walkways, and suspension bridges allow you to literally walk through the treetops and observe life in the forest canopy.The final day of your voyage begins with a morning of discovery at the Curú Wildlife Refuge, the oldest protected park in Costa Rica and a research center for scientists from around the world. The forest here is home to Costa Rica's most emblematic species—spider monkeys, scarlet macaws, sloths, and iguanas—as well as more than 200 species of birds. During lunch aboard ship, Le Bougainville sails to Tortuga Island for an afternoon of lazing on the beach, before continuing to Puntarenas.The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Owner's Suite
Details
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 430 ft² terrace with hot tub and lounge area with 2 deck chairs, sofa, and armchair
- Two sliding panoramic windows
- A bathroom with shower, spa bathtub, and smart mirror
- Butler service
- A one-hour treatment per person (for 2 people) in the wellness area, including body and facial treatments
- A private return transfer
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Champagne and fruit on arrival
- A fruit basket every day
- A living room with a convertible sofa into a double bed, armchair, and TV
- One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 2 ADA stateroom
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Grand Suite
Details
- In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 344 ft² terrace with two deck chairs and a dining table for four people
- Two sliding panoramic windows
- A bathroom with shower and spa bathtub
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Butler service
- Champagne and fruit on arrival
- A fruit basket every day
- One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- A living room with a convertible sofa into a double or single bed, armchair, and TV
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 2 ADA stateroom
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Privilege Suite
Details
- In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 86 ft² balcony with two armchairs
- Sliding panoramic window
- Butler service
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- A fruit basket every day
- Champagne and fruit on arrival
- One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- A lounge area with chaise lounge and armchair
- A bathroom with shower
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 2 ADA stateroom
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Prestige Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 86 ft² balcony with four armchairs
- Two sliding panoramic windows
- Champagne and fruit on arrival (Prestige Suite deck 6)
- Priority boarding (Prestige Suite deck 6)
- Butler service (Prestige Suite deck 6)
- A fruit basket every day (Prestige Suite deck 6)
- One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- A living room with a convertible sofa into a king-size or two single beds, armchair, TV, and a courtesy sliding door
- Two bathrooms with showers
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 2 ADA stateroom
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Deluxe Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- Suites on Deck 6 have a 32 ft² private balcony with two armchairs Suites on Deck 5 have a 43 ft² private balcony with two armchairs Suites on Decks 3 and 4 have a private 64 ft² balcony with two armchairs
- Suites on Deck 3 have a panoramic glass door and porthole; suites on Decks 4, 5, and 6 have a sliding panoramic window
- One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- An armchair and sofa
- A bathroom with shower
- Champagne and fruit on arrival for suites on Decks 5 and 6
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 2 ADA stateroom
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 4m² balcony with two armchairs
- Depending on the stateroom, either a sliding panoramic window or a glass door
- One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- A chaise lounge
- A bathroom with shower
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 2 ADA stateroom
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Lower Decks Balcony Stateroom
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 4m² balcony with two armchairs
- Depending on the stateroom, either a sliding panoramic window or a glass door
- One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- A chaise lounge
- A bathroom with shower
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 2 ADA stateroom
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Le Nautilus
At the back of deck 4, you will find a gourmet restaurant complete with wine cellar, offering French and international cuisine. It can accommodate all guests in a single service for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy a menu crafted by the Ducasse Conseil teams at the gourmet restaurant. At Nautilus as well as Céleste, the freedom of a generous buffet blends with the elegance of table service: your chef offers you a selection of expertly prepared hot dishes, accompanied by carefully chosen fine wines by your sommelier.
Grill Restaurant
In a relaxed atmosphere, the grill restaurant located on deck 3 welcomes you for breakfast and buffet lunches as well as themed dinners.
Room Service
Whether you want to fully enjoy your cabin for breakfast, savor a peaceful snack in the middle of the day, or have your meal in complete privacy, room service is at your disposal. Treat yourself to a moment of indulgence and enjoy a diverse menu available at any time of day and night.
The Observatory Lounge
Library, internet space, bar, occasional live entertainment, terrace: enjoy a 180° panorama of the horizon from the observatory lounge.
Swimming pool
With its water blending into the surrounding landscapes, the pool is perfect for relaxing in the sun. From the marina platform, embark on your sea excursions or water activities in complete tranquility.
The Main Lounge Room
Tea room, bar, live music, dance floor, terrace: the main lounge is an essential meeting place throughout your journey.
Theatre
Comfortably seated, you can attend conferences given by the guests and teams of naturalists, as well as enjoy a variety of shows, concerts and performances by professional dancers and musicians.
When the night comes alive
Concerts, dance performances, or film screenings: every night on board is a promise of wonder and sharing of emotions.
Boutique
An extension of the journey and the ship, la Boutique offers an exclusive shopping experience with a wide range of technical and casual ready-to-wear and equipment, with or without PONANT personalization. It also features unique souvenirs to extend the journey back home, as well as jewelry, accessories and luxury items. Opening hours follow the voyage schedule, including days at sea, and all purchases on board are tax-free.
The Blue Eye
Located below the waterline of the ship, the Blue Eye is an innovative underwater lounge. Its design, inspired by the beauty of cetaceans, pays tribute to oceanographic environments.
Excursion Reception and Office
If you have not made a pre-booking before your cruise, you can book your excursions on board during one of the daily opening times of the excursion desk (timetables available in your daily program). It is only possible to pre-book one excursion per port day. If you would like to book a second excursion on the same day, please contact the excursion desk to check availability.
PONANT Studio
A photography and videography team escort you throughout your trip. These professionals capture the most beautiful moments of your cruise, which you can share with family and friends upon your return. Meet them on DECK 5 (DECK 6 on the PONANT Explorers ships) at the photo/video area, where you can also order souvenir pictures and videos.
Open Bar
From boarding and throughout the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wines, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served freely and at any time of the day. Some premium alcoholic beverages listed on the menu are not included in the Open Bar.
The Spa
In partnership with SOTHYS™ and Davines®, the spa offers a wide range of treatments, massages, hairdressing services, as well as a hammam and a fitness room perfect for self-care and well-being.
The Gym
The fitness room offers a wide range of exercises suitable for all levels to train facing magnificent views.
The Hairdressing Salon
Provided in partnership with KÉRASTASE® and L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL®, the hairdressing salon offers a complete range of top quality treatments designed to strengthen, nourish and reinvigorate hair's shine and brilliance. Our stylists are available to serve all your styling, highlighting, colouring, cutting and tailored hair advice needs.
The Kids Explorers Club
During your cruise, PONANT EXPLORATIONS offers a program of activities dedicated to children, from 4 to 13 years old on our entire fleet.
A team of experienced facilitators on board offers daily manual activities, educational workshops, board games, introductory meditation sessions, and much more, as well as content specific to each itinerary and the number of participants.
Kid Explorers have the opportunity to extend this experience on land with the possibility of enjoying a tailor-made excursion, swimming outings, walks and scavenger hunts.
This program of activities will be offered to children every day. (The exact times will be communicated to you by the activity leaders.)
To best meet your needs, the schedule is adapted to your cruise itinerary. For more information, please contact the entertainment team beforehand.
The program of entertainment and activities is communicated daily in the logbook.
A welcome kit with gifts is offered to each child on board.