This holiday idea showcases some of the best areas of Costa Rica where the wildlife is prolific and the accommodation is first class.
This holiday idea is designed to coincide with two wonderful wildlife spectacles in Costa Rica. On the Caribbean coast the Atlantic Green Sea Turtles can be seen coming ashore to lay their eggs. Tours are conducted at night and an exciting beach walk may uncover more than just turtles. It has been known to see Jaguar prints along the beach who are also in search of the turtles. By day, take boat rides out along the canals for excellent wildlife opportunities.
Meanwhile on the Pacific Coast the annual migration of Humpback whales is in full swing. The humpbacks stop off in rich waters of the Golfo Dulce to reproduce and give birth to their calves. Here they nurse the young before continuing their journey. The gulf also harbours spotted, bottlenose and spinner dolphins making this area one of the most exciting regions for boat tours.
The southern pacific coast of Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful areas of Central America. When on land you will be able to experience the incredibly dense primary forest that flanks the blue ocean, home to a wealth of birdlife, monkey and amphibians. Take guided or self-guided walks, learn to surf or relax on the rugged beaches.
Now, lets talk about the weather. Many avoid Costa Rica in the summer months as it has been cleverly marketed as the green season, which, for the cynics amongst us means, it rains. However, there are two things to bear in mind. The first is that tropical rains are heavy but short (and often welcome) and they are usually confined to the afternoons. Secondly, due to the continental divide that runs through the middle of Costa Rica the weather patterns on the Caribbean and Pacific sides are quite different, so in a touring itinerary you are unlikely to ever get consistantly poor weather. So don't let the weather put you off, this is a fantastic time to visit and experience some of the finest wildilfe encounters.
Begin at Poas Volcano, which at 1.6 kilometres across is the largest active crater in the world. If the cloud cover and mist banks part, you will be treated to epic views from the look-out point of the bubbling green crater lake that is surrounded by smoking and steaming fumaroles.
After viewing the crater, you may wish to walk a short trail that will take you to a lookout point at nearby Botos Lagoon.
Continue from Poas to Doka Coffee Plantation, located on the fertile slopes of Poas Volcano.The bean-to-cup tour concludes with the opportunity to taste the various coffees produced by the estate.
Then head to the Caribbean Coast and La Paz Waterfall Gardens and the wildlfie rehabilitation centre. There are 3.5 kilometres of trails that wind through lush forest past five waterfalls, including a 120 foot drop. This is a terrific introduction to the flora and fauna of Costa Rica.
Lunch is included at the centre and after your tour, return to your hotel.
Today visit the Ballena National Marine reserve which covers 110 hectares of land and a further 5,375 of sea. Humpback whales migrate from both hemispheres to the warm tropical waters of Costa Rica. They arrive mid July and remain in the area until October. Opportunity to see pilot whales as well as humpbacks and even some bottle nose and spotted dolphins. Snorkelling is possible on this tour and the equipment is provided.
Just 45 minutes from Kura is the Corcovado National Park, once described as 'the most biologically intentse place on earth' and has the largest area of primary forest on the pacific coast. Opportunity to see white faced, spider and howler monkeys as well as sloth, coatis, tapir and for a very lucky few, the odd puma sighting has been recorded. The forest hosts an incredible variety of birds, particularly the striking scarlett macaw, which does not fail to charm even the most reluctant of birders.
Golfo Dulce is a tropical fjord-like bay and home to a variety of marine mammals. With large mangrove areas and many rivers flowing into the gulf from the surrounding rainforest the ocean is rich in minerals and a great food source. For this reason, spinner, bottlenose and spotted dolphins cruise the area and humbpack whales can be found here between July and October. Manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles also call this bay home.
The Golfo Dulce is a wonderful area for snorkelling. The calm and warm waters are a haven for the colourful tropical fish. At low tide snorkellers have a wonderful view of the brain coral reef.