Miami to Sydney Cruise :Save up to 59%

NOTE: You may choose this exclusive shore event, credit toward a customized Virtuoso on-shore event, credit toward a Virtuoso Discovery pre/post hotel stay or shipboard credit. Ask us for complete option details.

Exclusive Shore Event: Puntarenas | Guacalillo Estuary with Lunch at Macaw Lodge

Costa Rica's 801 miles of coastline on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean are gorgeous, even Eden-like, but its tropical rain forests are pure heaven.  Nearly 31% of the country is covered in rain forest vegetation.  More than 70 inches of rain fall each year on rain forest lands.  The habitats are so lush that a four-square-mile area could contain as many as 750 species of trees, 125 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, and 100 species of reptiles.

Our adventure by boat today takes place along the Guacalillo Estuary and the Tarcoles River, located near Carara National Park. The Guacalillo Estuary is noted for its mangrove forests. In fact, four different species of mangrove may be found in this area: Tea, black, red and white mangrove. The mangroves are a group of unrelated woody plants that grow in protected tropical coasts. The mangrove is also a great habitat for many endemic birds like the Cuckoo, hummingbirds, Vireo, Panama Flycatcher and many herons and egrets. This particular mangrove forest is one of the most important in the mid-Pacific Coast for the conservation of the Scarlet Macaw. While this endangered species of bird spends most of the day in the forest, they roost in the mangroves. The area is also home to 250 species of birds, crocodiles, mammals and insects.

The Trcoles River mouth is considered by birdwatchers to be one of the richest sites for sea birds and shorebirds, specifically during the migration from October through April. Ospreys, gulls, cormorants, pelicans, and frigate birds are some of the most common species in the delta. The river shore houses one of the largest colonies of crocodiles and crocodile spotting is guaranteed. Some of these reptiles are easily 10-feet long. Iguanas, Jesus Christ lizards as well as many birds like herons, egrets, ducks, spoon bills and storks are easily seen looking for food along the river shore. This adventure will provide a great understanding of the life of the mangrove and its species. More importantly, you will learn about their existence and why we must preserve the mangrove forests as a way of conservation to save all living species on Earth.

We will then drive to Macaw Lodge, where we will learn about the sustainable philosophy of Macaw Lodge that integrates energy production by renewable clean solar power panels, crop systems and conservation of different species. Macaw is making special efforts to protect the scarlet macaw and many other native species. We will also include a visit to an area for composting and a nursery for native species, vermiculture, aquaculture crops, cacao, acai, guava and coffee plantations.

After our visit, we will enjoy a delicious lunch of local specialties at the Lodge before returning to the pier.

Approximate Length: Eight hours

Suggested Attire: Casual wear, light jacket or sweater, hat and comfortable closed-toe shoes. Moderate walking on uneven surfaces and steps.