Silversea Expedition Cruises À PUNTARENAS

Discover the richness of the rainforest and see lush gardens on this excursion that brings you through the Cloud Forest, over incredible suspended bridges and floating through butterflies and hummingbirds. Depart the pier and drive 1.75 hours to San Luis Park, home to the Cloud Forest, where beautiful trails await your footsteps. Watch as you step and the most amazing shapes of green vegetation appear before your eyes.

The tour starts with a short downhill walk that leads into an open hummingbird garden, where many species of these tiny, lively colored birds gather around and amaze you with their spectacular acrobatic aerial maneuvers. After this beautiful experience, embark on a more adventurous portion of this tour, when you arrive to the first of four suspended bridges that cover over half a mile above the ground and that provide an amazing bird eye's view of the Cloud Forest. Each of these bridges stretch between 95 and 253 feet (30 to 80m) and up to 126 feet (38m) above the ground.

As you continue your way through rivers and cascades, enjoy spectacular views as your naturalist tour guide points out the most outstanding features of this misty forest. Your guide is there to identify several species of birds, butterflies and small mammals that inhabit the area and plants, such as, orchids, heliconias, ferns, bromeliads and other species of aerial plants that are part of this beautiful surrounding.

A visit to a nearby butterfly farm is also part of this experience. Species like the Blue Morpho, Caligo, monarch and tiger swallowtail are only some of the amazing butterflies you may see.

At the end of your nature walk, taste a delicious agua dulce (a traditional drink) with a hearty typical Costa Rican lunch awaits to regain your energy.

On the way back to the pier, drive 45 minutes to make a brief stop at El Jardín allows you to stretch your legs, enjoy the scenery at the beautiful gardens or browse around a souvenir shop. Drive the remaining 1 hour to return to the pier.

Experience the beauty and talent of purebred Andalusian horses during this captivating, full-day equestrian excursion to Rancho San Miguel.

Farmland, Forests and Mountains

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to Rancho San Miguel. En route, pass by mango and watermelon farmlands and lush forests, then take in stunning mountain views on the approach to the highlands of Alajuela Province, where the hacienda is located.

Rancho San Miguel and Andalusian Show

A school of high equestrian arts, Rancho San Miguel has been exhibiting horse fiestas for over 30 years, and is now famous throughout the Americas for its purebred Andalusian horses. Upon arrival, learn about the equine world of mares and stallions. Afterward, take in an unforgettable show combining dressage training of the magnificent Andalusian horses with young Amazonian female riders performing masterfully choreographed equestrian exhibitions.

Orotina and Shopping

Next, re-board your coach and continue on to a private venue, Valle del Sol, for a Costa Rican-style buffet lunch. After lunch, your last stop is at El Jardin souvenir market in Orotina. Here, some free time is made available for you to browse the shop, sample their delicious fruits or simply relax with a Costa Rican cup of coffee. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 109 yards (about 100 metres), on paved surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and insect repellent from the ship.

Explore one of the largest coffee-growing regions in Costa Rica during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion to Puntarenas.

Puntarenas, Countryside, Farmland, Forests, Naranjo Highlands, Espiritu Santo Coffee Plantation

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately two-hour drive to the Espiritu Santo Coffee Plantation. En route, traverse the rustic countryside and pass by a variety of landscapes, including rich farmland, lush forests and mountain views, as you approach the highlands of Naranjo, an area famous for its coffee production. Upon arrival, marvel at the sheer size and natural beauty of the farm, which comprises approximately 640 acres (about 259 hectares) of prime coffee plantation. During a guided walking tour of the Espiritu Santo Coffee Plantation, discover the growing and production secrets that ensure the delicious taste of Costa Rica coffee.

Guided Tour, Nursery, Processing Plant, Local Home Visit, Brewing Demonstration, Coffee Tasting

Your guided tour begins with a nursery visit, and demonstration of the different stages of the coffee plant during its first year. The coffee is dried under the sun, using centuries-old methods to produce top quality coffee. From here, head to the processing plant. Here, view workers fertilizing the soil with the same organic solids produced during the cleaning and peeling processes, and sweeping the coffee under the sun to ensure it dries evenly. Meanwhile, other workers take care of the final process of preparing and packing the coffee for export. Following your tour and a visit to the gift shop, re-board your coach and drive to an old, authentic Costa Rican home for a coffee-brewing demonstration utilising a handmade, 200-year-old 'chorreador' instead of an electric coffeemaker. Afterward, sample the freshly-brewed, Costa Rican coffee.

Sarchi, Don Lolo Restaurant, Oxcart Factory and Production, Shopping

Next, re-board your coach for a delightful countryside drive to Sarchi. Situated on the outskirts of San Jose, Sarchi is known as the birthplace of Costa Rican craftsmen. It is most widely recognized for its colourful and decorative oxcarts, or 'carretas', that have been produced here for over a century. Upon arrival, proceed for a buffet lunch at the Don Lolo restaurant. After lunch, a visit is made to a famous oxcart factory. Observe skilled artisans produce handmade oxcarts, whose intricate painted sides and wheels are the epitome of Costa Rican folk art. Following your tour, browse the Eloy Alfaro Gift Shop for local and handmade arts and crafts, designs and Costa Rican souvenirs. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.75-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 547 yards (about 500 metres), at times over unpaved, natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible, nor recommended for guests prone to motion sickness. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, and cash or credit cards for additional purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least three years old to participate on this tour. The driving distance between the pier and coffee plantation is approximately two hours in each direction.

This excursion is uniquely Costa Rican, filled with cultural tradition, exotic flora and fauna, and some of the best coffee in the world. Begin aboard your coach as a comfortable ride takes you through the pastoral countryside of the province of Puntarenas. See a wide variety of landscapes that include rich farmlands, lush forests and mountain views, as you approach the highlands of Naranjo, a site that is world-famous for the quality of its coffee.

Driving for a scenic 90 minutes, arrive at the Espíritu Santo Coffee Plantation, which represents Costa Rica's most remarkable and pure coffee traditions and its history. The farm comprises 640 acres of prime coffee plantation, where the secrets of a real cup of coffee are carefully brewed. A great team of tour guides joins you through every stage of the production process of this fine gourmet coffee. During your visit to the plantation and processing plant, see real workers sweeping the coffee as it lies under the sun, which still has its parchment to make sure it dries evenly.

Move along to western part of the Central Valley and the scenic town of Sarchí, considered the home of Costa Rica's best wooden crafts. It was here where more than a century ago, local artists began painting and decorating their traditional oxcarts in intricate and colorful designs. There is a tradition of spirited but good-nature competition among families to see who could create the most spectacular designs. These sturdy vehicles, hauled by pairs of oxen, soon became the primary means of transportation throughout the nation, bumping over rough roads and trails to carry elegantly dressed young ladies to festivals and dances in nearby villages.

Stop in at the Eloy Alfaro Oxcart Factory, which is the only oxcart factory left in the country. The factory's machines are powered by a water wheel; here you can observe the work of the most skilled artisans, making beautiful wooden souvenirs and producing the world-famous hand-made oxcarts, a symbol of Costa Rica and the culture during its early years. At the factory grounds is where you can also enjoy a delicious Costa Rican style buffet lunch.

Continue your tour with an educational walk at the Else Kientzler Botanical Garden, where the paths are designed to follow an order for the many different gardens like the heliconias, the bromeliads, the succulent's and the greenhouse for production of plants for sale and to replant in the garden.

Your last moment at the gardens is sure to be your most memorable, the Butterfly Release. After you learn about the butterfly and the special conditions it requires to complete a full cycle in nature, you are invited to help release these gorgeous creatures and be part of their freedom.

Transfer 90 minutes back to the pier.

Explore the pristine natural beauty and abundant wildlife along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica during this picturesque and relaxing eco-tour along the Guacalillo Estuary and Tarcoles River.

Guacalillo Estuary

Depart the pier for the scenic drive along Costa Rica's Pacific Coast en route to the Guacalillo Estuary, located near Carara National Park. Upon your arrival board your boat and start your mangrove riverboat adventure.

Mangroves are a group of unrelated woody plants that grow in protected tropical coasts and that provide a great habitat for many endemic birds like the cuckoo, hummingbirds, vireo, Panama flycatchers and many herons and egrets. These areas are also home to over 250 species of birds, mammals and insects, with the Tárcoles River's mouth to be considered as one of the richest sites for sea and shorebirds, mainly during their migration period between October and April.

Tarcoles River

The mouth of the Tárcoles River is considered by birdwatchers to be one of the richest sites for seabirds and shorebirds, especially during their migration from October to April. The osprey, gull, cormorant, pelican, and frigate birds are among the most common species in the delta. You will receive a birding guide which will help you to recognize them.

The river's shores are home to one of the largest crocodile colonies, with some specimens exceeding 9.8 feet (three meters) in length. Although Iguanas, Jesus Christ lizards and birds that include herons, egrets, ducks, spoonbills, and storks are sighted on the majority of these outings, their cooperation cannot be guaranteed. During your tour, learn about the mangrove, the species and wildlife it supports, and the importance of its preservation.

At El Jardin Market

On the way back to the ship, stop at El Jardín Market, where you can browse around souvenirs, sample delicious tropical fruit, taste a cup of freshly brewed Costa Rican coffee or an iced cold beer while the beautiful sounds of the marimba music plays.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking and is suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair. Guests will be required to embark/disembark the coach via the bus steps. Wear light-weight clothing, sun protection and insect repellent. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. A minimum number of guests per guide is required for operation of this tour. The sequence of the events might vary.

Tour the stunning Pura Vida Garden and discover the beauty of Costa Rica's Pacific coast as you take a relaxing pontoon boat trip through the tropical mangrove on this memorable full-day tour. Travel approximately one hour along the Guacalillo estuary and the Tárcoles River, near Carara National Park for your Eco Jungle cruise.

The Tárcoles River estuary shelters four different species of mangroves that are filled with exotic birds such as egrets, herons, pelicans and frigate birds, some of the most common species of the delta. The river shores are also home to some of the largest crocodile colonies in the region.

Your next stop is at Pura Vida Garden, a visual masterpiece that contains spectacular flora, fauna, waterfalls and views of the Pacific. In this garden, thousands of flowers have been added as well as several varieties of orchids, not only from Costa Rica but from all over the world. The manicured walkways meander along a river or at the crest of a mountain and most are easily accessible to people of all ages and levels of fitness.

Before returning to the ship a delicious lunch is served at Pura Vida's main restaurant. Take some time on your own at the grounds or in the souvenir shop and then make the one-hour trip to the ship.

Experience the spectacular rainforest and wildlife of Costa Rica from the treetops during this panoramic, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Puntarenas, Costa Rican Rainforest, Rainforest Adventures Pacific

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to Rainforest Adventures Pacific, ranked by National Geographic in 2015 as one of the 'Top Ten Adventure Destinations in the World'. This panoramic venue offers a unique opportunity to experience Costa Rica's only tropical rainforest-guided Aerial Treetop Flight Tram tour, and discover this breath-taking private reserve. As one of Costa Rica's most impressive conservation projects, Rainforest Adventures Pacific has been awarded the Blue Ecological Flag by the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Tourism's highest recognition as the only theme park in the country that has been awarded the 'Five Leaves' distinction under the certification for tourism sustainability.

Aerial Treetop Flight, Lush, Tropical Flora

Upon arrival, proceed for check-in and a comfort stop, then board a comfortable, eight-seat aerial gondola and commence your approximately one-hour Aerial Treetop Flight. As you glide through the treetops of this lush, tropical paradise, take in spectacular panoramic views of your surrounds. Along the way, your naturalist guide points out plants and life-forms usually hidden from the human eye. This is also one of the few areas in Costa Rica where you can occasionally see spectacular scarlet macaws majestically soaring above the treetops, or sitting in one of the trees.

Nature Walk, Butterfly Garden, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Garden, Animal Exhibits, Nature Café

Following your Aerial Treetop Flight, take a guided nature walk on an all-access path that provides an opportunity to explore the first layer of the forest floor. Visit the Butterfly Garden, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Garden, and terrariums with a variety of snakes, frogs, turtles, and caimans set in the heart of the tropical forest. Next, proceed for a traditional Costa Rican lunch at the Nature Café. After lunch, some free time is made available to browse the Forest Congo Shop, where you can find a variety of local and handmade arts and crafts, designs and Costa Rican souvenirs. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately one mile (about 1.6 kilometres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and aerial gondola. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible, nor recommended for guests prone to motion sickness and guests with a fear of heights. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, and cash or credit cards for additional purchases from the ship. The driving distance between the pier and venue is approximately 1.5 hours in each direction. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary.

Experience the exquisite beauty of Costa Rica from a unique perspective during this exhilarating, half-day zip-line excursion.

If walking through a tropical forest is exciting, then imagine the experience of traveling on cables on top of it. The tropical forest is one the most complex ecosystems on Earth, more species of flora and fauna inhabit in this type of forest than in any other on the planet.

Upon arrival your guides will outfit and brief you for your day`s activities. You will then take a short walk through the forest to the base of the Original Canopy Tour. It consists of 11 horizontal traverses up to 1155 feet long. It has 7 platforms and 6 decks, working with a binary string and special system that makes no sonic impact on the environment.

Scarlet Macaws, howler monkeys, white tail deer and several other variety of aquatic birds are common in this areas. Also, endangered tree species such as Mahogany trees are protected at the park.

The last traverse brings you to a ground platform where the tour ends and a refreshing drink and tropical fruit snack awaits you.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking and strenuous activity and is only recommended for guests in good physical condition. It is not suitable for pregnant women, guests with back/neck problems or limited mobility, sufferers of vertigo, or those who utilise a wheelchair. Wear light-weight clothing with sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes, sun protection and insect repellent. A helmet is provided. A parent or guardian must accompany participants under the age of 18; minimum age to participate is 12 years of age. Maximum weight for participants is approximately 235 pounds (107 kilograms). A signed waiver is required to participate. The drive to/from the canopy facility is approximately 1-hour and 15-minutes. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.