Show All photos

Costa Rica

Pacific Coast of Costa Rica

8 days

Pacific Coast of Costa Rica

Day Activities

Multi-Day Experiences

Overview

1–8 December 2026
8 Days | 7 Nights
Puntarenas to Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Aboard Le Bellot

Embark aboard Le Bellot for an immersive journey through one of the world’s richest biodiversity sanctuaries.

Sailing round-trip from Puntarenas, this voyage follows Costa Rica’s Pacific coast from the remote Osa Peninsula in the south to the tropical landscapes of Guanacaste in the north.

Explore Drake Bay, gateway to the vast primary rainforest of Corcovado National Park, before navigating the mangrove-lined waterways of Rio Esquinas by Zodiac. Continue to Manuel Antonio National Park, where tropical forest reaches the ocean and wildlife such as sloths, howler monkeys, capuchins, iguanas and colourful birds may be observed.

In Guanacaste, Bahía El Coco provides access to the volcanic landscapes, fumaroles, waterfalls and hot springs of Rincón de la Vieja National Park. At Playa Mantas, discover the meeting point between rainforest and tropical dry forest around Carara National Park and the wildlife-rich Tárcoles River.

The final full day combines the protected forest and beaches of the Curú Wildlife Refuge with a relaxing call at preserved Cedros Island in the Gulf of Nicoya.

Activities may include Zodiac exploration, guided forest walks, wildlife observation and visits to protected natural areas. All activities depend on weather, local permissions, availability and operational conditions.

Wildlife encounters are possible experiences and cannot be guaranteed.

Coupons

Key Details

The cruise fare includes:

  • Seven nights’ accommodation aboard Le Bellot in the selected stateroom or suite
  • Full-board dining from dinner on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard
  • Snacks and refreshments outside standard meal times
  • Open Bar, including a selection of mineral water, soft drinks, wines, beers, champagne, spirits, coffee and tea
  • Selected minibar beverages
  • 24-hour room service
  • Unlimited onboard Wi-Fi, subject to satellite coverage
  • One included excursion or activity per guest per day at eligible ports, selected from the available programme
  • Activities led by local guides, the excursion team or naturalist guides
  • Conferences, destination presentations, shows and entertainment
  • Access to the ship’s lounges and public areas
  • Access to the swimming pool
  • Access to the fitness centre and hammam
  • Selected non-motorised water activities where available
  • Butler service in eligible suite categories
  • Port taxes

Activities and excursions are subject to availability, capacity, weather, wildlife conditions, local permissions and operational requirements.

Unless specifically added to the confirmed booking, the following are not included:

  • International flights to and from Costa Rica
  • Airport, hotel and cruise-port transfers
  • Pre-cruise or post-cruise accommodation
  • Optional paid excursions and private tours
  • Premium alcoholic beverages identified separately on the onboard menu
  • Spa treatments, massages, beauty services and hairdressing
  • Laundry and ironing services
  • Private fitness sessions
  • Medical consultations, medication and treatment onboard
  • Travel insurance
  • Passport, visa, vaccination and entry-formality costs
  • Boutique purchases, photographs and other personal expenses
  • Discretionary gratuities
  • Any service not expressly identified as included in the confirmed booking

Cruise Departure Point

The voyage begins and ends in Puntarenas on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

The most convenient major international gateway is Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José.

Travelling from Dubai

There are currently no nonstop flights from Dubai to San José, Costa Rica.

One-stop options are available through hubs such as:

  • Madrid
  • Amsterdam
  • Paris
  • Frankfurt
  • Zürich

A practical route may combine Dubai to Madrid with an onward flight from Madrid to San José. Total journey time generally starts from approximately 19 hours, depending on the connection and airline schedule.

Guests should arrive in Costa Rica at least one day before embarkation, preferably by 30 November 2026. For greater protection against long-haul flight disruption, arriving two nights before the cruise would be more comfortable.

San José Airport to Puntarenas

Juan Santamaría International Airport is approximately 90–100 kilometres from Puntarenas.

Allow approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours by private transfer, depending on traffic and the assigned cruise berth.

Final embarkation times, port location, luggage instructions and transfer requirements will be provided in the confirmed travel documents.

Accommodation

Guests spend seven nights aboard Le Bellot, an intimate PONANT Explorers vessel.

The ship accommodates:

  • A maximum of 184 guests
  • 92 staterooms and suites
  • Approximately 118 crew members

Accommodation categories include:

  • Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom – 19 m²
  • Upper Deck Balcony Stateroom – 19 m²
  • Deluxe Suite – 27 m²
  • Prestige Suite – 38 m²
  • Privilege Suite – 32 m²
  • Grand Suite – 45 m²
  • Owner’s Suite – 45 m²

Staterooms and suites feature contemporary interiors and private balconies. Butler service is available in selected suite categories.

Le Bellot also features the Blue Eye, an underwater lounge designed to provide a unique perspective on the surrounding marine environment.

Dining

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included throughout the cruise.

The onboard culinary experience reflects PONANT’s French gastronomic identity and includes:

  • Refined restaurant dining
  • International and destination-inspired menus
  • Snacks and refreshments
  • Selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Selected minibar drinks
  • 24-hour room service
  • Dietary arrangements requested in advance

Food allergies and dietary requirements should be communicated at the time of booking and reconfirmed before departure.

Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is tropical, warm and humid. Guests should bring:

  • Lightweight and breathable clothing
  • Comfortable activewear
  • Long, lightweight trousers for forest walks
  • Comfortable walking or hiking shoes with good grip
  • Secure water or reef shoes
  • Swimwear and beach cover-ups
  • Swimming rash guard
  • Lightweight waterproof jacket or rain poncho
  • Sun hat and sunglasses
  • High-protection sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Small waterproof backpack or dry bag
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Binoculars for wildlife and bird observation
  • Camera and portable charger
  • Light sweater for air-conditioned areas
  • Personal toiletries
  • Sufficient prescription medication in hand luggage
  • Passport, insurance and relevant medical documents

For evenings onboard:

  • Smart-casual clothing
  • An elegant outfit for the Captain’s reception or gala evening

Guests should expect heat, humidity, natural trails, wet landings and uneven surfaces during some activities.

Location

Itinerary

Day 1 – 1 December 2026 Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Embark aboard Le Bellot in Puntarenas, a Pacific coastal city situated along the Gulf of Nicoya.

Known as the “Pearl of the Pacific,” Puntarenas provides access to a region of protected forests, beaches, islands and wildlife-rich national parks.

After boarding, settle into your stateroom and become acquainted with the ship before beginning your journey along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

Day 2 – 2 December 2026 Drake Bay and the Osa Peninsula

Arrive at remote Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula, gateway to Corcovado National Park.

Corcovado protects one of the largest remaining areas of lowland tropical rainforest on the American Pacific coast. Its forests, beaches and rivers provide habitat for an extraordinary variety of plants, birds, mammals and reptiles.

Depending on the final activity programme, the day may include guided nature exploration, a coastal landing or opportunities to observe the area’s tropical biodiversity.

Day 3 – 3 December 2026 Rio Esquinas

Enter the mangrove ecosystem surrounding Rio Esquinas, where tangled roots, forested riverbanks and calm waterways create an exceptional habitat for wildlife.

Conditions permitting, explore the river by Zodiac with naturalist or local guides.

Species that may be encountered include squirrel monkeys, toucans, white ibis, ospreys, snowy egrets, great blue herons and other tropical birds.

Wildlife observation depends on natural conditions and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Day 4 – 4 December 2026 Manuel Antonio National Park

Discover Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most celebrated protected areas.

The park brings together tropical forest, lush hills and fine beaches overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Its trails provide opportunities to search for sloths, howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, raccoons, iguanas and tropical birdlife.

Disembarkation may take place by Zodiac, depending on sea and landing conditions. Activities may include a naturalist-guided walk, beach time or another locally organised experience.

Day 5 – 5 December 2026 Coco, Guanacaste

Visit Bahía El Coco in the north-western province of Guanacaste, an area known for its tropical beaches and relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Coco is also a gateway to Rincón de la Vieja National Park, whose volcanic landscape features fumaroles, bubbling mud pools, thermal springs, waterfalls and forest trails.

Depending on the final excursion selection, guests may travel inland to explore the volcanic region or remain near the coast for a marine or beach-based experience.

Day 6 – 6 December 2026 Playa Mantas

Bordered by Pacific waters and dense tropical vegetation, Playa Mantas offers access to Carara National Park and the Tárcoles River.

Carara is particularly significant because it lies where tropical dry forest meets rainforest, creating a diverse habitat for wildlife. The park is known for its scarlet macaws and numerous other bird species.

Possible experiences may include a guided forest walk, exploration of the Tárcoles River and its mangroves, or an elevated forest experience offering views into the canopy.

The river environment is also known for its crocodiles and rich tropical birdlife.

Day 7 – 7 December 2026 Curú Wildlife Refuge, Cedros Island

Curú Wildlife Refuge

Begin the day at the Curú Wildlife Refuge on the Nicoya Peninsula.

Curú is one of Costa Rica’s longest-established protected areas and combines conservation, scientific research, ecotourism, tropical forest and beaches.

After reaching the shore by Zodiac, explore forest paths where monkeys, iguanas, scarlet macaws, spider monkeys and more than 200 bird species may be observed.

Cedros Island

Later, discover Cedros Island in the Gulf of Nicoya.

This small preserved island is characterised by lush vegetation, peaceful surroundings and golden sandy beaches. Depending on conditions, the call may offer an opportunity to relax by the sea and enjoy the island’s natural setting.

Day 8 – 8 December 2026 Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Return to Puntarenas and disembark Le Bellot.

Your voyage concludes after seven nights exploring Costa Rica’s protected forests, mangroves, volcanic landscapes, wildlife refuges and Pacific beaches.

FAQ

  • This voyage is operated by PONANT aboard Le Bellot and is subject to PONANT’s booking conditions, carrier terms and operational procedures.
  • The itinerary, port sequence, landing locations, arrival times, departure times and activities are indicative and may be changed due to weather, sea conditions, navigation, safety, local regulations or operational requirements.
  • Some destinations have limited port infrastructure. Disembarkation may take place by Zodiac, tender or local boat.
  • Shore activities may involve wet landings, forest paths, heat, humidity, steps, mud and uneven natural terrain.
  • Guests should consider their fitness, balance and mobility before booking activities.
  • Included activities and excursions are subject to availability and capacity. The final programme will be communicated closer to departure.
  • Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
  • Guests must follow all instructions provided by naturalist guides, local guides, park authorities and the ship’s crew.
  • Guests arranging independent activities must return by the time stated onboard. The ship cannot wait for guests returning late from private arrangements.
  • Guests are responsible for meeting the passport, visa, vaccination and entry requirements applicable to their nationality.
  • Comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation, medical care, disruption, evacuation, repatriation and luggage is strongly recommended.
  • Medical consultations, medication and treatments onboard are chargeable.
  • Cruise prices are generally quoted per person based on double occupancy and remain subject to availability and change until confirmed.
  • Promotional offers and back-to-back discounts remain subject to eligibility, availability and confirmation at the time of booking.

Gallery

Why Atlantis Holidays & Wellness

  • More than 20 years in hospitality service
  • Experienced team from different countries speaking different languages
  • Professional and helpful assistance
  • Reliable partners
  • Positive and caring philosophy of the company
  • The best options with flexible budget finding
  • Convenient online booking
  • Fast assistance by your inquiries