Costa Rica Odyssey

Day 1. Depart London

Arrive at San Jose International Airport and transfer to your accommodation, the Hotel Occidental Torremolinos or similar.

Day 2. Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs [B]

A scenic drive to the Arenal National Park. After slumbering for more than 400 years, Arenal erupted with tremendous force in July 1968. Since then, it continues to erupt daily on a much smaller scale; after dark visitors have the opportunity to view the activity, including explosions and flowing lava! Relax at the Tabacon Hot Springs with its five thermo-mineral swimming pools, Jacuzzi, waterfalls and exotic gardens. Overnight at the Hotel Arenal Paraiso.

Day 3. Day of Activities [B]

Spend the day at leisure exploring this fascinating area. Optional activities include white water rafting, a trip to Venado Caves or La Fortuna Waterfalls or a tree top canopy walk.

Day 4. Arenal to Ocotal Beach Resort [B]

Transfer around the picturesque Arenal Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Costa Rica. The whole area is surrounded by lush rainforest, farms and mountains. You will pass by the picturesque city of Tilaran and then Canas to continue through the Guanacaste Pampa to arrive at the Papagayo Gulf..

Days 5 to 9. Dive the Gulf of Papagayo [B]

You will be based at the beach-front deluxe Ocotal Beach Resort with panoramic views of the Papagayo Gulf, restaurant, bar and swimming pool. All rooms have amazing ocean views, air-conditioning, cable TV, telephone, coffee maker, safe box, hair dryer, and private terrace or balcony. Each day you have the opportunity for two guided dives; see 'Diving the Gulf of Papagayo' for more information on the dive sites. Experience the ultimate diving adventure, with massive schools of fish, rays, jacks, Whale Sharks, Giant Mantas, turtles, Bull Sharks, Whitetip Sharks, dolphins and many more.

Day 10. Papagayo Gulf to Herradura Beach [B]

After an early breakfast, take your private transfer along the Central Pacific Coastal Road to Herradura Beach and the Punta Leona Resort. Costa Rica's magnificent Central Pacific Coast provides an awe-inspiring setting for Punta Leona; a unique tropical rainforest and beach resort. This nature lover's paradise offers guests a wonderful blend of charming accommodations in an exotic setting. Part of the 300 hectare property is, officially, a 'Wildlife Reserve' home to numerous animals, including spider monkeys and coati. Guests also enjoy three beautiful pristine beaches featuring white sand and the clear blue waters of the Pacific.

Days 11 to 13. Pacific Coast Diving [B]

You have two dives per day to experience a different area of Costa Rican marine life. A high nutrient content heralds an impressive, and abundant, variety of marine life in the waters off the coast of Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Humpback whales, dolphins, reef sharks, Giant Manta, Mobula, and Sting Rays, octopus, turtles, groupers, snappers, Angel Fish, Moorish Idols, Trumpet Fish, various types of eels, crustaceans, huge schools of Barracuda, jacks and much more. Soft and hard coral formations are common but not as colourful or abundant as some other areas of the world.

Day 14. San Jose [B]

Spend the morning exploring or relaxing before transferring by road back to San Jose.

Day 15. Homeward [B]

Spend the morning exploring San Jose before catching your transfer to the International Airport.

Day 16. Arrive Home.

All our itineraries in Costa Rica can be tailor-made to YOUR specifications. Our itineraries are suggestions that can be adjusted to suit your requirements. As well as arranging private tours, we can arrange a self-drive itinerary or maybe you might like to stay longer and dive in more areas?