About This Trip
- Travel across four distinct ecosystems, from misty cloud forests to lowland rainforests and coastal mangroves, each teeming with life
- Explore the Osa Peninsula, described by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on Earth”
- Visit a sea turtle conservation project, with the opportunity to witness or assist in baby turtle releases (seasonal)
- Travel in a small group with expert naturalist guides, gaining insights into wildlife, ecology, and conservation in every ecosystem you visit
Explore Costa Rica’s Wild Pacific Coast
Oceanic Society invites you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Costa Rica’s beautiful Pacific coast. Renowned for its biodiversity and strong environmental protections, Costa Rica is a global leader in ecotourism—and this 9-day Costa Rica wildlife tour is crafted to connect you with its wildest places.
This conservation-focused expedition goes beyond the typical tourist trail. You'll visit a protected sea turtle nesting beach, hike through misty cloud forests, search coastal waters for dolphins and whales, and explore the remote Osa Peninsula—called “the most biologically intense place on Earth” by National Geographic.
"Extraordinary creatures, from beautiful birds to sloths and monkeys and turtles that can bring you close to tears" – Paul P.
Trip Costs Details
Includes: All accommodations, activities, and meals as described; ground transportation to each destination; domestic air from Puerto Jimenez to San José; airport transfers; and a dedicated bilingual Oceanic Society naturalist.
Does Not Included: International airfare to/from San Jose (SJO), tips, alcoholic beverages, meals not listed above, airport taxes, any activities not described, tour leader and driver gratuity.
There is a single supplement fee of $975. A surcharge of $385 / person will apply to groups with less than 8 total participants. Click here for our full expedition terms and conditions. Note: Custom itineraries and dates are available for groups of 4 or more - please inquire.
Conservation Impact
Oceanic Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ocean conservation since 1969 and a pioneer in eco-tourism. We craft expeditions that not only align with our charitable mission but also actively support marine research and conservation efforts globally. On this Costa Rica trip, we visit Osa Conservation, a leading nonprofit based on the Osa Peninsula that manages the sea turtle program at Playa Piró. Travelers learn firsthand about sea turtle conservation, attend a presentation by the organization, and contribute to their work through a site visit fee that supports ongoing conservation. Plus, with every booking, we sponsor the removal of 200 lbs. of plastic from the ocean, extending your impact even further.
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
The following itinerary is provided for informational purposes and is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
Day 1: Arrival in San José
Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and trip orientation with your group.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Auténtico, San José
Day 2: Explore Cloud Forest in San Gerardo de Dota
Travel to San Gerardo de Dota’s lush cloud forest, stopping en route at El Paraíso de los Quetzales to hike in search of the Resplendent Quetzal. In the afternoon, birdwatch near your lodge, known for abundant highland species.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Savegre
Day 3: Nauyaca Waterfalls & Highlight Landscapes
Descend toward the Pacific coast, pausing for a scenic view of Costa Rica’s rare páramo ecosystem—an alpine grassland found at high elevations. Continue to Nauyaca Waterfalls via a rugged 4WD route, with time to swim and relax amid stunning jungle surroundings.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Cristal Ballena, Uvita
Day 4: Dry Forest Wildlife & Marine Mammals
Begin your day hiking the dry forest trails of Hacienda Barú, home to sloths, monkeys, and vibrant birdlife. In the afternoon, set out on a dolphin-watching boat tour. During migration season, sightings of humpback whales are also possible.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Cristal Ballena, Uvita
Day 5: Journey to the Osa Peninsula
Travel south to the remote and biodiverse Osa Peninsula. Visit a local conservation farm en route, with opportunities to observe sloths, toucans, and frogs. As you near the rainforest, look for Scarlet Macaws soaring overhead.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge
Days 6-7: Osa Rainforest & Sea Turtle Conservation
Spend two full days exploring the remarkable biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula. Guided hikes reveal colorful wildlife including monkeys, macaws, toucans, tapirs, sloths, peccaries, and poison dart frogs.
One morning, visit Playa Piró with field biologists from Osa Conservation, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the region’s ecosystems. Learn about their sea turtle conservation program, and—depending on the season—participate in releasing hatchlings.
Afternoons are dedicated to further rainforest exploration with your guide.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (both days)
Overnight: Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge
Day 8: Return to San José
Enjoy one last morning of birdwatching before flying back to San José. Settle in at the hotel and reflect on your journey during a relaxed farewell evening.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Auténtico, San José
Day 9: Departure
Transfer to the airport (SJO) for your international flight home, carrying unforgettable memories of Costa Rica’s wildlife and wild places.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations
Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge is perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean
- Hotel Autentico, San José
- Hotel Savegre in the cloud forest
- Cristal Ballena in Uvita
- Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge on the Osa Peninsula
Naturalist(s)
Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides:
Trip Extensions
Interested in extending your adventure? Contact your Oceanic Society expedition specialist to create a custom-tailored extension based on your interests and travel plans.
