Galaxy Zibo: Costa Rica Small Ship Cruise

Welcome to Costa Rica! Your journey begins with your arrival in the vibrant capital city of San Jose. Nestled in the Central Valley and surrounded by majestic mountains and volcanoes, San José offers a charming blend of modern urban life and rich local traditions. Today is primarily dedicated to rest and recovery after your international flight. However, you all already start to soak in the essence of Pura Vida Costa Rica’s warm and relaxed way of life. After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, a transfer will take you to your hotel in San Jose. This is your time to unwind, settle in, and get ready for the incredible experiences that await you in the coming days. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth!

Overnight in San José

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to San Jose’s domestic airport to catch a scenic flight to the charming regional airport of Golfito, located in the southern part of the country. During the flight, be sure to enjoy the breathtaking aerial views of the Central Valley’s lush mountains, endless coffee plantations, and the misty cloud forests that blanket the region.

Upon arrival in Golfito, a friendly crew member will welcome you and escort you to the vessel, which will gently set sail toward Puerto Jiménez. The route navigates through the calm, protected waters of the Golfo Dulce, one of the world’s few tropical fjords completely enclosed by land. This unique marine ecosystem is a haven of biodiversity. With a bit of luck, you may spot bottlenose dolphins, manta rays, and even whale sharks during their seasonal visits. Above, graceful herons, frigatebirds, and pelicans glide across the sky.

In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of water activities, including kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, seabobs, jet skiing, sliding down the onboard water slide, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or simply relaxing on deck as the lush rainforest stretches down to meet the sea. The day concludes with a delicious dinner served onboard under the starry tropical sky. From the comfort of the boat, the mysterious and wild coastline of the Osa Peninsula sets the stage for the extraordinary adventures that lie ahead.

Wake up to the golden sunrise over the Osa Peninsula mountains, accompanied by the songs of tropical birds. Today’s destination is one of Costa Rica’s most treasured gems: Corcovado National Park, hailed by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on Earth per square meter.”

After breakfast onboard, prepare for a day of deep connection with nature. The vessel will approach one of the park’s ranger stations either, San Pedrillo or Sirena, where expert naturalist guides will lead you on a hike through primary tropical rainforest trails. Along the way, keep an eye out for three species of monkeys, sloths, tapirs, and, with a bit of luck, even the elusive jaguar. Endemic birds, colorful frogs, and dazzling blue morpho butterflies accompany every step in this unique rainforest experience.

In the afternoon, the adventure shifts from the forest to the turquoise waters surrounding the park. Anchored in a secluded bay, the yacht becomes your floating base for aquatic activities: kayaking, snorkel, glide down the water slide, paddleboard, hop on a jet ski, or explore with a seabob. Whether on land or at sea, today is a celebration of the wild, untamed beauty that makes Costa Rica so extraordinary.

Today, the cruise sets course for one of Costa Rica’s most legendary Pacific coast destinations: Caño Island. Surrounded by one of the country most pristine and vibrant marine ecosystems, this Biological Reserve is not only a natural haven, but also a sacred ceremonial site for pre-Columbian indigenous cultures.

As you approach the island, the water becomes stunningly clear, unveiling a colorful mosaic of coral reefs beneath the surface. The day is dedicated to non-motorized water activities, offering a peaceful and immersive experience in perfect harmony with this protected marine sanctuary. Between adventures, unwind on the ship’s deck or relax in shaded areas with refreshing tropical fruits and natural beverages always accompanied by breathtaking ocean views. Caño Island offers a perfect balance of conservation and exploration. This day invites you to (literally) dive into Costa Rica’s remarkable commitment to protecting its natural treasures.

To close a day full of sun, sea, and laughter, enjoy a calm and flavorful evening with our exclusive Cocktails Onboard Experience a relaxed atmosphere where you can sip, socialize, and watch the sun dip beneath the horizon.

The day begins as the cruise arrives in Drake Bay, a secluded cove in the northern Osa Peninsula, embraced by untouched jungle and hidden beaches. Named after the legendary corsair Sir Francis Drake, this region still holds an air of mystery and untouched exploration.

After breakfast onboard, the adventure continues upriver into the Sierpe Wetlands, one of Central America’s most extensive and biodiverse mangrove systems. Aboard the ship’s smaller boats, you’ll navigate through green labyrinths where aerial mangrove roots shelter wildlife such as caimans, white-faced capuchin monkeys, tiger herons, kingfishers, and vibrant roseate spoonbills. The experience feels like gliding into a living, breathing jungle. The journey then leads inland to the Spheres Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll encounter one of the great mysteries of Costa Rica’s pre-Columbian past: the perfectly rounded stone spheres, crafted by indigenous civilizations over a thousand years ago. Their exact purpose remains unknown, adding a fascinating layer of intrigue to the visit. A guided walk through ancient ruins, lush forest, and mysterious sculptures connects history, nature, and Costa Rican cultural identity. Back onboard, the rest of the afternoon is dedicated to aquatic fun and relaxation. In the calm waters of the southern Pacific coast, you can choose from a full menu of water-based activities whether you’re seeking adrenaline or serenity. As the day winds down, a golden sunset paints the ocean in warm hues, marking the perfect close to a day rich in wonder, discovery, and beauty.

Manuel Antonio National Park or Punta Quepos (according to the day of the week)*
As the cruise continues along Costa Rica’s stunning Central Pacific coast, the silhouette of Manuel Antonio National Park begins to emerge on the horizon. This small but incredibly diverse park is a true gem of Costa Rican ecotourism a vibrant mosaic of tropical rainforest, white sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and coral reefs that captivate naturalists, adventurers, and curious travelers alike. Your day offers the perfect blend of land exploration and invigorating aquatic activities. **Daily Visits / Except Tuesdays**

The morning starts with a guided hike through the park’s trails, where encounters with three-toed sloths, green iguanas, capuchin monkeys, and gray foxes are common. Naturalist guides will bring the ecosystem to life, interpreting everything from bird songs to footprints in the sand. Scenic viewpoints provide breathtaking vistas of the ocean dotted with islets and hidden beaches. You will also have some free time to relax and enjoy the beach.

**Tuesdays Only** On Tuesdays, the morning adventure takes place at Punta Quepos, a geological formation that hosts the local lighthouse and is known for excellent birdwatching and wildlife observation. This protected secondary forest invites you to experience the heart of Costa Rica’s wildlife diversity. Explore the trails to reach the highest point, where you will be rewarded with stunning 360-degree panoramic views rarely seen by tourists. In the afternoon, it’s time to dive into the coolest part of the day a full session of water activities in the calm, inviting waters surrounding Manuel Antonio.

After breakfast onboard, you will disembark in Quepos, a charming coastal town that perfectly blends the warmth of a seaside community with proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, friendly locals, and deep connection to nature, Quepos offers a beautiful conclusion to your journey. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the area as we bid farewell to the majestic Pacific Ocean and the lush rainforest embracing the coast. This is the perfect moment to capture those last memorable photos that will stay with you forever. A brief stop at a local artisan shop offers a wonderful opportunity to take a piece of Costa Rica home with you whether it’s a handcrafted souvenir or a heartfelt memory. Finally, you will be transferred to the local airport for your flight back to San José. In just minutes, the beaches will disappear beneath the airplane wings, giving way once again to the mountainous landscapes of the Central Valley.