Costa Rica Adventure Travel River Cruises

About Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a tiny nation in Central America – with only one tenth of one percent of the world’s landmass (19,700 square miles), it is smaller than the state of West Virginia. The country’s ideal location just ten degrees north of the equator, however, gives it a year-round tropical climate, and the startling range of geographic features, including more than 100 volcanoes – some of which are still active – and mountain ranges rising to 12,500 feet above sea level give it some of the greatest biodiversity on the planet.

Visitors to Costa Rica will find more than 800 bird species, 2,000 unique types of butterflies, 10,000 different plant species (including more than 1,000 species of orchid), 150 different amphibians, and 220 reptile species. This adds up to fully five percent of the earth’s biodiversity, an unheard of concentration of unique species in such a small area. To preserve this balance of life, more than 25 percent of the country’s area is protected through national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries. The best way to discover these thousands of different plants and animals, then, is up close and personal through Costa Rica adventure travel cruises – no other vacation option can get visitors more intimately connected to the stunning life of this beautiful nation than by experiencing its waterways.

Types of Costa Rica Adventure Travel River Cruises

There are several major river systems spanning this tiny country and offering visitors unparalleled opportunities to experience Costa Rican wildlife. The most popular options for river cruises are the Tarcoles River, the Naranjo River, and the Pacuare River. The latter is the most well known option, where visitors can enjoy the tropical climate while rafting through rugged, isolated canyons, past tranquil swimming holes, and alongside dramatic waterfalls.

Costa Rica adventure travel river cruises are unlike traditional river cruises, however. On a traditional voyage, guests enjoy comfortable accommodations aboard specially designed river cruise boats and stop at unique ports of call to delve into local culture. Costa Rica, on the other hand, prides itself on its natural wonders and scrupulously protects its wildlife, making standard cruises impossible. Instead, visitors must partake of more adventurous and rigorous options, including:

• Coastal cruises that can navigate partway up larger river systems.
• Flat bottom and glass bottom river cruises with a low impact, educational focus.
• Sea kayaking adventures, particularly around the Nicoya Peninsula on the country’s northwestern Pacific coast, that also explore river outlets.
• Demanding white water rafting adventures the can intimately explore deeper into the country’s interior, perhaps with overnight camping excursions for even more involved explorations.

These different types of cruises may be just a few hours, or could last as long as several days depending on the distance they travel. Prior to setting sail along the water, guests are given safety and paddling instruction by experienced guides. Off the water, guests may also enjoy many other types of activities.

More Than Just Rivers

Costa Rican waterfall.

Costa Rica adventure travel river cruises are far more than simple journeys down placid waterways. In addition to exciting passages along thrilling rapids and churning rivers, guests on these adventure river voyages may also enjoy other excursions that acquaint them with Costa Rican geography and wildlife, including:

• Rock climbing through river gorges.
• Horseback riding along jungle trails.
• Days lounging on deserted beaches.
• Visits to indigenous villages and reservations.
• Luxurious hours in natural hot springs.
• Sky walk tours through platforms and bridges built in the jungle canopy.
• Zip lines offering a high flying view of the tropical jungle.

Costa Rica adventure travel river cruises are clearly not for casual travelers, and to fully enjoy the wondrous sites of this country guests must be properly prepared.

Preparing for a Costa Rica River Adventure

These intense cruises are not for everyone. Many tour companies offering river voyages require travelers to meet physical requirements and provide proof of their suitable health, and may require guests to be at least 12 or 13 years old to participate. Guests should pack appropriate cruise wear – the company will provide a suggestion list, which usually includes items such as waterproof sun block, rain gear, sunglasses, comfortable hiking boots, and appropriate clothing for different weather and terrain conditions. While Costa Rica’s wet season is only from May through November, it can rain at any time in this tropical climate and guests need to be prepared for different situations.

Luggage is only part of proper preparation, however. Guests should also prepare their health by ensuring they are physically fit and can hike through moderately rough terrain without strain. Immunizations, including tetanus boosters, should be current, and taking a regular multivitamin is a wise way to ensure good cruise travel health. While on the river cruise, staying properly hydrated is essential, as is eating nutritious meals – the perfect opportunity to sample authentic Costa Rican cuisine and learn even more about this intriguing nation.

Costa Rica adventure travel river cruises are fabulous ways to experience the immense diversity of wildlife this tiny nation has to offer. Costa Rica depends heavily on tourism and takes many precautions to protect its natural beauty. River cruises can introduce eager guests to that incredible beauty face to face, in a way that mainstream cruises never could.