Monteverde Cloud Forest & Arenal Volcano Cruise Tour

Detailed Itinerary

Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.

Day 1

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica

Arrive in San José where a private transfer will be waiting at the airport to take you to your deluxe room at the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel. You will have the rest of the day on your own to explore the sights of San José like La Sabana Park, Museo del Jade Marco Fidel Fristan Castro and San José Central Market.

(Includes overnight at hotel)

Day 2

La Fortuna (Arenal), Costa Rica

Breakfast at the hotel. Take your city tour with lunch downtown. Visit the National Theater, an icon for Costa Rican people and an architectural jewel representing the progress and the fruits of the labors of their ancestors. Continue on an easy walk to Democracy Square then to the National Park featuring the bronze National Monument of Costa Rica. After the tour you will continue to Arenal area. Following a buffet-style dinner the rest of the evening is at your leisure. Enjoy unlimited access to the hotel’s Hot Springs.

(Includes breakfast lunch, dinner and overnight at Arenal Hotel

Day 3

La Fortuna (Arenal), Costa Rica

Today includes the option of ziplining through the trees or walking a series of impressive bridges in the treetops. Start your day with breakfast at your hotel. Then it’s off on adventure. If you’re ziplining you’ll head to Arenal Park for a 20-minute gondola ride to see the rainforest, the Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake. Then you’ll zipline, traveling 600 feet in the air to see nature from a truly different perspective. Or if you’re walking the bridges, you’ll start your adventure at Mistico Park. You’ll want to bring your binoculars to look for the birds and howler monkeys in the trees around you. Then on to Arenal Park to take the gondola ride. Enjoy lunch at the park before transferring back to your hotel for an afternoon at your leisure. Your guide will recommend some optional activities before dinner at the hotel’s main restaurant.

(Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight at Arenal Hotel)

Day 4

Santa Elena (Monteverde)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel to fuel you for your lake crossing. On the way, stop at Rancho Heliconia for a tour of world-famous Costa Rican coffee plantation, take a cooking class on local cuisine, and leave your green footprint by planting a tree. Lunch is served at Rancho Heliconia. Then enjoy the scenic drive to Monteverde as your English-speaking guide introduces you to the wildlife you might encounter at the Monteverde Reserve. The evening brings Curi-Cancha Reserve, part of 210-acre private wildlife reserve in the very heart of Monteverde, covering both lower, and wet montane, and premontane wet virgin cloud forest. The night allows for possible sightings of mammals and sleeping birds. Enjoy the nightly symphony of frogs and insects. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

(Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight at Monteverde hotel)

Day 5

PUERTO CALDERA, SAN JOSE, Costa Rica

After breakfast, visit the Monteverde Reserve. This tour is a must for all visitors in Costa Rica. Founded in 1972, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is among the most famous reserves in the world for its biodiversity, conservation, contributions, and scientific research (entrance fee included). Now it’s time to meet your yacht at Puerto Caldera.

(Includes breakfast and transfer to yacht)

Day 6

Puerto Caldera

Located on the Gulf of Nicoya, the small town of Puerto Caldera is one of Costa Rica’s top attractions, perfect for travelers who like more off the beaten path destinations where the native Tico lifestyle can be experienced. It is the gateway to San Jose, Jaco and the big city of Puntarenas, plus Los Suenos and Tortuga Island. Carara National Park is nearby, the rainforest home to crocodiles, over 400 species of birds and is considered the most likely place to see scarlet macaws.

Day 7

Quepos

The former banana-exporting town of Quepos is your basecamp for a day of rainforest adventure. Take a walk along trails that weave up to waterfalls, or ride horseback to a beautiful jungle pool. A float trip through a mangrove swamp populated by monkeys, crocodiles, egrets, and herons is also available. Or you may choose a nature walk through Manuel Antonio National Park, with its lovely beaches, easy trails, and abundant animal life.

Day 8

Golfo Dulce

Picture Jurassic foliage growing down steep hillsides all the way to the waterline, the hoots of monkeys echoing through trees choked by orchids. Golfo Dulce is one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse areas, where both the jungle and the sea brim with life. Explore the canals by kayak in search of javelinas, butterflies, and more bird species than in all of North America. This port is accessed with a wet landing.

Day 9

Isla Parida

Located within a Nature Preserve of 50 islands, and part of Chiriqui Marine National Park lovely Isla Parida boasts magnificent beaches, one of which is over 1,300 feet long. The crystal clear waters stay at 82 degrees year round and are filled with marine life. There are numerous hardwood trees like teak, mahogany, and eucalyptus, and fruit trees like mango, banana and coconut trees. Here you will be treated to Windstar's Signature Beach Party on a secluded beach that faces the Pacific Ocean.

Day 10

Day 11

Balboa / Fuerte Amador

One of the entrances to the Panama Canal on the Pacific side, Balboa/Fuerte Amador was founded in 1519 and is a short distance from Panama City. In 2012 Balboa was ranked #1 in Latin America in the category of world's busiest container ports. Sightseeing highlights include the colonial homes, the Administration Building, the Goethals Memorial, the Prado, and the local handicraft markets of traditional Panamanian crafts.

Day 12

Panama Canal

At nearly 48 miles long, on your transit through the Panama Canal you will enter three sets of locks that raise and lower the vessel 85 feet between the calm Pacific Ocean and the shimmering waters of the Atlantic. Your voyage features a daylight hours transit with numerous observation vantage points for outside viewing and comfortable indoor air-conditioned lounges. Expert onboard commentary enhances your journey as you watch the day to day workings of this bucket list experience.

Ship

Your cruise ship

The Wind Spirit sails through tranquil waters, flanked by lush green mountains under a clear sky.

About this ship

Wind Spirit

Wind Spirit is a graceful four-masted sailing yacht that reflects Windstar Cruises’ dedication to authentic, small-ship exploration. Designed for just 148 guests, this intimate vessel offers an elegant blend of traditional seafaring charm and contemporary comfort, creating a uniquely personal and immersive cruise experience.

Launched in 1988 and meticulously updated over the years, Wind Spirit sails primarily under wind power, with computer-assisted sails that unfurl silently above its teak decks. Its sleek design and shallow draft allow it to glide into quiet harbors, secluded coves, and hidden ports that are beyond the reach of larger cruise ships. Whether anchored off a pristine island or docked in a bustling coastal town, the ship brings guests closer to each destination—both physically and culturally.

The yacht features 74 well-appointed oceanview staterooms, including one spacious Owner’s Suite. Each stateroom is designed for comfort and relaxation, with a soothing coastal color palette, soft lighting, and thoughtful details. Guests enjoy queen-size beds with fine linens, marble-accented bathrooms stocked with L’Occitane amenities, flat-screen TVs, and fully stocked minibars. The Owner’s Suite provides additional space with a sitting area and a refined, residential feel.

Dining on Wind Spirit is relaxed yet sophisticated. Amphora, the main dining room, serves a rotating menu of regionally inspired cuisine crafted with fresh, local ingredients. Veranda offers a bright, airy setting for breakfast and lunch with both buffet and à la carte options. In the evenings, Candles transforms an open deck into a romantic al fresco restaurant featuring expertly grilled entrees under the stars. Room service is available around the clock for those who prefer the privacy of in-suite dining.

Onboard amenities support both leisure and adventure. A small plunge pool and whirlpool provide refreshing spots to unwind with ocean views. The World Spa offers rejuvenating treatments, while the fitness center is equipped with modern cardio and strength-training machines. A standout feature of the ship is the aft watersports platform, which lowers directly into the sea and offers complimentary kayaks, paddle boards, snorkel gear, and more when the ship is at anchor.

Wind Spirit sails to some of the world’s most naturally stunning and culturally rich destinations, including the Greek Isles, Tahiti, the Caribbean, and coastal Central America. Every itinerary is carefully curated to showcase the character and charm of each region, with immersive shore excursions and Windstar’s signature small-port access.

Offering the romance of true sailing, the comfort of a luxury yacht, and the warmth of personalized service, Wind Spirit is a perfect choice for travelers who want to slow down, savor the journey, and experience the world from the water’s edge.

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