Miami to Los Angeles Cruise

NOTE: You may choose this exclusive shore event, credit toward a customized Virtuoso on-shore event, credit toward a Virtuoso Discovery pre/post hotel stay or shipboard credit. Ask us for complete option details. Credit amount may vary based on stateroom category booked. Credit may not be offered in all categories.

Exclusive Shore Event: Puntarenas | Dazzling Macaws, Chomping Crocs, and Smart Farming

Our Pacific port of Puntarenas is a privileged gateway to some of Costa Rica's most impressive tropical wildlife. We'll get a front-row seat on the action on a boat ride on the Guacalillo Estuary and the Trcoles River. The estuary is noted for its mangrove forests, which provide essential habitat to many endemic birds including cuckoos, hummingbirds, vireo, Panama flycatchers, and graceful herons and egrets. This area is also critical for the conservation of the beautiful scarlet macaw; while this species spends most of the day in the forest, it roosts only in the mangroves. On the Trcoles, we'll see sea birds and shorebirds, but perhaps most exciting are the crocodiles. The shores of the river are home to huge colonies of the fierce reptiles, and sightings are guaranteed.

Following our cruise, we will transfer to Macaw Lodge, a totally off-the-grid eco-lodge and a pioneer in conservation. We'll tour the property and discover its innovative sustainability practices and agricultural products, from vermiculture (worm composting) to aquaculture, cacao to coffee. We'll have a tasty lunch of local specialties before transferring back to the pier.

Approximate Length: 7 hours, 30 minutes

Suggested Attire/Walking Notes: Casual attire with shorts, hiking shoes, sunhat/sunscreen, and insect repellent recommended.