Costa Rica - Natures Paradise (Uncle Bucks Travel Tips and tricks Book 3)

The place is absolutely beautiful and the staff is very welcoming, always tried to rectify anything that came up. Pool is great but a tad cold for non summer months. The home itself is clean but I did get a little bit up in bed, not sure what that was about since it's fully enclosed. Sadly the restaurant had burned down a few weeks back, so we had to drive everywhere to eat. Overall the place is nice, has a lot of potentially just a few tweaks to work on, mainly updating the restaurant in the description so that you're prepared to not have that convenience. We enjoyed our stay here! The kitchen had everything we needed to make snacks or quick meals!

First, the staff were very nice and the grounds were well kept. Sadly, there is not currently a restaurant on site. With half of the Airbnb listing photos showing delicious food, this was the main reason we had chosen this place. The room was comfortable. The kitchen had everything to cook a meal. The bathroom was adequate. We didn't really like the steep stairs from the upstairs room to get to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

There was no light switch at the top of the stairs so we had to use our headlamp. Again, we were really sad not to be able to experience Marcella's food as she has excellent reviews as a chef. The pool was a nice plus and we used it at the end of each day where we met many other nice folks staying here also.

The location makes it easy to get to places around Ojochal, but there is no view and the traffic noise is pretty loud in the morning. Overall a nice little stay, but we probably won't book here again without the restaurant on site. This a very nice property with convenience to everything Ojochal has to offer.

Service was top notch and more than we expected. Room service was exceptional, they even went as far as washing our dishes! Which was not expected at all. There are also two restaurants situated on the same property as Tangara Azul. Umami was good and Citrus was amazing! It was a perfect escape into nature — a gorgeous jungle surrounding the property and a panoramic view of the ocean. We were close to Ojochal, which has amazing restaurants, as well as many beautiful beaches. The house itself is stunning, the pool is lovely and clean.

The kitchen is stocked with dishes and cooking items, it had everything we needed. We woke up in the mornings to the sounds of howler monkeys. We spent most mornings drinking coffee by the pool, just staring at the ocean, and watching the many species of birds hanging out in the trees.

Prior to arriving, the owner, as well as Ann-Marie with Jaguar Property management, were both super kind about answering any questions we had. Kevin with Jaguar met us and showed us the way to the home. He is also extremely kind and is available to help with whatever is needed, and has recommendations for restaurants and tours in the area.

They also provided guidance into choosing a good-fit 4x4 vehicle to help with the roads. The road to the house, like any other road in that area, was easy to get used to after a couple of drives. The drive up the mountain is gorgeous too! We are sad to leave, but grateful to have spent a relaxing and rejuvenating week at this place. Thanks for sharing your home with us, Adolf! This is a beautiful house, with the most outstanding view. Everything is clean and pristine. We used the grill out by the pool almost every night. Be aware that this place is seriously off the beaten track. The nearest supermarket is about a 45 minute drive away.

The roads in the mountain are seriously bumpy and incredibly steep. As far as weather goes, we got perhaps two really good sunny days, most days weee cloudy with spots of rain and one day was just a downpour. However, we knew that going in July, the rainy season, we should expect as much. The weather on the mountain is much different to the weather by the coast, with clouds collecting there much more often.

All in all, we had a very relaxing time, and loved the pool. The internet is intermittent depending on the weather. We loved this brand new home and had a wonderful time. The view of the ocean and surrounding jungle is spectacular. We enjoyed cooking our own dinners in the well stocked kitchen and on the great grill. This was a better option then eating out, cheaper and we didn't have to go back down the mountain at night.

We bought groceries at the BM in Uvita. The house was very comfortable in the evening at this time of year without AC but I am not sure about warmer times of the year. We had some great beach time on playa las Ventanas and in the Ballena national park at the whales tale. We also enjoyed visiting and swimming in the pool at the Pavon waterfall. Overall, the home is great, comfortable, clean, nicely decorated and provides a relaxing and refreshing get-away from everything. Super recomendado para los amantes de la tranquilidad innundados de la naturaleza Had a great stay during Christmas.

Luckily there is the nearby hotel pool for a swim as the house is quite secluded. Grocery shopping and beach trips are a 30 min drive. In February my partner and I spent a wonderful week in this splendid and comfortable villa of the Montplaisir family in Ojochal. We were warmly welcomed by Philippe, the manager of the adjacent Diquis Hotel, who as his lovely collegue Maude was during the week always ready to answer any questions we had.

The house is beautifully located on a hill overlooking the jungle canopy. The days were filled with the massive sound of cicades and the nights by the mysterious sounds of animals, reptiles and amphibians. A tropical dream come true. Add the stunning tropical garden of the hotel, the scent of the nearby ilang-ilang trees as well as the airy atmosphere of the big terrace and the spacious rooms due to the elevated location and you can imagine that we were reluctant to leave.

By far the best accommodation of our Costa Rican holiday. Overlooking the jungle treetops, this place had an absolutely beautiful location. I woke up to tropical birds and the pleasant buzzing of the jungle every morning and even howler monkeys. The stay was very enjoyable. Sebastian was very responsive to any questions I had and the hotel staff was very helpful and accommodating. The town is off a dirt road and is tucked away but very private and relaxing. There are nice beaches and waterfalls within a short driving distance and local restaurants to choose from.

Definitely an enjoyed stay. The house is very nice and the location is beautiful. It's close to lots of great beaches and Osa Peninsula. The only recommendation I have is you get there before dark. It's much easier to find in the daytime. This is by far my best airbnb experience and I have had many!! The place is stunning and very well located minutes drive from beautiful beaches, tasty restaurants: Bamboo room, Exotica, Citrus, Pancito cafe , and wildlife sanctuaries.

Sebastien was amazingly quick at answering all our questions. Surprinsingly, even if there is no AC, the house remains fresh thanks to huge silent fans and high ceilings. Even if the house is in the middle of the jungle, wifi worked perfectly the entire time was able to work quietly with the occasional sound of howler monkeys. Thank you Sebastien for a wonderful stay! Man ist dort gut betreut mit Tipps und Verpflegung.

Danke, Sebastien, dass Du uns in Deinem Haus aufgenommen hast! Wir hatten eine tolle Zeit. Por las noches era fresco lo suficiente para poder descansar. La casa es exactamente como se ve en la foto. La entrada de los carros es para carros altos y preferiblemente 4x4. Muy bonita la casa. Great hospitality, Oscar responded quickly and brought us eggs, fresh fruit and cocos. The nature which surrounds the cabins is simply stunning. It is a private and relaxing setting. Cabins had great AC and blackout shades on bedroom windows which provided great sleeping.

Our family of 4 enjoyed returning to the cabins, taking a dip in the pool, listening to the sounds of nature after an active day. The three rooms are separate cabins. Consider if you have young kids You should have suv with 4x4 if you want to access by car. Great place to stay and relax around the nature, the place is very nice and clean and fully equipped.

Pretty close to the best beaches in the south of Costa Rica. Thank you for your warm, beautiful home. My family and i truly enjoyed your place. We loved how close it was to restaurants, and a mini mart. We loved the fresh produce and eggs on our arrival.

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We will definitely come back! A very short drive to the beach for when you take a break from the refreshing pool onsite. The farm is huge and fun to run around looking for ripe treats to pick. If you are looking for to stay in a small authentic Costa Rica town this place is perfect. This home is spacious, 6 people fit very comfortably. Their garden is amazing and their pool has a great view all around!

I recommend not coming unless you have a 4x4, I cannot stress that enough. You have horse back riding minutes from the house and beautiful waterfalls near. Definitely recommend this home. This place is amazing. Charles is quick to communicate and Oscar who is on site was there in a jiffy if we needed anything.

Sit and talk to your friends. Get your face out of your phone! Big inclines to get there. A trail to a river. We spent a lot of time just walking the grounds. And some fresh eggs and a papaya were waiting for us. Would definitely stay again. Candellila is a wonderful place to stay in! The bedrooms as well as the fully-equipped kitchen and the garden are perfectly arranged and done with much refinement and great taste.

The view is totally breathtaking and the surrounding fauna is stunning! Jean-Luc and his wife Line, the house managers, are such a delight to deal with. We've definitely developed a special bond together and they made our stay even more enjoyable! They were very helpful and sweet from the beginning until the end of the stay. The place is safe and close to restaurants and amazing beaches where you can soak in the beauty of Costa Rica!

Playa Vetanas is the perfect beach for a total immersion with Ticos Playa Ballena is also a quite good beach for hanging around The region itself is not certainly the most touristic place in Costa Rica but it is really worth the stay to live like a Ticos even for few days! We would highly recommend Candellila for vocations to rest, relax and have some quality time with your beloved ones. The hosts were gracious and a pleasure. The well-appointed huts were delightful and relaxing and wow, the view!! Within 20 miles there are beaches, shops, and fine dining Katu.

Grateful for the special memories made at this lovely property! If you are considering the area, book this property. Amazing views and a very comfortable place to relax and hang out with friends and family! I would absolutely stay here again when visiting this part of Costa Rica. Lots to do all within a very short drive of the home-waterfalls, beaches, restaurants and more.

We also heard monkeys and saw toucans, scarlet macaws and parrots while relaxing by the pool. Beautiful home and met all of our expectations. Great location and wonderful views. Greg and Tiki has been wonderful to deal with and very responsive to our emails and requests. Stellar accommodations, awe-inspiring views, phenomenal hosts, this property is extraordinary in every way. Our gracious hosts mentioned that they were not merely lucky, but blessed to be in such a unique, special place and we quickly claimed this motto for ourselves. Standing in this exceptional world-class space, pondering the jaw-dropping vistas- it was evident every breath here was a blessing.

Impressively furnished, impeccably maintained, our hosts were stand-outs and treated us as distinguished guests and better yet, new friends. We can't wait to come back to experience Pura Vida at it's finest! My family and I had a great time during our stay.

Jean-Luc and his wife Lyne we very hospitable. They made sure that we had everything we needed, even as going as far as buying us a small amount of groceries for our first night. They went above and beyond to make us comfortable. My husband found out that they played guitar which my husband did as well and offered to loan him one of theirs during our stay. My husband even played with both Jean and Lyne my husband really enjoyed that. The place is so relaxing and couldn't ask for a better place to stay in Costa Rica.

Jean would often come buy and let us know about the local shops and grocery stores. He even took us on a tour of the towns near buy. He showed us where the beaches were and they were all beautiful. The rooms are beautiful and the scenic view is breathtaking. We miss the place already!! We had an incredible week! The views were outstanding and feel of the property was surreal. The layout with two separate sleeping houses is ideal for a group of two families or friends - shared common space, yet a private spot to each retreat to.

Dave was a great host, and extremely proactive with communication and offering any assistance we needed. His brother Greg was in the owner's quarters and hosted us while there. He was a great host - gave us our space, but checked in each day to see if we needed anything. We took him up on several of his local recommendations, and appreciated it! I would certainly recommend this to family and friends, and we hope to return again ourselves! This place is a wonderful place. The purpose of our trip was to celebrate our honeymoon and we loved it. The views were spectacular. The wildlife was our morning serenade and the breathtaking sunset ended our days all week long.

The infinitely pool was a refreshing and relaxing treat. The local community was conveniently situated and easy to navigate. The hosts were super friendly and honoring of our privacy. We would do it all over again. I know we have plans on going back over there many times, over and over and over again. It's a beautiful place! We recommend this place very highly - it is a very wonderful, well designed house. We spent a week at the Casa Chiquita with our six year old and really enjoyed our stay.

We especially enjoyed both Playa Tortuga 5 minute drive for beach hiking, seeing scarlet macaws, and exploring, and Playa Ventanas 7 minutes drive for swimming and relaxing. The house itself is amazingly well designed, mixes outdoor and indoor living spaces, and has great views of the ocean.

It is well ventilated and very comfortable, although you do hear the highway which can be loud at night. The kitchen was well stocked and we mostly cooked for ourselves. There were all the needed kitchen tools, fresh linens, great hot water, a nice grill, decent wifi, towels, a bluetooth speaker, boogie boards for the beach, etc. The house is very private and there are several areas for lounging including the entire upstairs patio, a great outdoor shower, and a nice dipping pool - where we spent a lot of time in the afternoons and which our kid really enjoyed.

We definitely recommend this place and would stay there again. Hans's house in Ojochal was phenomenal. The design of the house was ingenious, and had many features that made staying there ideal: Most of the time we stayed in the Ojochal, Evita, Dominical area, we opted to camp out at Han's guest house and chill out there for hours.

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I would definitely stay at Hans's place if you are visiting the area. Hans does reveal this on his the airbnb listing though. Overall, you have to stay at Hans's place if you are visiting Costa Rica. Hans and Caroline's place was our home base for the second of two weeks in Costa Rica. Their beautiful, modern, airy rental home served as the perfect place to craft delicious breakfasts, enjoy sunset cocktails, and get a solid night's sleep so we could do it all over again. Casa Chiquita is lovely! Very well equipped, spotlessly clean and tastefully decorated; perfect for a couple. Close to beautiful beaches, great restaurants including the attached Ylang Ylang Indonesian run by the hosts and surrounded by tropical jungle with monkeys, birds and other wildlife.

Great vacation - thanks Hans and Caroline. This was a wonderful place to stay. The house was clean and beautiful. The beds very comfortable and the view was spectacular. Hans and Caroline have equipped the house with all the necessities. The howler monkeys would be there in the trees in the morning, the toucans, scarlet macaws, parrots and many other birds visited throughout the day. We had a little problem with the wifi not working and Hans was very responsive.

I would highly reccomend. House is pretty nice, decent value for the price. Very difficult to find. Took a while to find home, directions and address not very clear, and on top hosts werent very responsive at times. Lists wifi as an amenity but didnt work for multiple days. Hard to communicate with family and work when you have no phone service in that area and no wifi either. Hosts werent very responsive at all at times, would have to send multiple messages and calls for information on their home or to fix issues or make inquiries or what not.

I can't say enough about this beautiful home! It exceeded our expectations. The location is safe and beautiful with gorgeous views. There is so much covered outdoor living space for entertaining and a large table to seat a large group- perfect since we have family in the area. The outdoor shower was so helpful for rinsing off sand after visits to various beaches.

We found everything we needed and more for cooking fantastic meals in the beautiful kitchen. The layout was perfect for our family of four plus my in-laws, as each of the three bedrooms has a very nice private bath. There is a separate half bath for your guests. The beds are all extremely comfortable with very good quality linens. There is an abundant supply of bath, pool and beach towels. We also enjoyed the beach chairs and cooler provided.

The washer and dryer in the garage worked great. Bud and Rachel were very helpful and quick to respond to all of my questions. They provided such great information about various restaurants and attractions. The space was very clean and comfortable. We were all sad to leave and hope to return often! Our stay in Costa Rica Perezoso was truly amazeng. The house, the grounds around it and the lush tropical views from its expansive verandah were breathtaking. The house is very esthetic and the bathrooms attached to every bedroom were very beautiful and enabled the 4 of us staying in the house to enjoy privacy.

Rachel and Bud made some recommendation for excursions, restaurants and beaches which were all very helpful. Everything was flawless, including our communications with Rachel which were very informative. We definitely recommend staying at the Perezoso. It will make your Costa Rica trip perfect. The area of Ojochol is rich with tropical beauty, the beaches are gorgeous, the restaurants are great. We especially enjoyed the local beach of Ventanas, the whale tale beach, and many others.

There are different places to see sunsets from, such as the views from Rancho Remo and la Cusinga Lodge. But, at the end of the day, the best was hanging out in this house!! Thank you Rachel and Bud for creating this magical space and opening it for others. Dieter and Batya, Kevin and Leah. It was peaceful, comfortable, and in a central location for taking advantage of all the area has to offer! They had really helpful tips for activities in the area, and when we were not off on adventures most which were their suggestions , we relaxed by the pool or on the furniture on the expansive patio.

The views of the jungle, ocean, morning mist, and evening sunsets were spectacular. Rachel was FAST in responding to any questions or concerns. Just relaxing on the deck watching the rain forest, swimming in the pool, enjoying all the outside space or being able to walk to two great restaurants and the French bakery. We did lots of exploring beaches, kayaks, snorkelling, nature walks and lunches in Dominical but it was lovely to come back to the tranquility of the house.

Rachel was incredibly helpful on email and the house book has lots of good ideas. This is an amazing place! The view, the pool and the house has so many space! We loved the beds, the sheets and the towels. Very nice beaches in the neighbourhood and wonderfull restaurants on walking distance! We stayed here 5 nights and we were very sad to leave! The house is impeccable and well located near beautiful beaches and close to Sierpe where one can discover Corcovado National Park and the history of the pre-Colombian civilization.

The house is gorgeous, with amazing views, a superb pool and all you need to cook and enjoy la pura vida! This house was a great value in a great location - in the mountains with beautiful ocean views but only a short drive to some of our favorite beaches in the area. The bedrooms were comfortable and there were plenty of linens and towels.

The pool and grounds are gorgeous and the house has great open air design features. Bud and Rachel were super responsive to our questions and we felt in good hands. Rachel and Bud's house is beautiful. The photos are accurate and location is in a lovely, tucked away coastal area of Costa Rica. We enjoyed the pool, outdoor dining area and fully equipped kitchen. We have grown to expect the unexpected when traveling. However, with this trip all the guesswork is taken out of the equation! Just show up and everything is taken care of!!

Sit back, relax and enjoy! The natural beauty, wildlife and preservation of the area was the most memorable. So were the wonderful crew, staff and the super knowledgeable naturalists! The most memorable parts were bear viewing at Silver Salmon Creek Lodge, flight seeing over Denali, the vastness, solitude, wilderness and beauty of Denali National Park, the unspoiled nature of the Inside Passage, and skipping all the touristy ports that the larger ships stop at.

The guides and naturalists at all 3 of our destinations were top notch. They knew the area, the wildlife, they were concerned for the safety of their guests as well as the wildlife. Everyone was concerned with preserving the wilderness and the wildlife for future generations. Phoenixville, PA Jul Our 6th trip to Southeast Alaska and each one was different. The most memorable part was being able to share the magnificent scenery and magical wildlife encounters with our family.

We sighted 9 bears on our Glacier Bay day and had 7 different Orca encounters, including a couple where they swam right under the ship. Zodiac tours through ice choked fjords and forest walks among incredibly green moss draped trees, combined with exploration of the inter tidal zones allowed us to have a totally immersive experience of everything that is so special about Southeast Alaska. As I mentioned this was our 6th trip, and yet we were able to visit 3 areas that we had not had the opportunity to visit before.

The staff from the Captain to the stewards were very friendly and incredibly attentive. The naturalist staff was fantastic with a broad set of expertise that was enthusiastically shared with the guests. The expedition leader, Stephanie Martin, was amazing! Her knowledge and experience opened us to new destinations and the off ship activities were diverse and timed perfectly.

Expedition Ship Ocean Adventurer charter. Mississauga, Canada Jun We would absolutely recommend this adventure to anyone. The most memorable parts were wildlife, polar bears, glaciers, icebergs, hikes, kayaking and so many other adventures. The landscape is stunning. The service was exceptional. We thoroughly enjoyed the presentations and clinics. ExpeditionTrips answered all questions promptly and hammered out all details prior to arrival. Exploring the different islands was most memorable with guides that were wonderful—patient and knowledgeable.

Cambridge, New Zealand May Some fantastic experiences involving bear, birds and marine mammals especially the bear on the last night while out walking on shore. Being on the water in the zodiacs watching the glaciers calving—the water amplifies the experience dramatically. Hearing it, feeling the wave from the impact, hearing the popping of thousands of year old air escaping the ice. Really enjoyed being alongside the naturalists on excursions.

Lovely people with great knowledge and a great, casual way of conferring information. Prompt responses from Marybeth and thorough details provided by the whole ExpeditionTrips team. Excellent service from top to bottom. Seeing the geography and the stark contrast from the world we know, and learning more about how and why what happens here affects the rest of the globe was fascinating. We received so much valuable information from Expedition Trips. Others on our trip booked through different, but very reputable travel sites, and we felt we were prepared better than anyone else.

This was a very active trip—lots of snorkeling, walks, kayaking, etc. The staff and the guides were excellent. The guides were very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the trip. Everyone went out of their way to make our trip special. Excellent communication from ExpeditionTrips with us throughout the entire process. If we called, you were always kind, professional, and reliable. We had an opportunity to visit cultures unlike any we've interacted with.

The hosts on each island were so accommodating and friendly. The snorkeling was excellent with clear, warm waters to explore and the beaches were divine. The staff was excellent at their specialty areas nature, birds, history, etc. ExpeditionTrips left no stone unturned, and all of my questions were answered accurately and in a timely manner. The documents were thoroughly prepared and covered all aspects of the trip. One of the numerous highlights of this trip was interacting with the local fishermen as they plied their trade on the river.

They enjoyed talking to us and displaying their catches. We marveled at the variety and color of species they caught. The crew took the time to get to know each and everyone one of us, and calling us by our first names made us feel right at home. All three naturalist guides were extremely knowledgeable. Juan was truly a character, and kept us in stitches with his unique humor. Powder Springs, GA May The most memorable moments were the mating rituals and coloring of the red-footed boobies, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and frigate birds; and snorkeling with hammerhead sharks, penguins, and sea lions.

ExpeditionTrips' info package on the tour was so complete, just about every question you could ask had already been included. Your air department was excellent. They booked exactly what we wanted very efficiently. I recently traveled to the Galapagos with you and that cinched me on travel with your company. Any time anyone asks about good tour companies, you are the one I mention first. We love nature and we've found the perfect company to help us get close to it and learn all about it. Excellent - Five Plus stars. We loved all the hotels we stayed at.

The canals on the Caribbean side, the birds, monkeys, especially howler monkeys. Our guide and driver were both amazing - very knowledgeable, fun, personable, and always there to help us. The farm we visited was great! Expedition Ship Galapagos Legend. The wildlife was amazing! The staff and guides were excellent. Everyone was more than helpful and seemed to love their jobs.

ExpeditionTrips was very helpful in guiding us to the best cruise for our family and answering all of our questions. The intimate interaction with nature this allows. Perfect time of year, everything was mating, nesting or raising their young. They don't dress in costume, those are the clothing traditions of the people who live on the land. Produce market - Urubama was an unscheduled visit recommended by our driver! Enigma driver and especially guide were amazing!!! All staff and guides were excellent. Naturalist were especially wonderful! Everyone of them was so knowledgeable and so personable.

Loved having the photographer on board too. The whole experience was amazing but swimming with the sea lions was a dream come true! If you are in Quito for the day get a guide All of the staff were very professional. The guides had a vast breadth of knowledge and made the whole trip more interesting. Their energy and enthusiasm were contagious. Each island is a unique experience Everyone was friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable, and passionate about their work. Adding the two days in Mashpi was awesome. ExpeditionTrips' Olivia and Sarah were responsive, informative, and helpful at all times.

I would recommend them to anyone!!! The scenery and activities were wonderful. Great snorkeling and swimming. The level of expertise form all staff was wonderful. People were eager to make you comfortable at all costs. Phoenixville, PA Mar There are few wildlife experiences that can top a mother and baby gray whale seeking out a small panga [boat] to look at you eye-to-eye while being touched.

On this photo expedition we opted for multiple pre-dawn excursions to capture amazing sunrises and the golden light on some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet. The expedition leader for this trip, John Mitchell, did an incredible job planning the expedition. We visited multiple islands with landings that were not destinations on any of our previous trips. As with every one of the Lindblad trips we have been on, the naturalists on staff are top notch. The crew was excellent as well, taking care of all our needs.

Beyond the trip of a lifetime! All of the staff of the ship were so friendly. Everything was truly coordinated and planned out that you did not have to worry about anything but enjoying the trip. Naturalist was warm, patient, and gave constant education and passion for the Galapagos. Isle of Palms, SC Feb The sites were amazing.

We learned so much. Liked the small boat and attention to detail by the crew. Expedition Ship Ocean Endeavour. You must experience this untouched continent. My first footstep onto the Peninsula brought tears to my eyes. The seals, whales, and especially penguins were plentiful and their sense of freedom brought such joy to me. One fact that surprised me is through the Antarctica Treaty, only tourist are allowed on the continent at one time.

Staff and guides were excellent!!! First of all, your expedition team is way more than you'd ever expect. For the passengers aboard, there are about 23 [staff and guides] who give you the experience of a lifetime. They educate you through interesting lectures and even have a yoga instructor on their team. You always have someone around on the ship to help you, and they are the kindest people you will ever meet. At ExpeditionTrips, Olivia Zimmerman was off the charts with her dedication to making our trip perfect.

She helped make the trip a complete success and was always there to help assist us in every way. Sarah, who made sure our info was complete, was excellent also. Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Feb Postcard scenery every time I looked around. Wonderful, laid-back staff who honestly enjoy their jobs and want you to have the most amazing trip of a lifetime. Victoria, BC, Canada Feb Flying over the Drake was a good thing to do. It gave us more time in the Antarctic. Going South of the Polar Circle was also fabulous and few cruises do that.

The scenery was unique. The hotel staff and food on board were great. The kayaking was fabulous. Scenic Exploration Vessel Fram. The trip was fantastic! I am very impressed by the high quality of the expedition team. The members were very professional and shared lots of experience and knowledge with us. My friends and I are from Hong Kong and this was our first visit to Antarctica. The expedition coordinator and leader answered all of our questions with patience. Expedition Ship Island Sky. The most memorable parts of this expedition were taking the Zodiacs and seeing the wildlife.

The level of service could not have been better. Expedition Ship Ocean Adventurer. Our trip was absolutely incredible. We feel very lucky to have had such an amazing experience. Words can't describe how beautiful it is down there! It's hard to pinpoint a highlight because it was all unlike anything we had done before. I think seeing icebergs, watching the curious Gentoo penguins running around, spotting 4 or 5 species of whales, and just having a completely different adventure every day were all highlights.

The Quark team did such a great job, we couldn't have asked for a better crew.

They were so knowledgeable and friendly, and made sure we all had the best possible experience. ExpeditionTrips sent quick responses and offered the best deal for us!

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The whole process felt very personalised. Thanks again for helping us book a life changing experience! The expedition staff were amazing. They shared their knowledge, making our trip a much richer experience. We had some incredibly close interactions with humpback whales while we were in our zodiacs that were amazing and unforgettable. Also, in mid-to-late February, the penguin chicks were old enough to be left alone by their parents. They were extremely curious and interactive. Nearly everyone who wanted an up-close and personal experience got a visit from a chick who wanted to peck at their pants, backpack or trekking pole!

All done within the rules to ensure the safety of chicks and guests! There were always people on the outside decks of the ship taking pictures, scouting for wildlife, and sharing their experiences. The atmosphere on the ship was excellent and there was a good mix of ages, friends, family, abilities, and fitness levels. Everyone had a good attitude and was interested in meeting other passengers and learning from each other.

We made several new friends from far-flung countries. The Quark Expedition staff was simply amazing. They were energetic, friendly, fun, and knowledgeable. They were constantly available to interact, answer questions, share experiences, and have a drink. During the excursions, I always learned a lot, had fun, and felt safe. They made the extra effort to eat meals with the guests and share their exciting experiences. Planning through ExpeditionTrips was very easy.

All of my questions were answered promptly and fully. The provided materials were comprehensive and very helpful. The entire trip was amazing. I specifically enjoyed Antarctica's wildlife and beautiful scenery, the outstanding service and professionalism of the staff, and their willingness to assist in making my expedition a once-in-a-lifetime experience. All necessary information was provided by ExpeditionTrips in a timely manner: Thank you so much for your exceptional service and support during the entire journey.

It was a peak vacation; a life-altering combination of learning and activity, hiking and snorkeling with impassioned and knowledgeable naturalists, on a well-designed ship with a crack crew and a kitchen intent on presenting local cuisines. It was also wonderful to escape civilization and see evolution in action on islands isolated from plastic, urban noise, and the internet. We were mostly alone with the flora and fauna. Top notch all around. The naturalists were dedicated, often witty, teachers who taught us a lot. This was by far the best cruise we've ever taken. It's hard to imagine a better vacation.

Research Ship Spirit of Enderby. This trip is for those who desire to see the real Antarctica, as close to the South Pole by hundreds of miles as you can get by sea, in the most pristine water in the world. For spectacular history, close-up encounters with wildlife that could care less whether or not you're there, and being the only 50 people within miles around you, there's no place else you can possibly go.

So what if it's a month at sea without news or internet? Great food, wonderful mates. The staff was excellent. There were many lectures on history and Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic animal life. On our trip we needed strong experienced sailors to help us on and off our Zodiacs. The Russian staff was great. We did some outstanding hikes especially in the Sub-Antarctic Islands and never saw any other people other than at Macquarie Island, which had a few visitors. Food was varied and very good. There were also great parties. There were many amazing things about this trip but seeing the Ross Ice Shelf is otherworldly and gives you a sense of the greatness of our planet.

My top days were probably when we got up-close and personal with Emperor penguins, and the day we saw Emperor penguins and at least twenty-five Orcas swimming in the ice cracks and along the ice edge. I also watched albatrosses and their mating rituals. The service onboard was excellent. The guides were excellent; interesting, funny, good-natured, and kept us informed and entertained. The staff was always thinking of us and helping us in a variety of ways. I have never been treated better by a kitchen staff on any of my numerous trips over the past 25 years.

The whole experience was well thought out, well-structured, and organized. The leader cared greatly about us getting to see things, our health, and our safety -- and it showed. Having lectures and fun quizzes about what we were seeing all contributed to the experience. The trip was great! And the sand dollars on Sand Dollar Beach were wonderful! We had several families on board and the crew did its best to see that everyone had a great time. Everything was planned perfectly. There was no confusion from baggage claim to customs to changing luggage from plane to boat.

The level of service from the staff and guides was outstanding. This is the fourth cruise I've been on and by far the best. We landed on Deception Island. I actually set foot on the continent of Antarctica. Planning through ExpeditionTrips was excellent. I had to do very little myself except make arrangements to get there. I appreciated that this trip was eco-friendly and the staff focused on environmental protection.

Staff and guides were professional and ExpeditionTrips was very good with fast responses. Kfar Saba, Israel Feb Landing ashore, exploring, and seeing whales were all memorable parts of my trip. The guides, in general, were professionals devoted to their mission. The staff on the boat including the kitchen and dining room personnel were the very best I've experienced. The organization on the whole was really great.

Above what I expected. The crew were very knowledgeable and helpful with a good sense of humor. The most memorable part was seeing all the animals and marine life. Terrific naturalists, photographers, officers, and crew. Wonderful accommodations and food. The trip of a lifetime -- it fulfilled all bucket-list expectations! The ExpeditionTrips staff was very knowledgeable, extremely helpful when last-minute changes were necessary, and always available to answer questions or provide advice.

The most memorable parts were the knowledge and passion of the naturalists; the incredible animals and beauty of these islands, and being on a boat for a week. The service provided by everyone was excellent, friendly, and professional. Amazing having the naturalists on board, walking with the penguins, the lectures, witnessing small avalanches, and watching the ship cut through the ice. The level of service that the staff and naturalist guides delivered during the trip was excellent - beyond compare to any other cruise I've been on. Trip planning with ExpeditionTrips is mindless for the consumer.

Everything was organized, timely, and easy to navigate.

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Scenic Exploration Vessel Midnatsol. The most memorable parts of our trip were getting so close to the whales and penguins, and sailing past giant icebergs. All the staff were amazing. My favorites were Dom, the photographer, and Sam, the marine biologist. Olivia at ExpeditionTrips was awesome; efficient and very fast to respond. Manila, Philippines Jan The most memorable parts of my trip were seeing glaciers, icebergs, penguins, and kayaking.

Service from the staff and guides was very good. My experience with my Expedition Specialist and Travel Coordinator was excellent. Expedition Ship Ocean Diamond. Especially enjoyed Antarctic Peninsula Some unforgettable encounters with humpback whales while we were in the Zodiacs. Ship crew and staff were outstanding--very hardworking, efficient, and always good-natured.

Guides were enthusiastic and well grounded in their topics-- Justine historian , Dany whales , Jean, Annie, and Kit were especially capable. Ben the guest service coordinator was very good as well. Enjoyed all their presentations. Averill Park, NY Jan Everything about this trip exceeded our expectations. The animals, the animals, the animals! It was a privilege to walk among them. Also, a pretty small group of like minded travelers provided for great table talk, shared experiences, and new friendships - some that will last a lifetime.

I would not trade a day of it, even those just at sea. Don't miss South Georgia Island!!! We have no idea how they did it, but the staff of Hebridean Sky was first rate in every way. Superb food and service. The staff has been trained to give personal service and many of them took time to learn our names and preferences.

Every one of them blew us away. Ecublens, Switzerland Jan ALL landings and zodiac cruises were exceptional: Especially impressed by the giant king penguins and black browed albatross colonies on South Georgia Island. Expedition Ship Island Sky charter. All of our many questions were answered promptly by ExpeditionTrips.

As a third person joining two others on the expedition months after they signed up, you worked quickly to get me on the same tour. Two Zodiac cruises stand out. The first was a Zodiac cruise through icebergs of all shapes and sizes. Many had seals or penguins resting on them. The ice was an incredible blue.

The second most memorable part was another Zodiac cruise at dusk to see Humpback whales feeding on krill. They were tumbling through the water and showing us their tails. During that expedition, the cruise director, and several of the crew met us out in the bay with their own Zodiac outfitted with hot chocolate and optional Baileys. The level of service was superb. The crew on the ship was so eager to please and make us feel welcome. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

We enjoyed touring with them in the Zodiacs, having meals with them, and attending their lectures. Can't believe how accomplished they all were. We felt privileged to be in their company. Jennifer and Sarah were responsive, knowledgeable and professional. Jennifer was able to assist in weeding through all the expedition companies and routes to provide what we were looking for. She also had kayaked in Antarctica and had recommended it — so glad we did.

Highlight of the trip. And their patience and quick response to our myriad of questions. Very thankful for their help. From incredible scenery with snow capped mountains, a menagerie of icebergs of immense proportions and shapes; Minke whales checking us out in the zodiacs as we checked them out, kayaking as penguins porpoised by us, the tranquility; humpback whales diving under our kayaks as gentle giants and appearing on the other side; the ship's crew and it's captain Oleg; incredible meals and waitstaff; expedition staff: Kayaking guides were professional and experienced.

Getting us on the water whenever safely possible. We were fortunate to have 2 penguinologists on our expedition, Tom and Al; also experts on mammals who did research in the "off season" and taught us about whales and seals; an ornithologist, Lilianna who answered all our questions and taught us so much about the penguin behavior plus the giant petrals, skua and even the tiny pippit. Huntington Beach, CA Jan It was a special addition to the Antarctic Peninsula. I would hate to have missed them.

Everyone should make the effort to include them. I was very impressed at the level of experience and knowledge our guides shared. Extensive documentation provided online. Abby and Sarah promptly responded to every question I had. Prince Albert, CA Jan Everything was so good. The expedition specialists were absolutely fantastic. Very knowledgeable, friendly, humorous, and kind! I like that is they sat down with us at lunch, etc. They enjoyed the trip as much as we did! I am just so excited to tell people about this trip!

And I loved everyone who worked before with me and during. You people all deserve medals!! Guides were the best! The level of service was a 10 plus The trip was amazing. The ship exceeded our expectations for accommodations, comfort, food, etc. The ship and expedition staff all went above and beyond to satisfy any needs. ExpeditionTrips listened to our specific needs and suggested the ship and itinerary that was perfect for us. Exposure to wildlife exceeded my imagination. Whether I was viewing whales around the ship, encountering penguins by the thousands after a landing, coming upon a seal lounging upon the ice or hiking to nesting seabirds, the intimacy of contact was surreal.

The staff was incredible as were the guides. Some of the best service and experience I've received. The staff was always on top of the guests needs and the guides were so thrilled and energetic. I travel a lot and this was the best expedition I have ever done. The staff and naturalist guides and incredibly well organized and dedicated to customer service. The planning assistance was quick and accurate. We were on the Antarctic peninsula for four days and went kayaking for one outing each of the days.

I would highly recommend kayaking to anyone considering going onboard the Ortelius. Out of passengers or so, only 14 of us were kayakers and we readily "bonded" with our daily activity. Chris, thank you for finding a trip that had the "right level of activity" for a guy like me. I'm not yet ready to just cruise on a Zodiac all day and make a few landings. I wanted to do more, and the kayaking and camping were the perfect compliment. Rosebery, Australia Jan It gives you enough information to plan your own tour. If you choose to do one of the package tours, use this guide to do your own additional sightseeing, shopping, eating and recreation activities, while taking advantage of the group hotel rates and transportation that are possible with such tours.

The well developed tourist industry caters to a wide range of physical competence for all ages - from mild exertion on jungle walks and hot air ballooning to adrenaline packed activities like sky-diving, zip-lining, and river rafting. The variations in topography and culture in Costa Rica require some pre-travel preparation, but Costa Rica visitors will settle into vacation mode with great ease.

They can be reached through tour packages either on a fly and drive stay, or a package which provides complete transportation between hotel destinations at the major sites. The moderate overall cost and exotic venues described here make a trip to Costa Rica well worth your attention, and your visit will be much easier and much more affordable with this guide.

Trip preparation details are itemized in the following pages, profusely illustrated with color photographs so that you can easily identify all listed attractions. A well-planned trip to Costa Rica will leave you feeling that you have taken a much longer vacation, and have got the most value for your money. Read more Read less.