This is an explore Costa Rica trip similar to the one we did in 2022 with modifications based on what we loved about our first trip.

First of all, we are spending 2 nights in the Paos Volcano Lodge. We really loved that place, walked the grounds, did bird watching from the parking lot, and had great meals. This year we are staying an extra day and there is an option for a add on to do a resplendent Quetzal birding tour.

On the way to the Tabacon we will hit the La Paz Waterfall Garden Park that is full of rescued local animals and a really cool butterfly house. It is a great stop.

But main modification to the trip (and the biggest driver of trip cost) is 2 nights at the Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa. We didn't stay there last time but we loved it! This resort is on the side of the volcano, and the river that runs down the side is geothermal warmed. Tabacon has captured and redirected this river into a least 20 different hot tub like pools of various sizes. Including the one at the bottom which is a swim up bar. We had so much fun there drinking out of pineapples. This is the spot to kick back and relax - the spa here is famous (not cheap) - but if that is not not your style there are wildlife tour and class III whitewater rafting tours.

Transfer Day to the Gaunacaste Beach resort, Bosque Del Mar, includes a sloth trek and lunch, and the next day starts the 2 days of diving we are doing on this trip. The diving in Costa Rica is unique and worth experiencing, but IMO 2 days is good. It is a bit chilly, but they have 5mms if you need them. Also, if you want to extend the trip, and some of the hard core divers will, then there is an add on for that. For those that can take or leave the diving, there is an option to go rafting.

There are decently priced flights out of IAH to Costa Rica. Note that the return airport is not the same at the arrival airport. We are flying into San Jose SJO on the 22nd and out of LIR on the 29th.

Flight schedule change and this is being written before seats have been released, but we are expecting a flight on United from Houston that arrives 12:21pm. So the group transfer to Paos Volcano Lodge will be at 2pm. This may require an overnight stay in Houston to make, but if you would prefer an overnight stay in San Jose, check the Add Ons list, I've requested that option.

For the flight out of LIR we will take the group transfer to make flights 1:00pm or later. If you book flights prior to that you will need a private transfer.

We planned the trip so that you can take down days or go hard. Ad ons are mostly that. Be aware that taking an Add On while you are at Tabacon means you give up part of the day in the pools. Questionable!

This is primarily a Costa Rica exploration trip, not a dive trip. You could turn it into a dive trip by extending with extra days of diving on the back end. We built it that way so it would be easy to modify, just let me know.

We are going to luxuriate a little on this trip. Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa won't be something you ever forget. The spa is pricey - a 80 minute message is $189 to give you an idea. I normally wouldn't do that. I will here.

If you like animals, we are going to see a lot. Some in the wild, but all the cool things Costa Rica has will be at that Waterfall park.

The diving is only pretty good. Colder, so there are things we don't normally see, and that keeps it interesting. But if you gave up a day to do the world class white water rafting they have there, that would be kinda fun too.

You can skip this section if you have been on a trip before, you know us already.

For those of you thinking about your first trip with this dive family, welcome! One of the best reasons to come along is the other people that will be there. Good people and fun - and mostly (but not all!) divers.

The only people that will be there for sure though are Matt and Sheila. While we do take input, the travel group is mostly "where do Matt and Sheila want to go?" then, "let's invite our friends!". This leads us to the world's best diving destinations, and some non diving trips that are bucket list worthy!

Matt grew up in Friendswood outside of Houston, went to TexasA&M, got a Ph.D in molecular biology at UCSD, then started Island Divers Hawaii in Honolulu and ran it for 25 years and is now retired except for this travel program. Sheila grew up in California, moved to Oahu at 19, worked in the tourism and maritime industry with many hats (including boat captain at Island Divers) until she retired with Matt in 2024.

We welcome everyone to try traveling with our group of dive friends. Return invitation is curated, but all reasonable people are welcome back - be nice to local staff, hold off on political rants, dive reasonably safely, no incessant complaining if things don't go your way. We call our return guests/friends Dive Travel Alumni. We keep a special email list for them. Would love to put you on it!

Arrive at Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Transfer to the Poas Volcano Lodge. Travel time is about one hour to this unique mountain lodge set in the rolling hills and cloud forest.

We can unwind and settle into vacation on this beautiful property. Watch the hummingbirds feed in the gardens, enjoy the tranquility of the library with it's antique tiny wood burning stove, or challenge your travel companions to some leisure games in the well equipped game room or book a massage at the spa. The property also has a great private hiking trail.

Dinner will be at the restaurant on site.

Breakfast at lodge.

Hike the rolling hills of the Poas Volcano Lodge and surrounding areas looking for birds and other local Flora and fauna.

Optional birding tour for the elusive Quetzal.

Another optional tour would be going to the Paos Volcano itsefl

Dinner at lodge.

Breakfast at the lodge.

Transfer to the Arenal Volcano area. Along the way, we will go to the La Paz Waterfall and Gardens where we will explore, see beautiful humming bird gardens, butterfly gardens, check out the rescued animals in the animal sanctuary and hike to the waterfall in the wildlife refuge.

Arrive at the famous Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa and begin to enjoy the thermal hot springs.

Breakfast

Enjoy the many thermal pools at the Tabacon Resort.

Book spa services at the Tabacon Resort.

Optional tours:

White Water Rafting (class 3/4)

Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, boat tour.

The optional tours sound great, but we are spending 2 nights a Tabacon so we can really get into the thermal pool environment. There have to be at least 20 of them. If you can bring yourself to relax on vacation, this the THE place to do it.

Dinner at the resort.

Breakfast at resort

Transfer to Guanacaste.

Along the way, we will do a tour to see Sloths, Frogs and Monkeys!

Lunch included this day

Arrive in Guanacaste,

Dinner at Hotel.

Overnight at Hotel Bosque del Mar.

Breakfast at hotel

2 tank dive day with Rocket Frog divers.

Non divers, this hotel is just steps away from the beach. Setting is jungle like, don't be surprised to see monkeys and other critters and birds on property.

Lunch and dinner at hotel.

Not into the diving? you can book optional tour to go white water rafting. Not enough diving? Rocket Frog can get you out for more dives if you like.

Breakfast at hotel

your choice of:

2 tank dive

enjoy the pool, grounds and/or beach

optional white water rafting tour (class 3 or 4)

Lunch/dinner at hotel

Breakfast at hotel

Group transfer to Liberia airport (LIR)

Sad goodbyes!

OR-

If you need more diving, you can add on optional dive days!