Wayne Griffith
Your Local Expert
Contact Information
wayne@godeepscuba.com
+1 707-849-3963
Get Ready For Your Dream Costa Rica Vacation
Your Itinerary ID: FMCR00003555
100% Tailored for Go Deep Scuba
Hi Go,
Welcome to Costa Rica!
Introduction
Exploring Costa Rica
- Group Size: Group Size: 13 Adults
- Duration: 8 Nights/9 Days
- Start: Playa Hermosa, Saturday, 1 June 2024
- End: Liberia, Sunday, 9 June 2024
Prepare for Travel
- Passport:Please review your passport expiry to ensure it is valid for at least six months from the end of your trip.
- Visa:Many destinations also require a tourist visa or pre-arranged travel authorization. Please check entry requirements for all countries you will be visiting or reach out to me for help obtaining this information.
-
Vaccines & Medications:Vaccines may be required or
suggested for your destinations.
We recommend speaking with your travel doctor at least 2 months prior to departure to ensure vaccinations are complete and up-to-date in time for your travel. Please remember to fill any prescriptions you may require and ensure you pack them in their original packaging. -
Money:
Make sure that your ATM and credit card(s) are active. Also, it’s a good
idea to alert your bank(s) and/or credit card
companies about where and when you’ll be traveling to ensure your foreign
transactions are not flagged for suspicious
activity.
- Luggage:We assume you will be traveling with 1 checked and 1 carry-on piece of luggage. Please inform your travel advisor if you will be traveling with additional luggage.
On Arrival
- Our aim is to ensure that you are provided with fast, responsive and 24/7 support throughout your trip. As such, you will find all pertinent contact telephone numbers contained in this document. Nothing is too big or too small, so please do feel free to call our team should you have any questions or concerns. If you have booked a private airport transfer, you will be met by your driver, who will be holding up a sign with your name on it. If your flight is delayed or you miss a connection, please use the contact numbers provided in this document to alert us so that you will be met at your new arrival time.
Highlights
Indulge in our enticing natural surroundings, delectable cuisine, and warm hospitality that combine to create an unforgettable experience, one that is certain to leave you yearning for a return visit in no time!
From enticing shark encounters to run ins with giant Manta Rays and large schools of fish, Costa Rica’s volcanic pinnacles are filled with pelagic life
Enjoy a stunning view of the colossal Volcano Arenal, rounded by an exotic tropical zone, lush foliage and magnificent scenery.
Experience the highlights in the La Fortuna area with a combo adventure day to the Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna waterfall and a locally prepared lunch and tortilla making with Dona Mara
Relax and enjoy the Arenal volcanic hot springs fed pools, small natural waterfall and freshwater pools at Ecotermales
Trip Summary
Day 1 - Jun 1, 2024
Playa Hermosa - Welcome to Costa Rica
Details:
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Hermosa Beach
- Overnight Playa Hermosa | Villas Sol | Deluxe Ocean View
Day 2 - Jun 2, 2024
Playa Hermosa
Details:
- Pickup Time: 07:30 Activity: 2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive
- Overnight Playa Hermosa | Villas Sol | Deluxe Ocean View
Day 3 - Jun 3, 2024
Playa Hermosa
Details:
- Pickup Time: 08:00 Activity: 2 Tank Catalina's Island from Papagayo
- Overnight Playa Hermosa | Villas Sol | Deluxe Ocean View
Day 4 - Jun 4, 2024
Playa Hermosa
Details:
- Pickup Time: 08:00 Activity: 2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive
- Overnight Playa Hermosa | Villas Sol | Deluxe Ocean View
Day 5 - Jun 5, 2024
Playa Hermosa - Free Day
Details:
- Overnight Playa Hermosa | Villas Sol | Deluxe Ocean View
Day 6 - Jun 6, 2024
Arenal
Details:
- Pickup Time: 08:00 Activity: Private Guided Transfer from Guanacaste to Arenal with Sloth Encounter, Frogs and Lunch
- Pickup Time: 18:30 Activity: Dinner at Lina's Restaurant - Magic Mountain
- Overnight Arenal | Hotel Magic Mountain | Superior Room
Day 7 - Jun 7, 2024
Arenal
Details:
- Pickup Time: 08:00 Activity: Combo Tour: Arenal Hanging Bridges + Waterfall + Tortilla Making Lunch
- Pickup Time: 16:30 Activity: Ecotermales Hot Springs + Dinner
- Overnight Arenal | Hotel Magic Mountain | Superior Room
Day 8 - Jun 8, 2024
Liberia
Details:
- Pickup Time: 10:30 Private Transportation from Arenal to Liberia City
- Overnight Liberia | Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport | 3 Standard DBL
Day 9 - Jun 9, 2024
Liberia
Details:
- Shuttle Transfer from Hilton Garden Inn to LIR Airport - Please coordinate the transportation with the front desk staff
Day 1: Playa Hermosa
-
Welcome to Costa Rica
Saturday, Jun 01, 2024
Driver will be waiting just outside doors after you clear customs and immigration and have collected your luggage. They will be wearing a Bill Beard’s Costa Rica shirt and holding a sign with your group name on it. If there is a large crowd outside the door, and you do not see them, please look to the right toward the end of the sidewalk.
Daily Summary
Transportation:
- - Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Hermosa Beach
Accommodation:
- - Villas Sol
Meals:
- - All Inclusive
Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Hermosa Beach
- Pick Up Place: LIR AIRPORT
- Drop Off Place: Villas Sol
Description:
After guests clear immigration, retrieve their luggage, and pass through customs, they'll exit the airport. Our transportation guide will be outside with a name sign featuring the Go Deep Scuba Logo and guests' names. Keep an eye out as you exit onto the street. Since most arrivals are after 6 PM, we'll postpone the welcome briefing to the next morning, coinciding with the first day of diving.
Guests should note that on Day 2 (June 2), pick-up for diving will be in a van at 7:30 AM to gather dive gear and proceed to the shop before diving. Subsequent pick-ups will be from the beach in front of the hotel, at the time confirmed by the dive shop during the welcome meeting, typically at 8 AM. On June 2, guests should gather at 7:30 AM in the upper hotel reception area (where the hotel rooms are located), where Rocket Frog Divers will meet them to collect dive gear and head to the dive shop.
Transfer # 1 Flight AA775 @ 12:00 - 1 Guest
1. Frank Zeller
Transfer # 2 Flight– UA775 @ 2:50PM - 1 Guest
1. Yvette
Transfer # 3 Flight UA1917 @ 3:25PM - 1 Guest
1. Katie Lippus
Transfer # 4 Flight UA2139 @ 6:00pm - 8 Guests
1. Wayne Griffith
2. Polly Griffith
3. Rick Smith
4. Emilie Smith
5. Sergio Bravo
6. Bruce Lewis
7. Craig Lippus
8. Vanessa
Transfer # 5 Alaska 1332 @8:30pm m - 2 Guests
1. Joel Durand
2. Alicia Durand
Hotel: Villas Sol
- Check in: 01/Jun/2024
- Check out: 06/Jun/2024
- Location: Playa Hermosa
- Room Type: 8 Deluxe Ocean View
- Meals: All Inclusive
- Confirmation Number: R-175699
- Hotel Contact: +506 4001 6462
Description:
The All Inclusive Villa Sol Hotel and Beach Resort is located on the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica at Hermosa Beach. Located on the hilltop overlooking the Gulf of Papagayo, you will be amazed by the incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and stunning sunsets.
Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and with access to Hermosa Beach, this hotel is an excellent selection for any beach vacation.
This resort is only 35 minutes away from the Daniel Oduber Airport in Liberia. And just 4 hours away from the Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose.
Day 2: Playa Hermosa
Sunday, Jun 02, 2024
Daily Summary
Activities:
- - 2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive
Accommodation:
- - Villas Sol
Meals:
- - All Inclusive
2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive
- Pick Up Time: 07:30
- Pick Up Place: Villas Sol Upper Lobby Reception
- Drop Off Place: Villas Sol
Description:
Papagayo area offers a great variety of dive sites among them Tortuga, Argentina, Turning point and Fat point. The Pacific coast offers all dive levels going from calm areas to others with some current. Different species of rays, school of fish, sea horse, turtles and white tip sharks can be seen while exploring the underwater world of this region.
This activity includes tanks, weights, weight belt and snacks on board. Additional equipment is available directly at the dive shop.
- What to Bring: Bathing Suit, Towel, Certification Card (C Card), Dive Log, Any Personal Dive Equipment That You Will Be Using, Additional Clothes To Change Into After Diving,
- Includes: Weights, Belt, Tanks,
Hotel: Villas Sol
- Meals: All Inclusive
Day 3: Playa Hermosa
Monday, Jun 03, 2024
Daily Summary
Activities:
- - 2 Tank Catalina's Island from Papagayo
Accommodation:
- - Villas Sol
Meals:
- - All Inclusive
2 Tank Catalina's Island from Papagayo
- Pick Up Time: 08:00
- Pick Up Place: Villas Sol Beach ( Please reconfirm time with dive shop)
- Drop Off Place: Villas Sol Beach
Description:
The Catalina Islands aka “the Cats” are, without a doubt, one of the most sought-after scuba dive locations in Costa Rica.
Considered a scuba diver’s paradise, the 20 islands that make up the Catalina Islands of Costa Rica are surrounded by pristine water that is often described as being a breathtaking indigo color. The islands, as well as the waters that surround them, are home to an abundant array of marine animals, birds, and land animals. A trip to these islands, therefore, is unforgettable.
A variety of rays are also abundant in these waters, including manta rays, stingrays, bat rays, bulls eye rays, spotted rays, and mobular rays. It is not unusual to see schools of these incredible creatures gracefully swimming past you as you spend time in the water exploring the undersea world. You may even find yourself looking up from the depths to see giant manta rays flying over you, with wingspans that range from 4 to 6 meters, or 14 to 20 feet across.
- What to Bring: Sunscreen, Water Shoes, Extra clothes for after the tour, Swimsuit,
- Includes: Bilingual Certified Guide, Tanks,
Hotel: Villas Sol
- Meals: All Inclusive
Day 4: Playa Hermosa
Tuesday, Jun 04, 2024
Daily Summary
Activities:
- - 2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive
Accommodation:
- - Villas Sol
Meals:
- - All Inclusive
2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive
- Pick Up Time: 08:00
- Pick Up Place: Villas Sol Beach (Please reconfirm time with dive shop)
- Drop Off Place: Villas Sol Beach
Hotel: Villas Sol
- Meals: All Inclusive
Day 5: Playa Hermosa
-
Free Day
Wednesday, Jun 05, 2024
Day at Leisure. Today you have the day free to enjoy on your own. YOu can add on an additional day of diving, relax by the pool or head down to the beach.
Daily Summary
Accommodation:
- - Villas Sol
Meals:
- - All Inclusive
Hotel: Villas Sol
- Meals: All Inclusive
Day 6: Arenal
Thursday, Jun 06, 2024
Our journey begins with an early departure from Guanacaste, as we set off on a scenic drive towards the Arenal region. But this is no ordinary transfer – we've carefully curated an itinerary that combines convenience with immersion, allowing you to experience the very best of Costa Rica's natural treasures. Our first stop takes us deep into the heart of a rainforest, where a guided rainforest walk awaits. Be delighted by the sight of sloths leisurely hanging from tree branches, mischievous monkeys swinging through the canopy, and vibrantly colored frogs. Your knowledgeable local guide will share insights about these creatures and their habitat, providing you with a deeper understanding of the delicate ecosystem that sustains them. After this unforgettable encounter with wildlife, we'll refuel with a delicious local lunch, offering you a taste of Costa Rican flavors. As we approach the hotel nestled in the shadow of this majestic peak, you'll be greeted by breathtaking views and a warm Costa Rican welcome. Take a moment to settle into your comfortable accommodations before enjoying dinner onsite in the evening
Daily Summary
Activities:
- - Private Guided Transfer from Guanacaste to Arenal with Sloth Encounter, Frogs and Lunch
- - Dinner at Lina's Restaurant - Magic Mountain
Accommodation:
- - Hotel Magic Mountain
Meals:
- - Lunch
- - Dinner
Private Guided Transfer from Guanacaste to Arenal with Sloth Encounter, Frogs and Lunch
- Pick Up Time: 08:00
- Pick Up Place: Villas Sol
- Drop Off Place: Magic Mountain
- Meals: Lunch
Description:
Breakfast at your hotel. Your driver & guide will meet you at the hotel reception after you have checked out of your hotel to transfer to Arenal. After an easy drive that takes you along the outskirts of Liberia, the capital city of Guanacaste, you will be greeted by rolling hills and wide-open spaces.
Stop along the way to relax, stretch and enjoy a delicious, typical “Tico” lunch, served hot with a refreshing fruit drink. From here you will continue north on the Pan American highway and into the dense, lush hills that are home to sloths, monkeys. Blue Jean dart frogs and other colorful frogs like to hang out near the river banks, and you and your guide will have ample time to search for these natural wonders, because this unspoiled area is filled with wildlife, birds and plants. Please be checked out of your hotel and ready to depart with your luggage packed as we will not be returning to your Guanacaste hotel.
- What to Bring: Insect Repellent, Comfortable Clothes, Camera, Sunscreen, Binoculars, Walking Shoes, Hat,
- Includes: Bilingual Certified Guide, Transportation,
Dinner at Lina's Restaurant - Magic Mountain
- Pick Up Time: 18:30
- Pick Up Place: Lina's Restaurant - Magic Mountain
- Meals: Dinner
Description:
Close the day with a flourish with dinner at the main restaurant of the Magic Mountain Hotel, a rich culinary experience that invites you to savor unique flavors, with unparalleled customer service, creating an unforgettable experience.
Includes: Entry, Main Dish, Dessert and Natural Drink.
Hotel: Hotel Magic Mountain
- Check in: 06/Jun/2024
- Check out: 08/Jun/2024
- Location: Arenal
- Room Type: 9 Superior
- Confirmation Number: 62256
- Hotel Contact: +506 2479 7246
Description:
Hotel Magic Mountain offers comfortable guestrooms and Deluxe Junior Suites, spectacular scenery, access to the swimming pools, hot water Jacuzzis and elevator with a panoramic view. The hotel also provides guests with a Spa, meeting and conference space, clearly one of Costa Rica’s most impressive venues for weddings and receptions. Not to mention the innovative international cuisine at Lina’s Restaurant, Magic Sports Bar and Margarita's Bar.
Day 7: Arenal
Friday, Jun 07, 2024
Daily Summary
Activities:
- - Combo Tour: Arenal Hanging Bridges + Waterfall + Tortilla Making Lunch
- - Ecotermales Hot Springs + Dinner
Accommodation:
- - Hotel Magic Mountain
Meals:
- - Breakfast
- - Lunch
- - Dinner
Combo Tour: Arenal Hanging Bridges + Waterfall + Tortilla Making Lunch
- Pick Up Time: 08:00
- Pick Up Place: Magic Mountain
- Drop Off Place: Magic Mountain
- Meals: Lunch
Description:
The Arenal Volcano and the surrounding area is home to some spectacular wildlife and natural beauty.
Join your naturalist guide on an adventure to visit some of the highlights that this area is famous for. Our day starts with a guided walk via the hanging bridges while seeing what life is like up in the canopy by taking in the sights and sounds of the rainforest. The Hanging Bridges offer an amazing view of the rainforest. This easy, guided hike is wonderful for nature lovers of all ages. Along the trails inside this private natural reserve of nearly 250 hectares of tropical rainforest, you might encounter leaf-cutter ants, wild boars, vipers, tarantulas, poisonous dart frog, toucans, monkeys and sloths.
Your next stop will be a visit to the impressive La Fortuna waterfall. Dropping 70 meters into a bright blue pool, La Fortuna waterfall in Arenal paints a perfect postcard of the Costa Rican jungle and is usually one of the highlights of an Arenal trip for its beautiful views and scenery. Once you hike down and reach the base of the waterfall to the left is a lovely calm water pool area that is good for swimming. The climb back up does involve climbing stairs.
After your hike out of the waterfall canyon we head to lunch. With the deep green rainforest as the backdrop this perfect spot to relax. Enjoy a locally prepared Costa Rican lunch and learn how to make tortillas with local Dona Mara.
Ecotermales Hot Springs + Dinner
- Pick Up Time: 16:30
- Pick Up Place: Magic Mountain
- Drop Off Place: Magic Mountain
- Meals: Dinner
- Confirmation Number: RT-153398
Description:
The Eco Termales Hot Springs is a sanctuary of pleasure, nature, and beauty that has been the life's work of the Hidalgo family focused on toward privacy and relaxation — it does not accept more than 100 visitors at one time so guests will never feel lost in crowd and will always find your own place to unwind. There are five volcanic hot springs fed pools that range in temperature from 99 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit. There is also a waterfall and freshwater pool adding to the ambiance. While the pools are manmade, they are built to contain and enhance the natural volcanic hot springs which feed directly into them.In addition to hot springs, the property offers several paved and lit trails so you can explore the surrounding jungle. There are large trees, broadleaf plants and many tropical flowers. It truly is a magical setting!
When you arrive at the resort you will be provided with a time slot for your dinner. The meal is served in an open air restaurant, providing authentic Costa Rican food. Coffee and dessert are included as well. The property also offers a poolside bar for an additional fee. Offerings include juices, cocktails and other beverages.
Dinner Reservation is for 7:30PM
- What to Bring: Camera, Sunscreen, Bathing Suit, Hat, Sunglasses, Water, Towel, Light Clothes, Sandals,
- Includes: Entrance, Meal, Hot Springs,
Hotel: Hotel Magic Mountain
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Liberia
Saturday, Jun 08, 2024
Daily Summary
Transportation:
- - Private Transportation from Arenal to Liberia City
Accommodation:
- - Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport
Meals:
- - Breakfast
Private Transportation from Arenal to Liberia City
- Pick Up Time: 10:30
- Pick Up Place: Magic Mountain
- Drop Off Place: Liberia Airport & Hilton Garden Inn LIR
Description:
Transfer from Arenal to Liberia - 10 People at Hilton Garden Inn
1. Wayne Griffith (Hilton)
2. Polly Griffith (Hilton)
3. Rick Smith (Hilton)
4. Emilie Smith (Hilton)
5. Sergio Bravo (Hilton)
6. Bruce Lewis (Hilton)
7. Craig Lippus (Hilton)
8. Joel Durand (Hilton)
9. Alicia Durand (Hilton)
10. Frank Zeller ( Hilton )
11. Vanessa Powers (LIR Airport for flight at 3:27PM - June 8 at 3:27pm on UA401 - LIR AIRPORT DROP OFF
12. Yvette Ford ( LIR airport for flight at 4:00PM) - UA1993 at 4 pm on June 8 - LIR AIRPORT
13. Katie Lippus
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport
- Check in: 08/Jun/2024
- Check out: 09/Jun/2024
- Location: Liberia
- Room Type: 3 Standard
- Confirmation Number: #3454864258
- Hotel Contact: +506 2549 6400
Description:
Situated in Liberia, Costa Rica, this hotel is located opposite Daniel Oduber International Airport and features an international restaurant, outdoor pool and modern rooms with 32-inch LCD TV. A free airport shuttle is available on request.
Decorated in neutral colors with dark wood furniture, each stylish room at the Hilton Garden Inn offers free Wi-Fi and an iPod docking station. A microwave and fridge are also provided.
The Garden Restaurant and Bar offers a full menu for lunch and dinner. Snacks are available at the 24-hour convenience store.
Guesst: Polly & Wayne Griffith / Rick & Emilie Smith/ Joel & Alicia Durand /Frank Zeller & Sergio Bravo
Day 9
Sunday, Jun 09, 2024
Daily Summary
Transportation:
- - Shuttle Transfer from Hilton Garden Inn to LIR Airport - Please coordinate the transportation with the front desk staff
Meals:
- - Breakfast
Shuttle Transfer from Hilton Garden Inn to LIR Airport - Please coordinate the transportation with the front desk staff
- Pick Up Place: Hilton Garden Inn Liberia
- Drop Off Place: LIR International Airport
In country destination contact
If you are calling from an International number to the local number in Costa Rica please make sure you dial the country code first +506.
If you do not reach someone immediately please leave a message with your contact information and we will contact you as soon as possible
Vanessa Willing
Your local expert
What's Included
Transportation
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Hermosa Beach
- Private Transportation from Arenal to Liberia City
- Shuttle Transfer from Hilton Garden Inn to LIR Airport - Please coordinate the transportation with the front desk staff
Activities
- 2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive
- 2 Tank Catalina's Island from Papagayo
- 2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive
- Private Guided Transfer from Guanacaste to Arenal with Sloth Encounter, Frogs and Lunch
- Dinner at Lina's Restaurant - Magic Mountain
- Combo Tour: Arenal Hanging Bridges + Waterfall + Tortilla Making Lunch
- Ecotermales Hot Springs + Dinner
Lodging
- Overnight Playa Hermosa | Villas Sol | Deluxe Ocean View - 5 Nights
- Overnight Arenal | Hotel Magic Mountain | Superior Room - 2 Nights
- Overnight Liberia | Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport | 3 Standard DBL - 1 Nights
Meals
- 3 Breakfast
- 2 Lunch
- 2 Dinner
- All inclusive program at Villas Sol
Other
- 24/7 in-country support from our local office
Fine Print
What is included
24/7 in-destination support from our local office
Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions. All the prices are in USD Dollar.
Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation
The following services are not included in the package price:
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable).
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees.
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary.
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified).
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare.
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary.
- Tips for services and experiences.
- Visas (unless noted).
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you’ve booked your tour.
- Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you’d like to receive pricing.