Seasonal humpback whales visit the protected waters of Golfo Dulce, a recognised Whale Heritage Area

Corcovado National Park's rainforest meets the pristine coastline of Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula

Explore Corcovado National Park on a guided rainforest hike

Squirrel Monkey in Golfo Dulce

Snorkelling in the clear waters of Costa Rica

Macaws in Corcovado National Park

Golfo Dulce & Corcovado Explorer

Costa Rica wildlife escape: rainforest, reefs and rich biodiversity in Golfo Dulce and Corcovado

Costa Rica

5 Days from

Trip Code: GDC

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Essential Information

Duration

5 Days

Activities

4 days adventure touring
1 guided trek
1 snorkelling boat

Accommodation

4 nights hotel

Meals

1 Lunch
4 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading: 2 / 10
Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint

13kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(51kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Discover the Golfo Dulce, and Corcovado National Park in an unforgettable blend of rainforest, wildlife, and coast
Explore Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, on a guided rainforest hike
Cruise the calm waters of Golfo Dulce, one of only four tropical fjords in the world
Snorkel Costa Rica's tropical waters and explore the rich marine and mangrove ecosystems of the Osa Peninsula
Encounter Wildlife, from scarlet macaws, monkeys and toucans in Corcovado’s rainforest
Spot dolphin pods, sea turtles and seasonal whales in the calm waters of Golfo Dulce
Extend your Costa Rica adventure with a relaxed blend of rainforest walks, ocean swims and tropical sunsets

Overview

Extend your Costa Rica journey with five days exploring the remarkable landscapes of Golfo Dulce and Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula. Combining guided rainforest walks, wildlife encounters and marine exploration, this nature-focused extension showcases one of Costa Rica's most biodiverse regions.

Explore Corcovado National Park on a guided rainforest hike, where towering trees provide habitat for scarlet macaws, monkeys, coatis and other native wildlife. Cruise the calm waters of Golfo Dulce, one of only four tropical fjords in the world, with opportunities to snorkel and, in season, look for dolphins and migrating humpback whales.

Designed as a rewarding extension to a Costa Rica itinerary, this journey offers a balanced mix of rainforest, coastline and exceptional wildlife on the wildlife-rich Osa Peninsula.

Itinerary

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You’ll either be transferred from your hotel or make your own way to San José Airport, where a local representative will assist you in preparing for the short domestic flight to Puerto Jiménez (approx. 50 minutes). On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your eco-lodge set right on the shores of the Golfo Dulce. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax by the beachside pool, swim in the ocean, or ease into tropical life surrounded by nature. Overnight: Agua Dulce on the Beach, or similar Distance: Approx. 300 km / 186 mi (by air)

Meals: Nil

Let the adventure begin! After an early breakfast, you'll travel by 4WD vehicle to Carate (approx. 2 hours), located on Costa Rica’s remote Pacific coastline. From here, begin a guided full-day hike along the La Leona Trail in the southern sector of Corcovado National Park, one of the world’s most biologically intense ecosystems. The walk is easy to moderate in difficulty, following flat forest trails and sandy coastal stretches, with opportunities to spot monkeys, scarlet macaws, coatis, anteaters, and a wide variety of birdlife. A picnic lunch is provided along the way. After your walk, return to your beachside lodge to rest, swim, or relax by the Golfo Dulce. Hiking Distance: Approx. 8–10 km / 5–6 mi Overnight: Agua Dulce on the Beach, or similar

Meals: B,L

Today you’ll head out on a relaxed boat-cruise exploration of the Golfo Dulce, one of the world’s only tropical fjords. This half-day journey takes you along lush coastline and past offshore islets, with excellent chances to spot bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and during the right season; humpback whales. There will be time to snorkel near the Mogos islets (tide and conditions permitting), and explore mangrove-lined inlets rich in birdlife and marine biodiversity. Return to shore in the early afternoon with time to swim, read by the pool, stroll the beach, or simply enjoy the peaceful lodge surroundings. Activity: Approx. 4 hours / 20–30 km (by boat) Overnight: Agua Dulce on the Beach, or similar

Meals: B

Enjoy a final breakfast by the sea before checking out of your lodge. You’ll be transferred to Puerto Jiménez Airport for your short domestic flight back to San José (approx. 50 minutes), offering one last aerial view of the rainforest below. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your centrally located hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the city, relax at the hotel, or reflect on the wildlife and coastal beauty of the past few days. Overnight: Sleep Inn San José, or similar Distance: Approx. 300 km / 186 mi (by air)

Meals: B

After a relaxed morning, you'll have a private transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your onward flight. Depending on your departure time, there may be the chance for a short walk or final souvenir shopping before saying goodbye to Costa Rica. If you're continuing your journey, additional accommodation and activity options can be arranged on request. Distance: Approx. 15 km / 9 mi (20–30 min depending on traffic)

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

11 scheduled departures between 8 Nov 2026 and 17 Oct 2027.

Departs 8 Nov 2026 – ends 12 Nov 2026 (5 days)
Departs 6 Dec 2026 – ends 10 Dec 2026 (5 days)
Departs 17 Jan 2027 – ends 21 Jan 2027 (5 days)
Departs 21 Feb 2027 – ends 25 Feb 2027 (5 days)
Departs 28 Mar 2027 – ends 1 Apr 2027 (5 days)
Departs 23 May 2027 – ends 27 May 2027 (5 days)
… and 5 more departures.

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What's included?

Included

4 breakfasts and 1 lunch (on day hike)
Experienced guides
Airport transfers (internal and day 5 to international)
All included transportation noted in itinerary
Good quality hotel accommodation
Expert tour leaders and guides for activities
All entrance fees, charges and government taxes for activities and locations noted in the itinerary.
24 hour emergency support and group medical kit.

Not included

International flights
Airport and departure taxes
Meals not indicated
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc
Tips & gratuities
Visa
Travel Insurance

Extra trip info

Accommodation Will My Trip Run?FAQs

Golden hour at Agua Dulce Beach Resort, Golfo Dulce | Agua Dulce Hotel

Puerto Jiménez: Agua Dulce on the Beach, or similar

Located on the shores of Golfo Dulce, Agua Dulce on the Beach offers a relaxed base for exploring the Osa Peninsula. Enjoy comfortable rooms within easy reach of Corcovado National Park, with the beach just steps away and convenient access to the region's rainforest, wildlife and marine experiences.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.

Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.

Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.

Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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This trip is ideal for those seeking a balance of light adventure and laid-back tropical escape. You'll enjoy light adventure with a guided rainforest hike in Corcovado and a boat day on the Golfo Dulce, balanced with time to relax at a beachside eco-lodge. With all domestic flights and transfers included, it’s a smooth, low-effort escape ideal for recharging in nature.

The Osa Peninsula and Golfo Dulce region are among the most biologically rich areas on Earth. Corcovado National Park is home to over 2.5% of the planet’s biodiversity, & four species of monkeys, scarlet macaws. While Golfo Dulce is one of just four tropical fjords in the world, supporting rare marine life in dolphins, and even humpback whales in season. It’s one of the few places where tropical rainforest meets a marine fjord — creating a rare blend of ecosystems in one destination.

World Expeditions also proudly supports the Wildlife Heritage Areas (WHA) program. This organization is a dedicated caretaker and protection group working to preserve rare wildlife habitats, including the Golfo Dulce Whale Heritage Area. For more information, please visit wildlifeheritageareas.org

Yes – it’s designed to flow easily before or after any of our Costa Rica adventures, or even an extra add on between any of the other Central American destinations. Giving travellers a chance to go deeper into nature, slow the pace, and experience a different side of the country.

World Expeditions proudly supports the Wildlife Heritage Areas (WHA) program, including the Golfo Dulce Whale Heritage Area, recognising the importance of protecting Costa Rica's marine wildlife and habitats.

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Golfo Dulce & Corcovado Explorer

Trip highlights

Overview

Itinerary

Ready to start your adventure?