Jetsettersblog

Star Clippers is taking reservations for its fall 2012 through spring 2013 Caribbean and Costa Rica sailings. Prices include advance-purchase savings of up to 30 percent and free air from select cities.

Royal Clipper, the 227-passenger flagship, continues to sail two seven-night, roundtrip Barbados itineraries. The Windward Islands itinerary features calls at St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts, Iles des Saintes and Martinique. The Grenadine Islands itinerary includes calls at the Grenadines, Grenada, Tobago Cays, St. Vincent, Bequia, Martinique and St. Lucia.

The 170-passenger Star Clipper sails two seven-night itineraries roundtrip from St. Maarten. The “Treasure Islands” itinerary calls at Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, St. Kitts and St. Barts. The Leeward Islands itinerary visits Nevis, Dominica, Iles de Saintes, Guadeloupe, Antigua and St. Barts.

Star Flyer returns to Costa Rica with seven-night roundtrip Puerto Caldera sailings.

The 170-passenger ship calls at San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; and Playa del Coco, National Park Santa Rosa, Flamingo Beach, and Isla Tortugas/National Reserve of Curu (overnight), Costa Rica. The “Costa Rica and Panama” itinerary calls at Isla Gamez, Panama; and Golfito, Drake Bay, Isla del Caño (evening scenic sailing), Quepos and Isla Tortugas/National Reserve of Curu (overnight).

Two additional itineraries between Balboa, Panama, and Puerto Caldera also call at Isla Iguana, Panama.

Star Flyer will transit the Panama Canal on a 14-night cruise that departs Barbados Nov. 25, 2012. A 14-night transit departing March 30, 2013, sails from Balboa to St. Maarten.

Cruise fares for Star Clipper’s Caribbean and Star Flyer’s Costa Rica seven-night sailings begin at $2,075 per person, double occupancy, which includes the advance-purchase discount and free air. Royal Clipper fares begin at $2,195 per person, double occupancy, for the seven-night Caribbean sailings, which also includes the savings of 30 percent and free air.

Port charges of $225 per person are additional. Free air is available from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C.

PlanetWildlife.com, a leading provider of diverse wildlife travel and tours around the world, presents Wildlife’s Hot Spots for 2012 – a month-by-month directory of what’s happening and when – and itinerary suggestions to inspire nature lovers to experience some of the seminal seasonal events of the natural world. To explore all the ideas and options available, visit PlanetWildlife’s Calendar presented on the website under ‘Travel’…..itineraries are all-inclusive from point of departure but do not include international flights.

January – India
January is the breeding season for the green sea turtles around the Galapagos Islands – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/galapagos-island-hopping-tour – is a five-day itinerary priced at £1,661/US$2,594 per person (pp)
This is also an excellent time of year to go tiger spotting in India when the clement weather facilitates close study of these rare and endangered big cats – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/classic-explorer-kanha-and-bandhavagarh – a six day safari itinerary including elephant rides in Central India priced at £756/US$1,180pp

February – Nepal
February is a good time to go trekking in Nepal with better than usual odds of spotting the famed Bengal Tiger – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/chitwan-explorer  is a nine-day itinerary in Chitwan National Park priced at £1,465/US$2,287pp. This is also an ideal month for tracking the rare and beautiful snow
leopard in nearby Ladakh, India – visit www.planetwildlife.in/travel/itineraries/snow-leopard-experience  for a 13-day trekking adventure priced at £2,163/US$3,377pp.

February also sees the gathering of hundreds of thousands of spectacular pink flamingos on Lake Nakuru in Kenya, Africa – www.planetwildlife.in/travel/itineraries/simba-safari  is a seven-day safari priced at £2,027/US$3,164pp.

March – the Arctic
When the days start to lengthen and become milder in the Arctic region, this is an ideal time to spot Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights – and a cruise is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience this natural wonder – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/lofoten-aurora-borealis through Norway is an eight-day journey on the schooner ‘Noorderlicht’ priced at £1,979/US$3,090pp.

April – Galapagos
April presents another excellent opportunity to go bird-watching in Galapagos where enthusiasts can spot blue-footed boobies, swallow tailed gullies, frigate birds and red-billed tropic birds amongst others. www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/galapagos-island-hopping-tour is a five-day itinerary priced at £1,661/US$2,594pp).

May – India – Ladhak and Karnataka
In India, the weather is perfect for an extensive trek around Ladhak in the Himalayas – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/amazing-leh-community-service-trek – presents an unusual 13-day itinerary and the opportunity to become involved in local community service in the villages of Spango Valley while learning about and tracking the elusive snow leopard – priced at just £569/US$888pp.

This is also an opportune month to visit Karnataka in India and the Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve, the natural habitat of Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants and hyenas – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/classic-explorer-karnataka  is a five-day itinerary including the fascinating cities of Bangalore and Mysore and priced at £1,330/US$2,076pp.

June – Rwanda
Head to Rwanda this month to witness a unique baby gorilla naming ceremony, “KwitaIzina” – an annual ceremony attended by hundreds of local villagers but international visitors are also welcome – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/gorillas-wildlife-and-chimpanzees is a comprehensive seven-day adventure through some of Uganda’s best national parks of Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi and is priced at £4,457/US$6,958pp.

July – Costa Rica and Brazil
Latin America is the destination to head for this month to spot the endangered green and hawksbill turtles nest on the beautiful Caribbean beaches of Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica. The park is also home to manatees, crocodiles, tropical gar, jaguars, sloths and basilisks, amongst other exotic wildlife – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/forests-and-volcanoes-costa-rica  is a 15-day excursion round Costa Rica and the Caribbean priced at £3,662/US$5,717pp.

Alternatively, in Brazil’s Pantanal area this is the best time of year for jaguar sightings and for close study of many other endangered species including the hyacinth macaw and the maned wolf – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/voyage-heart-amazon  is an eight-day voyage to the heart of the Amazon and is priced at £2,940/US$4,590pp

August – Kenya
Head to Kenya this month to be amongst the first to witness one of nature’s greatest shows – the annual Great Migration sees thousands of wildebeest, gazelles and zebras make a dash across the Mara River risking death from predators such as the crocodile – www.planetwildlife.in/travel/itineraries/simba-safari  is a seven-day safari priced at £2,027/US$3,164pp

September – Botswana
This is an ideal time to ravel to Botswana and explore the wilderness of Chobe National Park and the Okavango delta and take in the full majesty of the famed Victoria Falls – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/best-botswana-chobe-and-okavango  is an eight-day itinerary commencing in Maun and finishing at the Victoria Falls prices at £2,664/US$4,159pp

October – Madagascar
During this dry month off the coast of Africa, lemurs are particularly active and playful on the island of Madagascar – www.planetwildlife.in/travel/itineraries/magical-madagascar  is an exciting eight-day adventure combining lemurs and bird-watching as well as interaction with tribal villagers and is priced at £1,713/US$2,674pp.

November – the Falkland Islands

Head to the bottom of the world to the Falkland Islands (classified under the Antarctic zone) to watch five different species of penguins breed at this special time: the King, Rockhopper, Gentoo, Magallanic and Macaroni penguins – the islands also present a chance to spot the rare black-browed albatross – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/antarctic-peninsula-weddell-see-falkland-islands  is a 14-day cruise from Ushuaia in Argentina to the Falklands priced at £8,995/US$14,041pp

December – Sri Lanka
In southern Sri Lanka, this is the best time of year to spot one of the natural wonders of the world – the Blue Whale….nowhere else do they come as close to the land as they do near the coast of Sri Lanka. The www.planetwildlife.com/trave/itineraries/blue-whale-and-leopard-experience  is a nine-day itinerary commencing in Colombo which combines blue whale and dolphin spotting with safaris in Yala, home to elephants and leopards – priced at £2,520/US$3,934pp.

For further information, please visit www.planetwildlife.com  or contact a PlanetWildlife office (listed on the website). PlanetWildlife is as a leading international provider of diverse wildlife and safari tours with over 300 creative itineraries in 26 countries around the world catering to a wide range of interests and budgets.

About PlanetWildlife:

PlanetWildlife is an international travel company based in India with sales offices in UK, India, Australia, Hong Kong and Sweden. It is backed by highly successful entrepreneurs and managed by a professional team who are passionate about wildlife and have been involved in a variety of nature conservation activities over the years. The www.PlanetWildlife.com website features over 300 itineraries to Africa, India, and South America comprising a diverse range of photography safaris, hiking expeditions and bird-watching adventures, including ocean cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica.

Most tours offer daily departure dates and each is well-organised, competitively priced, environmentally responsible and tailored to suit the requirements of group or individual travellers. In all instances they are led by highly qualified and experienced leaders. Respected travel industry professionals and wildlife experts work in consultation with PlanetWildlife and are instrumental in designing each themed itinerary Via the website, a comprehensive and continuously expanding reference library on species and destinations is readily accessible and is regularly updated to ensure its usefulness to travellers, students, wildlife enthusiasts and bloggers.

PlanetWildlife is committed to responsible tourism, and in particular: minimising negative environmental impact; contributing to the conservation of natural and cultural heritages and embracing diversity; providing rewarding experiences for visitors through meaningful interaction with local communities to the economic benefit of those communities; and promoting a greater understanding and respect for local cultural, social and environmental issues. It is part of PlanetWildlife’s corporate policy to fund selected awareness drives and wildlife conservation programmes and welcomes suggestions from the public in this regard.

Company to offer travel packages beginning March 1

RealSurfTrips.com announced the debut of their all-inclusive surf travel packages at their 4000 sq. ft. “Wave House” beach home in Playa Negra, Costa Rica starting March 1st 2012 and running through September.

These weekly packages, which range from $899- $1200 (USD) are perfect for small groups and individuals of all abilities.

Packages include: 5 bedroom/4 bath luxury lodging facilities with wi-fi, large screen tv’s, pool and hot tub, 2 catered meals per day, airport pick up and drop off, transportation to surf breaks and boat permits.

The Playa Negra Wave House is located in a warm and beautiful laid-back surf and beach community that boasts secluded beaches and consistent waves.

For pricing, options and more information, please visit, www.RealSurfTrips.com

The founders of RealSurfTrips.com have a lot of experience in the local surf community and a unique philosophy to surf travel.

“We are very community conscious and will not do large groups,” said founder Bob Witty.

“Groups up to 6 are optimal because it makes transportation easy if we travel to surf breaks. We also want to keep the crowds down.

“The surf spots are sacred and very secluded and we don’t name them.”

Witty continues, “We usually surf a 20-mile stretch of beach that is incredibly diverse, from beach breaks to points to outer reefs, and you’ll be guided by our crew every step of the way.”

One unique feature of RealSurfTrips.com is that guests will have the option to arrange professional photos and video of their surf adventure shot by professional surf photographer Tony (TR) Roberts and his staff. Images and video can be purchased individually or as a package where the guest can purchase all images and video from the day or week.

This is an excellent opportunity for surfers to document their trip or for promotional purposes for teams, individuals and apparel. TR is a world -renowned surf photographer who is Staff Photographer for Quiksilver Latin America, was principal photographer of the Quiksilver Crossing, a senior staff photographer at Surfing and Transworld Surf as well as contributor to TransWorld Skateboarding, Sports Illustrated, ESPN.com, National Geographic Explorer and others.

A large skate park and quiet resort with full amenities such as restaurant, bar, spa, golf and yoga classes is very close to the Wave House lodging, which guests can use.

www.realsurftrips.com

The travel company that secures matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of small expedition ships announces that is offering effective March 2012 five new itineraries in Central and South America thanks to the re-launch of newly renovated M/V Sea Voyager.

AdventureSmith Explorations,

www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/

brings this 60-passenger expedition ship into its fold at a time when demand for travel to Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama and Ecuador is on the rise, said Todd Smith, founder / director.

He noted that the ship that provides both an experienced crew and affordable rates was a winner in Condé Nast’s 2009 Best Small Ships Awards.

Smith has worked with many of the newly assembled A-team representing the ship’s parent company, Sea Voyager Expeditions (SVE), and its partner Global Voyages Group. Among them are Michael Lomax, Brand Director Global Voyages Group, whom he met through Glacier Bay Tours & Cruises in the 1990’s; David Giersdorf, President & CEO Global Voyages Group, whose father gave Smith his first job as a naturalist guide; Dave Randon, Senior Sales Manager Global Voyages Group, who has joined Smith on Antarctic and North Pole expeditions; and Captain Jorge Murillo whom Smith met back when the ship was operated by Lindblad Expeditions.

”While I have not personally met Denise Landau, President & CEO Sea Voyager Expeditions, I am familiar with her because of her work at IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators),” Smith noted, adding that Landau is also noted as an eco-tourism advocate and expert.

Fares, priced seasonally, begin at $365 per day, per person, double cabin for 8 to 12-night cruises. Included are all meals, pre-post hotels, shore tours, admission to museums and parks, tax and port fees.

Plus, travelers can save up to $2,000 per couple if they book their cabin on any of the M/V Sea Voyager departures by Jan. 31, 2012. Discount amount is dependent on time of year, cabin type and itinerary.

While cruising guests will venture with naturalists and guides into rainforests and sea in pursuit of land and marine life that is among the world’s most diverse.

While on board passengers enjoy air-conditioned comfort in 31 outside staterooms with ample storage and private bath. On board are a lounge, bar, fitness and massage rooms, library with WiFi, dining room, buffet, fore and aft deck space and a platform for getting on/off Zodiacs. See: THIS LINK.

While other small ship cruises may be limited to Panama and the Pacific side of Costa Rica, traveling only November through March, M/V Sea Voyager will operate year round with itineraries inclusive of the Pacific and Caribbean side of Costa Rica, both sides of Panama and Panama Canal visits and coastal Columbia and Ecuador.

The five new itineraries are:

Panama to Costa Rica Pacific Cruise – 9 Days; Balboa/Panama City to San Jose/Costa Rica

Panama to Costa Rica Caribbean Cruise – 10 Days; Panama City/Panama to San Jose/Costa Rica

Panama to Colombia Caribbean Cruise – 9 Days; Panama City/Panama to Cartagena/Colombia

Columbia Caribbean Cruise – 9 Days; Cartagena/Colombia to Santa Marta/Colombia

Panama to Ecuador Pacific Cruise – 13 Days; Balboa/Panama City to Quito/Ecuador

About Adventure Smith Explorations

AdventureSmith Explorations is the global leader in small ship, adventure cruise vacations. Company founder Todd Smith helped pioneer the concept of wilderness cruising that combines the comforts of a small cruise ship with the adventure of sea kayaking, hiking and exploring remote wilderness areas ashore.

The company matches guests with the top names in small ship cruising as well with intimate, boutique ships that may not make the radar of most travelers.

In moving through exotic natural environments and exploring vibrant native cultures seldom associated with more mainstream cruise itineraries, AdventureSmith Explorations dedicates its efforts to small footprint, sustainable travel and has launched a carbon free cruising initiative. Its off-the-beaten-path destinations include Alaska, Baja, Costa Rica, Columbia, Belize, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Hawaii, Panama, Peru, the Arctic, Antarctica, Asia, and Australia.

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, California along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or 530-583-1775.

Email: travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com  or visit: www.AdventureSmithExplorations.com

Costa Rica — Once the exclusive domain of jaguars and monkeys, the darkest depths of the jungle have come to light with Rain Forest Adventures’ Costa Rica Atlantic and Pacific eco-tourism parks. This is where education meets thrilling sensations, with aerial tram tours high into the canopy, heart-pounding zip lines and expansive hiking trails—and where having fun is a means of protecting precious rainforest land. More than 400 species of birds make these parks a bird-watchers heaven, medicinal plants such as ginger, vanilla, sugar cane, coffee and bay rum perfume the air, and expert guides lead you every step of the way. Learn more about the fun under the canopy at Rain Forest Adventures Costa Rica. www.rainforestadventure.com

Costa Rica Pacific (Jacó, two hours from San José)
Zip line with 15 platforms and 10 cables – five more than 200 meters long – lets you soar through the treetops and catch a bird’s-eye-view of the Pacific Ocean.
Expert guides lead the bird watching tour, pointing out more than 50 native species that live here.

Incentive and group events can take place right in the rainforest with local entertainment, interactive workshops and dinner parties. Great for families, companies, schools and more!
Costa Rica Atlantic (Limón, 50 minutes from San José)

The AdrenaLine 700-meter zip line packs a full minute of speed and adventure into a single zip trip, a highlight of the park’s 10-cable circuit.

Butterfly and Frog Garden illuminates the rainforest with the brilliant colors of its inhabitants. See butterflies in stages of caterpillar, cocoon, chrysalis and emerging beauty.

The Corinto River Trekking Tour is a pure rainforest challenge. Spend up to three hours hiking completely off-path into the heart of the rainforest. Break for lunch at the Corinto River. Hiking boots are a must!

Rainforest Lodge: After-Dark Adventure
Nighttime in the rainforest – there’s nothing like it. These are the genuine sounds of wildlife under the stars, which no fancy sleep machine could ever hope to replicate. At the Rainforest Lodge in Rain Forest Adventures Costa Rica Atlantic, 10 bungalows set the scene for your evening in paradise.

Each room is cozy and inviting, with private baths, wood floors, terraces, and views of the lush forest, the mountains and the endless night sky.

Completely disconnect – there are no televisions or telephones here. This is especially great for bird-watchers for their early morning hikes. Rates for two adults are $150 per night and only $96 for children. www.rainforestadventure.com

Birds of a Feather: Christmas Bird Count

Every year, ornithologists, tour guides and birding enthusiasts alike vie to explore the rainforests of Costa Rica for the National Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count.

A triumph of conservation and preservation, the Christmas Bird Count in at Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica Atlantic and Pacific parks has yielded a wealth of important educational and scientific information.

In 2008, the Atlantic Park won for most species spotted—397 in total. With exciting attractions and an aerial tram that takes adventurers on up-close and personal encounters with the local flora and fauna, Rain Forest Adventures Costa Rica is a “natural” for an extraordinary bird watching vacation. www.rainforestadventure.com   

Green from the Get-Go

Rain Forest Adventures Cost Rica’s Atlantic and Pacific parks may be famous for aerial tram and zip line adventures, but at their heart is a mission as green as the lush rainforest they protect.

Both parks were shaped to sustain natural, cultural and social resources, while providing a world-class eco-tourism experience.

No wonder they’ve received Costa Rica’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) Level 5, the highest tier.

It all started with careful construction….aerial tram towers were delivered by helicopters to avoid damaging forest floor. Tree platforms and welding machines were carried by hand from location to location. Local workers were hired and trained to support the community’s economy.

Today, Rain Forest Adventures’ mission is maintained in daily operations. Parks are protected jungles, so vegetation and wildlife live undisturbed by man. Trees are planted as often as possible – each will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide during its lifetime. Efficient electricity practices, water conservation, recycling and re-usable utensils in the cafés are integral operations, and both parks are nearing carbon-neutral classification. School and community outreach programs together with natural disaster clean-ups cultivate Costa Rica’s vast social resources and spread the green. For more details, visit www.rainforestadventure.com

Key To Costa Rica, a specialist in travel throughout Costa Rica, offers an 8 day Costa Rica “Caribbean Sojourn” vacation that offers avid birders a once in a lifetime chance to visit some of Costa Rica’s most amazing birding and wildlife viewing destinations with the expertise of a bilingual naturalist guide.

Highlights of this tour include the chance to see more than 380 bird species and the lush green mountains and crystal rivers of the El Copal Reserve near Turrialba.

Other highlights include sharing in traditional activities with local communities like learning about sugar cane cultivation, going wildlife viewing in Cahuita National Park, visiting the village of Bambú where you will meet the BriBri boatmen who will take you by dugout canoe to the isolated riverside village of Yorkín to see how they process chocolate from their sacred tree, the cacao, and depending on the time of year, seeing the amazing raptor migration.

www.keytocostarica.com

With the colder months of winter fast approaching and the days getting shorter and shorter, now is a great time to plan a trip to Latin America for an unforgettable holiday. From the sizzling sun and beaches of Rio de Janeiro to the majestical glaciers and wildlife of Patagonia, Latin America really does have it all no matter what your taste. Chimu Adventures, the Latin America and Antarctica specialists, explain their top tips for a brilliant winter trip to this amazing continent:

Experience the beaches of Brazil: Although spectacular, there is a lot more to the coast of Brazil than the famous Copacabana or Ipanema beaches in Rio. Try and make your way down the coast to the spectacular Ilha Grande – the Island paradise with some of Brazil’s most stunning scenery or Florianopolis with its thriving nightlife and many amazing surf beaches.

Explore Costa Rica: Although still located in the Northern Hemisphere, Costa Rica’s “Winter” is generally regarded as the best time to visit the country. With considerably less rain in the Dec-April period and plenty of sunshine, Costa Rica has a whole range of activities and regions to discover. From the surfer beach towns on the Pacific coast, the magnificent volcano around Arenal and the array of birdlife in Monteverde cloud forest, you won’t regret a holiday to Costa Rica. 　

Don’t forget about Patagonia: The summertime in South America is the ideal time to explore all the many wonders of Patagonia with extremely long days and mostly calm, if not occasionally a little bit chilly, weather. Discover the charming lakes district around Bariloche, the magnificent Perito Moreno glacier near Calafate or trek in the mighty Torres del Paine national park.

Grab a last minute Antarctica Bargain: For the real adventurous, why not take an unforgettable expedition to the very end of the world – Antarctica. In terms of wildlife and landscapes, there really is no other place like the great white continent. There are still some great specials available particularly in February and March if you get in quick.

Take a trip to Colombia: With stunning landscapes, a rich sense of history and culture and an amazing Caribbean　coastline, Colombia really is the next big thing in the world of South America travel. Explore the cosmopolitan cities of Bogota and Medellin, the breath-taking Amazon basin and Andes national parks as well as Cartagena – Colombia’s vibrant and exotic beach town on the Caribbean coast. Safety has vastly improved over the last few years and with most of the country staying dry during the Dec-Mar period, this is a great time to go.

Chimu Adventures offers various tours to Latin America from short treks and city breaks to tailor made, multi-country tours including all flights from the UK. To find out more, call one of our specialist consultants today on 0845 265 8334, email us at uk@chimuadventures.com  or visit www.chimuadventure.com  today.

Costa Rica Expeditions is offering a series of tours that tie into Richard Bangs’ PBS’s Emmy-Award winning “Adventures with Purpose” series. The series is a collaboration between Bangs and Michael Kaye, co-founder of Costa Rica Vacations. The itineraries are based on Bangs’ path during the filming of the TV documentary now airing on PBS, based on his quest to understand “pura vida,” or pure life, a value system that has been cited in recent studies as the reason Costa Rica has been named “the happiest country on earth.”

The nine-day Quest for Pura Vida tour visits some of the same national parks, communities and lodges Bangs explored, including Tortuguero National Park and Tortuga Lodge, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Monteverde Lodge, the Nectandra Institute and Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Departures are scheduled for Jan. 14 to Dec. 22, 2012, for a maximum of 14 fellow travelers per tour. Two Limited Edition expeditions, departing April 14 to 22, 2012, and April 6 to 14, 2013, will be led by Bangs and Kaye, with guide Carlos Gomez and tracker Felipe Arias. For more information, call 877-312-0787.

Vajra Sol Yoga Adventures offers retreats for the discerning traveler looking for a quality vacation in a colorful rainforest and pristine beach setting. Testimonials from past retreat guests are available online.

SANTA TERESA, COSTA RICA, — Vajra Sol Yoga Adventures announces their upcoming retreats for January through April 2012. Beginner and intermediate yoga enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy a tropical getaway on the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica.

Vajra Sol was founded in 2005 and has been running retreats every year and growing due to demand. The popular Yoga and Surf combination is ideal for those who want to learn to surf and also for the experienced surfer. On the same retreat a Pure Yoga option is offered with twice daily sessions instead of surfing.

New this coming season March 4-10th is a retreat with Stand Up Paddling (SUP) and Yoga. The two are a perfect match from the physical overall body conditioning to improved balance and mental clarity.

During a recent interview, owner Sandra Tedeschi shared, “Our retreats are about high quality service and personal attention.

Each retreat is limited to only 12 persons and we run them at selective dates throughout the year.

The retreat style is targeted to those who want to disconnect from a busy lifestyle and enjoy a healthy, active vacation well balanced with time for relaxation.”

The higher-end accommodations are beachfront in a serene, nature-immersed setting.

The hotel operates under the premise of sustainability and mainly organic food is prepared by skilled chefs.

Guests primarily come on their own, as couples or friends.

Learn more about the Yoga and Surf Retreats, Pure Yoga Retreats and Stand Up Paddle Yoga Retreat for 2012 in Costa Rica by visiting the web page at

http://www.vajrasoltravel.com/

ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours introduced multiple-day extensions for its core cycle-only and multi-sport programs in Costa Rica. The one- to four-day extensions can be added to the company’s six- and seven-day programs.

New offerings include tour extensions to the Pacuare River; to a private reserve bordering Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula for beach, wildlife and jungle tours; to Monteverde Cloud Forest for bird watching and exploring the tropical canopy; to Tortuguero National Park along the Caribbean; and to the white sand beaches surrounding Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast.

Costa Rica tour programs include six- to nine-day options beginning and ending in San Jose. The Bike, Hike and Paddle Multi-Sport tour (seven days for $2,295 per person, double) includes some of the company’s favorite rides in Costa Rica, white water rafting on the legendary Pacuare River, hiking through the rain forest with a local naturalist, and the chance to watch Arenal Volcano spew lava rocks (from a safe distance). An extended Plus! version of this tour has just been developed for 2012. Also available are The Multi-Sport Plus! Tour (nine days for $2,995 per person, double), the Bicycling Costa Rica Tour (six days for $2,365 per person, double) and the nine-day Bicycling Costa Rica Plus! the Pacific ($2,995 per person, double).