Compare Costa Rica – The Sea Turtle Initiative by Discover Corps vs Hikes and Boat Trips in Martinique by French Side Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 6 days |
| Price From | $ 3,395 | $ 1,528 |
| Price Per Day | $ 424 | $ 255 |
| Highlights |
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Enjoy a guided hike Explore the beautiful nature on Martinique. Have fun during a boat trip and sailing day. Relax at the beach Enjoy a typical Caribbean evening. |
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 7 Dinners |
1 Lunch |
| Description |
Our Purpose Spend several days in the heart of Costa Rica’s sea turtle conservation program, learning about the threats to their survival and what we can do both in Costa Rica and at home to help with their protection. We’ll witness sea turtles nesting in a natural environment and participate in an optional beach cleanup that reduces the amount of plastic in the ocean. Our presence at these unique locations ensures that living sea turtles are much more valuable to the local economy than turtle eggs sold into the Black Market. Costa Rica is a world leader when it comes to conservation, but sadly its turtle population has declined by 90% since 1980. Your trip will see you volunteering with conservationists to help ensure their survival, and visiting inspirational places and people that rescue animals and protect the rainforest. |
Welcome to Martinique! Martinique is a tropical island paradise in the French Antilles located in the heart of the Caribbean Archipelago. White sand beaches, big coconut palm trees, and warm waters make this beautiful island an ideal place for a tropical getaway as well as a picture-perfect postcard. However, beaches are not the only thing that make Martinique such an incredibly diverse place to visit; there is also a luscious tropical forest perfect for activities such as hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The island is full of nature and wonder. Water sports enthusiasts also have a large array of activities to choose from such as snorkeling, diving, kite-surfing, kayaking, etc. Martinique boasts a particularly rich cultural heritage, expressed through its diverse handicrafts and its delicious cuisine, whose varied spices and unique flavors will thrill your taste buds. The island's culturally diverse, talented, passionate population, with its Caribbean flair and French touch, make Martinique a special vacation destination. Get inspired by our travel ideas and design your 100% tailor-made trip to Martinique! |
Day 1: Arrive and Enjoy a Traditional Dinner
Meals: Dinner
Arriving at the airport in Costa Rica, a member of our staff will meet you and take you to a nearby hotel where we’ll spend the fir t evening. After a warm welcome, your guide will discuss the schedule for the coming week. Enjoy an authentic local welcome dinner together and have a relaxing evening getting to know the group.
Day 2: Drive to the Coast and Meet the Conservationists
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Enjoy a classic Costa Rican breakfast and freshly brewed local coffee before driving through the mountains to our new home on the coast. We’ll receive a briefing about the work of sea turtle conservationists before embarking on a night patrol to scope the nesting area. Sample patrol times include 10pm - 1am, and 1am-4am.
Day 3: Optional Beach Cleanup & Night Patrols
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After an optional beach clean up for those interested, we'll have a talk to learn more about the hatchery and why it's used. We will learn firsth and how to dig a sea turtle nest so we are ready for when we have eggs from our night patrol and need to put them in the hatchery for safety.
Day 4: Meet "Jungle Mike" and Learn about Beekeeping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Meet the infamous Jungle Mike and learn about the diverse insect kingdom of Costa Rica as you explore an open air butterfly farm and jungle path. Afterwards, sample various organic honeys that are locally harvested. In the evening, head out for another sea turtle patrol along the beach.
Day 5: Visit a Small Fishing Village before a Free Afternoon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
We'll head out after breakfast to a local fishing village where we'll learn about their way of life and the battle they fight against large commercial fishing vessels. Learn to make educated choices when buying sustainable seafood, and even get a treat as you enjoy a fresh fish lunch prepared by the local women. The afternoon is then free to rest up for patrol and we'll enjoy a nice dinner by the beach before the final night of patrol.
Day 6: Meet Big Cats at an Animal Rescue Center
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today we’ll return to the region around Liberia. After driving a few hours, we will visit an animal rescue center that rehabilitates endangered wildlife such as pumas, ocelots, and even jaguars. After lunch, continue on to a mountainside hacienda and arrive to our accommodations before dark.
Day 7: Zip-Line Through the Trees and Tube along the Rio Colorado
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Feel the adrenaline as you fly through the treetops on a zip-line course of 8 different lines. Then we’ll cool off by tubing down the Rio Colorado. Spin and bounce your way down river, getting drenched by the cool mountain waters. Hang on tight over the 6-foot waterfall and keep your eyes peeled for monkeys foraging for food in the treetops above the canyon. You’ll definitely work up an appetite for lunch. After lunch, enjoy the warm spring pools or paint on some volcanic mud for a treat for your skin and wash it all away with an exhilarating jump in the river. At night we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner together to reflect on the amazing memories we’ve collected over the past week.
Day 8: Return Home
Meals: Breakfast
Wake up with breakfast at the lodge. Travelers will be taken to the airport in time for their flights home.
Day 1: Arrival in Martinique & Rental Car Pick Up
Upon your arrival at the airport in Fort-de-France, you will have access to a category B rental car (VW POLO or similar) for the length of your stay. On the day of departure, you’ll return the rental vehicle at the airport.
Overnight stay in a studio of a 3-star apartment hotel facing the Caribbean Sea and Diamond Rock
Day 2: Guided Hike of The Salines Beach and The Petrified Savannah
The Petrified Savannah is located at the end of the Sainte-Anne Peninsula. The place owes its name to the petrified trees that were once found here. Few remain today, but visitors are still drawn to this place's amazing landscape.Your guide Erick will share this exceptional volcanic site with you! Discover its flora and fauna and history as a vast stone-cutting site for Martinique's Amerindian people.
Duration: 2,5 hours
Level: easy (accessible for children)
Bring: 2L of water, hat, sun protection, hiking or sports shoes, spare clothing, camera
Overnight stay in a studio of a 3-star apartment hotel facing the Caribbean Sea and Diamond Rock
Day 3: Boat trip Trois Ilets / Anses d'Arlet
Looking for some a relaxing change of scenery?
Your captain Marco will take you out on his boat, the Bora Bora, to discover the Trois-Ilets, the Anses d'Arlet, and some hidden nooks accessible only by boat! Explore the South Caribbean Coast and multiple coves. The tour includes a complimentary drink.
See the Grotte aux Chauves-Souris (the Bat Cave), the Petit Ilet des Trois-Ilets, and more. Sail past the beautiful Grande Anse village. You will have the opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters of Petite Anse, Anse Dufour, or Anse Noire. Lunch includes freshly-prepared local dishes.
Don't forget your bathing suit, camera, towel, and sunscreen!
Capacity: Maximum of 7 people
Availability: weekends and holidays
Point of Departure: Anse Mitan, Schedule: 9:30 am - 4 pm
Overnight stay in a studio of a 3-star apartment hotel facing the Caribbean Sea and Diamond Rock
Day 4: A Day of Sailing in the Robert Islands
Discover the island by sailboat accompanied by a sailor and guide. Robert Bay is a calm body of water and accessible for all visitors. Numerous small islands and shallow, crystalline water offer a wide variety of landscapes and seascapes. Get to know the islands’ fauna and flora.
The tour is scheduled to last from 9 am - 5 pm:
From 8:45 am: Arrive at Le Robert
9 am: Hoist the mainsail and enjoy the pleasure of sailing powered just by the wind!
11 am: Swim at The Islet Madame where you can see coral fish, starfish, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins
12 pm: Lunch break: Stop for a relaxed lunch in the sand
2 pm: Visit Chancel Island, inhabited by native iguanas, and explore the ruins of a 17th-century pottery oven
4 pm: Stop for a snack break.
5 pm: return to Le Robert dock
Things to bring: Bring a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, cap, swimsuit, windbreaker, waterproof flip-flops, and a camera. You may also bring your own fins, mask, and snorkel if you have them.
Overnight stay in a studio of a 3-star apartment hotel facing the Caribbean Sea and Diamond Rock
Day 5: Free Day at the Beach & Caribbean Evening
Take advantage of a free day to relax on the magnificent, sandy beaches by your hotel.
In the evening, a chauffeur will pick you up at your hotel for a safe night out, Caribbean-style. Enjoy a drink, dance, and hit up a casino.
Please note that locations may vary depending upon the day of the week and the season.
Duration: 4 hours: Departure at 8:00 pm from your hotel - return around midnight
Overnight stay in a studio of a 3-star apartment hotel facing the Caribbean Sea and Diamond Rock
Day 6: End of your trip
Unfortunately, it’s already time to say goodbye! Please return your rental car at the airport. "
