Curu contains Costa Rica’s first private national wildlife refuge. Located on the southern Nicoya Peninsula, the area offers easy access to see some of the most sought-after species such as howler and spider monkeys, scarlet macaws, collared peccary, coyotes, iguanas and hundreds of species of tropical and migratory birds. An almost-extinct species of oyster (Ocypode occidentalis) can be found here, as well as lobsters, chitons and mouthless crabs. All five of Costa Rica’s mangrove species are represented in Curu. The refuge is one of the few places in Central America where agriculture, scientific research and tourism exist in harmony.

Star Flyer will call at Curu on the seven-night round-trip Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, cruises beginning November 2010.