cmeyer54

Hello - DH and I spent 12 days in Costa Rica in 2013 at the Riu Palace and loved it. We took a number of excursions to Monte Verde, Arenal, etc. We'd love to head back to that area of central America again this April. DH is an avid photographer so I'd like to get some ideas about activities for him (photography tour excursions??) as well as the options for hiking, zip lines, snorkeling, diving (we are not PADI certified but would be happy to take yet another resort based course), seeing ruins, etc. I would like an all-inclusive but that's not an absolute. The only time we've done one and enjoyed it was in CR - don't get me started on the dominican republic... Budget is high moderate to luxury for this trip.

Thanks!

volcanogirl

The best photos we've ever gotten have been at Bosque del Cabo. We saw all 4 kinds of monkeys from the front porch of our cabin, also saw sloths, agouti, coatis, toucans, scarlet macaws, and even an anteater. You eat all your meal on site, and they have a bar, pool; the hiking is fantastic. Have also gotten great photos at Cano Negro when we stayed in the Arenal area - Nayara, The Springs Resort and Spa, and the Lost Iguana are all good places to stay that we've enjoyed. There's also tons of adventure activities in this area; Sky Trek is fantastic for ziplining with nice views of the lake and the volcano. There are beautiful natural hot springs in the area as well. We've enjoyed Tabacon and Eco Termales. Manuel Antonio has a fantastic beach; we loved Tulemar Bungalows and saw loads of wildlife there as well including sloths, monkeys, and an aracari. Got tons of great photos. The snorkeling in CR isn't great though.

If you want ruins and snorkeling or diving, Belize would be a better bet for you. We loved Victoria House and the Lamanai Outpost Lodge, also liked Chaa Creek.

Patty

For diving and ruins, I'd head to Belize. I don't know of any all inclusives there. Most of the properties are fairly small and people generally do a combo of inland (at a jungle lodge) and beach/caye.

RAC

It depends what he wants to take pictures of. Ruins, scenery, ocean/beaches, wildlife and birds, colonial architecture?

hopefulist

Not considering Guatemala? It's our favorite; usually we start there and end up in Honduras or Belize for blue water time. My photos with blog, travelogue, and review links on the main page of each collection are below in case you're interested - all my recommendations are embedded there.
Happy trails!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections