Costa Rica is an adventurer’s dream. Cruise along this magical Pacific coast from Marina Papagayo to Playa Herradura to discover a peaceful idyll bursting with wildlife, waterfalls, noisy jungles, colourful birds, deserted beaches, and waters that come alive with tropical fish.
Costa Rica is known for its incredible biodiversity; its Pacific coastline is home to a wide variety of marine life including dolphins, whales and sea turtles. There’s also a rich cultural heritage and excellent yachting infrastructure. The dry season, from December to April, is the best time to visit.
Arrive at Liberia International Airport, just a 25-minute transfer to Marina Papagayo, a fantastic marina conveniently located off the stunning Papagayo Four Seasons Resort, with world-class golf and nestled in the Bahia Culebra. After some welcome refreshments and a safety briefing, you have a short cruise to a nearby anchorage at Playa Nacascolo, only 2nm away, where you can enjoy an afternoon of watersports and beach activities, then dinner at anchor.
DAY 2 BAHIA HUEVOS
An early morning cruise brings you to Playa Huevo (7nm), a beautiful anchorage surrounded by green forest. Listen out for howler monkeys. At high tide you can take a jet ski, SUP or kayak tour into Mangrove Palmares, one of the jewels of the peninsula. Venture into this natural sanctuary and explore a unique ecosystem of eerie “walking trees” able to thrive in salt water, creating a rich refuge for wildlife. Surfers will want to head to Witch's Rock, a 20-minute tender ride away. It was the location for the cult surfing classic ‘Endless Summer II.’ A helicopter tour to Rincón de La Vieja Volcano National Park can be organised. Visit the canopy trees, waterfalls and mud or thermal pools or try a zip-line canopy tour. An e-bike tour of the coastal trails is another fun activity.
DAY 3 PLAYA CONCHAL
Depart at first light for the 19nm cruise to Playa Conchal, arriving in time for breakfast. Depending on the wind and sea conditions you may alternatively anchor at nearby Playa Zapotal. Both are wonderful bays where you can enjoy your yacht’s water sports toys for the morning. Inshore fishing for mahi mahi or roosterfish can be organised. Keep an eye out for humpback whales. Visit the Chorotega indigenous village of Guaitil, capital of pottery in Costa Rica. Scuba diving for beginners can be organised at Punta Gorda, or for experienced divers at the Catalina Islands.
Overnight cruise to Isla Tortuga, 93nm (7-8 hrs).
DAY 4 ISLA TORTUGA
You will wake up at Isla Tortuga, also known as Turtle Island, widely considered the most beautiful anchorage in the region. Renowned for its pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush greenery, this protected area of islets has some of the tallest palm trees you will ever see. Snorkel, paddleboard, beachcomb and relax in this tropical paradise. Take time to explore the far reaches of the peninsula to Cabo Blanco and you’ll be rewarded by pods of 1,000+ spinner dolphins, breaching whales, and untouched beaches. Spearfishing around Islas Brumel is also possible.
After dinner (or a beach barbecue) it’s an overnight cruise to Drake Bay (96nm, 7 ½ hrs).
DAY 5 DRAKE BAY
Wake up at the stunning anchorage of Drake Bay, nestled in dense rainforest. This is a World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse places on earth. The small eco-resort village is an inviting spot to sample some local cuisine or a fresh juice. Nearby Isla del Caño is a Jurassic-style island about 12 miles to the west, which offers world-class snorkelling and diving with whale sharks, manta rays, and a kaleidoscope of fish and corals.
Back onboard in Drake Bay, explore the jungle estuaries on the WaveRunners. Look out for howler monkeys, scarlet macaws and freshwater turtles.
A mangrove river tour of the Rio Sierpe, the biggest mangrove area in Central America, is a must. This labyrinth of water channels is full of life. The tour lasts around 2-3 hours and your naturalist guide will explain the secrets of this unique ecosystem.
DAY 6 CAÑO ISLAND
A morning cruise brings you to Isla del Caño (13nm, approx. 1hr), a biological reserve. This island is home to a spectacular variety of stunning marine flora and fauna and to Costa Rica's largest concentration of coral-building organisms along the Pacific Ocean. Bright blue waters and excellent visibility make this one of the country’s best snorkelling and dive sites.
Overnight cruise to Golfo Dulce (70nm, 5 ½ hrs).
DAY 7 GOLFO DULCE
Today’s anchorage is a small bay close to Rincón Golfo Dulce (or Sweet Gulf) – the only tropical fjord in the Americas, surrounded by high dense green jungle. This is one of the wettest places on earth and with over 200 inches of rainfall a year, it’s home to giant ancient trees which tower 140’ high. This is heaven for nature lovers.
Overnight cruise to Playa Herradura (119nm, 9 hrs).
DAY 8 PLAYA HERRADURA
Early in the morning you arrive at Playa Herradura, Los Sueños, one of Costa Rica’s best marinas, a spectacular 25 min helicopter ride from San José.
For more information, contact the charter team on:
charter@cecilwright.com
or call +44 20 7408 1001 | +377 97 98 76 60
