Costa Rica Yacht Charter Itinerary

Description: Begin your journey at Marina Papagayo, a luxurious marina on the scenic Papagayo Peninsula, known for its lush landscapes and upscale resorts. After boarding, start your cruise to Playa Flamingo, where soft white sands and clear turquoise waters await.

Highlights:

Water Activities: Snorkeling, paddleboarding, and swimming in Playa Flamingo’s calm waters.

Beach Relaxation: Unwind on one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches.

Nearby Excursions: Visit Las Catalinas Islands for diving, known for vibrant marine life including manta rays and sharks.

Dining: Coco Loco beachfront restaurant for creative cocktails and Costa Rican cuisine.

Description: Cruise to Tamarindo, a bustling beach town famous for its surf culture, wide sandy beaches, and lively atmosphere. Tamarindo is a hotspot for beachgoers and surfers alike, with plenty of activities and a thriving local culture.

Highlights:

Surfing: Take a surf lesson on Tamarindo’s famous beach or watch local surfers in action.

Wildlife Watching: Visit nearby Las Baulas National Marine Park, where leatherback turtles nest from October to March.

Sunset Viewing: Enjoy one of Costa Rica’s best sunset spots from the beach or your yacht.

Dining: Pangas Beach Club, a beachside spot offering fresh seafood and farm-to-table ingredients.

Description: Nosara, located on the Nicoya Peninsula, is a peaceful village renowned for its dedication to eco-tourism, wellness retreats, and pristine beaches. Surrounded by lush jungle, it provides a tranquil atmosphere ideal for relaxation, nature exploration, and marine adventures.

Highlights:

Dolphin Watching: The waters around Nosara are home to several dolphin species, including bottlenose, spotted, and spinner dolphins. See dolphins swimming alongside your boat, often jumping and playing in the waves.

River Kayaking: Explore the Nosara River by kayak, winding through mangroves filled with local wildlife, such as herons, iguanas, and fish.

Surfing at Playa Guiones: Known for consistent waves, Playa Guiones is a top spot for surfing, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer.

Marina/Anchorage: Anchor in the bay; the nearest full-service marina is Marina Flamingo.

Dining: La Luna is a beachfront restaurant with a Mediterranean-inspired menu, offering organic dishes and stunning sunset views over the ocean.

Day 4: Nosara to Herradura Bay (40 Nautical Miles)

Description: Herradura Bay, a serene, crescent-shaped bay located near the lively town of Jaco, offers a mix of natural beauty and luxury. The bay’s calm, protected waters make it an ideal spot for swimming, paddleboarding, and other water activities. Herradura is also home to Los Sueños Resort, a renowned luxury resort with an upscale marina, a championship golf course, and world-class dining. Beyond the resort, Herradura Bay offers access to lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and adventure activities, making it a perfect stop for those seeking relaxation and excitement.

Highlights:

Sportfishing: Herradura Bay is one of Costa Rica’s premier sportfishing destinations, attracting anglers from around the world. Book a deep-sea fishing charter to catch marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, and more in the wealthy Pacific waters.

Rainforest Canopy Tour: Take a zipline tour through the rainforest canopy. This adventure combines adrenaline with natural beauty, making it a must-do for nature lovers. It offers a thrilling view of Costa Rica’s lush landscapes and an opportunity to spot wildlife like toucans, macaws, and sloths.

Horseback Riding: Explore the scenic trails surrounding Herradura on horseback. Guided rides take you through picturesque landscapes, from coastal viewpoints to rainforest paths, offering a unique perspective of the region’s natural beauty.

Marina/Anchorage: Dock at Marina Los Sueños, a luxury marina offering complete yacht services, boutique shopping, and access to the resort’s amenities.

Dining: The Hook Up at Marina Los Sueños, a popular restaurant with panoramic views of Herradura Bay. The menu features fresh seafood, Costa Rican specialities, and international cuisine, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing meal with scenic views.

Description: Quepos is a vibrant and culturally rich town on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, renowned for its proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park. This lively coastal town has a welcoming local community, various dining options, and bustling markets.

Highlights:

World-Class Sportfishing: Quepos is considered one of the best sportfishing destinations in the world, particularly for anglers seeking marlin, sailfish, and dorado.

Quepos Farmers’ Market: Known locally as La Feria del Agriculture, the Quepos Farmers’ Market is held every Friday and Saturday near the waterfront. This bustling market is a fantastic place to experience local culture, shop for fresh produce and artisanal goods, and try traditional Costa Rican snacks.

Water Activities and Mangrove Tours: The nearby Damas Island Estuary offers unique opportunities for exploring Costa Rica’s mangrove ecosystem by boat, kayak, or paddleboard. This peaceful environment is home to crocodiles, white-faced capuchin monkeys, and various bird species.

Ziplining and Adventure Parks: Quepos is also known for its adventure parks, where visitors can zipline through the rainforest canopy, rappel down waterfalls, or cross suspension bridges.

Marina/Anchorage: Dock at Marina Pez Vela, a premier luxury marina in Quepos that offers complete yacht services, upscale shops, restaurants, and facilities.

Dining:

Local Favorites: Gabriella’s Steakhouse is well-loved dining option in Quepos, known for its high-quality meats, fresh seafood, and extensive wine list.

Description: Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful and biodiverse parks. It blends tropical rainforests with white sandy beaches and coral reefs. This iconic park offers some of the country's best wildlife viewing and scenic landscapes. Manuel Antonio’s natural beauty and its secluded beaches and diverse trails make it a favourite stop for nature lovers.

Highlights:

Hiking and Wildlife Viewing: Manuel Antonio’s trails offer stunning views and close encounters with sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds. Popular trails include Sendero Mirador, which offers panoramic ocean views, and Sendero Punta Catedral, which is a loop with breathtaking coastal scenery.

Beach Time: The park’s beaches, like Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur, are perfect for relaxing, swimming, and snorkeling. Their crystal-clear waters and gentle waves make them ideal for unwinding.

Snorkeling: Discover the vibrant marine life near the coral reefs around Manuel Antonio. Snorkel in clear waters and observe fish, rays, and possibly sea turtles.

Sunset at Sea: As you’re anchored offshore, enjoy the serene beauty of the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean from the comfort of your yacht.

Marina/Anchorage: Anchor offshore near Manuel Antonio’s beaches; no marina within the park itself.

Dining: Enjoy a fresh, onboard meal with sunset views over the ocean, or pack a beachside picnic to enjoy within the park.

Description: Depart from Manuel Antonio and cruise south to Bahía Drake, a remote bay known for its stunning natural beauty and biodiversity. Bahía Drake serves as a gateway to Corcovado National Park and Isla del Caño, two of Costa Rica’s premier eco-tourism and marine exploration destinations.

Highlights:

Corcovado National Park: Embark on a guided hike through one of the world’s most biodiverse rainforests, where you can spot exotic wildlife like tapirs, scarlet macaws, and monkeys.

Kayaking in Mangroves: Paddle through Bahía Drake’s mangrove estuaries, observe unique bird species, and enjoy the peaceful environment.

Marina/Anchorage: Anchor in Bahía Drake; no marina is available in this remote area.

Dining: Dine onboard or visit Gringo Curt’s Seafood & Vistas for fresh seafood in a rustic setting.

Description: Spend the day exploring the natural wonders of Bahía Drake. This full day in Bahía Drake allows you to enjoy the area's pristine landscapes and marine life. In the evening, set sail on a night cruise to Isla del Caño, a nearby marine reserve known for its coral reefs and clear waters.

Highlights:

Caño Island Biological Reserve: Take a day trip to Caño Island for snorkelling or diving, where you’ll discover vibrant coral reefs and an array of marine life, including tropical fish, rays, and possibly dolphins.

Birdwatching: Bahía Drake is home to many bird species, including scarlet macaws and toucans. A guided birdwatching tour allows you to learn more about these vibrant residents.

Night Cruise: In the evening, embark on a night cruise to Isla del Caño, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the open sea under the stars.

Marina/Anchorage: Anchor offshore at Isla del Caño upon arrival.

Dining: Enjoy a prepared meal onboard with the serene atmosphere of the bay before setting off for Isla del Caño.

Description: Spend the morning and afternoon exploring Isla del Caño, a pristine island known for its vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. After a day of snorkelling, diving, and relaxing on the island, embark on an evening cruise to Golfito, where you’ll prepare for disembarkation the next day.

Highlights:

Snorkeling and Diving: Explore the coral reefs around Isla del Caño, home to colorful fish, rays, sea turtles, and sometimes reef sharks. The island’s clear waters make it one of the best spots for underwater exploration in Costa Rica.

Marine Life Observation: Watch for dolphins and, during the migration season, humpback whales in the surrounding waters.

Beach Time: Relax on Isla del Caño’s secluded beaches, enjoying the peaceful and unspoiled environment.

Marina/Anchorage: Anchor offshore at Isla del Caño; no marina is available on the island.

Dining: Have a final onboard dinner with views of Isla del Caño before departing for Golfito on an evening cruise.

Description: Arrive in Golfito in the early morning after an overnight cruise from Isla del Caño. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast onboard as you dock at Banana Bay Marina, reflecting on the incredible experiences from your Costa Rican adventure.

Highlights:

Final Exploration: If time permits, take a short walk around Golfito’s local markets or relax with a coffee at a nearby café.

Scenic Farewell: Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Golfito Bay one last time, with views of the rainforest-covered hills and tranquil waters.

Marina/Anchorage: Dock at Banana Bay Marina in Golfito for disembarkation.

Nearest Airport: Golfito Airport (GLF), a 10-minute drive from the marina, with connecting flights to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José.