living on a sailboat in costa rica

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costa rica live aboard

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I have been kind of bored at work lately and have found a lot of good info about living in costa rica it seems like a nice place. One thing that I have not been sucsessfull in finding is info on marina slip prices and live aboard policies and just wondered if any of you have any knoladge on the subject. Its kind of a pipe dream at this point so no need to invest a lot of time into it but if you have a bit of info let me know. thanks  

Not about Costa Rica, (it's Belize); and not specifically about live-aboard; but you might be interested in seeing how this type of issue is handled elsewhere in the region. Also, by looking at these sites it might make your google search for similar information about Costa Rica a little more fruitful. Good luck! Retire in BELIZE - Belize Retirement Incentives Program - Terms and Conditions Website of the Belize Tourism Board  

Living aboard in Central America is still risky. I do go to Costa Rica every year and my friend owns a condo on the beach there. The Northern part of country still has lots of crime, drugs, and prostitution - so have to be careful. If you plan on leaving the boat for any extended periods, you might want to hire someone to watch it. Also if you do plan to fish in the area - be aware of local fisherman who get very upset about that. They are starting to build a number of new marinas along the coast because of the building boom going on. Some of the larger hotels have docks and marinas but not sure of prices. Good luck !  

Prices in marinas in CR are very high because they're catering to the sport fishing crowd who ride around in 45-75ft m/v's. When you're spending USD1000 or more per day on diesel, $2/ft/night for dock space is chump change.  

Careening Cay Marina Bocas del Toro, Caribbean, Republic of Panama, Central America Marina Carenero is in Bocas del Toro, Panama, just south of Cost Rica looks good.  

Advice from an expat Living aboard most likely impossible here. Although I don't share in the opinion that it would be dangerous, or even risky, the problem is the one yacht club, in Puntarenus, is defiantly not live-aboard friendly. I have my Boat docked in San Diego because you have to be a resident to get a slip for more then a week or to, and then you would have to pay the outrageous import tax up to 100%. that being said i did look around abit and found a marina in golfito called bannana bay, just google costa rica marinas i believe they allow live aboards, though golfito is way way out of the way. i have no idea if the Caribbean side has anything to offer, but i would imagine some where around limon such a marina would exist Pura Vida garrett  

There is a new Marina in Bocas del Toro Panama (30 miles from Costa Rica). Bocas is a cool place and doesn't cost a fortune.  

While it is not Costa Rica, I have a friend who has lived aboard in Isla Mujeres. It was costing him around $230.00 a month with electric to run his AC.  

Residency In Costa Rica Hi Everyone I have been following the posts about Costa Rica. My name is Giovanna Barrantes. I'm a Lic attorney in San Jose Costa Rica. I have put together a list of options that are available to become a resident in Costa Rica. I hope this helps you if you come to Costa Rica. Residency In Costa Rica - Types of Residency Pensionado • Requires proof of US$1000 per month income from permanent pension source or retirement fund. • Must remain in country at least 4 months per year. • Can claim spouse and dependants under 18 years of age. • Cannot work as an employee. • Can own a company and receive dividends. Rentista Residency in Costa Rica • Requires proof of US$2500 per month income for at least five years, guaranteed by a banking institution, OR a US$150,000 deposit in an approved Costa Rican bank. One amount covers the family. • Must remain in country at least 4 months per year. • Can claim spouse and dependants under 18 years of age. • Cannot work as an employee. • Can own a company and receive dividends. Investor • Investment of US$200,000 in a business. • Must remain in country at least 6 months per year. • Cannot claim spouse and dependants under 18 years of age. • Income allowed from the project. • Can own a company and receive dividends. Representante Residency Program - Costa Rica • Applicant must be director of a company meeting certain requirements, such as employing a minimum number of local workers as established by the labor law, with financial statements certified by a Public Accountant. • Must remain in country at least 6 months per year. • Cannot claim spouse and dependants under 18 years of age. • Can earn an income from the company. • Can own a company and receive income. Permanent Residency Costa Rica • First degree relative status with a Costa Rican Citizen (through marriage to citizen or having a Costa Rican child) OR may apply after three years in another status. • Must visit Costa Rica at least once per year. • Cannot claim spouse and dependants under 18 years of age. • Can work. • Can own a company and receive income.  

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Sailing in Costa Rica, Liveabroad & Beginner Sailboats

Published by oceanwave on april 21, 2023 april 21, 2023.

Sailing aficionados will love Sailing in Costa Rica because of its extensive coastline in the Pacific and Caribbean. From leisurely trips along the coast to exhilarating sails in open waters, the nation provides a variety of sailing activities. Beginners can choose from a variety of sailboats in Costa Rica that are ideal for teaching them the ropes. These beginning sailboats are made to be simple to manage and come with all the necessary safety equipment to guarantee a relaxing and secure sailing experience. A liveaboard sailboat, on the other hand, enables experienced sailors seeking a more immersive and adventurous experience to spend days or weeks living onboard the boat.

Costa Rica offers various kinds of sailing experiences, regardless of what you’re looking for. Sailing in Costa Rica is a memorable experience thanks to its stunning coastline, ideal weather, and welcoming locals.

Beginner Sailboats in Costa Rica

It’s crucial to pick the correct sailboat for your needs and level of experience if you’re a novice looking for Sailing in Costa Rica. Certain characteristics, including as simplicity of handling, stability, and a comfortable interior, should be present in a beginning sailboat in Costa Rica. In Costa Rica, the following are some suggested sailboats for beginners:

Catalina 22: Due to its straightforward design and user-friendly operation, this yacht is a popular option for novices. It is a great option for longer excursions because it is solid and comfortable as well.

Hunter 240: The Hunter 240 is a fantastic choice for novice sailors seeking a roomy, comfortable sailboat. It is simple to control and features a roomy cabin with the essentials.

Precision 23: The Precision 23 is a small sailboat that is ideal for beginners searching for a straightforward and reasonably priced choice. For overnight journeys, it is manageable and has a cosy cabin.

Costa Rican Liveaboard Sailboats

A popular way to discover Costa Rica’s breathtaking coastline and islands is through liveaboard sailing. A liveaboard sailboat offers a special chance to live on board while having the best sailing experience possible. The following are some suggested liveaboard sailboats for Costa Rica:

Leopard 44: If you want to live on a beautiful sailboat, the Leopard 44 is ideal. It is a comfortable option for long journeys because of its roomy cabin and contemporary conveniences.

Lagoon 42: Another well-liked liveaboard vessel in Costa Rica is the Lagoon 42. It boasts a roomy floorplan, cozy staterooms, and a fully functional kitchen.

Beneteau Oceanis 45: The Beneteau Oceanis 45 is a multipurpose sailboat that is ideal for liveaboard sailing. It offers a roomy interior with lots of storage and contemporary comforts.

Living while Sailing in Costa Rica enables you to experience the best of sailing while touring the nation’s stunning coastline and islands. You may have an exceptional and unforgettable experience of Costa Rica’s beauty with the proper liveaboard sailboat.

To discover more about various sailboats, yachts, and catamaran types you can check out this Sailboat Data page. You may discover comprehensive details on different sailboat models and their performance here, making it easy for you how to pick the best boat for your requirements.

Top Destinations for Sailing in Costa Rica

With a variety of options for both novice and expert sailors, Costa Rica is a well-known sailing destination. The many coastal regions of the nation provide a variety of sailing environments, from quiet coves to treacherous offshore waves. In this post, we’ll look at five of Costa Rica’s top sailing locations and the sailing opportunities they provide.

Tamarindo is situated in the Guanacaste province on Costa Rica’s northwest coast. The region experiences a dry tropical environment with year-round average highs of 80°F (27°C). The best time to sail in Tamarindo is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. The winds are steady and the waves are quiet.

Opportunities for Sailing: Tamarindo Bay offers novice sailors a safe environment to hone their abilities. More seasoned sailors may also have the chance to explore the Pacific Ocean’s wide waters. Beginner-friendly sailboats are available from Tamarindo Bay Sailing Adventures, including Hobie Cats and Sunfish models.

Places to Go: Tamarindo is a well-liked vacation spot with lots of things to do besides sailing. The town’s vibrant nightlife is available for visitors to enjoy, or they can explore the local fauna at Las Baulas National Marine Park.

Manuel Antonio

On Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio is renowned for its breathtaking beaches and national park. The region experiences a warm, humid tropical environment with year-round average highs of 85°F (29°C). The greatest time to sail in Manuel Antonio is during the dry season, which lasts from December to April.

Opportunities for Sailing: The tranquil waters of Manuel Antonio Bay are ideal for learning to sail. For more seasoned sailors, there are additional options to explore the adjacent islands and offshore waterways. The Hobie Wave and Hobie Getaway are just two of the beginner-friendly sailboats available at Sail Manuel Antonio.

Places to Go: In addition to sailing, Manuel Antonio is a well-liked vacation spot with lots of fun things to do. At Manuel Antonio National Park, visitors can explore the local fauna or unwind on the area’s stunning beaches.

Gulf of Papagayo

Near the Nicaraguan border, on Costa Rica’s northwest coast, is where you’ll find the Gulf of Papagayo. The region experiences a dry tropical environment with year-round average highs of 85°F (29°C). The greatest time to sail in the Gulf of Papagayo is during the dry season, which lasts from December to April.

Opportunities for Sailing: There are several sailing opportunities in the Gulf of Papagayo, from tranquil harbours to treacherous offshore waters. While more experienced sailors enjoy the Pacific’s open waters, novice sailors can hone their techniques in the Gulf’s protected waters. The Hobie Getaway and Hobie Wave are just two of the sailboats for novices available from Papagayo Sailing.

Places to Go: The Gulf of Papagayo is a well-liked vacation spot with a variety of activities to enjoy besides sailing. Visitors to the area can unwind on the breathtaking beaches or explore the local fauna in Rincon de la Vieja National Park.

In Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region, a seaside town with the name of Quepos may be found. The town has a thriving nightlife, fantastic fishing, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Quepos is situated in a protected harbour with tranquil waters that are ideal for beginning sailors. All year long, the climate is pleasant and sunny with sporadic bouts of rain.

Opportunities for Sailing: Quepos provides a range of sailing options, from exploring surrounding islands to coast-cruising. Marlin, sailfish, and tuna sportfishing are further options.

Places to Go: Manuel Antonio National Park, noted for its stunning beaches, hiking paths, and varied fauna, is close to Quepos. Additionally, you may go kayaking and whitewater rafting on the neighbouring Naranjo River.

Golfo Dulce

Large bay known as Golfo Dulce may be found on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast. The bay is renowned for its clear waters, a variety of marine life, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Golfo Dulce is protected from high winds and waves, making it the perfect place for beginning sailors. All year long, the climate is pleasant and sunny with sporadic bouts of rain.

Opportunities for Sailing: Golfo Dulce offers a range of sailing options, from exploring surrounding islands to coast-cruising. Additionally, you can go fishing for grouper, snapper, and other fish.

Places to Go: The Corcovado National Park, which is home to a variety of animals including jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws, is close to Golfo Dulce. The adjacent Osa Peninsula, which has a number of lovely beaches and hiking routes, is another option.

In conclusion, sailing aficionados of all skill levels have amazing chances in Costa Rica. In this lovely nation, there are many sailing sites to discover and take pleasure in, whether you are a novice or an experienced sailor. You may even make your sailing vacation a long-term lifestyle by residing aboard your yacht thanks to the variety of liveaboard sailboats that are available for leasing. It’s important to get the proper sailboat for your degree of experience, so it’s wise to conduct your homework and find the one that’s ideal for you. Sailing in Costa Rica is a memorable experience thanks to the country’s beautiful coastline, varied marine life, and good weather. So embark on a voyage and savour this amazing nation’s beauty and adventure.

Visit our sailing locations page for some incredible ideas and places to explore if you’re feeling motivated to organize your sailing holiday. Start preparing for your upcoming sailing excursion right away with Ocean Wave Sail !

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Hey, Captains! 7 Superyacht and Yacht Marinas in Costa Rica

Somewhere below the hurricane line , sheltered from Pacific swells, and far from the Atlantic’s tropical tempers, Costa Rica marinas offer not only a safe haven for your yacht or superyacht, but also an idyllic stop-over or picturesque home port. 

The “gateway to the eastern tropical Pacific,” Costa Rica is close to the Panama Canal and an easy jumping-off point to over- and underwater adventures to Isla del Coco, Malpelo Island, Coiba, and even the Galápagos. 

But what brings you here is not just where you can go, but where you are: In Costa Rica, a tropical, lush, outdoor paradise known for its beaches and rainforests, volcanoes and dry forests, rivers and mangroves. But, before you can enjoy all that, you’ll have to dock your vessel. 

Cruising from north to south down Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, these  7 Costa Rica marinas offer a range of amenities and services, from wet and dry docks to filtered fuel and dockside concierges:

Marina Papagayo 

Coordinates : 10° 38′ 29.778″ N / -85° 39′ 19.3998″ W Phone : (506) 2696-2449 Email : [email protected] Max Draft : 28 ft. Max LOA : 250 ft. Highlights : 180 Wet Slips (plans for 350 total), shops, rental suites & private residences, 12 restaurants

Costa Rica’s northernmost marina – located 640 nautical miles from the Panama Canal, about 30 minutes to Liberia International Airport (LIR), and in a naturally protected harbor – Marina Papagayo serves northern Guanacaste (Nicaragua to Playas del Coco) and offers a year-round yachting safe-haven within the luxurious Peninsula Papagayo resort. 

This full-service, deep-sea port delivers 180 yacht berths for ships up to 250 feet LOA, with single and 3-phase electrical, gray & blackwater disposal, and wireless Internet. The marina’s amenities are many , extending to everything from mooring assistance and dockside concierge services to onsite provisioning and fuel bunkering. The concierge is also on-hand to help arrange car rentals, dining reservations, and activities for captains and crew members. 

>> Yacht Crew Guide to Costa Rica <<

Marina Papagayo benefits from an ultra-wide , custom-designed floating dock system , which can accommodate a variety of boats, yachts, and watercraft – everything from luxe cruisers and sportfishing vessels, up to schooners and superyachts. And, should you care to stay close to your yacht, the marina also offers an oceanside apartment hotel, with studio, 1-, and 2-bedroom suites.

If you choose to make Marina Papagayo your home port, you’ll likely want to make Peninsula Papagayo your home – or, at least, home base. Here, you’ll find everything from a championship Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course and miles of hiking and biking trails , to an incredible Beach Club and 1,400 acres of private reserve. And then, there is the upscale Andaz Costa Rica Resort and the Four Seasons Costa Rica , as well as resort real estate , if you choose to make your stay long-term.

Marina Papagayo also offers bespoke marine management services, for year-round, stress-free yacht ownership. Enjoy your time!

Services & Amenities

✔ 180 fully serviced berths 

✔ Single & 3-phase electrical service

✔ Grey & black water disposal

✔ Mooring assistance

✔ 24/7 monitoring

✔ Yacht assist

✔ On-site provisioning

✔ Dockside concierge

Flamingo Marina

Playa flamingo.

Coordinates : 10° 26′ 18.7542″ N | -85° 47′ 14.229″ W Phone : (506) 4070-1830 Email : [email protected] Highlights : 92 slips, onsite resort Beach Club, restaurants, rental suites and villas

A world-class facility in one of Costa Rica’s most popular (and breathtaking) locales, the  new Flamingo Marina offers a state-of-the-art marina and Resort Village . The marina serves the North Pacific and Central Guanacaste , from Playa del Coco south through Tamarindo/Hacienda Pinilla and the Nicoya Peninsula. 

As Costa Rica marinas go, Flamingo Marina is the newest – and one of the most upscale. Even better, it can accommodate vessels of all lengths and beams , serving and servicing your yacht with an array of premier services and amenities, including 92 slips (with floating docks), a high-speed fuel dock , and full immigration and customs services onsite. 

You’ll love being here. Flamingo Marina is an oceanfront wonderland of onsite restaurants, marina-view accommodations, an onsite ship store, and a stunning VIP Club outfitted with first-class amenities, including an outdoor pool and bar, for your relaxation and enjoyment. Need something? Head to the Marina Flamingo Village , where you’ll find a range of retail options. 

✔ 184 slips with floating docks

✔ High-Speed Marine Fuel dock and sanitary pump outs

✔ VIP Marina Lounge

✔ Exclusive Outdoor Club pool and Bar

✔ On-site restaurants

✔ Onsite Ship Store

✔ 24/7 Security

Los Sueños Resort and Marina

Playa herradura / jacó.

Coordinates : 9° 39′ 1.7706″ N | -84° 39′ 59.3892″ W Phone : 011-506-2630-4200 Email : [email protected] Highlights : 200 wet slips, 116 dry slips, fuel dock, Marriott hotel, 4 restaurants, golf course, fishing tournaments, and full-time staff 

The first of the government-approved Costa Rica marinas , Los Sueños Marina is a long-standing national yachting icon – and modern facility, thanks to the fastidious staff and an emphasis on constant updates. Los Sueños serves the Central Pacific , from the Puntarenas south to Jacó and Playa Hermosa.   

With 200 wet slips and 116 dry slips, Los Sueños Marina is a full-service port for vessels 30-180 feet in length (dry storage up to 35 feet), plus a lift truck with a 10-ton capacity (range: -15 feet for direct water retrieval to +30 feet to place craft into the two-story dry storage). The marina’s attentive staff is always on hand to attend to your yachting needs. 

The onsite, state-of-the-art fuel station delivers 65-gallon-per-minute pumping and all fuel passes through centrifuge cleaning, to ensure the cleanest fuel available in Costa Rica . Los Sueños is also equipped to perform boat maintenance , including oil changes, extractions, and bulk servicing of all lubricants. And they will perform complimentary pump-out services on your yacht’s tanks.  

✔ Dry Storage

✔ Anchorage

✔ Fuel Dock

✔ Water Hookup

✔ Maintenance Facility

Marina Paz Vela

Quepos / manuel antonio.

Coordinates : 9° 25′ 35.5254″ N | -84° 10′ 3.291″ W Phone : (506) 2774-9000 Max Draft : 14 ft.  Max LOA : 200 ft. Highlights : 195 Wet Slips, Yacht Yard with 200 Ton Travelift, Dry Rack, 6 restaurants, rental villas, and fishing tournaments

One of the most scenic Costa Rica marinas , Marina Paz Vela (named for the region’s impressive sailfish) sits surrounded by rainforest-swathed hillside that cascades down mountainsides to tumble into the aquamarine Pacific Ocean. It’s both striking and strategic, serving the Central Pacific coast, from Manuel Antonio/Quepos south to Golfito.

With at least 195 wet slips and world-class marina facilities, Marina Paz Vela can accommodate and service vessels up to 200 feet. Their state-of-the-art concrete docking system makes dockage a breeze, while the marina’s 14-foot safe operating depth ensures ease of access. Once in dock, the coffer dam-protected basin guarantees both safety and protection while docked. 

Plan to stay awhile? Marina Paz Vela also offers dry dock storage for craft up to 38-feet in length; their dry-rack forklift can safely position boats up to 25,000 pounds. 

✔ 195 Wet Slips

✔ Floating Concrete Docks

✔ Custom-designed Coffer Dam System

✔ Fuel Station

✔ Electricity

✔ Garbage & Recycling

Banana Bay Marina 

Coordinates : 8° 37′ 23.4906″ N | -83° 9′ 8.3658″ W Phone : (506) 2775-0255 or (506) 2775-0003 Email : [email protected]  Max Draft : 11 ft. Max LOA : 120 ft. Highlights : 20 wet slips, hotel, restaurant

The first (alphabetical order) of three Costa Rica marinas we’ll highlight in Golfito, Banana Bay Marina unfolds at the edge of tropical rainforest, in a natural, deep draft gulf that promises superb natural protection from the Pacific’s swells (and Mother Nature’s temper). The marina serves the Southern Pacific coast of the country, for yacht crews based from Sierpe south to Panama. 

Situated within the picturesque Golfo Dulce (Sweet Golf) and the pristine Golfito Bay, Banana Bay Marina is Costa Rica’s southernmost government-licensed marina , meaning it can both offer cruising permits and serve as your official point of entry/exit to Costa Rica – an advantage, when arriving from points south. Customer procedures, inclusive!

Rooted in high standards and personalized service, Banana Bay is one of the smaller marinas to make our list: The marina delivers 20 wet slips, dry slips, and monthly docking, as well as a full-service sportfishing center , boat repair , onsite hotel , and a restaurant, among other services and amenities.

✔ Dry Dockage

✔ Mooring Buoy

✔ Anchor Out

✔ Boat Repair

✔ Customs Procedures

✔ Extended Cruising Permits

Fish Hook Marina

Coordinates : 8° 37′ 19.0878″ N | -83° 9′ 5.925″ W Phone : (506) 2775-1624 Highlights : 22 slips, extra-wide docks, onsite dockmaster, lodge, restaurant

Ensconced within a natural, deep-draft gulf, Fish Hook Marina offers a safe haven for your extended visit. One of the smaller Costa Rica marinas on the Pacific coast, Fish Hook serves southwestern Costa Rica , from Sierpe south to Panama. 

Offering 22 yacht and sailboat slips and long-term dockage, the marina is home to 200+ International Game Fishing Association World Records , this marina is an excellent choice for captains who plan to spend a lot of their land time… well, out on the water! Here, you can land black marlin, sailfish, and blue marlin in a single day.   

Additionally, if you’re looking to something more than provisions but less than a whole new boat, the town of Golfito is Costa Rica’s premier duty-free zone , offering the lowest prices in the country on big-ticket items to outfit your yacht. Here, you’ll also find banking, restaurants, a small hospital, and a local airport.

✔ Boats up to 180 feet

✔ Extra-wide docks

✔ Dockmaster onsite

✔ Daily & monthly rates

✔ Long-term dockage

✔ 24-hour security

✔ Boat maintenance

✔ Provisions

Marina Bahía Golfito

Coordinates : 8° 38′ 16.7058″ N | -83° 10′ 11.6724″ W Phone : (506) 4080-6090 Max Draft : 30 ft. Max LOA : 350 ft. Highlights : 45 Wet Slips, hotel, 2 restaurants  

The final of three Costa Rica marinas located at Golfito, the “gulf within a gulf,” Marina Bahía Golfito is framed by backdrops of lush mangroves and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, Piedras Blancas and Corcovado National Parks. As marina locations go, this is one of the more pastoral – and off the beaten path. But in the best way possible! Marina Bahía Golfito serves Costa Rica’s South Pacific , from Sierpe south to Panama.  

This state-of-the-art marina welcomes vessels from 40 to 350 feet , with 45 slips that promise protection from Pacific swells (and Atlantic hurricanes). Among other services and amenities, Marina Bahía Golfito offers the fastest bunkering fuel pump in Central America, dispensing up to 210 gallons per minute. 

Attentive, onsite staff include a Dock Master, fuel attendants, and trained dockhands, as well as front desk staff and a concierge, who helps captains and crew with everything from daily needs to wildest dreams for Costa Rican adventure.

✔ Shore Power

✔ Free WiFi

✔ Pressurized Potable Water

✔ Garbage & Battery Disposal

✔ Black & Gray Water Disposal

Questions about Costa Rica Marinas?

Hey captains, we’re happy to help! Get in touch.

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Seeking Safe Harbor? A Guide to the Best Costa Rica Marinas

• by Justin DeBoom
• December 11, 2023
• Costa Rica , Travel

Costa Rica is a popular destination for boaters and anglers from all over the world. In this article, Justin DeBoom provides a brief overview of the best Costa Rica marinas, north to south down the Pacific coast.

After moving to Costa Rica in 2009, I began working in the tourist industry. It was a great fit that allowed me to enjoy the “ pura vida ” life while making a living. What I loved most was arranging sport fishing trips for my clients. It was a dream job for a lifelong angler like me. The dream job. I quickly became our travel agency’s main fishing specialist, a position I still hold and enjoy to this day.

Being a sport fishing specialist means a lot of sport fishing. Which means a lot of time out in the ocean and a lot of time hanging out in marinas. We now have five full-service marinas in Costa Rica, providing practical security, safe harbor (Costa Rica sits well below the hurricane line), and a great place to dock your boat (or super-yacht) while exploring inland.

Let’s take a look at the best marinas in Costa Rica, north to south down the Pacific coast:

Marina Papagayo

On the exclusive Papagayo Peninsula in Guanacaste, Marina Papagayo offers yea-round safe harbor for yachts. And it’s only 30s minutes from the Guanacaste International Airport !

The marina provides 180 fully serviced berths for yachts up to 250 feet LOA. Each berth includes mooring assistance, 24/7 monitoring, yacht support, provisioning, fuel bunkering, and a concierge service. The marina’s concierge team assists with airport transfers, shuttle service, car rentals, dining reservations, and crew activities.

While at Marina Papagayo, captains and crews can access Peninsula Papagayo facilities, including beaches, a championship golf course, the Andaz Costa Rica Resort Beach House, and hiking/biking trails.

The marina accommodates a range of boats from super yachts to sport fishing charters. With plans for 350 slips, it aims to be Costa Rica’s largest and most advanced marina.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Peninsula Papagayo (@peninsulapapagayo)

Flamingo Marina

Flamingo Marina is a full-service marina, also on the Guanacaste coast. Technically, it’s located at the southern end of Playa Potrero rather than Flamingo itself, but that’s kinda splitting hairs. Opened in 2023, it offers 92 slips with floating docks of all lengths and beams.

There are exclusive marina residences , a first-class hotel, and a variety of shops and restaurants. This makes Marina Flamingo a great place to visit or live, whether you are a boater or not. And you might even spot some folks sporting  custom boating apparel , which adds a personal touch to their sailing experience! These unique pieces not only embody the spirit of the sailing but often feature prints of their own boats.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marina Flamingo (@visitmarinaflamingo)

Los Sueños Marina

The next marina is way south of Guanacaste, on the Central Pacific coast. Located in Herradura, outside the tourist town of Jaco, Los Sueños could be Costa Rica’s most renowned marina.

Opened in 1996, the Los Sueños Marina was Costa Rica’s first government-approved marina. It offers 200 wet slips, 166 dry slips, a fuel dock, and dedicated staff. The wet slips accommodate vessels from 30 to 180 feet, while the dry storage spaces fit boats under 41 feet. Los Sueños is home to one of Costa Rica’s premier charter fleets, offering options for full-day, half-day, and overnight trips to explore the finest fishing grounds onshore and offshore.

The resort development around Los Sueños includes a marina village with restaurants, spas, and shops.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Los Sueños (@lossuenosresort)

Marina Pez Vela

Marina Pez Vela in Quepos was established in 2014 and has become a central hub for Costa Rica’s sport fishing culture. The marina hosts international competitions and serves as the base for a large charter fleet. Its location, with easy access to Manuel Antonio, makes it super-convenient for tourists seeking a day out on the ocean. The marina village features condos, restaurants, and shops.

The marina offers more than 195 wet slips, accommodating vessels up to 200 feet in length. A state-of-the-art concrete floating dock system ensures practical functionality, and the safe operating depth of 14 feet guarantees easy access. Each slip is equipped with fiber optic high-speed internet and digital cable, and the basin is well-protected by a coffer dam.

Marina Pez Vela also features a comprehensive dry dock storage rack. This option is particularly suitable for smaller vessels or boat owners who don’t use their boats consistently.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marina Pez Vela🎣 (@marinapezvela_cr)

Marina Bahia Golfito

Way down south at the near bottom of Costa Rica, between the mainland and the Osa Peninsula, is the Golfo Dulce. Here, you’ll find Bahia Golfito, a unique “gulf within a gulf” and home to the Marina Bahia Golfito .

Marina Bahia Golfito accommodates vessels from 40 to 350 feet. Its 45 slips are protected by mangroves, which safeguard against heavy swells and bad weather. The marina also offers bunkering services and their team includes trained dockhands and fuel attendants.

The Marina Bahia Golfito also has its own hotel, beach bar, and restaurant.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marina Bahía Golfito (@marinabahiagolfito)

Banana Bay Marina

Also in Golfito (this part of Costa Rica is made for marinas) is the Banana Bay Marina . This small marina offers offers 60 wet slips and an additional 12 dry slips, catering to boats of up to 150 feet LOA. For docking, the marina accommodates vessels up to 120 feet in length.

The marina also offers dry dock facilities. A service shop handles minor repairs, while a comprehensive center caters to outboard motor service and repairs, as well as electronic equipment repairs.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Banana Bay Marina (@bananabaymarinacr)

That wraps up our guide to Costa Rica marinas

You’ll see from the list above that there are no marinas on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. This doesn’t mean that you can’t go fishing or diving on that side of the country. But it’s true that – as yet – there are no marinas along the lines of those found on the Pacific. If you’re sailing along this stretch of Central America’s Caribbean, I’d recommend heading towards Panama to find a marina.

Whether you seek sport fishing opportunities, a place to park your boat, or simply like the vibes of marinas and nautical life, I hope this guide helps. These five Costa Rica marinas each have their own attributes and attractions. I enjoy them all and hope you will too.

Justin DeBoom lives in Jaco, Costa Rica where he works as a travel consultant and fishing specialist. He can be contacted at [email protected].

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Justin DeBoom

Justin DeBoom first came to Costa Rica in 2005 with friends and fell in love with the country. As an avid angler in his home state of Florida, he quickly decided Costa Rica would be his primary destination for travel until he made the permanent move in 2009. After two years living, traveling and fishing throughout Costa Rica, he met his Costa Rican wife, Lucia. They now live in Jaco, Costa Rica and own a fishing charter called Caribsea Sportfishing. Justin also works for Costa Rica Vacations helping people plan amazing vacations. Whether it is Costa Rica, Panama, fishing, family travel, or just simple questions, he is there to help. Contact him at [email protected]

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• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Cruising Costa Rica: discovering an unspoilt paradise by boat

• April 21, 2023

A detour north to Costa Rica on his classic Swan 37 rewards Max Campbell with some of his most adventurous cruising yet

The sea curls with distant groundswells as the fragmented skyline of Panama City dips into the horizon. A neat queue of cargo vessels waits at anchor for their turn to transit the Canal. Gone are the steady trades I’ve become accustomed to, and we face the serene blue void of the Pacific. Two years after that first chilly Biscay crossing, Elixir’s hull parts a new ocean.

The excitement of waking up in the Pacific lasts for several weeks. I feel overwhelmed by the infinite number of paths leading to exciting destinations. The Pacific season is beginning and everyone on board craves another ocean passage, yet we feel as if we’ve barely scratched the surface of Latin America. We’ve tasted the flavour of life in Colombia and Panama, and it’s left us wanting more.

In the lingering aftermath of Covid, many Pacific islands still have their borders shut. We decide it’s as good an excuse as any to stick around in Central America. Instead of casting off for French Polynesia immediately, we settle on a 2,000-mile detour to the Sea of Cortez. After checking out of Panama, our next stop is Costa Rica.

Punta Burica marks the border between Panama and Costa Rica. It extends like a bead of water about to drop off into the Pacific. Our first Costa Rican sunset is a vibrant orange dream. We pull in bonito on the line. The red Pacific sun melts into the seascape, leaving a burning soup of molten sky and clouds.

Elixir anchored in the Nicoya Gulf. Photo: Max Campbell

Longest wave

We shift between leisurely drawn-out tacks, until the tip of the Osa Peninsula emerges at sunrise. Golfito, nested in the Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf), is the first port of call for sailors arriving from the south.

We make a quick stop at Playa Pavones. A curving cobblestone beach creates one of the longest surfing waves in the world. Shortly after dropping the hook, I dive over the guardrail to begin the day with one of the longest waves of my life. Landfall in Costa Rica has immediately surpassed that of any other country, so far. As I sit on my board surrounded by the early morning tribe of surfers, I can’t stop smiling, looking back at Elixir and thinking about how far we’d come.

The previous sleepless night of coastal sailing catches up, and tiredness strikes me down. As the afternoon breeze kicks in, I paddle back to Elixir. We sail off into the deep bay, before anchoring in the port of Golfito to begin the check-in process. Generally, checking into Latin American countries is complicated and expensive. We found Costa Rica to be one of the most tedious. The entire check-in process costs around $350 (with an agent) and takes around half a day of admin.

osta Rican light winds cruising was hot and sunny – until the rains came. Photo: Max Campbell

Costa Rica isn’t set up for cruisers. Marinas are expensive and cater more towards motor fishing vessels. There are few marine stores, and importing anything is expensive. However, visiting by yacht does allow a special insight into one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.

The nation is known for its progressive environmental policies and egalitarian society. It has one of the highest standards of living in Central America, supporting free education and healthcare. In 1949 Costa Rica abolished its military, and has since become a model for eco-stewardship. An impressive 25% of its territory has been set aside as nature reserves and protected areas, preventing any further development. On top of its commitment to preserving its natural spaces, over 98% of its energy comes from renewable sources.

We enjoyed the feeling of openness and warmth throughout Latin America, and found the Costa Ricans to be especially friendly. The phrase pura vida (‘pure life’) is dropped into almost every conversation and represents the essence of Costa Rican culture. The versatile expression is used in a variety of contexts, replacing ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’, ‘yes’ and ‘good thanks’. The term somehow defines Costa Rica, illustrating the nation’s attitude to living a healthy, happy and stress-free existence.

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The Osa Peninsula stretches like a protective arm over the deep bay of the Golfo Dulce. It’s home to the largest of Costa Rica’s nature reserves, the Corcovado National Park. Defined by the National Geographic Society as ‘the world’s most biologically intense area’, this national treasure houses 3% of the world’s biodiversity.

Several ports and anchorages provide access to the Corcovado National Park. We choose the anchorage of Drake Bay, on the northern shoulder of the peninsula. On the 60-mile sail from Golfito, the water is rife with dolphins, turtles, sea snakes and rays. We make the most of a light south-westerly and set the spinnaker. The late afternoon sun casts a soft orange hue over vast swathes of untouched jungle. We ghost into Drake Bay under the glow of a full moon. The constant hum of jungle echoes across the water. When Elixir’s anchor shatters the slick surface there is a vibrant blue explosion of phosphoresce. The following morning sunrise exposes a scenic anchorage. Aside from a thin strip of sand, the vegetation extends almost to the sea surface. Only a few discrete buildings poke through the thick blanket of jungle spread over the surrounding hills.

We drop the dinghy over the side. Since having our outboard stolen, we’ve adopted a 1960s British Seagull engine, fondly nicknamed ‘Steven Seagull’. A tight gap in the rocky headland provides access to a small river which quickly becomes engulfed by the lofty canopy. The tinny rattle of the Seagull echoes between the trees, the peculiar sound catching the attention of anyone nearby. Two amused fishermen, a band of spider monkeys, and a discreet cayman all gaze with curiosity as we pass by.

Sand bar of Playa Uvita resembles the tail of a whale. Photo: Max Campbell

Due to Costa Rica’s strict conservation laws, anchoring within the protected area is not permitted. Instead we arrange to visit Corcovado with a local tour group. Shortly after sunrise, a launch full of tourists pulls up alongside Elixir, and we speed off towards the entrance to the park.

Corcovado is the largest primary rainforest on America’s Pacific coastline. Our day exploring it is a constant series of exciting wildlife encounters. After each one, the next fascinating animal would emerge from the bushes as if scripted. We stumbled upon all four species of Costa Rica’s monkeys, tree frogs, snakes, crocodiles and toucans. Lucky visitors can catch glimpses of tapirs, pumas, anteaters and jaguars.

From Drake Bay, we sail north to Playa Uvita. A thin sandbar extends to meet an offshore reef, forming an uncanny resemblance to a breaching whale’s tail. At low tide, the reef offers enough protection to sculpt a novel anchorage. On either side of us, waves beat onto the lonely stretch of sand, squashed beneath the unkempt beauty of the thick, tropical rainforest.

As we venture further, the land becomes more developed. In Dominical, a line of palms embellish the shoreline. Yet, it’s impossible to ignore the escalating signs of development. With another day’s sailing we reach Manuel Antonio. By now airy mansions and condominiums crowd each headland, all vying for the best view of the unobstructed ocean.

Cruising rarities

Compared to the Caribbean, where shiny white hulls spill from any sheltered anchorage, spotting another boat is rare. It’s easy to see why. Instead of romping between islands in the tradewinds, we welcome any breeze, making careful sail adjustments in an effort not to scare it away. After a sweaty day of obsessive trimming, we celebrate even half an average day’s run in the Atlantic.

Diving off Elixir for an evening swim to combat the tropical heat. Photo: Max Campbell

While cruising north through Central America, the wind is generally ahead of the beam. Not once did we take a reef, the sea is usually flat, leading to some smooth and enjoyable upwind sailing. However, the journey wasn’t entirely painless. Anchorages are often exposed to Pacific groundswells. Coming ashore involves a long dinghy ride and a beach landing. Inevitably, every journey ashore ends in a swamping from a breaking wave.

The oppressive midday heat can make even simple tasks a struggle. Despite these obstacles, we were still to discover Costa Rica’s biggest downfall. The wet season dominates the year in Central America. On the final day of March, three months of unobstructed sunshine come to an abrupt end. Shortly after sunset, we observe a grim veil floating over the horizon. Weather systems move slowly in the region, and often a patch of cloud will sulk in the distance for hours. Eventually, the suspense is broken with a deluge of tropical rain and a succession of piercing lightning strikes.

Costa Rican wildlife is abundant and exotic. Photo: Max Campbell

I could be overreacting. While learning to sail in the UK, lightning seemed like an almost alien phenomenon. But here on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica it’s real. There have been a few nervous moments over our two and half year voyage, but nothing has driven fear into my soul like watching several hundred million volts smite the water next to Elixir. The relaxed pura vida is quickly forgotten and the energy on Elixir is tense. Blinding flashes illuminate the sky, briefly exposing our drenched, worried faces. I’m torn. We have only scratched the surface of this rich country, yet with each menacing thundercloud I feel increasingly vulnerable living on a boat.

Sailing cargo

The Pacific coast of Costa Rica is made up of two peninsulas: the Osa Peninsula in the south, and the Nicoya Peninsula in the north. Both curl round to the south, squeezing a thin slice of water between the mainland.

We run with the spinnaker into the Nicoya Gulf. A few small islands provide rare respite from the swell, and we relish several peaceful nights at anchor. The stretch of mainland adjacent to the peninsula is dashed with winding mangrove creeks and broad mudflats. At the first meander of one of these creeks lies a shipyard. Inside, a group of boatbuilders are constructing a 45m sailing cargo vessel, all from tropical hardwood grown in Costa Rica.

We anchor Elixir in the mouth of the silty river and venture upstream to sneak a peek at Ceiba. A huge wooden stem emerged from behind the mangroves. Beneath the shade of a mango tree, a team of shirtless boatbuilders are enthusiastically fairing the frames of an enormous wooden hull.

One of the lead shipwrights is a friend of mine, and he leads us through a tour of the build. Everyone is covered in sawdust and bitumen. After spending time in gruff English boatyards, I’m struck by how friendly everyone is. The team invites us to eat with them, and we learn that the project is propelled by a very international assembly of boatbuilders. Everyone is young. It’s obvious that they’re not driven by money, but by a deep passion for traditional shipbuilding. Their dedication to the project is contagious, and after a few hours, I wanted to be part of it too.

We spend almost a week in the Sailcargo yard, where we glean a fascinating insight into the world of sustainable shipping. The project is a unique blend between tradition and innovation. It’s backed by a team of international investors, all with an interest in furthering the development of carbon-free shipping.

Ceiba will be a 45m topsail schooner, built from timber grown within a 50km radius of the shipyard. Costa Rica has some of the strictest forestry laws, and the project also involves a tree-planting scheme. Some 12,000 newly planted trees will replace the 400 used in the build. When these trees reach full maturity, they’ll be used to construct another sailing cargo vessel like Ceiba. The process of shipping cargo will become completely regenerative, and the system will be complete.

We leave the Sailcargo yard with three extra crewmates. All are boatbuilders from the shipyard, who have taken a few days off to sail north. We fly out of the Nicoya Gulf with the ebbing tide, and back into the rolling groundswells of the Pacific.

After rounding the Nicoya Peninsula, we stop at several coastal towns, and make our way into the northern territory of Guanacaste. The leafy trails and wooden shacks of Drake Bay seem like a distant memory. The jungle canopy has thinned into an arid bush. The coastal towns of Guanacaste are more developed and more Americanised than anything we’ve seen yet.

Playa Pavones where the beach creates a long, curving surf break. Photo: Max Campbell

The Papagayo Jet

We check out of Playa del Coco, the northernmost port of entry and exit. Like checking in, checking out involves half a day of riding buses between customs, immigration, the bank and the port captain. Before leaving on the five-day passage to Mexico, we spend several days cruising Guanacaste and the Santa Rosa National Park. The coastline offers up a handful of empty bays, as well as more world-class surfing. Often we have an anchorage to ourselves, and we spend the days exploring isolated beaches and mangrove creeks. After each sweaty evening meal, we don goggles and leap over the guardrail into a brilliant green and blue eruption of phosphorescent plankton.

Leaving Costa Rica to sail north often involves waiting between periods of strong Papagayo winds. Tradewinds in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico funnel through a narrow mountain pass. The result is a fierce acceleration zone that blows offshore into the Pacific Ocean. During the winter months, the Papagayo Jet can sustain wind speeds of 40 knots for several days, building up a nasty sea even only a few miles offshore.

Regular dips are the best way to cool off. Photo: Max Campbell

In five weeks we’d sailed the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, from its southern border with Panama to its northern border with Nicaragua. At sunrise, we weighed anchor for a final time, and set off on the 550-mile passage to Chiapas, Mexico.

Wealth of experience

A light south-westerly filled in, and we disappeared on a broad reach. I twisted the pin on the steering wheel, engaging the Monitor wind vane. Elixir began to steer herself at a gentle 5 knots. Apart from the calming trickle of the waterline, everything was silent. The light shifted from a harsh glare to a warm glow. In the final hour of daylight, we reflected on Elixir’s time in Costa Rica.

A steadfast dedication to conserving biodiversity and natural spaces makes Costa Rica unique. The pura vida culture symbolises a healthy, happy, stress-free lifestyle. It’s easy to fall into the laid back flow, and the attitude to life is contagious. But we found that pura vida didn’t always extend to life on the water. A stress-free existence is a struggle to maintain when intense tropical squalls are a daily occurrence.

Photo: Max Campbell

We arrived too late in the year to truly appreciate Costa Rica as a sailing destination. If you’re planning to cruise there, I’d recommend making the most of the dry season. Even so, we left feeling grateful to have met such vibrant nature and warm people. Central America is an enchanting place to visit by boat. Our detour through Costa Rica has added a wealth of experiences to this voyage.

We pass Cabo de Santa Elena, Costa Rica’s northernmost headland. The steady breeze nudges us out, back into the Pacific. The muted coastline backs into the distance, and we relish the clear sky. Ahead of us lies a week of offshore sailing, and the beginning of the next chapter of Elixir’s journey, Mexico.

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Sailing Costa Rica in search of the perfect wave

• Katy Stickland
• June 27, 2022

Hilary Thomson and her partner Liam go in search of the ideal surfing spot while sailing Costa Rica, cruising down the country's Pacific coast

Tamarindo Beach is one of the most popular surfing spots in Costa Rica, due to the easy and consistent waves which are ideal for beginners. Credit: Colin D Young/Alamy Stock Photo

Reflecting back on our three months sailing Costa Rica – months that were by turns mellow, adventurous and frustrating, but most definitely worthwhile – it would be easy to forget that we had never actually planned to go there at all, writes Hilary Thomson.

My partner Liam and I had our sights firmly set on the South Pacific when we began our cruise from Canada’s west coast in 2019.

In the spring of 2020 we were in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, mere weeks away from making the leap into the big blue.

Wild Rye , our Wauquiez Centurion 32, was packed to the gunwales with spare parts and provisions.

That, of course, is when the COVID-19 pandemic rearranged our priorities and thoroughly scrambled our tight three-year- circumnavigation itinerary.

Hilary and Liam spent 18 months refitting their 1971 Wauquiez Centurion with a budget of $40,000. Credit: Hilary Thomson

After spending the remainder of 2020 back home in Canada while Wild Rye waited patiently on the hard in Mexico , we knew we had to get back on the water or risk letting our dreams of travel slip away.

By the spring of 2021, our options were still limited.

The majority of countries in the South Pacific were closed to travel due to the ongoing pandemic.

The hurricane season from June to November affected the Pacific coast from Mexico to Central America. We decided on Costa Rica: it was relatively close, had minimal hurricane risk, and its borders were open.  We scrounged some charts and headed south.

After a slow passage, we arrived in Costa Rica in early June, at the start of the rainy season.

Living with the swell

One of the only things we knew about sailing Costa Rica was that the country is famed for its surf.

Liam was eager to visit world-class destinations such as Ollie’s Point, of Endless Summer II surf film fame, and Pavones, which has one of the longest lefts in the world.

I was interested in Tamarindo, Nosara, and Dominical, which all have consistent beach breaks with waves for all levels.

The summer is the best time of year for surfing in Costa Rica.

Big, consistent swell pumps northward from winter storms in the southern hemisphere, and Costa Rica’s coastline is perfectly oriented to catch that swell and transform it into surfable waves.

Anchorages like Playa Pan de Azúcar were ideal for surfing but the swell made living onboard uncomfortable. Credit: Hilary Thomson

Liam was in heaven.

I was learning that the price for eventually becoming a salty, competent surfer was a complete relinquishment of my personal dignity, as well as a ferocious sinus rinse several times daily.

Unfortunately, in our visions of surfing our way down the coast, we had overlooked one crucial fact: on its way to the beach, the aforementioned swell rolled right through the middle of many of our anchorages .

I began taking Gravol on the hook to combat the nausea; Liam began sleeping on the floor, where there was the least sense of motion.

Most of the time, neither of us slept well. The surf affected our trips to shore as well as our time on the hook.

Hilary and Liam plan to circumnavigate the world in three years. Credit: Hilary Thomson

After nights spent rolling uncomfortably, there was nothing I craved more than to get off the boat and get my bearings on solid land.

The numerous gorgeous beaches – dark sand fringed by dense jungle, with the rambunctious chatter of parrots and the intense roar of howler monkeys echoing from the trees – looked serene and appealing from Wild Rye ’s rolling decks.

However, between us and paradise lay a dinghy ride that ended, more often than not, in breaking waves.

A wild ride

Liam explained the general principle of surf landings prior to my first encounter in Playa del Coco.

The concept is simple: get in close to shore, pick a nice small wave, and row or motor in on the backside of it.

I was, at first, deceived into thinking that the manoeuvre would be as simple as the description.

Wild Rye is a 1971 Wauquiez Centurion 32. The couple bought the boat in Seattle before heading south. Credit: Hilary Thomson

On that first attempt I rowed too close to shore, resulting in the dinghy surfing in at high speed on the front of a wave, before said wave broke directly on top of us, filling the dinghy and soaking Liam to the skin.

The locals looked distinctly unimpressed. Liam looked mutinous.

Subsequent attempts tended to end in a similar fashion; the most progress I ever made was realising that I should just row in to shore in a bathing suit, so that when I inevitably got drenched, at least I wouldn’t ruin my town clothes.

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The combination of rolly anchorages, stressful rides to shore, and getting completely thrashed by the ocean on our surf outings had me wishing, more often than I would like to admit, for the flat calm waters of our home port in the Pacific Northwest.

It was all worth it, though, because after nearly three months of searching we found the surf spot of our dreams at a break called Pan Dulce.

Tucked just inside Cabo Matapalo, on the south end of the Osa Peninsula, it’s a gently peeling point break that can run for up to 300m.

A dry rainy season meant Liam was left scanning the horizon for rain clouds in the hope of filling up their boat tanks. Credit: Hilary Thomson

To all appearances it looked like a completely exposed roadstead anchorage, but for a few days the wind and swell lined up perfectly to keep Wild Rye ’s motion to a minimal, gentle pitching.

For the first time we were comfortable enough to enjoy the place for its special, quiet beauty as well as its waves.

Sea turtles poked their inquisitive heads up in the lineup, humpback whales surfaced just offshore, and pairs of scarlet macaws nested in the nearby trees. It was utterly magical and surreal.

In search of water

Although we continued to get a regular soaking on our trips to shore for the duration of our time sailing Costa Rica, on the bright side, we were not getting rained on nearly as much as we had expected.

Costa Rica’s rainy season runs from June to November, and we had been expecting torrential daily downpours.

When we cleared into the country in June, our conversation with the manager at Marina Papagayo, the northernmost port of entry, seemed to confirm our worry that we were in for a soggy summer.

When we mentioned that we only planned to spend one night at the marina before heading further south, his response was: ‘You want to go further south? At this time of year?’

Some of the surfing spots can only be accessed by boat, such as Pan Dulce. Credit: Hilary Thomson

When we couldn’t be swayed, he waved us off with some dubious parting words: ‘If you get tired of being wet, come on back up here.’

We consoled ourselves with the thought that at least while we were getting wet, we would be able to collect a lot of rainwater.

I looked forward to long daily showers, ample water for doing laundry and consistently full tanks. simple daily rhythm

After our ominous conversation at Marina Papagayo, we naively blew through our water like cash in a casino, assuming that one good downpour would be enough to top the tanks right back up.

After two weeks, we’d hardly had a drop of rain and we were down to ten gallons. Then five.

A dinghy adventure up the estuary in Tambor, on the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Credit: Hilary Thomson

We enacted extreme rationing measures (only one pot of coffee per day) and gazed with disenchantment at the wispy white clouds that stubbornly refused to develop into thunderheads.

For the entirety of our stay in Costa Rica we found thundershowers to be less plentiful and disruptive than expected.

When it did rain, rather than dampening our spirits, the showers provided a rhythm that had been lacking in hot, dry Mexico.

We loved watching the towering thunderheads build as heat rose off the land every morning, and relished the cool, refreshing effect of clouds and showers that pulled the overpowering tropical heat out of our skin.

Liam harvesting coconuts on a remote beach in southern Costa Rica. Credit: Hilary Thomson

The acute feeling of relief we experienced every time the rain came was equalled only by our relief when the hot sun arrived the following morning to dry out our damp stuff.

The cycle of dry and wet, hot and cool, became an enjoyable aspect of our time in the tropics. going with the flow

Our three months sailing Costa Rica taught us that you don’t know how something will turn out until you try it.

Credit: Maxine Heath

Every new experience comes with its share of unforeseen challenges; on the flip side, many of the things we worry about never cause us any trouble.

Our plans change so often that we wonder why we bother making them at all.

Every time we relearn this valuable lesson, we inch a little bit closer to what Liam calls our ‘Zen cruising state of mind’: a state in which we worry less and just let events unfold.

We are almost always pleasantly surprised.

Tips for sailing Costa Rica

Be prepared for rolly anchorages, especially in the summer months when the southwest swell is at its largest. While most anchorages have good holding, they can be uncomfortable.

Budget for some extra time in marinas, or escape the swell by tucking up into either the Gulf of Nicoya or Golfo Dulce, which are sheltered by Costa Rica’s two large peninsulas.

A great blue heron on the beach in Tambor, on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Credit: Hilary Thomson

From November to late April, strong Papagayo winds affect northern and central Costa Rica.

The Papagayos are strong, intermittent northerly winds that occur when cold high-pressure systems from the North American winter meet warm, humid air in the Caribbean and funnel southwest through the Cordillera pass in Nicaragua.

Hilary Thomson is from western Canada. She and her partner Liam bought their Wauquiez Centurion 32, Wild Rye , in 2017 and spent 18 months doing a complete refit on a shoestring budget before casting off the lines in 2019. They have since explored the Pacific coast from north British Columbia to Panama and hope to continue their adventure into the South Pacific in 2022

They frequently reach speeds of 30 to 40 knots, and can be accelerated by the shape of the land; watch out for this phenomenon in Bahía Santa Elena, Cabo Santa Elena, and Golfo Papagayo.

During the rainy season, from June to the end of November, winds will typically be light, so prepare to motor a lot, have your light air sails ready, and be patient. If you want to sail rather than motor, plan to make short hops and make use of the afternoon onshore breeze.

Rain squalls can bring short periods of stronger wind, as well as rain heavy enough to impair visibility; they generally occur in the late afternoon or early evening. With the rainy season comes an increased risk of lightning.

There are many techniques that aim to minimise damage in the case of a lightning strike – mostly involving grounding the metal components of your boat to the keel – and it pays to do some research.

Useful guides and publications for sailing Costa Rica

Cruising guides for Costa Rica are limited.

Explore Central America Part 2 by Eric Baicy and Sherrell Watson is excellent. It is available online in PDF format, $23, ( www.svsarana.com )

Charlie’s Charts Cruising Guide – Costa Rica by Margo Wood, 3rd edition (Paradise Cay Publications, £45)

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Popular Costa Rica liveaboards Explore all liveaboards

• Cocos Island Aggressor
• from ₽ 41,896 / day
• 8.6   Fabulous
• 11   Reviews

• Okeanos Aggressor II
• from ₽ 40,000 / day
• 47   Reviews

• from ₽ 50,474 / day
• 9.3   Superb
• 33   Reviews

Liveaboard Diving in Costa Rica

With marine sanctuaries and remote islands harboring giant rays, sharks and whales, scuba diving in Costa Rica is the ultimate liveaboard adventure.

Liveaboard diving in Costa Rica is the big draw for divers who wish to explore the amazing dive area Cocos Island - where it's become known as a hotspot for large schools of sharks. Lying between the marine rich waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica is a small but bold Central American country, blessed with stunning rainforests, diverse wildlife, and incredible scuba diving. Liveaboard diving in Costa Rica will allow the adventurous to travel far out to sea, exposing themselves to an underwater world rarely matched across the globe.

Unlike several of its neighbouring countries whose diving is concentrated around the Caribbean, Costa Rica's best sites are mostly found in the Pacific. There really are endless opportunities for every level of diver, but by far and away the best sites are accessible only via liveaboard dive tour which often lasts more than 10 days and allows multiple dives per day. Several different sites will make for an unforgettable dive trip - shark diving at the Cocos Island is a diver's favourite, particularly with the high the numbers of Hammerheads at Bajo Alcyone.

Combine Cocos Island with Cano Island, Guanacaste, Bat Island , and Costa Rica is well up in the scuba diving hierarchy. LiveAboard.com features many different diving boats, each ensuring comfort, safety, and fabulous underwater experiences. Vessels come in many shapes and sizes, from large cruising yachts to converted submarine support boats, all offering itineraries to suit everyone. Tours range from 11 to 18 days, obviously meaning that you can log a large number of dives but also allow the odd day of relaxation on deck if you want without losing out on a significant proportion of available dive time.

Diving cruises normally depart early in the morning, with some operators offering a pick-up service from your choice of accommodation. A few liveaboard itineraries will include a hotel stay for the night before the tour sets sail. Getting to the remote dive sites of Costa Rica can take nearly 2 days, but your reward for this voyage involves jumping into some of the planet's most isolated and unspoiled marine reserves. Generally, the crew will arrange a 'check' dive so the guides can assess the general level and tailor the dive safari to meet the guests' needs best. This test dive will be on a beautiful reef, offering gentle, easy conditions to get into the swing of things before a busy few days!

The biodiversity afforded by the Pacific waters of Costa Rica is incredible, with pristine reef systems that support a wide range of marine life. There are abundant sharks here, with other large animals such as Manta Rays, Dolphins, and Whales.

The array of colors on show from the huge variety of reef fish and corals are dazzling, creating a stunning underwater landscape.

Dive Sites and Areas of Costa Rica

The Pacific coast, in particular, boasts several great dive sites, home to the full range of tropical coral and fish species. Liveaboard cruises allow exploration of a vast majority of these during a single trip.

Cocos Island is perhaps Costa Rica's best dive area. It's located over 500 kilometers from the mainland, so the only way to get here is by liveaboard. The Island has been a marine reserve for more than 30 years, so when combined with its remoteness, the diving here is pristine. Its most famous residents are Hammerhead Sharks which are regularly seen in abundance, along with many other shark species and large pelagics.

With some of the clearest waters in Central America, Cano Island , off the south Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is a tropical playground for all manner of species, in particular various reef sharks which frequent the area constantly.

The Bat Islands  are accessed by a visit to Guanacaste Bay in the northwest of the country and have some of the best conditions for diving in Costa Rica. Diving is all year round, and due to the isolated position is rarely visited, allowing divers to enjoy Mantas, Turtles, Sharks, Dolphins, and Whales in relative peace.

Probably THE place to dive, and on all liveaboard itineraries in Costa Rica, is the site of Bajo Alcyone - within Cocos Island. It's here that the famous elegant scalloped Hammerhead Sharks can be seen - it's unlikely that you'll visit anywhere else in the world with a better chance of viewing these odd yet beautiful creatures.

Due to its position near the equator, diving at Costa Rica's best sites is possible year-round. There are slight seasonal differences - the dry season is from December to May, thus offering calmer seas and the best visibility. In the rainy season, from June to December, the visibility is normally slightly less (although still commonly up to 25 meters!), but the increase in plankton can result in higher numbers of sharks, whales, and other marine life. Water temperature, on average, is a pleasant 28 degrees Celsius.

Tips for Travellers

Spanish is spoken nationally as the main language, but English is widely understood, especially in the tourism industry. ATMs are generally easy to find and will dispense the local currency - the Costa Rican Colón - and most major credit cards are widely accepted. Plug sockets are similar to the US (2-pronged), with a voltage of 110V and a frequency 60Hz.

Gear-wise, most liveaboard operators will have equipment available to rent on board, although you'll need to let them know when you book. Divers are welcome to bring their own equipment and are advised to have their certification and log books on hand.

How To Get There And Points Of Departure

Depending on the operator, liveaboard dive trips in Costa Rica tend to depart from a few different ports. Many will leave from Puntarenas, a 90-minute drive from the capital, San Jose. Check with your cruise operator; some will arrange a transfer from San Jose to Puntarenas, simplifying things. Others actually start the tour in San Jose, so transport to the relevant harbor is included. San Jose has a well-served international airport, with several large airlines flying directly here. Most flights transit through the US, so checking US transit visa requirements is a good idea. If you are embarking on a liveaboard tour in the Guanacaste region, you may be able to fly directly into the nearby Daniel Oduber International Airport from overseas.

A small number of dive cruises through Costa Rica actually start in Panama - at Puerto Pedegral near the city of David, which can be reached via bus (around 7 hours) or a domestic flight from Panama City. It's easy to fly into Panama City from many international locations.

Considerations

Liveaboard.com has various boats and operators, covering a wide range of budgets, from approximately $250USD to $500USD per person per night. Each liveaboard diving tour operator is different, but often extras you'll need to bear in mind are marine park fees, emergency evacuation plan, airport departure taxes, and fuel surcharges. Depending on your nationality, you may be able to visit Costa Rica without a visa. However, you should check this well in advance of traveling. It's normally necessary to have 6 months' validity on your passport, but this should be checked again.

Due to the remoteness of several dive sites in Costa Rica, many operators require divers to hold an Advanced Open Water qualification with a minimum of 30 - 50 logged dives.

As ever, it’s always recommended to purchase suitable travel insurance.

Costa Rica Diving Reviews

• 8.9 Fabulous
• 27 Verified Reviews

I also dived at Islas Murcielago and absolutely loved the two, once again, very different dive sites : Gran Susto and Bajo Negro. It would have made sense to dive with nitrox there but I do not think that the option was offered by Playa del Coco dive centers. The local dives at Playa del Coco were not bad at all either and I was actually quite pleasantly surprised by them. I was a little bit disappointed by the two tank dive trip that I took to Isla del Caño though. The two dives were very short (35-40mn) and the sites themselves OK but nothing exceptionnal. I felt a little bit frustrated at the end of the trip and under the impression that we had not been taken to the most interesting sites of Caño (the sites we were taken to are Jardín and Ancla).

Diving Costa Rica in August on the Okeanos Aggressor II

Very good, waters around Cocos are totally different from the coast (Cocos looks like paradise)

Diving Costa Rica in November on the Sea Hunter

• 8.0 Very good

Great country. Excellent hotel. A little bit more sun would be nice. Food in hotels is quite expensive. Prices on the same level as in Switzerland and dining is much more expensive than in Germany

Diving Costa Rica in April on the Sea Hunter

• Annamaria B

Costa rica is a amazing! People are friendly and nature pristine.

Diving Costa Rica in May on the Okeanos Aggressor II

Fantastic, looking forward to go back at some point.

• 8.4 Very good

Diving Costa Rica in November on the Okeanos Aggressor II

I thought it would be a little bit harder to dive Coco. Mostly the condition and the visibiltiy was better than we`re thinking before. On some places (Alcyone, Dos Amigos,Puntamaria) we had strong current but no complicated or very different one. The see was very flat and shallow. However it is one of the best places for diving with big fish. I guess we had on every dive sharks and i mean not white tips, Hammerheads and Galapagos!

Diving Costa Rica in March on the Okeanos Aggressor II

• 10.0 Exceptional

Diving Costa Rica in December on the Sea Hunter

I love seeing big stuff and was never disappointed but in coco island even if it is raining the visibility is great, the water is warm and you enjoy every single dive like if it was the last one.

Diving Costa Rica in January on the Sea Hunter

Diving Costa Rica in January on the Okeanos Aggressor II

• 6.8 Review score

Overall, not bad, Got a lot of help from the boat and they are all very nice and kind willing to help with any questions. Food is decent and tasty. But I would say the diving condition is not very comfortable at Cano Island, tough waves and surges. Sometimes, visibility was bad, maybe just a bad timing. Also some minor improvements can be made for the boat. They are already doing very well, I am not complaining, just some suggestions that can make the trip a little better. Dive Guide can spent more time to brief the dives and pass on knowledge of the dive site, fish id and during the dive, watching the whole group, help people to find interesting things to see. Our anchor line got loose several times and people get lost, dives were abandoned. The boat can provide some minor things ear beer, sunscreen, fish id cards, wouldn't cost much, but will be very helpful. Just some suggestions and I do appreciate their help and work very much.

Diving Costa Rica in July on the Okeanos Aggressor II

Wonderful. I want to go back again!!

Diving Costa Rica in February on the Sea Hunter

Really good. People are so nice, friendly, and helpful.

Diving Costa Rica in April on the Okeanos Aggressor II

• 9.6 Exceptional

Diving Cocos on the Oceans Aggressor II has spoiled me. It's going to be hard to find a better live aboard trip.

• 8.8 Fabulous

Nice dive, nice people, nice hood, I really recommend Cocos.

• Sebastien F

One of the best destination I have done so far!

• Peter Anthony Z

An experience we will repeat again and will recommend to others

Diving Costa Rica in October on the Sea Hunter

Excellent chance to see hammerheads!

Generally very good apart from the poor visibility.

Diving Costa Rica in February on the Okeanos Aggressor II

Isla del Coco is for sure a great spot, but even in these remote areas, climate changes are being felt.

• Jörg W

Isla del Coco is certainly one of my most wonderful dive experience in the world.

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Sailing Flamingo Costa Rica

Private Flamingo Sailing Charters

Toll Free: +1 (800) 638-0795

Sailing Flamingo – Private Sailing in Guanacaste

Book your private sailing charter from flamingo in costa rica..

We are based in Flamingo Beach , Guanacaste , Costa Rica , and we offer the best private sailing tours available in the area. Our private sailing charters include a complete and very good fleet of catamaran sailing boats , classic sailboats and even speedboats. We offer private catamaran charters, including half day trips in the morning, the catamaran sunset cruise and even a full day private trip.

Read our Guanacaste Vacations Blog

Our private half day sailing tours and private full day sailing charters will take you away from the hustle to the open Pacific Ocean in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, and you will enjoy activities such as snorkeling around rocky islets and reefs, explore secluded and pristine beaches or simply enjoying the open ocean sailing.

We serve clients not only in Flamingo , but also clients who wish to go sailing and that are staying in Conchal , Tamarindo , JW Marriott Guanacaste , Las Catalinas , Potrero , Playa Penca , Playa Prieta , Papagayo , El Coco , Ocotal , Playa Hermosa , Four Seasons Papagayo, Langosta , Pinilla , Playa Panama , the entire Papagayo Peninsula including hotels such as the Andaz Papagayo , Secrets Papagayo , Planet Hollywood , Pexs Papagayo and more.

INQUIRE or BOOK your charter !

Contact us now.

Beaches we serve – Sailing Tours

• Flamingo Beach
• Flamingo Marina
• Four Seasons Papagayo
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• Margaritaville Beach Resort

Catamaran Sailing Charters and Private tours in Flamingo

By booking a sailboat or sailboat catamaran with us, you will have the boat available for you and your group only.

The tours include open bar, snorkeling ( paddle boards and kayaks depending on the boat ) as well as great light food which goes from Chips, Dips, Guacamole, Fried Beans, Fresh Fruit to Burritos, Chicken Brochettes, Salads.

The open bar service includes good brands of national alcoholic drinks and beer ( gin, vodka, whiskey, rum ).

Since tours are customized, the client can choose if he or  she is more interested in seeing secluded beaches, open ocean or spend more time snorkeling. The choice is yours

Half day private sailing tour

Our 4 hour half day private sailing charters have to departing hours. The morning half day tour departs at 8 AM and returns by 12 . the afternoon sailing tour, also called sunset sailing, departs at 2 and returns by 6 pm. Both tours include open bar, snacks and food items, snorkeling gear and also, in some cases, both paddle boards and kayaks. Some sailboats and catamarans include paddle boards and kayaks, while other sailboats include paddle boards only, or kayaks only. Please always inquire at the time you book a boat.  The half day trips are the most popular among our clients.

Full Day private

If you are looking for a fantastic full day sailing charter, we have just the right tour for you. Our full day charter departs at 10 and returns by 6 pm. During this tour, you will enjoy the open bar and food service, onboard service, amazing views of the blue sky and Blue Ocean. You will also enjoy snorkeling near a rocky reef or islet along the coast, or anchor n a secluded pristine beach, far away from touristy developments.   The highlight of the tour is a delicious BBQ lunch which our team prepares and then serves on a secluded white sanded beach. You will also enjoy sufficient time at leisure on that beach, during which you can enjoy snorkeling, sunbathing, swimming r simply relaxing both on the beach or onboard the ship.

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Living on a boat

Home › Forums › Costa Rica Living Forum › Living on a boat

• Author Posts

Does anyone here have experience with in Costa Rica or living aboard a cruising sailboat in Costa Rica?

This could prove to be extremely a bad venture. There are no facilities here, for doing this, as far as I know, and if there is no-one on your boat, [i]things will be stolen….[/i]

You can live on a sailboat in CR just as you can anywhere there is water. CR has many beautiful anchorages, some better protected from the weather and surge than others, so living on the hook is a viable option. Sure, there is the possibility of theft, but that happens to boats and boaters everywhere. There are ways to limit the opportunity of theft, just as you would in any other location. Options for living in a marina are very limited, but there are several new marinas planned and a couple may actually get built.

What ways can one ‘limit the opportunity of theft’ from a boat if there is no-one aboard’? Even where the local fishermen moor for the night, many remove everything ‘not bolted down’ at night, leaving nothing that can be stolen. Very difficult to do this, if you are living on board.

Please let me clarify the information that I am looking for. I am hoping to hear from experienced cruising sailors who have either cruised in Costa Rica, or have actually investigated doing so.

I am thinking in terms of a 40 foot boat with a 5 to 7 foot draft.

I recently visited the marina at Los Suenous [spelling ?]. I also visited the new marina under construction at Quepos.

20 years ago, I explored the Atlantic Coast, but found no port facilities, except Limon. I haven’t been back to the Atlantic side since.

Does anyone know if it is possible to bareboat charter a boat in Lake Arenal for a week?

Puerto Azul in Puntarenas is a fully operational marina open with full services available for all boats.

I have been investigating. [Quepos and Puntarenas are Pacific coast though.Yes?] I believe the facilities are limited , Puerto Limón, is a port city,cruise ship stop, and a major cargo transshipment commercial port, Cahuita and Puerto Viejo are potential anchorages,(sand bottoms, coral outcroppings very common,) but no mooring balls and my opinion is you may wish to practice safety and security strategies stringently.

Recently I was there.. still planning but I was thinking of mooring or hauling in the months when I was not sailing. Rio Dulche Guatamala maybe friend of mine just sailed out of there on his Catalina 42. Anyway..they have services. A curiosity – Puerto Viejo..we walked the beach and it is a lovely town, but there was a sloop about 20 yards from the beach (Bavaria or a Hunter maybe?) .. a wooden raft was secured to it. No apparently life aboard for a couple of days..I have no idea whether the yacht had been boarded, or anything but it struck me that a yacht, within wading distance of any coast there is a target. Took a swim at Punta Uva a few kilometres out of Puerto Viejo, took eyes off the vehicle for twenty minutes, glove box jimmied!

(Fortunately I learned in Lagoa, Portugal don’t be leaving stuff in the car! I still mourn my Nikon FE , passsport and leather jacket. )!>

We’re sort of thinking Grenada would be the logical end point..some Canadian got shot recently in Honduras waters. Near Roatan. I believe boats should be allowed to carry arms. but thats an old argument I guess.. with no end in sight.!

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Sailing To Costa Rica – The Ultimate Boating Guide

Costa Rica is the land of magnificent forests, rich wildlife, palm-dotted beaches, and high volcanoes. Thanks to its natural beauty and all these factors, eco-tourism first grew out of this place. There are many other reasons that make Costa Rica a hot destination. The San Jose International Airport connects worldwide to all the big cities through non-stop flights. Quepos, which hosts Marina Pez Vela is just 18 minutes away from here (by air).

Around four million people live in Costa Rica. Just over 300K are Americans. The country has an area that can cover both New Hampshire and Vermont. Despite its small size, it is fascinating that it experiences more than a dozen climate zones. There are many other positives that make Costa Rica the perfect place to live – affordable living, stable government, moderate climate round the year, great medical facilities, high level of education (with more than 96 percent literacy rate).

Then there’s the fascinating Costa Rican culture and people. The locals are known as “Ticos”, who are well known for their sociable nature. Interestingly, the local culture is a mix of so many sub-cultures. The country has a number of sub-cultures – from the native tribes from the Caribbean lowlands to the Sabanero culture in the Guanacaste Province. The combination of all these cultures creates a highly gracious mix of people.

Boating Requirements

Any boat that cruises to Costa Rica must meet the standard requirements for vessels which travel offshore and long distances. However, there are some additional requirements too. If the boat doesn’t have air conditioning, there should be excellent ventilation to maintain the crew’s comfort. Each living space should be provided with at least 2 hatches/opening ports. Because Costa Rica has a tropical climate, the ventilation should be waterproofed against rain. There should also be fans and dorades in all the cabins for improving air circulation. Because of the humid environment, it is also important that all the cargo areas including lockers too be provided with proper ventilation. Otherwise, there is a risk of mold and mildew development.

Latest Charts & Guides

There has been a lot of development and changes in the country within the last few years. Even if you are checking the latest guides, there’s a good chance that the information could be obsolete. This is more the case with regard to the facilities on the shore.

If you are going to spend some time here, the only guide that you will come across is the Charlie’s Charts of Costa Rica (Margo Wood). It may seem to be outdated in many ways, yet it can be of great help.

Cruise Ports

Are you cruising or passing through for several weeks? Then you can find all the harbors along with good amount of information in the Central American Route (Captain Patricia Miller Rains). It has what Charlie’s Charts don’t have – precision GPS waypoints for all the important harbors. If you are traveling from Mexico for the Zihuatenajo Sailfest (www.zihuasailfest.com), which is held in February, there is a CD for you that offers all the information for cruising in Central America. The CD brings you the latest available information including reports and letters from the previous season’s cruisers.

Communication Modes & Costs

When it comes to communication, Costa Rica can be an expensive place. You can get phone cards that allow calls from public payphones from the pulperias, but phone calls are costly. It can cost you around a dollar a minute for calls made to the U.S. You can make calls using various VoIP services including Skype. The Internet cafes here allow you to use headphones but privacy can be an issue. There are some areas where Wi-Fi is available. These include some coffee shops and restaurants in the major Costa Rican towns, which are focused on tourists. If you want Wi-Fi, you should be in Los Sueños Marina close to Golfo de Nicoya, Banana Bay Marina (Golfito), or Tierra Mar.

Certain Requirements

When you travel from the north, you will come across clearance ports (which are small yet thriving towns) in the following order –

• Playas del Coco

If you cruise within the country, you will need cruising permit. But the permit will have to be renewed if your boat calls port at any of the above-mentioned clearance ports. Each boat (along with its crew) gets 90 days in Costa Rica. Extension can be sought for 180 days by appearing in person.

The border with Nicaragua is around 60 miles from El Coco, and you can find some amazing harbors in this stretch. When arriving from north, you can make a brief stop at Bahia Santa Elena (and the authorities largely allow it) before clearance. However, it is not recommended to make stops elsewhere. The Coast Guard (Guarda Costa) patrols the areas.

If you want to make port at the El Coco harbor, the surf due to the Pacific swell can be concerning. The surf can be quite heavy during late afternoons and requires handling something small like dinghies with care. Bahia Culebra offers sheltered and safer anchorages and is close to El Coco. But if the Guarda Costa wants to inspect the boat, you will still have to take it to El Coco. Otherwise, there are taxis available from Bahia Culebra to El Coco.

The official formalities require that the vessel be carrying minimum 2 copies each of all documents at the point of clearance. These documents are:

• Boat paperwork
• Clearance from previous port of call
• List of crew members who speak Spanish

You can get the formats for the documents from the cruise guides.

Make sure that you always carry copies along because most of the small towns may not have operational copying machines. The authorities will not charge anything for clearance during standard working hours, except that you will have to pay for getting copies if you don’t have them already.

Carrying Sufficient Water & Fuel

Boats can find fuel docks in Golfito, Los Sueños Marina and Puntarenas. Boats with efficient rain-catching systems can do without a watermaker. If you are in a boat with deep draft (more than 6 ft.), you will not want to deal with the shallows of the Puntarenas’ backside. It will be best to head to the Los Sueños dock which is fully equipped and easy to access. Boats that require over 100 gallons fuel should call in advance for an appointment (506-637-8886 is the number from within Costa Rica). Even when you are at the marina entrance, make sure to get on Channel 16 to give a call to “muelle de combustibles” to check if there’s sufficient dock space.

Entering & Leaving Costa Rica

Boats from and to Mexico will find the “tehuantepecers” to be the most difficult challenges. The tehuantepecers are storms/gales that can cause hazardous seas within the Gulf of Tehuantepec. This gulf is formed between the coastal borders of Mexico and Guatemala and is 500 miles wide. The waters rise because of the funneling of the northeasterlies across the cape off the Caribbean.

Boats can find it challenging to come in from offshore in the dry season. The northeasterlies are known as the papagyos in this season and affect the northern areas of Costa Rica. The good thing is that the two strong winds can be forecast depending on the Caribbean conditions. So warning can be had many days before your cruise starts.

Keeping “one foot on the beach” is a safe method used by the cruisers. They sail within a few miles offshore and this helps in avoiding the big seas and from being blown away and losing course.

What Language is Used in Costa Rica?

Your Costa Rican trip can become even better if you learn even a little bit of Spanish. If you don’t, you are most likely to feel your engagements with the locals a little frustrating. It will be best to carry along a dictionary, Kathy Parson’s Spanish for Cruisers, and a self-study material to help you.

Costa Rican Marinas

The country can have many marinas in the future. But the process is still in the planning and approval phase. There are not many places here where boats can be safely anchored. But if international standards are taken into account, there’s just one that could be called a genuine marina. Los Sueños Marina ( www.losSueñosresort.com ) has space for 200 berths. It is located close to Jaco, south from Golfo de Nicoya in Bahia Herradura.

Los Sueños Marina is a full-fledged marina offering all the facilities, inclusive of fuel dock. There is no other chandlery in the country that caters to offshore boats. The luxury grocery store is one of the main attractions.

The marina’s transient fee is expensive. It can almost always be fully berthed with boats of pro fishing guides and condo owners. We spent $4 a foot daily.

If you have a vessel that’s under 7 feet, Puntarenas offers many places for berthing. But there’s one concern – theft. The most secure place is the Costa Rica Yacht Club ( www.costaricayachtclub.com ). There’s round the clock security, with guard-patrol on both land and water, and boats are checked every hour. Even those who leave their boats here in rainy season will not have to worry about anything getting stolen.

Golfito offers two great berth places – Banana Bay Marina ( www.bananabaymarinagolfito.com ) and Servicios Tierra Mar ((Land Sea Services; www.marinaservices-yachtdelivery.com ). Banana Bay Marina offers transients at $2.5 a foot a day and $25 a foot a month, Wi-Fi, and a restaurant that has both the style and prices that remind you of America. Servicios Tierra Mar is even more affordable. Interestingly, they offer bulletproof moorings ($8 a day) and some med-moor slips at just ($0.5 a foot a day or $8 a foot a month). Spend just $4 a day and you can have access to the cruisers clubhouse and dinghy dock. The clubhouse offers Wi-Fi, showers, satellite TV, DVDs, massive deck for barbecues, and one book exchange.

Handling Finances

If you are in El Coco, you will find just one bank. But it doesn’t have any ATM. You will have to stand in a line after taking a number at the entrance. It may be required to wait up to 6 hours. Fortunately, you can deal in dollars with many Costa Rican businesses. It is recommended to carry dollars in various smaller denominations. This will help you avoid the bank here.

If you must withdraw money from your account, you can take a taxi to the Do-It Center. Here you will find an ATM that offers both colones (Costa Rican currency) and dollars. Just say “Do-It Center” and the driver will take you there and charge $30 for the entire trip.

Major towns like Golfito and Puntarenas have ATMs. You can use debit/credit cards in supermarkets and stores everywhere in Costa Rica.

Provisioning

There’s the problem with provisioning in Costa Rica, just like in Mexico. Not only are the basics costlier than in America, there are other issues too:

• Meat is tough because it’s not aged
• All fruits and vegetables are stored in the refrigerator because they can’t last many days in this tropical climate

It will be best to come fully provisioned. Any provisioning should be delayed to another destination in Central America, where food and produce is more affordable and of better quality. If you are ready to spend more, northern part of Costa Rica has quality provisioning because of the demands by rich foreign settlers. Here you can get items which can be found only in Panama (in Central America).

Jumbo is the leading supermarket here. But you will have to reach Liberia. A taxi from El Coco can be too costly (at least $50 for a round trip), but a bus ride can be cheaper. Taxi is also available from resorts in Bahia Culebra. You can find almost everything that a major US supermarket can offer, but many items can cost twice the amount.

El Coco’s supermarkets may not be as organized, but you can find almost all the items here if you can spend more time in searching. The meat can also be great.

Golfito and Puntarenas supermarkets are also well stacked up, but give a more third-world impression. Buy beyond the major towns, don’t expect much in terms of provisioning, as it is much limited in the pulperias. It will be best to head to David, in Panama for much cheaper and complete provision if you are planning to cross the Pacific.

Safety & Security Concerns

Costa Rica is in Central America. So cruisers should still be watchful for their protection.

When we first visited El Coco and went ashore for clearance, we returned to find that our dinghy’s oars were gone. It was docked near the police station. Other items were probably safe because they were all locked/tied. We recommend using oars having holes in their blades. Run a cable through the holes to secure them.

Lock your dinghy to a tree. Lock everything including the tires, fuel tank and outboard too. The dinghy should be lifted off the water at nighttime and kept on a halyard. It should be locked to the boat rigging or the toerail.

Make sure that your boat is fully closed and locked if no one is going to attend to it. It often occurs that even small children swim and enter the portholes for stealing anything that’s small and valuable.

You should be careful even when you are ashore. Avoid loud jewelry and don’t keep lots of cash with yourself. Never put down your backpack. When in a bus, don’t allow anyone to hold or put away your backpack. There’s a widespread scam here where fellow travelers offer stowing backpacks but pass it on to others who then get off the bus. Fortunately, we had only our oars stolen and nothing else. But we did come across so many stories from others.

What’s There to See?

Despite having magnificent beaches, the most stunning sights in Costa Rica can be found inland. This includes its soaring volcanoes, cloud covered forests, villages on mountains, lush green valleys, and ‘mysterious’ wildlife including the striking Resplendent Quetzal.

If you want to go touring, you should choose only the marinas given above. None other place is safe for leaving your boat overnight.

Want to explore the splendid wildlife here from boats? Bahia Santa Elena is the perfect place, located in Parque Nacional Santa Rosa. While this is the perfect wildlife destination in north, Bahia Drake is the ideal place in the south. It allows you to reach the Parque Nacional Corcavado and Osa Peninsula through motorboat or hikes. You can find planned tours, buses and car rentals almost everywhere.

If the waters are calm, you could also reach Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio (located south of Quepos) via boats. When in Golfito, the Orchid House (Casa Orquideas) is a must visit. It has stunning gardens featuring so many varieties of orchids, butterflies and birds.

Chandlery & Yacht Services

Golfito, Puntarenas, and El Coco all have different marine stores. You can find materials and simple spares for fishing boats. But don’t expect to find anything in the form of dedicated yacht spares.

Los Sueños Marina has a chandlery where few parts can be found for various equipment including generators and watermakers. There’s the option to have parts shipped from the U.S. to Liberia based offices through DHL (but during our stay the El Coco office was out of service and was to open again in some months). They can also be shipped to Puntarenas. Certain arrangements can also be made to have the spares shipped to a marina in Golfito. When we got a fluxgate compass shipped, we didn’t have to pay any VAT or duty. But the customs did chare us inspection fee ($22).

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• Serendipity Charters

Based in Playa Flamingo, in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica, Serendipity Charters is a sailing company. A variety of sailing tours, yacht excursions and cruises organized by the company. All the tours and excursions are custom tailored and private and conducted on a ritzy 50 foot Beneteau Oceanis named Serendipity. If you choose tours offered by this company and want to...

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COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

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Costa rica, uae sign economic partnership agreement, why costa rica farmers are going out of business, netflix spends $1.2m on security for costa rica filming, costa rica denies receiving asylum seekers from the uk, bringing a boat to costa rica: an essential guide.

Many of us “landlubbers” assume that boat owners just buy a boat and bring it with them wherever they go. This can run them into trouble with the local authorities and can be a difficult issue to fix. There are certain steps that any boat owner needs to follow when they want to bring their boat to Costa Rica, as an example, or indeed anywhere else for that matter.

Are you a boat owner? Here is what you need to know to keep on the right side of authority.

The Marchamo

The Marchamo is an annual tax that is paid on all vehicles in Costa Rica – be they cars, motorcycles, or boats. This is collected by the INS, the national insurance agency, and it applies to expats as well. The exceptions to this rule come in the form of vehicles, airplanes, and boats that are used for recreation or sport fishing.

If you own one of these, you need to pay a special tax to the Ministry of Tax instead. Make sure you get the payment out of the way early on – failure to pay can result in some hefty fines and your mooring’s Harbour Master could refuse to let you cast-off if the full payment has not been made.

With the right set-up, you could potentially start up your own little charter business that takes paying guests out on the water for a fun day fishing or exploring. If you want a little income to help with a boat’s upkeep, this can be a great way to do it.

You just need to start by finding one of the many fishing boats for sale online and then filling in the necessary paperwork to get the business going. Try speaking to some other local businesses or your neighbors to help pick up those important first charters.

Costa Rica is such a beautiful and welcoming country and the abundance of water here – whether you are launching into the Caribbean Sea, the Pacific Ocean or the Sierpe River – can sometimes make us feel like masters and commanders of the seas themselves. However, you need to instead start to work hard to ensure that you are always in control.

Make sure you learn how to read the Costa Rican weather. The smallest change in sun or cloud could be a key signal that a tempest is on the way. You also need to make sure you regularly review the safety routines on your boat. Make sure you know what to do if your boat starts shipping water, capsizes, catches fire or one of the myriad dangers sailors face. Don’t let the beauty and fun of Costa Rica distract you from keeping yourself safe!

Costa Rica is a wonderful place to live , whether you have been here all your life or you are settling down as an expat. However, when it comes to boats, there is a right way and a wrong way to own one. Make sure you have all the training and documentation needed to have a boat here, and you should hopefully never run into any issues!

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Serendipity Charters

Costa rica sailing flamingo and tamarindo.

Family Owned and Operated since 2012

Private Half Day Charters

Celebrate real Sailing!! We offer Private Morning Charters (8:30-12:30) and also Private Sunset Charters (1:30-Sunset). With us you are chartering your own private yacht, complete with open bar, freshly prepared lunch, professional crew.

Private Full Day Charters

Our full day charter depart at 11:00-Sunset. The extra time gives us an opportunity to sail longer and explore more of our coast.

Lucky 13- Shared Charter

This is a great option if you are interested in sharing the boat with a few others, but still want to maintain the Serendipity experience This is not a booze cruise, but a sophisticated sailing tour.

Overnight Sailing Charters

Our Overnight trips take your vacation to a whole, other level. With Serendipity, we have the freedom to sail where no roads can take you.

DREAM EXPLORE TREASURE

Serendipity, experience the guanacaste coast.

Our beautiful 50 foot Beneteau Oceanis, Serendipity, is the ultimate way to experience the Guanacaste Coast Line.

Tour Pricing

High season - nov 15 – may 1, nov 15 – may 1.

For up to 10 guests, each additional guest is $100 (Children 2-12 pay $85).

PRIVATE SUNSET SAILING CHARTERS

Private full day sailing charters.

For up to 10 guests, each additional guest is $150 (Children 2-12 pay $135).

LUCKY 13- SHARED CHARTER

Group size is from 9-13, (Children 3-12 pay $95). If we have less than 9 we will give you a full refund.

These tours are seasonal.

Green Season - MAY 1 – NOV 14

Private morning sailing charters, a real sailing experience.

When you charter with us, you are chartering your own private yacht for the day, to be shared with the people you know and love.

Experienced & Safe Crew

Our Captain will determine the best locations to anchor based on winds, swell and tides.

Eco-Friendly

At Serendipity Charters, we pride ourselves on our commitment to care for our community and our environment.

meet our crew

BISMARK (HEAD CAPTAIN)

Captain Bismark Ruiz Silva and his family have lived on this coastline for generations and generations. He has been with Serendipity Charters since 2018 and has filled in to Head Captain role with grace and conviction. He is a well respected captain in our community and we are so lucky to have him, with his great humor, integrity and years of experience.

JEFFREE (CAPTAIN AND FIRST MATE)

Jeffree Mendoza Soto is originally from Nicaragua but has lived in Costa Rica most his life. He has been with Serendipity since 2015. He is helpful as a mate, professional as a captain and he is the best floating bartender around and is constantly creating unique cocktails. Ask him about his invention the "Flamingo", it's like a Costa Rican Paloma.

JONATHAN (CAPTAIN AND FIRST MATE)

Jonathan Cruz Alvarez has been with Serendipity off and on since our beginning. Born and raised in Brasilito, Jonathan is a true waterman, surfer, fisherman and the best octopus finder! He can read the weather, the waves and the ocean better than anyone we know. We are stoked to have his many talents on our team!

GERALD-MATE

Gerald Alvarez Tercero was born and raised in Playa Potrero. He is truly impressive with his fantastic language and sailing skills. Before joining our crew he was a sailing instructor at the Sailing Center and continues to run sailing camps for kids in both Costa Rica and the USA.

Chris Sanchez is the newest member to our team, joining us in 2023. His enthusiasm is contagious and we love having him in the crew. He loves to surf, sail and open cold beer for our guests with a smile! We look forward to growing with him for years to come.

BRAD-OWNER OPERATOR

Captain Bradley Ellen....the ol' Salty Dog has sailed all around the world including: 2 Panama Canal crossings, Trans Atlantic and Trans Pacific. At the moment he spends most of his time working on Serendipity's Transmission, but every now and then will take her out sailing with guests.

GENEVA-CAPITANA OF EVERYTHING ONSHORE (CO-OWNER)

Geneva Garcia Ellen knows surprisingly little about sailing considering she has lived on a boat and worked in the sailing industry for the better part of the last 20 years. Blame it on the desert she grew up in or blame it on her tendency to do little more than find a shady spot to sip wine when she is onboard.

CAMILE-ONSHORE ASSISTANT

Originally from France, Camille Ella Carreras has lived in Potrero since 2018. Even though she works onshore, she loves spending her free time on and under the ocean - sailing and diving. She is the friendly "face" you'll get when you email or message us.

Sunset charters

Morning charters, may 1 – nov 14.

$1850 For up to 10 guests, each additional guest is $150 (Children 2-12 pay $135).

$1750 For up to 10 guests, each additional guest is $150 (Children 2-12 pay $135).

$120 Per person Group size is from 9-13, (Children 3-12 pay $95). If we have less than 9 we will give you a full refund.

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testimonials

What people are saying, “wouldn’t do a surf trip any other way.”.

Having lived in Costa Rica for more than 3 years I’ve had the opportunity to experience all kinds of tours and this was up there with the best. We did an overnight trip to Witches Rock and some other out of the way surf breaks with Serendipity Charters. Not only is spending the night on the boat great fun, but it puts you in the position to be the first boat on the break when the sun comes up. It felt like we already had a full day of waves before any other boats even showed up. The fully equipped kitchen aboard gave us options beyond the normal surf trip fare, and there was never a time when a snack or beverage was out of reach. On our sail back we were lucky enough to have some wind, so we cut the engines and enjoyed a relaxing sail and some swimming behind the boat. If you are a surfer looking for some world class, uncrowded waves, or a family looking for a great way to experience Costa Rica from the water, I would highly recommend a trip with Cap’n Brad on the Libre.

“First Class Private Sailing, Snorkeling, and Sunset Sail in Flamingo… lifetime experience”

My family and I spent the afternoon out with Serendipity Charters. It was one of the most memorable experiences ever as a family. Granted, the area of coast line, scenery, warm water, and tropical experience go a long way in making any experience amazing and memorable, but what really set it off for us was the level of service and helpfulness on Captain Brad’s boat. Sailing along the coast for an afternoon and watching the sun go down is an amazing experience… and the exclusivity and luxury of this boat and crew make it all the better. Highly recommended!

“One of our best memories of Costa Rica”

The 5 of us were fortunate enough to have chosen to sail order clonazepam canada with Brad on his boat just a couple of days before Christmas. We had a morning sail and Brad took us past some gorgeous beaches, and we stopped at Honeymoon Beach, where we snorkeled around and then explored the beach and rocks and a cave. It was the most beautiful beach we had ever seen! And Costa Rica has a lot of beautiful beaches. Our three teenagers, ages 14, 16 and 18 said that the sailing trip was their favorite thing they did in the 3 weeks we were in Costa Rica. And we did a lot of things! High praises! Brad is a great host and an interesting guy. He listened to what we wanted to do and he made my son’s day when he offered him a second helping of lunch (really good chicken tacos!) I highly recommend sailing with Brad if you want to get away from the crowds and really go sailing. We would definitely do this again! Maybe we will try the sunset cruise! Thanks Brad!

“The highlight of our Costa Rican vacation!”

We recently vacationed in Costa Rica and our day of sailing with Captain Brad was the highlight of our trip! We booked the day so that we could experience ocean sailing and see if it was for us. TestimonialsCaptain Brad was very welcoming and built our day around what we wanted to do all while making sure that we experienced the beauty of the Potrero area. The day exceeded our expectations! We went to some quiet little bays for some snorkeling and swam to a pristine beach to see turtle tracks and howler monkeys. Lunch was prepared by Captain Brad himself who turned out to be a whiz with chicken tacos and snacks. While sailing we even saw a green sea turtle and a few dolphins! Overall we had a fantastic day. It was very easy to book and he offered to arrange transportation and directions as needed. We would highly recommend this if you are in the Playa Potrero or Tamarindo area.

“Best activity of our vacation!”

My wife, son (12), daughter (7) and I took a morning half day cruise with Captain Brad and had a blast! With the help of the crew, Daniel and Eric, my daughter reeled in a 25 lb. jack and was so excited. We stopped in a secluded bay, snorkeled and swam, then climbed back on board for a delicious lunch. While sailing back, a huge manta ray, about 15 feet from wingtip to wingtip, jumped next to the ship. Captain Brad maneuvered the ship so we could observe the ray, then let me jump overboard with a mask and swim with this wonderful creature. It is truly an experience that I won’t forget. We highly recommend this ship and captain!

“Phenomenal Trip”

We experienced an awesome trip aboard this beautiful 50 foot sailboat, it was one of the highlights of our 7 days in Costa Rica. We were fortunate to have a glorious sunshine filled day so our trip was just perfect. Geneva who is Brad’s wife, does the communication for him and she was terrific. She is prompt and helpful and we did everything via e-mail. Our trip was fabulous, the boat is well equipped, more than our day trip needed, but it was just an added luxury. Daniel, the snorkel guide, was great at diving down and forcing the fish out of their hiding spots. Our lunch was delicious, everything was so fresh and tasty. The drinks flowed as well and they were extremely gracious hosts. Thanks Brad, Geneva and Daniel for making this a wonderful experience on a fabulous boat. We all highly recommend this experience.

The country is nestled in Central America between Nicaragua to the North and Panama to the South.

We depart out of the Flamingo Marina, giving our clients the convenience of safe parking and easy accessibility.

Other Attractions

We operate our charters out of Bahia de Potrero and Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica.

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Come sailing with us on Serendipity and share the day with only those you know & love.

Sailing Charters

Active since 2012.

Private Morning Sailing Charters

Mornings are a lovely time to be out on the water. The wildlife tends to be more active, the winds tend to be calmer and the weather is cool

Private Sunset Sailing Charters

Watching the sun dip into the ocean from a yacht is something to be remembered for ever. That is how all of our sunset tours end. They will

Private Full Day Sailing Charters

For those who really love sailing or simply want to have the extra time to explore, we recommend our full day. Our Captain will determine th

Small Mixed Group, Lucky 13! On our Lucky 13, you will share the boat with a small group of people, around 13.  We pride ourselves on being

Overnight Trips

Our Overnight trips take your vacation to a whole, other level. With Serendipity, we have the freedom to sail where no roads can take you. W

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Charter a catamaran, sailboat or powerboat and discover magnificent coast of Costa Rica and nearby islands. 12 Knots yacht Charter Company will give unbiased advice and recommendations on Costa Rica yacht charters.

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Motor sailer sailboat charter (2001).

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Find out more about our Reverse Course series  here .

If you need to move a dishwasher or a new TV from a factory in Asia to a store in California, a container ship is the cheapest way to do it.

These vessels are as long as several football fields and can carry tens of thousands of individual 20-foot containers. According to the United Nations, more than 11 billion tons of stuff was shipped by sea in 2021.

Container ships use heavy fuel oil called bunker fuel. They’re more efficient than trains, trucks and planes. But bunker fuel is highly polluting, and container ships produce about 3 % of the world’s emissions.

Shipping by sea wasn’t always this way. There was a time when boats used the power of the wind to ferry goods across the globe.

And today, as the world looks for ways to cut back on planet-warming emissions, some shipbuilders are traveling back in time to find a solution to a modern problem.

“Sometimes it's actually better to use a simple system,” says Brad Vogel, a fellow at the Center for Post Carbon Logistics. “Wind moves a vessel. People have known that since Egyptian times.”

A shipyard in Costa Rica

In the tropical forest of Costa Rica, a company called Sail Cargo is building a wooden cargo schooner from scratch.

At the shipyard, a short walk from the Pacific coast, piles of hardwood are scattered about like overturned matchsticks. Just on the other side of a towering white guanacaste tree, the frame of a 45-meter wooden sailboat comes into view.

“Some people say that it’s an art piece,” says Sail Cargo’s Alejandra Terán.

It’s a marvel to see a ship this size out of the water, perched on wooden blocks. The ship is a three-masted topsail schooner that looks like it came from another era. Its name is Ceiba, in honor of a tree that carries cultural significance in Latin America.

Work started in 2018, but the ship’s exterior still isn’t sheathed.

“So you can see all the ribs,” says Sail Cargo co-founder Lynx Guimond, the French-Canadian carpenter and sailor who is responsible for building it. “She looks like a big beached whale carcass, but beautifully crafted out of wood. Anybody who's been a sailor knows your boat is a living being. It has its own soul.”

To get on board, Guimond climbs the steps of a wooden scaffold, past solid beams of tamarind and Spanish cedar harvested in the nearby jungle. For every tree used to build this ship, Sail Cargo plants 25 more.

Ceiba can carry 250 tons of freight — the equivalent of nine containers. It will transport “anything from coffee to cacao, to electric vehicles. Hopefully sustainable clients, but we can also ship tires or pineapples or whatever else,” Guimond says.

Work on the ship has paused while the company raises more money. With another $2 million and two years of work, Ceiba will be ready to sail, Guimond says. Sail Cargo already has a contract to move green coffee beans from Colombia to New Jersey — a journey that will take four days longer than a traditional container ship.

Electric batteries will give it a boost if the wind doesn’t blow.

There’s “incredible demand” for Ceiba’s services from companies that want an ecological solution to shipping goods around the world, Guimond says.

“Shipping is one of the most polluting elements on our planet today,” he says. “But we always say: ‘What’s the real cost of cheap shipping?’ We are paying for it with our planet.”

When ordering products to our doorsteps from far away countries, Guimond hopes a project like Ceiba will prompt people to ask: ‘Do you really need it?’

Momentum and headwinds

There are about a dozen commercial wind ships delivering freight around the world, and a handful of other high-profile projects under development , says Steven Woods, a U.S.-based sail-freight expert watching Ceiba’s progress with interest.

Wooden dhows have been navigating off the coast of Africa for centuries.

But Woods says Sail Cargo is the only company building a large wooden cargo schooner from scratch.

“I am a bit worried,” he says, “because they have been under construction since 2018, on a ship that a shipyard in Maine 100 years ago would have turned out in about six months.”

Woods says banks are reluctant to finance unique projects like this. Plus, there’s a shortage of skilled sailors and shipbuilders necessary for a robust global sail-freight industry.

In the 1970s, in response to the oil crisis, there was a similar interest in revitalizing wind-powered shipping. But when a 96-foot sailing vessel called the John F. Leavitt sank off the coast of New York in 1979 as a result of suspected negligence , “it sent the movement back decades,” Woods said.

In today’s climate-conscious era, he says that Sail Cargo creates a new opportunity.

“If they succeed, it’s fantastic,” says Woods. “They’ll be sailing right into New York. They’ll be seen by a huge number of people. That would be a huge kickstart to any of these types of projects.”

Sailing the Hudson River

There is one high-profile sail freight company in the United States.

On a warm April morning — at a shipyard near the Hudson River in Kingston, New York — Sam Merrett is slapping a fresh coat of paint on the Schooner Apollonia.

When the summer season gets underway, Capt. Merrett will sail the steel-sided Apollonia up and down the Hudson, carrying products like malted grain to local breweries on its way to New York City.

“It takes us about a week to get down, and about a week to get up,” Merrett says. “So we're kind of like leapfrogging down and then back up the Hudson River, picking up cargo and dropping off cargo almost every day.”

Just like Ceiba, the trip take longer and cost more than typical methods.

But without using trucks to move the products, the Apollonia offers a clean alternative that some businesses are eager to use.

“The whole idea is to actually get trucks and fossil fuels out of the equation,” Merrett says.

Most of Apollonia’s clients are right near the river, so the crew can use a bicycle and a trailer to move the cargo to its final destination.

The Apollonia has been sailing freight since 2020, and the economics are tough, says Merrett.

“Paying for fuel is cheaper than paying for people,” he says. “I need a crew of four to six. It’s more expensive to pay them a living wage than to just buy some fuel for a truck.”

Using wind to move container ships

Apollonia carries up to 10 tons of cargo, a fraction of what Ceiba will hold in Costa Rica, and infinitesimally small compared to the 11 billion tons of freight moved around the world in a year.

That’s why massive container ships are the focus of the International Maritime Organization. Last year, the IMO set a goal for the industry to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 . Just slowing the engines down saves energy. And even the biggest ships on the planet can use sails to catch the wind.

“They operate like airplane wings. They’re 37 meters high — absolutely ginormous,” says Lauren Eatwell, head of WindWings at BAR Technologies.

The company has developed adjustable wings that can be placed on cargo vessels. Each wing saves a ton and a half of fuel every day and “that reduces the carbon footprint,” Eatwell says.

According to the IMO, about 30 large cargo vessels are using wind technology to reduce emissions, with more on the way. Eatwell believes future ships will use a combination of wind, clean fuels and sleeker hulls to meet climate goals. And despite the difference in scale, she says there is a role for smaller projects like Ceiba and the Schooner Apollonia.

“I love the move back toward sailing,” she says. “There are all kinds of different vessels and purposes out there. All of these technologies are needed.”

‘Best energies’ from nature

At the shipyard in Costa Rica, the Sail Cargo team is trying to finish one of those vessels.

With Ceiba’s frame looming in the distance, co-founder John Porras is banging away on a beat box that’s been made with left-over scraps of wood — part of the company’s ethos to build as sustainably as possible.

“The solution is here in Costa Rica,” he says, adding that the world is starting to understand that “the best energies [are] from nature.”

Sail Cargo still needs to raise the money to complete the ship, and the company is also looking for a new CEO after a recent turnover in leadership. But Porras and his team are undeterred.

“This project is so hard,” Porras says. “It’s the maximum goal to show the world how the industry can change. All the eyes of the country [are on] our project right now.”

Here & Now’s Samantha Raphelson contributed reporting from New York.

This segment aired on April 24, 2024.

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Peter O'Dowd Senior Editor, Here & Now Peter O’Dowd has a hand in most parts of Here & Now — producing and overseeing segments, reporting stories and occasionally filling in as host. He came to Boston from KJZZ in Phoenix.

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Easy riding boat from Uvita to Cano or Corcovado - Costa Rica Forum

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As a last resort I just wanted to check and see if anyone knows of any easier riding boats that travel from Uvita to Cano or Corcovado (I'd love to do both). I found a catamaran that goes Uvita to Manuel Antonio but that's the only thing I've been able to locate thus far. Or maybe I could get some different perspectives on the regular boats that tour to these locations? Thank you!

7 replies to this topic

You can drive all the way to DB, you don’t necessarily need to take a boat from Sierpe.

We did not think the boat ride between Sierpe and DB was that boat, and it is not the whole ride, but a portion of it later on. We thought it was beautiful. We were there in dry season and got lucky with a sunny day. However, there are travel reports and videos showing that waves can be bigger. It is wet landing by various beaches in DB area. The crew helps with getting out and the luggage, but depending on the day and the beach, you might be stepping out of the boat into waves, rocky bottom (wear water shoes), and the water might be reaching up to your thighs, quite high at some other stops, or it could be up to your knees.

Would your back condition allow you to be getting in/out of the boat for snorkel/dive, which is the point of going toward Canó Island? You don’t know how wavy it would be. TA currently has over 1000 reviews of Canó Island tours - https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g313830-d2076390-Reviews-Cano_Island-Drake_Bay_Osa_Peninsula_Province_of_Puntarenas.html . Some mention a bumpy boat ride.

And hiking Corcovado NP in hot, humid, possibly muddy conditions (May is a shoulder season, you can have rain) - will you be ok with it?

I wouldn’t be staying in Uvita if I wanted to do Canó and Corcovado.

Pura Vida Hotel

p.s. we were in Uvita this week, you gotta try Tribu restaurant, kind of new, kind of special.

We will put Tribu on the list! Second week of May and we are thrilled, first time out of the country

@2, I am not sure why you are saying that you “HAD to do a boat to access DB”…

You must have a guide to enter Corcovado NP. For a day tour or a 2-3 day hike with overnights at a ranger station inside the park. The tours usually include transfers to the park. You don’t drive into Corcovado park. From DB, it is a boat ride.

However the beach landings at Cano and Cordovado were much rougher than the one we used at Drakes Bay when heading to landing strip for flight to SJO. on our return. You are more open to large Pacific swell which involves a lot of bumping whilst in transit and then you have to be very agile to get off /on boats with wet landings. Hubby got wet up to waist on one landing when a large wave came in for one beach landing.

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One of Costa Rica's Most Beautiful Destinations Has a New Family-friendly Hotel — and It's Right Next to the Beach

Silvestre Nosara is a game-changer for families visiting the quaint surf beach town of Nosara.

It didn't take long for my five-year-old son to start running around Silvestre Nosara after we checked in. Within a couple of hours, he had made friends with the owner's son, and while they played on a sofa at the hotel's cozy rooftop, we adults were enjoying drinks next to them. The intimate nine-key property felt more like a friend's home than a boutique hotel throughout our week-long stay.

In the age of flexible schedules and remote work, residential-style hotels are rising in popularity. However, delivering that cozy and welcoming vibe that makes you feel at home — with the amenities to match, is not as easy to nail down. That's not the case with Nosara's newest boutique stay of residences, whose owners have done a masterful job creating luxurious spaces that every traveler, especially families, will appreciate. 

Silvestre Nosara

• Each residence offers plenty of indoor and outdoor space and fully equipped kitchens, living rooms, and washer and dryer units.
• Fridges are stocked with groceries upon arrival and can get restocked when you place an order with the concierge,
• Surfboards are complimentary.
• The hotel is a minute's walk from the beach and has an infinity pool on the rooftop.

A few years ago, during the pandemic, Chris Ingham Brooke, a British media entrepreneur-turned-hotelier and one of the property's co-founders, came to Nosara for a week-long family vacation after a friend invited him. However, he and his family of four ended up staying for two months, mostly in hotel rooms. And while Brooke enjoyed Nosara's postcard-perfect sunsets, lush setting, and the opportunity to spend time with his friend (and now business partner, Ilya Korolev), he noticed a gap in the local hospitality market.

"One of the things that struck me was you really only have hotels or villas, so there's nothing in between," Brooke explained, noting that it's essential for young families with small children to have the freedom to choose between eating out or preparing a meal in the privacy of their own residence, while also enjoying the amenities of a hotel and "being able to connect with other people."

"The idea was to create something that filled all of those needs," he added.

On Feb. 1, the duo opened Silvestre Nosara, a boutique hotel just a minute from Nosara's most beautiful beach, Playa Guiones.

Read on for a full review of the property and what to expect when you visit this serene property.

Each of the nine residences boasts at least 1,000 square feet of impeccably designed indoor and outdoor spaces that blend lush landscaping and Costa Rican art. The design was a collaborative effort by Korolev, Brooke, and Cola Blanca Studio, who have also worked on projects at the luxury enclave of Peninsula Papagayo .

I stayed at one of the ground floor apartments, with two bedrooms, looking out to a spacious private courtyard divided into several living spaces. A barrel sauna and a cold plunge tub were at one end, also easily accessible from the primary bedroom, while the living room overlooked a pair of hanging chairs (a hit with my five-year-old) as well as a large marble dining room table and a cooking area with a grill. A beautiful macrame hammock was installed in the courtyard in front of the second bedroom. Hanging tree lights, palms, and other native plants created a whimsical ambiance, and we often spotted monkeys in the tree branches.

The interiors are the epitome of functional luxury, where high-end finishes and decor work in perfect harmony. The sofa, for example, is plush and big enough for an afternoon nap, while the massive wooden dining table can easily accommodate eight people. Instead of being cramped in a corner, the kitchen occupies the entire living room wall. It boasts every appliance you need — from an oven to a family-size refrigerator and a freezer, with ample countertop and drawer space equipped with cooking utensils and handmade ceramic plates and cups sourced from Indonesia. 

Modern art pieces by Costa Rican artist Allegra Pacheco hang above the sofa, while surfboards in vibrant hues anchor the serene bedrooms. Brooke commissioned American-born Marbella-based shaper Douglas Evan Weiss, who was inspired by the sport's history, with the project.

"We've got everything from 1970s 'guns' [long performance surfboards that can reach up to 12 feet usually used by big wave surfers] through traditional longboards and more modern asymmetrical boards," he explained.

Brooke also incorporated little reminders of his life and home in England. There is a Marshall speaker in each bedroom, which, he explained, is a nod to his childhood (when he was 11 and a budding musician, he saved up enough to buy his first Marshall amplifier).

Food and Drink

There is no full-service restaurant at Silvestre Nosara, but breakfast is included in each stay. In the morning, guests head to the rooftop lounge and bar, which serves as the de facto living room of the property. 

The hotel works with over 25 local vendors to source ingredients for the breakfast menu, which includes delicious options to satisfy each craving: dragonfruit smoothie bowls with granola, fresh fruit, and almond butter; avocado toast; eggs and bacon; sandwiches; and pancakes are some of the options guests can choose from.

Brooke said that the team redesigned the space four times to reach the current configuration, which he says encourages "effortless connections." The space features different seating arrangements instead of just dining tables, similar to a restaurant or a coffee shop. The idea is that people find their ideal spot for lounging, enjoying a drink, or their breakfast.

While Silvestre Nosara may not boast the square footage of large resorts (and, frankly, that's one of its best features), the layout of the hotel makes clever use of every inch of it.

For example, the property has a daily activities program that guests can sign up for, and many take place in a modern and air-conditioned fitness studio in the basement.

The concierge can arrange for an in-room spa treatment, too. I tried the sound bath and Pranassage experience, a combination of a sound bath, meditation, yoga, and bodywork, where an instructor helps you stretch different body parts while you focus on relaxing. 

The pool area on the rooftop is another highlight. It is shrouded in the lush canopies of trees and is the perfect spot to spend the afternoon — or stargaze at night. The infinity edge pool has a physical wall that divides it into two areas: shallow and ideal for children and deeper and perfect for adults. 

A shaded cabana, sun lounges, and a large sitting area with a sofa surrounded by greenery give the sundeck a decidedly residential feel.

Of course, most people come to Nosara to catch a few waves, and a surf school is the de rigueur amenity in every hotel. Silvestre Nosara is no exception. Guests can choose from various surfboards from Bali-based shaper Jim Banks stored in a space with see-through doors on the side of the building. Boards are complimentary, but you can book a surfing lesson for a fee.

The concierge services are indeed the star of the show and the hotel's most valuable amenity. While typically, I rarely make it to the concierge desk in hotels, here, I would reach out almost every day for something—from asking them to restock an item in the refrigerator to booking us a table at a local restaurant or providing us with beach chairs and umbrellas. 

This year, the hotel will also add a playground and electric bikes to its list of amenities.

With Brooke and his family living on the property full-time (his wife owns the chic clothing store, Alberka, down the street), it's clear that the community is central to the hotel. The week before I arrived, the property started its speaker series with Dan Buettner, the New York Times -bestselling author, and host of the Netflix documentary Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones. 

Brooke explained that the speaker series aims to help "foster authentic relationships" with the destination and the community. 

Guests can also book activities like sunset boat tours, excursions, and ecological tours (we visited the nearby International Animal Rescue Center ), private chef-catered dinners, surf boat charters to nearby breaks, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, ATV, and zipline experiences. 

Accessibility and Sustainability

Eco-conscious travelers will undoubtedly approve of Silvestre Nosara's sustainable initiatives, including water conservation, stormwater and wastewater management, and energy efficiency. Every residence has multiple reusable water bottles, so guests don't need to buy single-use plastic bottles. The property will also soon add solar panels.

The hotel supports local non-governmental organizations such as Costas Verdes, which restores coastal ecosystems, and Bomberos de Nosara, the town's volunteer fire department.

While the property has an elevator that goes up to the rooftop, where the restroom is wheelchair accessible, the hotel is not fully compliant with ADA. However, several of the residences offer wheelchair ramp access.

Nosara , the small coastal town famous for its consistent swells resulting in world-class breaks over 300 days of the year, also attracts travelers with its expansive beaches and serene setting between the jungles of Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province.

The hotel sits a short one-minute walk through lush vegetation (the law here prohibits construction less than 200 meters from the beach) from Playa Guiones, a four-mile stretch of vast sandy beach. People flock to the beach during sunset hour — some are surfing, while others are watching and enjoying a drink.

There are many restaurants, shops, and bars near the hotel, including another valuable amenity for when you travel with kids — a 24-hour urgent center just down the street from the property.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

Nightly rates at Silvestre Nosara start from $960, and there is a three-night minimum. Each reservation includes a complimentary private airport transfer, daily breakfast, a stocked refrigerator with groceries upon arrival, and a choice of Jim Banks performance surfboard to use for the duration of your stay. The Tropical Garden Grand Residence also comes with a private barrel sauna and ice bath.

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