5 best experiences to enjoy during a Costa Rica Yacht Charter

Costa Rica has recently reformed its existing marina law to allow luxury charter yachts of more than 24-metres to charter legally and remain in the country for up to a year, opening up this fascinating destination to more yacht charter guests. 

Boasting world-class marina facilities – and with more planned to open in the next year – there has never been a better time to discover this verdant destination aboard a luxury yacht. With a coastline bordering the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica offers an abundance of things to see and do during a luxury yacht charter, whichever coastline you opt to explore. Thanks to the country’s compact size, reaching its many interior attractions is easy via your yacht’s helicopter or with a private guide. 

Boasting breathtaking beauty, rich biodiversity, white water-rapids, tumbling waterfalls, verdant rainforests teeming with life, simmering volcanoes, and sun-drenched beaches all coupled with the richness of Latina American culture, Costa Rica is the perfect destination for sun-seekers and adventure lovers. If you’re dreaming of a luxury yacht charter in Costa Rica, then keep on reading. Here we highlight five not-to-miss Costa Rica experiences. 

Top 5 Costa Rica Yacht Charter experiences 

1 – Arenal Volcano 

The active Arenal Volcano is a central landmark in Costa Rica, and no yacht charter in Costa Rica would be complete without a visit. Soaring some 5,670-feet into the sky, visitors are often treated to smoke billowing from its peak, while during the night, it’s possible to see lava streams flow down from an active vent on its western side. There are several trails around the volcano, offering a fascinating glimpse of this natural wonder. After, head to one of the many natural hot springs that provide natural pools of varying temperatures, the ideal way to relax after a busy day of exploration. 

2 – Isla Tortuga 

Nestled just off Costa Rica’s Pacific Ocean coastline on the south-eastern shore of the Nicoya Peninsula, this stunning island is accessible only by boat, making it an ideal spot to explore during a Costa Rica yacht charter. The island’s lush landscape is a haven of wildlife, while spectacular white sandy beaches fringe the island. Enjoy a hike around the island’s nature reserve, or enjoy a day soaking up the warm Central American sunshine. The water around Isla Tortuga is ideal for enjoying all your Costa Rica charter yacht’s tenders and toys. Snorkelers and divers will also revel in the opportunity to see a wide variety of marine life below the waves, including spinner dolphins, manta rays, and octopuses, along with a colorful array of fish. For shipwreck enthusiasts, Isla Tortuga boasts three wrecks just off its shore. 

3 – Tortuguero National Park 

This is arguably one of the best places to experience Costa Rica’s natural beauty and unique wildlife. Located along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coastline and lapped by azure blue waters, Tortuguero National Park boats, beaches, rainforests, and mangroves, all home to a wide range of critters. Visit this stunning destination between February and October and witness sea turtles, including leatherbacks, green sea turtles, and hawksbills, nesting along the park’s pristine beaches. A Costa Rica yacht charter must.

4 – San José

No Costa Rica Yacht Charter would be complete without visiting San José, Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city. This city pulses with the beat of Latin American life and is a must-visit destination during a Costa Rica yacht charter, packed with a host of attractions, restaurants, parks, and theaters. Must-visits include the National Theater of Costa Rica, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, which contains more than 1,600 fascinating artefacts, and the Metropolitan Cathedral, which boasts exquisite stained-glass windows and wood carvings, as well as a figure of Christ dating back to the 17th century. During your day of exploration, satiate hunger by enjoying some traditional Costa Rican cuisine, such as Gallo Pinto, Costa Rica’s national dish, at one of many of San José’s local eateries. 

5 – Thrill-seeking experiences 

Costa Rica offers an abundance of thrill-seeking experiences. Two of the most popular are zip-lining and white-water rafting.

Costa Rica is considered a pioneer in canopy exploration. Throughout the country, you’ll find a variety of hair-raising zip-lining adventures that offer a bird’s eye view of Costa Rica’s lush rainforests. Zip line tours can be found at Monteverde, at San Luis, Manuel Antonio, and Arenal Volcano. Spanning more than 1,500 meters long and at heights of up to 1,300 meters, zip-lining is a must-do during a Costa Rica yacht charter. 

There’s no shortage of white-water rafting destinations, with popular spots including the Naranjo River, the Balsa River, the Tenorio River, and the Savegre River. In Costa Rica’s there’s a grade to suit all, from soft-rolling rapids for first-time white-water rafters to fast-moving rapids for experienced rafters. 

After a day of thrill-seeking, head back to your private crewed yacht and share your stories of adventure while enjoying an expertly prepared meal by your yacht’s chef. 

What other must-do experiences would you add to our Costa Rica yacht charter guide?

 

Photos courtesy of Muriel Penoty