Yacht Charter in Costa Rica

Yacht Charter Costa Rica

Yacht charter Costa Rica places you along a Pacific coastline bursting with biodiversity, where howler monkeys call from the canopy above Golfo Dulce, humpback whales breach in the warm waters off Drake Bay, and scarlet macaws arc across jungle-fringed anchorages that feel a world away from the resort strip. Around 10 charter yachts operate along Costa Rica’s Pacific shore, including 68′–98′ motor yachts suited to sportfishing and island-hopping, 100′+ superyachts carrying tenders, kayaks, and dive equipment, and 55′+ catamarans whose stable platforms are ideal for wildlife observation and family cruising. December to April is the dry season and prime charter window – calm seas, blue skies, and water temperatures of 27–29°C make the Guanacaste coast and the Papagayo Peninsula particularly appealing. The green season (May–November) brings lush landscapes, fewer boats, and the peak humpback-whale migration from July to October. Daily rates start from approximately $3,500/day for a motor yacht, climbing to $12,000+/day on a superyacht, plus 13% Costa Rican VAT (IVA) and 30–35% APA covering fuel, provisions, and national-park entry fees. Costa Rica’s defining edge is the seamless fusion of ocean and jungle – you can dive Isla del Caño’s bull-shark cleaning station in the morning, kayak into a mangrove estuary teeming with crocodiles after lunch, and watch a Pacific sunset from the aft deck with toucans perched in the trees overhead, all within a single extraordinary day.

Explore Costa Rica

Explore marina logistics, wildlife seasons, and the best Pacific anchorages in our comprehensive Costa Rica destination guide.

Plan your voyage with curated Costa Rica charter itineraries linking the Papagayo Peninsula, Golfo Dulce, Drake Bay, and Isla del Caño.

The grid above features around 10 yachts available for Costa Rica charters – motor yachts from 68′, superyachts over 100′, and catamarans from 55′. Weekly rates start from approximately $24,500. Filter by type, guest capacity, length, or rate to find your ideal vessel, and let Boatcrowd’s charter specialists coordinate national-park permits, dive logistics, and provisioning from the Pacific coast’s best suppliers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book a Costa Rica charter?

For the peak dry season of December to April, six to eight months’ lead time is recommended, as the limited fleet of around 10 vessels books quickly during the driest, calmest months. Green-season charters – particularly during the July–October humpback-whale migration – can often be arranged four to five months ahead.

What is included in the charter price?

The base fee covers the yacht, professional crew, insurance, and standard on-board equipment including the tender, snorkelling gear, and basic fishing tackle. Fuel, provisions, beverages, national-park entry fees, and specialist dive-guide services are funded through the APA (30–35% of the charter fee). Costa Rican IVA at 13% applies to the base rate, and any unused APA is refunded after the voyage.

Can I combine Costa Rica with Panama on a single charter?

Yes – and it’s an increasingly popular routing. From the Osa Peninsula or Golfo Dulce, the passage south to Isla Coiba in Panamanian waters and onward to the Pearl Islands or San Blas is a spectacular multi-country itinerary. Your Boatcrowd broker coordinates all border-clearance paperwork, port-authority formalities, and provisioning logistics across both countries.

Do I need a visa to charter in Costa Rica?

Citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia can enter Costa Rica visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. A valid passport with at least six months’ remaining validity is required on arrival. Your Boatcrowd broker can confirm the latest entry requirements for your specific nationality and ensure all travel documentation is fully in order before your departure date.