Exploring Costa Rica’s southern Pacific Coast by Boat
Tour Introduction
Set sail on an 8‑day adventure along Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast aboard a fully crewed private yacht. This intimate journey combines comfort with discovery, taking you to some of the country’s most celebrated natural treasures. Explore the rich marine life of Isla del Caño, watch for dolphins and whales in the Golfo Dulce, and step ashore in Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Each day brings a new opportunity to snorkel, kayak, hike, or simply relax while surrounded by spectacular scenery.
With space for just 18 guests, the cruise offers a highly personalised experience. Eleven attentive crew members and two expert naturalist guides ensure every detail is taken care of, from fine dining on board to guided excursions ashore. Whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters, pristine beaches, or rainforest exploration, this 8‑day voyage provides the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation along Costa Rica’s wild southern coast.
*Four-night cruise departures are also available – contact us to learn more.
Full Itinerary
At Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, the Expedition Leader is on hand to assist with boarding Kontiki Wayra. After cabin assignments and a brief welcome, cocktails are served on the Sundeck while sailing towards the Nicoya Gulf, with the Pacific sunset as a backdrop. The evening concludes with a full safety and expedition briefing followed by the Welcome Dinner.
Staying at Kontiki Wayra. Includes Dinner.
Sail to Isla Alcatraz in the Gulf of Nicoya, part of Isla Tortuga, known for its white‑sand beaches and clear waters. Spend the day snorkelling among coral reefs and various marine life, or take part in kayaking, paddleboarding or make use of the 'Seabobs'. Relax on the beach before a barbecue featuring local flavours and fresh seafood.
Staying at Kontiki Wayra. Includes All Meals.
Travel inland for rafting on the Savegre River, with Class II and III rapids set within rainforest scenery. The route passes jungle, canyons and waterfalls, offering both adventure and views of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and its diverse wildlife.
Staying at Kontiki Wayra. Includes All Meals.
Visit Isla del Caño, a biological reserve known for extensive coral reefs and rich marine life. Snorkelling and diving reveal many reef species of fish, along with turtles and rays. Dolphins often make an appearance, and at certain times of year, humpback whales. The island also holds archaeological interest, with pre‑Columbian stone spheres found here.
Staying at Kontiki Wayra. Includes All Meals.
Explore Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth. Covering rainforest, cloud forest, mangroves and beaches, the park is home to monkeys, tapirs, sloths, jaguars, pumas and the country’s largest population of scarlet macaws.
Staying at Kontiki Wayra. Includes All Meals.
Snorkel at Punta Adela, with coral reefs and an underwater trail highlighting restoration efforts. Marine life includes fish, rays, dolphins and turtles. Continue to Puerto Jimenez for a visit to an organic cacao farm, ending with a tasting of chocolate fondue and tropical fruits.
Staying at Kontiki Wayra. Includes All Meals.
Explore Los Mogos, with inlets suited to kayaking and paddleboarding through marine and mangrove ecosystems. Wildlife may include dolphins, seasonal humpback whales, birdlife, monkeys and sloths along the jungle shoreline.
Staying at Kontiki Wayra. Includes All Meals.
Arrive in Golfito on the southern Pacific coast, gateway to Corcovado and Piedras Blancas National Parks. After breakfast and check‑out, transfer is provided to the airport or a nearby hotel from Marina Bahía Golfito.
Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Kontiki Wayra
Overview
The 40‑metre Kontiki Wayra is a boutique expedition yacht with nine stateroom cabins for up to 18 guests. Each cabin is air‑conditioned and designed for comfort. Facilities include a dining room, cocktail bar, relaxation lounge, fitness studio, wellness area, spa treatments, Wi‑Fi, and a spacious sun deck. Two expert guides accompany each voyage, leading excursions and sharing insights into the region’s wildlife and culture.
The Kontiki Wayra operates both 8‑day and 5‑day expedition cruises in Costa Rica and Panama, showcasing the natural and cultural highlights of the Pacific coast. In Costa Rica, itineraries explore pristine beaches, wildlife‑rich national parks, and traditional coastal villages. In Panama, voyages focus on the Pearl Islands and other Pacific archipelagos, with opportunities to enjoy tropical islands, marine life, and local heritage.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Capacity
Length
Class
Cabins
9
Facilities
Accommodation with twin or king beds, sustainably sourced cotton linens, limited Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, audiovisual entertainment, automated lighting, shades, audio systems, transfers, Jacuzzi, fitness center, sunbeds, beach towels, shuttle service for check‑in and boarding, shuttle service at check‑out.
Cabin categories: Porthole Luxury Stateroom (lower deck), Panoramic Luxury Stateroom (main deck), Veranda Luxury Stateroom (upper deck).
Local Wildlife
Cetaceans: humpback whale, pantropical spotted dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, short-finned pilot whale, false killer whale.
Birds: brown pelican, magnificent frigatebird, royal tern, black skimmer, blue-footed booby, neotropic cormorant, laughing gull, roseate spoonbill, great blue heron, snowy egret, white ibis, scarlet macaw, keel-billed toucan, yellow-throated toucan, great curassow, crested guan, osprey, common black hawk, crested caracara.
Optional Activities
Snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, hiking, wildlife watching, visiting nature reserves, village visits, local gastronomy, cultural immersion, yoga, meditation, spa treatments, jacuzzi relaxation, sun deck leisure, fitness studio activities.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Tour Dates
Adult Price
Single Supp
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Best Visited:
January to December
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
John Melton
Area Specialist
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
A leatherback turtle laying her eggs on Playa Grande. Scarlet macaws feeding and flying in early morning sunlight. The sight of a male resplendent quetzal in beautiful cloudforest. The song of the black-faced solitaire reverberating through the cloudforest. Seeing green poison-arrow and strawberry poison-dart frogs. First sights of some of the vibrant tanagers and honeycreepers. Sight of great potoo from boat on way to Corcovado. Seeing three-toed sloth and baby at Corcovado.[Some wildlife highlights]
Thoroughly enjoyed whitewater rafting on Sarapiqui despite initial trepidation! Many thanks for suggesting it. Crew were patient, encouraging and great fun. Amazed by the proximity and diversity of the birdlife. We had a thoroughly wonderful and memorable trip – thanks a million!
