Yacht charters

What a private charter changes

With the whole boat to yourselves, you can talk with the crew about the kind of day you want: more sailing, a long swim in a sheltered cove, a celebration, or just a quiet afternoon watching the coast go by. The sea still sets the rules. A private charter gives you more say, not the right to overrule the weather or the captain.

Where private charters make sense

• Flamingo and northern Guanacaste: Serendipity Charters runs private trips on a monohull sailing yacht, and Manta Ray Sailing offers private catamarans. Each has its own boat layout, boarding plan and crew-led route.
• Playas del Coco and Papagayo: sheltered bays, small islands and strong seasonal winds. A skipper who knows the area makes the difference when picking a stop.
• Quepos and Manuel Antonio: rainforest coast and boats based at Marina Pez Vela. Manuel Antonio Catamaran Adventures sells a private boat that's separate from its big shared cruise, so check which boat you're actually getting.
• Golfo Dulce: calm water and rainforest. Banana Bay Marina and Fish Hook Marina & Lodge are marinas and bases, not charter companies, but they're where many southern trips start.

Ask before you pay a deposit

Ask for the boat's name and recent photos, the passenger limit, the exact departure and return point, time on the water, food and drinks, swimming or snorkeling plans, the bathroom situation and the weather and cancellation policy. Check whether the quote is for the whole boat or per person and what extras might be added. For a party, talk about music, meals and decorations first: not every quiet sailing yacht wants one. A good operator will happily tell you who's captaining, what safety gear is aboard and how it's authorized to carry passengers.

There's no single price for "a yacht charter", because a crewed sailboat, a motor yacht and a small private catamaran are different things. Use the booking or quote link on each operator's page. Bringing your own boat? Start with our marinas section instead.