With more than half a million species of flora and fauna inhabiting its lush tropical forests, Costa Rica is easily one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. A land of volcanoes, rain and cloud forests, towering waterfalls and mighty rivers, Costa Rica embodies a wild nature that begs to be uncovered. Beginning in November 2022, Star Clippers will offer travelers an effortless way to explore this spectacular country via tall ship, with ports of call along the stunning Pacific coast as well as in Nicaragua and Panama.
Sailing along the gorgeous western coast of Costa Rica is the ideal way to experience all this diverse country has to offer. Below are just a few examples of the “wild” experiences waiting for guests on a Star Clippers Costa Rica sailing.
Walk on the Wild Side
Opportunities to immerse oneself in the flora and fauna of Costa Rica abound on Star Clippers’ sailings. The small port town of Quepos acts as gateway to the magnificent Manuel Antonio National Park consisting of tropical rainforests and more than one thousand different species of flora. Guests can hike the short trail from the white-sand beaches into the hills where three-toed sloths are visible over cecropia trees, troops of squirrel monkeys feed busily on many of green and black grasshoppers, and nearly 450 species of bird flit between the treetops. In Golfito, the Wildlife Refuge inside a primary rain forest boasts more than 125 species of trees, 31 species of orchid and more than 12 different species of ferns to explore. Add to this the 300 species of birdlife, 139 species of mammal and more than 200 species of amphibians and reptiles that call the park home and it’s easy to see why this park is a magnet for scientific tourism.
Dive Deep, or Shallow
Costa Rica’s Isla Tortuga is a dreamy island paradise fringed with tall coconut palms, sugary white sand beaches and emerald waters. A big attraction to this exotic island is its outstanding scuba diving sites and excellent snorkeling opportunities to view marine life such as sting rays, angel fish, sharks, Spinner dolphins and octopus. Star Clippers’ complimentary water sports program allows guests to borrow snorkeling equipment for the duration of the sailing, which they can use to their hearts content. Adventurous travelers can hike the mountain trails to the tip of the island to see the local fauna and flora of the island, including the peccary (small pigs) that make this island so memorable.
Get Some Perspective
The Pacific coastline of Costa Rica, known for its rugged and varied topography with dense jungle giving way to idyllic hidden beaches, is one of the many natural assets that draw visitors to its shores. Some of the best views of these incredible vistas can be had from the deck of a tall ship as it sails along the picturesque coast. Relaxing in the bowsprit netting—a hammock-like area stretching 30 feet forward of the bow where guests can lay suspended over the ocean—affords one of the most unique and exciting settings from which to take in the scenery. And for the ultimate long view, brave guests are invited climb the ship’s rigging to the crow’s nest—located almost 100 feet in the air.
