Private Yacht Charter, 5 Hours

Overview

This five hour private charter from Royal Charters CR puts a 51 foot yacht, a captain, a first mate and a chef at your group's disposal, sailing out of Flamingo on Costa Rica's Guanacaste coast. It starts with a short orientation and a welcome cocktail, then the boat heads up the coastline while the crew trolls a fishing line for mahi or tuna and serves snacks and drinks along the way.

The boat stops at one of five beaches, among them Honeymoon Beach, Zapotal, Brumel Island, Guacamaya Beach and Playa Conchal. There, hors d'oeuvres come out and the water toys go in the water: snorkel gear, paddle boards, floats, noodles and a large floating party mat. Going ashore to walk the sand is an option, or you can stay aboard with a cocktail and the stereo.

On the run back to Flamingo the chef serves a fresh local dinner on the fly bridge while everyone keeps an eye out for whales, dolphins, manta rays and sea turtles, before the boat turns toward the western sky for the sunset. It suits groups up to 12 people, works for families since drinks and snacks are served for all ages, and is booked as one private party rather than shared seats. Tours run in English and Spanish.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Playa PotreroCheck in at Lazy Lizard Sailing, Playa Potrero, near Flamingo in Guanacaste. Pickup is not included, so you make your own way there.
2. Orientation and welcome drinkBoard the 51 foot yacht for a brief orientation and a welcome cocktail before departure.
3. Coastal sail with trollingCruise the coastline while the crew trolls a line for mahi or tuna and serves snacks and beverages.
4. Beach and water sports stopAnchor at one of five Guanacaste beaches for hors d'oeuvres, snorkeling, paddle boarding, swimming, the party mat or a walk ashore.
5. Dinner on the fly bridgeOn the sail back toward Flamingo the chef serves a fresh local dinner while you watch for whales, dolphins, manta rays and sea turtles.
6. Sunset and returnThe boat heads west for the sunset before returning to Flamingo to close out the five hours.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points are worth knowing before you book this charter.

• Getting there. Pickup is not included. You meet the boat at Lazy Lizard Sailing in Playa Potrero, near Flamingo, so plan transport in advance.
• Bring your own. Towels and sunscreen are not provided, and the crew asks for non-aerosol sunscreen only, no sprays. Gratuity is also not included.
• Food and drink. The charter is all inclusive once aboard: a meal, hors d'oeuvres, beverages and a fully stocked bar, plus fishing and water sports equipment at no extra charge. Reviewers mention drinks being kept topped off throughout.
• Crew and comfort. Several travellers describe the crew as attentive and professional without hovering, and the yacht as spotless and modern. Restrooms and free wifi are on board, and the stereo takes bluetooth if you want your own playlist.
• Pace and swimming. Most activity is optional. You can snorkel, paddle and swim at the beach stop, or stay on board and relax, so the day works for mixed fitness levels and for children.
• Group size. The price covers a private group of up to 12, so the whole yacht, crew and kitchen are dedicated to your party rather than shared with other travellers.

Common issues. The honest limits are mostly logistical. Pickup is not included, and towels, sunscreen and gratuity are excluded, so bring your own. Beyond that, reviewers raise few complaints; the recurring theme is a crew and boat that exceed expectations, with no pattern of negative reports in the available feedback.

Common Questions