Panache Luxury Catamaran Charter

Overview

Panache Sailing runs a private luxury catamaran charter out of Playa Flamingo in Guanacaste, about four hours on the water with only your own group aboard. The standard trip is a sunset cruise, though the operator also offers a morning slot from 8:30 to 12:30. Once you push off, the crew sets out snorkel gear, kayaks and paddle boards, and the boat carries an open bar with alcoholic drinks, bottled water, snacks, lunch and dinner all included in the charter price.

The boat departs from Playa Flamingo itself. Hotel transfer from Tamarindo is not part of the base package, but you can add it at booking, and pickups from other locations carry an extra charge. Towels and sunscreen are not provided, so those go on your own packing list.

This setup suits families, groups of friends and couples who want a boat to themselves rather than joining a shared sail. Kids are welcome when accompanied by an adult, the vessel is listed as wheelchair accessible, and dietary requirements, including vegetarian, can be arranged if flagged when you book. The drinking age on board is 18.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Playa FlamingoThe departure point is Playa Flamingo in the Province of Guanacaste. Optional hotel transfer from Tamarindo can be selected at booking.
2. Board the catamaranYou board the private catamaran with your group only. The cruise runs for 4 hours, most commonly timed for sunset, with a morning option from 8:30 to 12:30.
3. Sail the coastlineThe crew takes the boat out along the Guanacaste coast. A multi-lingual guide may operate the tour.
4. Water activitiesEquipment for snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boards is provided on board for use during the cruise.
5. Food and drinks on boardSnacks, lunch, dinner, bottled water and an open bar of alcoholic beverages are served during the charter.
6. Return to Playa FlamingoThe catamaran returns to the departure point at Playa Flamingo. Hotel drop-off is only included if the transfer option was selected.

What To Expect From The Tour

A private charter works a little differently from a shared cruise, and there are a few practical points worth knowing before you book.

• Getting there. The boat leaves from Playa Flamingo, not Tamarindo. Transfer from Tamarindo hotels is optional and added at booking; pickup by the catamaran at other locations, such as Papagayo, costs an extra $250.
• Bring your own. Towels and sunscreen are not included and are not provided on board. Bring both, since you will be out on the water for four hours with snorkeling and paddle sports on the agenda.
• Food and drink. Everything on board is included: snacks, lunch, dinner, bottled water and an open bar with alcoholic drinks. Vegetarian options exist, and other dietary requirements can be handled, but only if you advise at the time of booking.
• Group feel. This is a private tour, so only your group participates. Children must be accompanied by an adult, infant seats are available on request for the shuttle transportation, and the minimum drinking age is 18.
• Weather and cancellation. The operator does not cancel simply because of rain. If conditions are judged unsafe, the tour is cancelled and fully refunded.
• Timing your trip. The standard departure is a sunset cruise, but a morning slot from 8:30 to 12:30 is available for private groups. Confirmation arrives at the time of booking.

Common issues. The main practical limit is logistics: the boat departs from Playa Flamingo, and anything beyond the optional Tamarindo transfer costs extra, including a $250 fee for catamaran pickup in places like Papagayo. Towels and sunscreen are excluded. The experience requires a minimum number of travellers, and if that minimum is not met you will be offered a different date or a full refund. The operator also reserves the right to cancel for unsafe weather, in which case the trip is refunded in full.

Common Questions