The best way to experience Costa Rica's wild Pacific coast is aboard a small-ship cruise. We mention two exceptional examples at the top of this list.
With the country's remarkable diversity of ecosystems, from the rainforests of Corcovado National Park, the pristine waters of Caño Island, and the remote shores of the Osa Peninsula, a cruise allows you to reach destinations that simply cannot be accessed any other way.
The larger vessels that sail the region can lack the intimate connection with nature that Costa Rica demands, however, we will mention some of the favorites for those who prefer a larger vessel.
A small-ship cruise keeps the experience immersive and provides a more personal journey through this extraordinarily biodiverse region.
The following options are our selection of the top Costa Rica cruises, covering options that range from high-luxury to premium adventure class to suit a range of preferences and budgets.
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The Kontiki Wayra Cruise
High Luxury
Aboard the Kontiki Wayra, you will embark on an extraordinary journey along Costa Rica's remote and seldom-visited South Pacific coast. Imagine exploring pristine coastlines, hidden mangroves, and vibrant marine sanctuaries with expert naturalist guides, before returning to the refined comfort of this intimate expedition yacht.
Accommodating just nine luxury staterooms, the Kontiki Wayra is specifically designed for small-group exploration, creating an exclusive atmosphere as you voyage between Quepos and Golfito along one of the most biodiverse coastlines in the world.
The Kontiki Wayra offers you:- Nine luxury staterooms: Porthole, Panoramic, and Veranda options
- King-size or twin bedding with elegant natural-tone interiors
- Large windows or outdoor veranda access in each stateroom
- Gourmet dining inspired by local and organic ingredients
- Organic bar and welcoming social lounges
- Wellness retreat with spa treatments
- Onboard fitness area
- Zodiac excursions to remote coastal environments
- Expert naturalist guides on all excursions
- Choose from 5 or 8-day itineraries
Check availability for your dates and send your request to the Kontiki Wayra Cruise using the button below.
5 & 8 daysThe Kontiki Wayra Cruise
Quepos, Costa RicaAboard the Kontiki Wayra, you will embark on an extraordinary journey along Costa Rica’s remote and seldom-visited South Pacific coast. The intimate ...
- Luxury & immersive exploration
From $ 5,050
/ person -
The Galaxy Zibó Cruise
Premium Class
Aboard the Galaxy Zibó, you will embark on a memorable journey along Costa Rica's wild and beautiful Pacific coast. Imagine walking black-sand beaches, paddling through mangrove forests, and snorkeling pristine marine reserves, before relaxing on the teak decks of this comfortable small yacht as the coastline drifts by.
Sailing between Quepos, Barú National Wildlife Refuge, Drake Bay, the Sierpe Wetlands, and Caño Island, the Galaxy Zibó brings you to some of the most spectacular and seldom-visited corners of Costa Rica's Pacific coast, far from the crowds.
The Galaxy Zibó offers you:- Master Cabin with generous space and refined details
- Matrimonial Cabins with king beds, private seating, and sea-view windows
- Twin Cabins with two single beds and private portholes
- All cabins with private bathrooms and hot-water showers
- Relaxed dining with fresh-caught fish, seasonal produce, and tropical fruits
- Interior lounge, bar, and solarium for open-sky relaxation
- Game room for downtime at sea
- Kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, sea scooters, and jet skis
- Swimming directly from the yacht
- Choose from 4 or 5-day itineraries
Check availability for your dates and send your request to the Galaxy Zibo Cruise using the button below.
4 & 5 daysThe Galaxy Zibo Cruise
Quepos, Costa RicaAboard the Galaxy Zibó Cruise, you will embark on a memorable journey along Costa Rica’s wild and beautiful Pacific coast. This premium small yacht o...
- .Unmatched Biodiversity, Adventure-Forward Luxury
From $ 2,780
/ person -
The Safari Voyager
First Class
Aboard the Safari Voyager, you will embark on an unforgettable journey through some of the most spectacular coastal wilderness in the Americas. Discreet, classy, and built for warm-water regions, the Safari Voyager is a favorite for exploring Costa Rica's Pacific coast, Baja Mexico, and the Sea of Cortez.
As a larger vessel accommodating up to 66 guests, the Safari Voyager offers a step up in scale while maintaining the intimate, nature-focused atmosphere that makes small-ship cruising so special. A mostly local crew, handcrafted Latin American artwork throughout, and a casual pura vida atmosphere make her feel like a seamless extension of the places she sails.
On this 7-night roundtrip itinerary from Liberia, the Safari Voyager takes you deep into some of Costa Rica's most remote and biodiverse corners. Kayak through Golfo Dulce, one of only four tropical fjords in the world. Search for monkeys, exotic birds, and crocodiles in the Curú Wildlife Refuge.
Hike the rugged coast of Drake Bay near Corcovado National Park, one of the most biologically rich places on Earth. Explore the remote beaches of Murciélago Bay within Santa Rosa National Park, accessible only by boat, and visit the fascinating Isla San Lucas, once home to Costa Rica's most notorious prison and now a national park. The voyage rounds off with Santa Elena Bay, known for sea turtles, coral reefs, and tropical fish, before returning to Flamingo Marina in Liberia.
Spread across four decks, the Safari Voyager is designed for both exploration and relaxation. The window-lined air-conditioned lounge offers a 270-degree panoramic view with seating for all guests, a DVD and book library, and plush floor-to-ceiling windows.
The elegant dining room hosts all 66 guests in a single sitting for lunch and dinner, with a breakfast buffet each morning and occasional al fresco meals on the sun deck. Unlimited beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are included, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available on request.
Onboard equipment includes kayaks, paddleboards, inflatable skiffs, snorkel gear, wetsuits, fitness equipment, yoga mats, hiking poles, and a bow-mounted underwater camera so you can watch marine life from the comfort of the lounge before heading out to see it yourself. -
The National Geographic Quest
Premium Class
Aboard the National Geographic Quest, you will embark on a remarkable expedition cruise along the Pacific coast of Central America, from the rainforests of Costa Rica through to the historic Panama Canal.
As the first expedition ship ever built from scratch in the United States, the Quest was designed from the ground up to meet the precise demands of small-ship expedition travel.
As a larger vessel accommodating up to 100 guests in 50 spacious outside cabins, the National Geographic Quest offers a step up in scale while remaining nimble enough to navigate narrow inlets, jungle rivers, and wildlife-rich passageways that are completely inaccessible to conventional cruise ships.
The ship features the latest satellite and navigation technology, reinforced Zodiacs, and superior viewing areas across all decks and common spaces.
On this 8-day itinerary sailing from Costa Rica to Panama City, the National Geographic Quest takes you through some of the most extraordinary natural and engineering wonders in the Americas. Explore the pristine lowland rainforests of Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula, where four species of monkey roam the canopy.
Kayak the mangrove-fringed waters of Golfo Dulce and meet local families working with cocoa, hearts of palm, and sugar cane in remote communities. Snorkel the pristine reefs of Isla Coiba, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Panama accessible only by special permit.
By special arrangement, walk the tropical forests of Barro Colorado Island, the site of an active National Geographic-supported wildlife tracking study. The voyage concludes with a full transit of the historic Panama Canal, including an overnight anchorage in Gatún Lake as the canal's dramatic lock system lights up around you.
The Quest traces the coast of North America year-round, heading to Alaska and British Columbia in summer before turning south in winter to navigate Costa Rica, Central America, and Baja California and the Gulf of California, giving guests the option of multiple routes and departure dates across the season.
Onboard, guests enjoy expert-led presentations, a full library, and the guidance of National Geographic photographers and naturalists throughout the voyage. Beer and wine are included for guests 21 and over on selected departures. -
Le Lapérouse with Smithsonian Journeys
Luxury Class
Aboard Le Lapérouse, you will embark on a remarkable 8-day voyage through the natural wonders of Costa Rica and Panama, sailing from Puntarenas to Colón in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This is a specially tailored expedition for English-speaking travelers, combining the elegance of Ponant's luxury small-ship experience with the world-class expertise of Smithsonian naturalists and historians.
As a larger vessel accommodating up to 184 guests across 92 staterooms and suites, Le Lapérouse is the first ship in the Ponant Explorers series and is designed to reach remote destinations in style and comfort.
Staterooms range from balcony staterooms to generous suites of up to 45 square meters, all finished to a high standard of elegance and refinement. With 118 crew members on board, the level of personal service throughout the voyage is exceptional.
This itinerary is offered on limited dates each year, with departures in February, making it a truly special sailing for those who secure a place. The voyage begins in Quepos, Costa Rica, gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, where sloths, howler monkeys, capuchins, toucans, and hummingbirds fill the forest canopy.
The ship then calls at the remote Darien National Park in Panama, a UNESCO World Heritage site of extraordinary biodiversity, where guests have the opportunity to meet members of the local Emberá community.
Continuing to Fuerte Amador, you will explore Panama City's historic Old Quarter and visit the Punta Culebra Nature Center at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, guided by Smithsonian staff who share the latest research on marine science and conservation.
The voyage then makes a full daytime crossing of the Panama Canal before finishing at the stunning Holandes Cayes in the San Blas Islands, where crystal-clear waters, coral islets, and the indigenous Guna community await.
Throughout the voyage, on-board lectures and discussions are led by Smithsonian Journeys experts. All transfers to and from the ship are included, as is a shore excursion or guided activity at every port of call.
Ash Card
Tour Advisor @TourTheTropicsAsh Card is a frequent visitor to the Tropics and has a passion for helping visitors get the best experiences from tropical locations. Ash is a contributor and tour advisor at TourTheTropics.com. Feel free to contact Ash for tour help in the tropics. When not helping tourists with tours and info, Ash can be found traveling, on wildlife tours or salsa dancing. Ash has completed a BSc in Biology, a Master’s degree in Zoology, and has undertaken a research scholarship at a world-class university on animal behavior. He has published scientific research in the Australian Journal of Zoology and the Journal of Behavioral Ecology. His goal is to help a global society live in balance with the natural world.