Costa Rica and Panama cruise with Star Clippers

15-Day Panama & Costa Rica Land & Cruise Holiday

Combining the ambiance of traditional sailing with the comfort and luxuries found on most modern cruises, this 15-day holiday, combines an 8-day tall ship cruise with Star Clippers, with a 6-day land holiday, taking in some of the finest coastal destinations that Costa Rica and Panama can offer.

Pre-cruise you'll explore some of our most highly recommended Costa Rican destinations – the Central Valley, Arenal and Montverde, all of which are scenically and ecological beautiful with a wealth of excursion options to occupy your time. 

Evoking memories and nostalgia of a bygone sailing era, the four-masted Star Clipper vessel oozes elegance and your 8-day voyage onboard will take you on a wonderful adventure through the Costa Rican and Panama waters. 

Highlights

• Three nights in Arenal to explore the wildlife-filled verdant landscapes
• Discover the enigmatic cloud forests of Monteverde
• Embark on an 8-day pacific cruise on the grand Star Clipper four-masted tall ship
• Explore Costa Rica’s most southerly port town – Golfito
• Visit Panama’s pristine protected primary rainforest in the Coiba National Park
• Bathe in the warm azure waters at Golfo de Chiriquí

Quick Itinerary

Day 1 – Central Valley
Days 2 - 4 – Arenal
Days 5 & 6 – Monteverde
Day 7 - Embark Star Clipper
Day 8 - Quepos
Day 9 – Golfito
Day 10 – Coiba Island
Day 11 – Golfo de Chiriquí
Day 12 – At Sea
Day 13 – Isla Tortuga
Day 14 – Disembark Star Clipper and depart Costa Rica 
Day 15 – Arrive back in the UK

Truly Individual Holiday

Any element of this holiday can be tailormade to your requirements, including the places you want to see and the things that are important to you. Just contact one of our Travel Specialists today.

Day 1: Central Valley

Arrive in San José and transfer to the Buena Vista Hotel, nestled picturesquely on a hilltop in the Central Valley, overlooking the capital. Your time here is your own to enjoy the luxurious facilities of the hotel or to take gentle hikes along the verdant paths that lead into the lush countryside. 

Days 2 - 4: Arenal

Travel to Arenal for a three-night stay at the Arenal Springs Resort & Spa. Spend your days soaking in the resort’s natural hot springs, hiking along the many rainforest trails that lead towards the dominant volcano or take an excursion to the idyllic Lake Arenal. You will find no shortage of adventurous activities in the region, including rainforest canopy zip-lining, horse-back riding and immersive wildlife experiences. 

Days 5 & 6: Monteverde

Delve into the mystical ambience of the Monteverde cloud forest, spending two nights at the Senda Monteverde mountain retreat.  The pristine forest is a wonderland of mossy ferns and elegant orchids, and is one of the country’s premier destinations to observe mammals and bird species in their natural habitat. 

Day 7: Embark Star Clipper

Today your Star Clipper voyage begins. Transfer to Puntarenas and embark your vessel and settle into your cabin. The four-masted Star Clipper tall ship exudes elegance and style and after a short orientation, you will be free to explore the facilities which include expansive decks, two bars, two swimming pools and an Edwardian style library.

Day 8: Quepos

This morning arrive at the small but lively town of Quepos, which has retained its Tico authenticity despite a rapidly developing tourism scene. Spend the day strolling through the easy-going streets, conversing with the genial locals and visiting the markets or travel the short distance to the Manuel Antonio National Park, located just 7km away. 

Day 9: Golfito

Your last stop in Costa Rica before hitting the Panama waters, is Golfito, the country’s most southerly port town. With its history built on the banana trade, the town served as the regional headquarters of the United Fruit Company for most of the 20th century. Modern-day Golfito is a paradise for the adventurous, with an abundance of activities on offer including kayaking, snorkelling, mangrove forest boat trips and even horse-back riding. 

Day 10: Coiba Island

The largest of the 38 islands that comprise the exotic Coiba National Park, your first stop in Panama is the ecologically pristine Coiba Island. Hike in the protected primary rainforest searching for rare wildlife or snorkel or dive in the spectacularly beautiful coral-filled waters of the eastern Pacific. The island also has a fascinating history, having once served as a notorious penal colony. 

Day 11: Golfo de Chiriquí

Explore the best of the Golfo de Chiriquí which extends picture-perfectly along Panama’s Pacific coast. The National Marine Park is the undoubted highlight of the gulf, protecting the exotic flora and fauna which inhabit its 25 islands and 19 coral reefs. Spend the day snorkelling, surfing or kayaking; observing howler monkeys in the pristine rainforest or simply relax on one of the many desolate white-sand beaches. 

Day 12: At Sea

A day to relax and enjoy the facilities of the Star Clipper, as you sail back towards Costa Rica. Watch the world drift by on a top deck sun-lounger, take a dip in one of the pools, or take part in a hands-on traditional sailing experience such as knot tying or climbing the mast to the crow’s nest.

Day 13: Isla Tortuga

Your last day of the cruise is spent on the beautiful Costa Rican island, Isla Tortuga. Characterised by its giant coconut palms, soft white sand beaches and crystal-clear azure waters, the island promises a tropical finale to your holiday. 

Day 14: Depart San José 

Disembark your cruise in Puntarenas and transfer to San José airport for your onward flight. 

Day 15: Arrive back in the UK

Today you will land back in the UK from Costa Rica.

Price from £4,699 per person

(Based on the departures of the Star Clipper Tall Ship between January to March 2025 with 2 people sharing a room/cabin throughout.) 

Includes;

• International flights 

• 6 nights’ accommodation in 4* hotels

• 8 day cruise onboard the Star Clipper Tall Ship 

• 27 meals: 13 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners

• Transfers as per itinerary on a shared basis

• Private post-cruise transfer to San Jose airport

• Cruise port fees & taxes

Excludes:

• Cruise excursions payable on the ship

• Transfers and domestic flights as per itinerary

• Local departure taxes payable locally

• Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc

• Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)

• Camera or video fees at any sites