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January 13, 2025

Starting this year, Star Clippers will sail the Pacific coast 11 times, immersing itself in the green paradise of Pura Vida.

“Pura Vida” is the ultimate greeting of the Costa Rican people, used both as a welcome and a farewell. It’s also a sharing, an appreciation of the greatness of nature—a true philosophy of life!

Reaching Costa Rica by sea, or rather, from the Ocean, is even more beautiful aboard a sailing ship powered by the strength of the wind. In fact, Star Clippers was named the World’s Best Green Cruise Line at the 2023 World’s Best Cruise Awards. Considering that Costa Rica is one of the countries in the world with the highest proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources, accounting for 98.5% of the total, the choice of combining the two is perfect!

Costa Rica is also a “peaceful” country, since 1948, when the military was abolished, allowing military funds to be redirected toward other more beneficial purposes, such as education and various institutions. The country is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the western side, where spectacular coral reefs provide perfect spots for snorkeling.

The true essence of this country is its biodiversity: it is home to half a million species of animals and plants. In fact, although Costa Rica represents about 1% of the earth’s surface, it hosts a remarkable 5% of the world’s known species. Among the must-see visits are the country’s great parks, such as Manuel Antonio National Park, which can be reached from the Quepos dock, or the mangrove forests accessible from Golfito.

Costa Rica is one of the few places in the world where five of the seven species of sea turtles lay their eggs on its beaches (the most famous being Isla Tortuga). Other beaches, such as Playa Flamingo (flamingo) and the Papagayo Peninsula (parrot), all testify to the deep connection between the nation and its marine and avian inhabitants.

This winter, Star Clippers’ 9 departures aboard the four-masted sailing ship Star Clipper from Puerto Caldera will take nature and animal lovers to this extraordinary green paradise. Not to mention the 23 volcanoes, three of which are active, all concentrated along the country’s volcanic backbone known as the Central Volcanic Mountain Range. The volcanic soil is also where a unique coffee is grown, cultivated between 1400 and 1700 meters in a fair, sustainable, and organic manner.

Among the various itineraries, the Costa Rica Yoga Cruise, a one-week cruise departing from Puerto Caldera on February 1st, will visit Quepos, Golfito, Bahia Culebra, Bahia Potrero-Flamingo, and Islas Tortugas.

A special package for International Women’s Day, departing on March 7th, 2025, includes flights, an overnight stay, and a cruise, with an Italian-speaking guide. It will also feature yoga instructor Annette Shine onboard. This 10-day, 8-night journey will depart from Puerto Caldera with stops in Quepos, Golfito, Bahia Culebra, Bahia Potrero-Flamingo, and Islas Tortugas.

There are also some routes available for cruise-only bookings, such as:

Costa Rica Yoga Cruise (Puerto Caldera – Puerto Caldera) – February 22nd – 7 nights

Valentine’s Day between Costa Rica and Panama (Puerto Caldera – Balboa, Panama) – February 8th – 7 nights

Costa Rica and Panama (Puerto Caldera – Balboa, Panama) – March 15th – 7 nights

All Star Clipper packages include full board, 24-hour coffee/tea, and all water sports. They do not include port fees, transportation, and drinks. Don’t miss out on enjoying this spectacular country, diving into nature and the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific, while savoring a delicious cup of Tarrazú or Tournon coffee.

Stay tuned for news, insights, and reviews on the world of cruising on Cruising Journal.

Lucia Angeli

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