Windstar Cruises’ 148-guest motor sailing yacht Wind Star will
sail 15 seven-night cruises along Costa Rica’s picturesque Pacific
Coast this winter. Guests on the intimate, elegant Wind Star will
enjoy the best of both worlds: upscale accommodations combined with
an eco-adventure, highlighting Costa Rica’s natural beauty, vibrant
jungles, and incredible array of flora and fauna. A local
naturalist will sail on each trip, providing insights into the
country’s unique culture, geography and biodiversity.
Windstar is one of the only cruise lines that offers an entire
week exploring Costa Rica’s coastline, and its vessels can visit
small bays and harbors. In most ports of call, the Wind Star will
anchor while guests tender to shore in zodiac boats for an
adventurous landing on the beach.
Sailing roundtrip out of Puerto Caldera, the Wind Star sails north
to its only stop outside of Costa Rica San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.
The tranquil fishing village with white-sand beaches also offers
shore excursion opportunities to the colonial city of Granada,
Masaya Volcano, and an Indian craft market.
In Playas del Coco, the horseshoe-shaped bay is popular for scuba
diving, fishing and sailing. Shore excursions can take guests on a
float down the Corobici River or soaring through the treetops on a
zip-line tour through the rainforest.
A day in Quepos, a former banana-exporting town, provides
opportunities ranging from a nature walk and swim in famous Manuel
Antonio National Park, a dense rain forest that is home to monkeys
and numerous other species. Marenco, located on Drake Bay, is the
southernmost port on the itinerary. It’s proximity to Corcovado
National Park, known for its biological diversity, allows Windstar
guests plenty of time to explore the 1,200-acre reserve composed of
mountains, cloud forest, pristine beaches and rushing rivers.
Anchored off the Curu Reserve on the Nicoya Peninsula, guests are
tendered ashore to explore the wildlife refuge, home to 220 species
of birds; capuchin, spider, white-face and squirrel monkeys;
three-toed sloths, coati and anteaters.
Windstar’s signature complimentary water sports program is an
additional highlight of the sailing. The line’s vessels have
recently received a multi-million-dollar investment in luxury
amenities including new menus by Chef Joachim Splichal of L.A.’s
Patina Group; new luxury mattresses and linens, flat screen TVs,
bath amenities by L’Occitane, Apple iPod Nanos and hammocks built
for two on deck.
The Wind Star sails in Costa Rica from December through March.
Fares start at $1,749 per person based on double occupancy.
800-258-7245
www.windstarcruises.com
