Journey down the west coast of Central America on a splendid vessel that evokes the romance of a grander age. Over a week-long exploration, you'll first get to know Costa Rica, sailing into the shimmering turquoise bays that hold a bounty of exotic marine life. Onshore adventures offer the chance to see the lush mangroves and gorgeous lagoons and hear the calls of monkeys in the rainforests.
As Star Clipper sails south to Panama, you'll stop at two paradisiacal islands, Coiba Island and Parida Island. Both are celebrated for their white-sand beaches, lapped with jade-hued water, and are the perfect place to snorkel.
You'll then return to Costa Rican waters to find a shady palm on the exquisite beach of Tortuga Island, or take an exhilarating canopy tour to spot wildlife, from the tiniest insects and colourful birds to lively monkeys and the region's peccaries. Yet perhaps the very best of Tortuga Island is beneath the surface of the clear waters, where you might catch sight of a manta ray and tropical marine life.
The voyage aboard Star Clipper is part of what makes this holiday particularly special, where your day at sea on the itinerary can be spent relaxing on the Sun Deck or taking a dip in one of the ship's two swimming pools. You may also have the chance to help the crew sail, help unfurl the sails, or even steer the ship.
Your cabin is welcoming and cosy, but there are options to upgrade if you'd like more space. Typically, guests spend most of their time in the ship's shared spaces, including the convivial restaurant and the piano bar. Or you can spend time quietly relaxing.
You'll fly from London to San José and spend the night in a four-star hotel in Costa Rica's capital
Puerto Caldera is a gateway to Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. Visit the Paseo de los Turistas promenade near the beach with its many bars and restaurants. You'll board the ship and find your cabin before the ship sails for Quepos.
Quepos serves as the gateway to the Manuel Antonio National Park. If you decide to stay local, there's an authentic Costa Rican feel to Quepos, with streets that are easy to navigate on a stroll.
Golfito is Costa Rica's southern port town, famous for its bananas. It's the perfect location for surfing at Pavones and sport-fishing. Other activities include horseback riding, kayaking, and trips to nearby mangrove forests.
Coiba Island lies 30 miles off the south coast of Panama. It's the largest of the 38 islands that make up the Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The surrounding waters support the eastern Pacific's second largest coral reef, which makes scuba diving particularly rewarding. You can spot whale and tiger sharks, manta and eagle rays and large schools of fish.
Golfo de Chiriqui on Parida Island is home to a national marine park that protects 25 islands and 19 coral reefs. It's home to howler monkeys, nesting sea turtles, and 280 recorded bird species. To explore, you can snorkel, surf, kayak, or take a fishing trip.
Today, the wind transports you back to Costa Rica, with an entire day on the ocean. Relax on a sun lounger or cool off in one of the pools on the top deck. Or you may enjoy the chance to climb the rigging or have a go at steering the ship.
Isla Tortuga is often considered the most beautiful island in Costa Rica. Isla Tortuga is a tropical paradise with giant coconut palms framing powder-soft white sand beaches lapped by crystal clear turquoise waters. You can play beach volleyball, rent a kayak, swim, or take a trip on a glass-bottom boat. If feeling adventurous, you can ride a zip line as part of a canopy tour.
You'll arrive back at Puerto Caldera, where you'll disembark and transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home to London.
Traditional tall ship with 36,000 feet of billowing sails
The elegant Star Clipper was launched in 1992 and is a replica of the traditional clipper ships of the 19th-century, without sacrificing the modern comforts of today's luxury liners. With only 166 guests, life aboard is blissfully relaxed, much like travelling on a private yacht.
On board, the interiors hark back to the golden era, with plenty of polished mahogany and brass. In addition to the main dining room, there is also the Piano Bar, as well as the lively Tropical Bar, used for all manner of activities. The two small plunge pools are perfect for those days spent at sea, and there's always a fantastic programme of entertainment, fitness classes and workshops to keep guests busy.
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