Costa Rica is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world, offering a superb destination for wildlife enthusiasts. And, thanks to a forthcoming change in the maritime laws, this stunning biologically intense country will now be able to be explored more easily by private yachts, allowing luxury charter yachts over 24-metre to charter legally in Costa Rica for up to a year.
According to Costa Rica’s Embassy, the country accounts for nearly six percent of the world’s biodiversity, despite only accounting for 0.03 percent of the Earth’s surface. Most of Costa Rica’s wildlife experiences can be enjoyed in its expansive National Parks and Reserves, covering beaches, mangroves, and lush tropical rainforests spanning from Costa’s Rica’s Caribbean coastline across to the Pacific.
If you’re considering a luxury yacht charter in Costa Rica, then keep on reading. Here we explore some of the best Costa Rica wildlife experiences you could enjoy while cruising the azure blue waters of this spectacular Central America destination. From sloths to howler monkeys, there’s a wildlife experience to suit the most ardent nature lovers.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
This incredible biological reserve is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts during a private crewed yacht charter in Costa Rica. The reserve was established by a coalition of scientists from the Tropical Science Center in 1972 to protect one of the last pristine Cloud Forests in Central America. Cloud forests are formed when clouds intersect mountain ranges in tropical destinations, leading to a unique biodiversity and incredibly lush vegetation. It is estimated that 50 percent of Costa Rica’s biodiversity can be found within the reserve, totalling around 2.5 percent of the world’s biodiversity. Home to more than 3200 species of plants, 425 species of birds, 120 species of mammals, and 658 species of butterflies, the Monteverde Cloud Forest offers the ideal destination to explore nature at its very finest, including some of the most endangered ecosystems on Earth.
Cano Island
Located some 20 kilometres off Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline, Cano Island is a spectacular marine biological reserve that is teeming with life. While on land, those with a keen eye will spot possums, bats, tree frogs, and boa constrictors; the real beauty of Cano Island lies under the waves. Its surrounding waters are amongst some of the bluest in Costa Rica and regarded as some of the best diving destinations in the region. Sharks, humpback whales, dolphins, stingrays, moray eels, tuna, sea turtles, and grouper can all be found here. A must for dive and snorkelling enthusiasts during a Costa Rica yacht charter.
Tortuguero National Park
Known as the ‘Region of Turtles’, this is the Costa Rica yacht charter destination of choice for those wishing to see turtles. Located on Costa Rica’s north Caribbean coast, it is the largest nesting site for green sea turtles in the Western Hemisphere. The Park features a network of jungle canals and wild beaches rich in flora and fauna. But it is the turtles, including endangered green sea turtles, hawksbills, leatherbacks, and loggerheads that are the highlight here, which nest on the Park’s palm-fringed beaches. The best time to visit is from August to September for green sea turtle nesting and from March to April for leatherback turtle nesting. For an alternative Costa Rica wildlife experience, make use of your luxury yacht charter’s tenders and toys and explore the maze of canals and lagoons. The waterways are home to several species of river turtles, a vast array of freshwater fish, as well as Capuchin, Spider, and Howler monkeys.
There is no question that a Costa Rica yacht charter offers an unbeatable wildlife experience.
