Pacific coast · Cruise
AdventureSmith Explorations
Small-ship and yacht cruises in Costa Rica
AdventureSmith Explorations is a US-based travel company that books small-ship and yacht cruises, and Costa Rica is one of its regular destinations. It matches you with expedition ships of 66 to 184 guests or an 18-guest private yacht, many of them pairing the Pacific coast with the Panama Canal. It suits active travelers who want hiking, kayaking and snorkeling every day instead of big-ship port days.
What they offer
AdventureSmith Explorations is a family-run travel company based in the United States that specializes in small-ship cruises and adventure travel. It doesn't own ships. Instead, it sells trips on vessels run by a handful of expedition operators, and its staff help you pick the right ship, cabin and dates. The company says it's been doing this since 2003.
Back in 2013 this site wrote about the 62-passenger ship it was selling for Central America. The line-up has changed since then, but Costa Rica is still a regular part of its catalog, with 6 cruises listed for the coming seasons.
The trips
The Costa Rica cruises on offer fall into a few groups:
- Costa Rica and Panama combinations. These are the most common. They run along the Pacific coast and include either a visit to or a full transit of the Panama Canal, over 8 days to just over 2 weeks.
- Activity-focused expeditions. Week-long trips on 66-guest ships built around paddling, snorkeling, hiking and skiff rides into bays and rivers.
- A short Guanacaste trip. A 6-day program in Costa Rica's dry northwest, around Santa Rosa and Rincón de la Vieja.
- Yacht cruises. The Kontiki Pura Vida trips use an 18-guest boutique yacht on the southern Pacific coast, with 5 to 8 day routes that visit quiet coves, surf towns and wildlife areas.
Most departures fall between November and April, which matches the Pacific dry season, though some of the active expeditions also run from August to October.
The boats
Ship sizes range from that 18-guest yacht up to expedition ships carrying 66 to 184 guests. What they share is size: they're small enough to anchor off remote beaches and send guests ashore by skiff or kayak, which is the whole point of a cruise like this. Several trips travel with naturalist guides who lead walks and talks.
For groups, the yacht can be chartered privately for up to 18 people, with its own crew and guides, and the itinerary can lean toward diving, wellness, food or adventure.
Where you leave from
It depends on the ship. Some cruises start or end in Costa Rica on the Pacific coast, others start in Panama. Your AdventureSmith planner will tell you the exact port and the easiest airport to fly into.
Who it suits
- Active travelers who want to be off the ship every day, hiking, kayaking or snorkeling.
- People who'd rather unpack once than drive between lodges, since Costa Rica's roads often route you back through San José.
- Families, since some trips run child discounts.
- Small groups who want a private yacht with crew.
If you'd rather handle a boat yourself, a yacht charter is a better fit. For a bigger ship with a single port day, see Windstar Cruises or Princess Cruises.
Good to know before you book
- Because AdventureSmith is an agency, the ship's own operator runs the trip once you're aboard. Ask which company that is, and read its cancellation terms.
- Small ships hold few people, so popular holiday dates go early.
- Expect wet landings on beaches. Pack sandals that can get soaked.
- The Pacific coast is hot and humid even in the dry season. Lightweight long sleeves help with sun and insects on rainforest walks.
Frequently asked questions
Is AdventureSmith a cruise line?
No. It's a booking company that sells small-ship and yacht cruises run by other operators, and it gives advice on which one fits.
How many people are on these Costa Rica cruises?
Anywhere from 18 guests on the yacht trips to about 184 on the largest expedition ship in the current line-up.
Do any trips include the Panama Canal?
Yes. Several Costa Rica cruises include a Panama Canal visit or a full transit.
Can I charter a whole yacht in Costa Rica through them?
Yes. They offer a crewed private yacht for up to 18 guests, with charters available in 2026.
