Guanacaste

Flamingo and Potrero

Playa Flamingo is one of the country's main sailing bases. Serendipity Charters sails a monohull, Manta Ray Sailing specializes in catamaran charters, and Lazy Lizard Sailing runs a relaxed sunset catamaran on the same coast. Different boats, different crowds, different moods. Nearby Potrero has its own sailing scene too. Check whether your company boards on the beach, at a launch point or at the marina.

Playas del Coco and the Gulf of Papagayo

Around Playas del Coco, a boat day means sheltered bays, small islands and snorkeling stops along the Papagayo coast. Kuna Vela and Seabird Sailing sail from here, and Marina Papagayo serves the peninsula to the north. The dry-season Papagayo winds can blow hard, so the captain's choice of route matters. A Papagayo sail and a Flamingo sunset cruise are different trips, with real driving time between them.

Tamarindo and nearby beaches

Tamarindo has its own boats, such as Blue Dolphin Sailing, but some tours sold to Tamarindo guests board farther north at Flamingo. The same goes for Conchal, Brasilito and Playa Grande: hotel pickup isn't the same as boarding on your beach.

Sámara and the south

Farther down the coast, Sámara has its own small-boat trips (see Hotel Giada). It's a more spread-out coast than the northern sailing bases.

For prices and availability, follow the booking link on the operator's page.