# Star Clippers: tall-ship cruises from Puerto Caldera > Star Clippers sails real square-rigged tall ships, and in winter its Star Clipper is based at Puerto Caldera on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. The 7-night Costa Rica and Panama loops suit travelers who want a cruise under sail with small-port stops instead of a big-ship experience. Source: https://costaricasailing.net/star-clippers/ Last checked: 2026-10-22 Location: Puerto Caldera, Puerto Caldera, Central Pacific, Costa Rica Type: cruise, sailing tour Official website: https://www.starclippers.com Ship in Costa Rica: Star Clipper, 4 masts, about 166 guests Base port: Puerto Caldera, near Puntarenas Costa Rica stops: Quepos, Golfito and Islas Tortugas Panama stops: Coiba National Park, Isla Parida and nearby islands Season: First half of the winter season, with Christmas and New Year sailings ## What they offer Star Clippers runs a small fleet of sailing ships built to look and work like 19th-century clippers, with real sails set by the crew. They aren't sailing yachts in the charter sense, they're cruise ships, but they do sail when the wind allows, and that's the whole point for most guests. For Costa Rica, the ship to know is **Star Clipper**. Each winter it spends the first part of the season on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and Panama, running 7-night loops out of Puerto Caldera. The line has published these sailings for the 2026-2027 season and has already announced Costa Rica itineraries for winter 2027-2028. ## The ship Star Clipper is a 4-masted barquentine that carries around 166 guests. It's much smaller than a mainstream cruise ship, which is why it can get into small bays and anchor off islands where big ships can't go. Expect a relaxed, informal routine: watching the crew handle sail and swimming off the beach stops. ## The Costa Rica itinerary A typical 7-night Costa Rica and Panama sailing from Puerto Caldera runs like this (the order changes by departure): - **Quepos**, the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park - **Golfito**, on the sheltered Golfo Dulce in the far south - **Coiba National Park** and the **Golfo de Chiriquí** islands (including Isla Parida) in Panama - A day at sea - **Islas Tortugas**, off the southern Nicoya Peninsula, for a beach day with swimming and kayaks There are also one-way holiday sailings between Panama and Costa Rica at Christmas and New Year, both spending the holiday at Islas Tortugas. For winter 2027-2028, Star Clippers lists a 9-night sailing from Colón through the Panama Canal to Puerto Caldera. ## Where you leave from Puerto Caldera is Costa Rica's main Pacific cruise port, just south of Puntarenas and about 1.5 to 2 hours by road from San José's international airport. Most guests fly into San José. If you're pairing a cruise with your own sailing plans, the Central Pacific marinas, such as [Marina Pez Vela](/marina-pez-vela/) in Quepos, are on the same stretch of coast. ## Who it suits - Travelers who like the idea of sailing but don't want to skipper or crew - Couples and older travelers who prefer a small ship and a slower pace - Anyone who wants to see Golfito, Coiba and the Gulf of Nicoya islands in one week It's less suited to people who want nightlife, big-ship entertainment or a fixed timetable, since sail plans can shift with the wind. ## Good to know before you book - The Costa Rica sailings fall around the end of the rainy season and the start of the dry season (December to April), so the later departures usually get drier weather. - Island stops like Islas Tortugas are beach days, so pack shoes you don't mind getting wet. - Itineraries and port order vary between departures and seasons. Check the exact sailing on the official site. - Bring sun protection: on deck you're in strong tropical sun all day. ## Frequently asked questions ### Does Star Clippers still sail in Costa Rica? Yes. Star Clipper is scheduled for Costa Rica and Panama sailings from Puerto Caldera in the 2026-2027 winter season, and Costa Rica sailings are announced for 2027-2028. ### How long are the Costa Rica cruises? The standard Costa Rica and Panama trip is 7 nights. Some seasonal sailings, such as Panama Canal crossings, are longer. ### Does the ship actually sail? Yes. It's a working sailing ship and uses its sails whenever conditions allow, with engines for calm spells and port timing. ### Which Costa Rican ports does it visit? Usually Puerto Caldera, Quepos, Golfito and Islas Tortugas.