10-DAY ITINERARY IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC

A clean first run across the Gulf of Nicoya, moving from marina precision into open coastal water with a straightforward navigation picture. Isla Tortuga offers a calm anchoring setup and an easy first afternoon in the sea. One technical note: afternoon sea breeze can sharpen surface texture in the gulf, so earlier arrivals tend to feel noticeably smoother.

Daily Highlights:

• Swim straight off the stern with a sandy seabed underfoot
• Snorkel along the edge of the anchorage where depth changes quickly
• Tender landing for a short beach walk and viewpoint stop
• Sunset deck service with a quiet overnight set

This coastal leg follows a simple shoreline line south, with headlands and river mouths shaping the sea state as you close on Quepos. Arriving into Marina Pez Vela adds dependable dockage and easy access to town services. One technical note: local current set can be noticeable near points, so maintaining a clear track line helps keep the approach tidy.

Daily Highlights:

• Morning coastal run with a controlled, comfortable pace
• Dockside arrival with provisioning and shore access simplified
• Afternoon walk or private car loop toward Manuel Antonio viewpoints
• Dinner reservation near the marina with a calm return onboard

A longer, purposeful passage into the Osa region, where coastline becomes greener and less developed and the water typically clears as you move away from urban runoff. Isla del Caño is best approached with strong daylight for reef definition and anchoring clarity. One technical note: swell can wrap around the island even on moderate forecasts, so anchoring position matters for roll control.

Daily Highlights:

• Arrival swim in calmer lee water once the island blocks swell
• Snorkel session timed for best visibility and lower current
• Tender run into Drake Bay for a relaxed shore break
• Early evening at anchor with a quiet, remote feel

A compact run down the Osa coast into Corcovado’s wildest shoreline, where rainforest meets surf and the coast reads darker and more dramatic. Sirena is a location day, valued for wildlife density and the sense of being far from roads. One technical note: the anchorage is open to ocean energy, so the calmest windows are typically early and in settled swell periods.

Daily Highlights:

• Early tender landing for guided wildlife walking routes
• Midday return to the yacht for shade, lunch, and downtime
• Afternoon beach time and nearshore swimming when conditions allow
• Sunset viewing from the deck with minimal light pollution

This is the main offshore transition, running south toward Panama with a clean horizon and longer helm time. The reward is arrival into the Gulf of Chiriqui cruising ground, where islands and channels reduce sea state quickly. One technical note: plan the approach for high sun, as reef features and shallow shelves become easier to read and avoid.

Daily Highlights:

• Early departure to capture the smoothest sea state
• Mid passage reset with a structured watch rhythm
• Arrival swim in protected gulf water after the offshore run
• Quiet evening with shore access staged for the next day

A shorter, controlled leg deeper into Coiba’s protected waters, where marine life and visibility often improve with distance from the mainland. Coiba’s coastline is rugged and heavily forested, with coves that provide strong shelter. One technical note: park areas can have specific guidelines, so permits and local routing should be confirmed in advance.

Daily Highlights:

• Snorkel session in clear water with strong reef structure
• Tender exploration along the bay edges for quiet beaches
• Wildlife spotting from the deck during calm afternoon hours
• Dinner aboard with the yacht settled in a protected cove

This leg stays within the Gulf of Chiriqui island system, with short exposures and frequent lee protection. Isla Parida offers a calm overnight setup and an easy base for water activities. One technical note: in light wind, heat haze can reduce contrast on the water, so slower approaches improve spotting of shallow features.

Daily Highlights:

• Morning cruise with smooth water inside the island chain
• Swim and paddleboard time in sheltered anchoring water
• Beach landing for a quiet walk and a simple picnic setup
• Golden hour tender loop through nearby islets

A return offshore run north into Costa Rica, designed as a direct reposition to reach the calm interior waters of Golfo Dulce. As the gulf opens, the sea state typically softens and the coastline becomes more sheltered. One technical note: afternoon breezes can build on the open leg, so a pre sunrise departure often delivers the best comfort.

Daily Highlights:

• Early departure with a disciplined offshore watch plan
• Arrival into Golfo Dulce with noticeably calmer water
• Late afternoon swim in sheltered conditions close to shore
• Quiet night at anchor with rainforest sounds close by

A short final reposition inside Golfo Dulce, where the water remains protected and navigation is straightforward. Puerto Jimenez provides a clean finish with simple shore logistics and a slower town rhythm. One technical note: local boat traffic is light compared with major marinas, but shallow areas near shore make a central channel approach the safest.

Daily Highlights:

• Easy morning run and tidy arrival into harbour
• Shore time for a relaxed walk and local shopping
• Long lunch reservation with a calm close to the voyage
• Smooth final night with Polaris handled logistics

A final day held in port for an effortless close, keeping time for a slow morning and straightforward departure planning. The gulf remains calm, making last day operations simple and controlled.

Daily Highlights:

• Leisurely breakfast onboard with harbour views
• Optional short tender ride along the mangrove edges
• Final packing and departure timing with generous buffer
• Seamless disembarkation and transfers coordinated to your schedule