There’s something profoundly evocative about the sight of towering white sails billowing against an azure sky. In an age where cruise ships are floating metropolises, the Star Clipper, a four-masted barquentine, offers a rare and exquisite return to the golden age of sailing—an experience where elegance, adventure, and intimate luxury seamlessly intertwine.
Sailing along the pristine, wildlife-rich coast of Costa Rica, the Star Clipper presents an unparalleled way to explore this biodiverse paradise. This isn’t just another holiday; it’s a voyage for those who long for the thrill of the open sea, the whisper of the wind in the rigging, and the romance of discovering hidden shores that are inaccessible to modern mega-ships.
Our Editor in Chief Lisa Curtiss set sail with the Star Clippers’ fleet ( https://starclippers.co.uk/) for the 4th time – and can’t wait to return for another blissful adventure.
Life Aboard Star Clipper: Where Nautical Heritage Meets Luxury
It was great to be back – from the moment you step aboard, Star Clipper’s charm envelops you. Teak decks gleam in the sun, brass fixtures glisten, and polished wood interiors exude an old-world grandeur. With just 170 passengers, the ship maintains an intimate atmosphere, fostering an experience that feels both exclusive and personal. It really feels like reuniting with a cherished friend.
The crew, as always, play a vital role in making this experience exceptional. Warm, welcoming, and highly skilled, they greet each guest with an effortless charm, ensuring that every need is met with impeccable service. From the attentive bartenders who craft bespoke cocktails to the deckhands who gracefully hoist the sails, every crew member exudes passion for sailing. The open-bridge policy allows passengers to interact with the captain and crew, learning about navigation and the intricacies of sailing, making the journey even more engaging. One of the journey’s top pleasures was waking up at dawn and heading up to the bridge with freshly brewed coffee to watch the sun rise and dolphins dance at the bow and chatting to the captain and crew about the day’s sailing and wildlife seen. My eagle-eyed niece even spotted a swordfish leaping right out of the ocean and a whale pass by.
Accommodations are designed with a perfect balance of comfort and authenticity. While the cabins aren’t sprawling suites, they are cleverly designed, offering plush bedding, en-suite bathrooms, and porthole windows framing uninterrupted ocean views. Thoughtful details—such as brass reading lamps and nautical artwork—contribute to an ambience of maritime tradition, while modern amenities ensure every comfort is met.
For relaxation, guests can unwind in the library, where shelves are stocked with maritime literature and travel guides, offering the perfect escape with a book in hand. Two decent sized saltwater pools provide a refreshing dip under the sun, while a massage service on deck allows for pure indulgence as the ship glides across the Pacific.
For those wanting to be a bit more active on board, each day there’s an itinerary to enjoy – from aqua aerobics and morning workouts, to fascinating sea lore talks, maritime rope tying, cocktail making, fruit sculpting and more.. plus mast climbing for those not afraid of heights!
The Dining Experience: A Culinary Journey at Sea
Dining aboard the Star Clipper is nothing short of amazing – especially when you consider the tight space the chef and his team have to work in. The elegantly appointed dining room offers a refined yet relaxed setting, where every meal is a feast for the senses. Star Clipper embraces an open-seating policy, allowing guests to sit at any table and forge connections over expertly crafted dishes – this really does make the trip a delight and many make friends for life. Guests often contact those they enjoyed spending time with on previous trips and book their next Star Clipper sailing journeys together. Little wonder the company’s repeat guest percentages are so high!
Breakfast is a lavish affair, featuring a buffet brimming with fresh tropical fruits, European-style pastries, smoked salmon, eggs cooked to order, and an assortment of cheeses and cold cuts. Freshly brewed coffee and a selection of fine teas set the tone for the day ahead.
For lunch, a sumptuous spread of seafood, salads, and local delicacies awaits. Expect dishes infused with Costa Rican flavours, from tangy ceviche to grilled snapper marinated in citrus and herbs. Vegetarian and international options ensure there is something to satisfy every palate.
Evenings are reserved for elegant, multi-course dinners, featuring a rotating menu of expertly crafted dishes. Guests can expect options like freshly caught lobster, and indulgent chocolate soufflés. Each dish is paired with a curated selection of wines, and the dining experience is enhanced by the gentle swaying of the ship under starlit skies.
For those who enjoy a nightcap, the Tropical Bar is the heart of the ship’s social scene. Live music, themed parties, and impromptu storytelling sessions create a convivial atmosphere, where guests mingle over expertly mixed cocktails, rum punches, or fine cognacs. We always love seeing the crew and guest talent shows which are the best fun.
The Itinerary: Immersing in Costa Rica’s Wild Beauty
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If you can tear yourself away from the delights of the ship for a while, there’s so much to see and do. The Star Clipper’s Costa Rica itinerary is a curated collection of the country’s most breathtaking locations—each offering a distinct glimpse into its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Quepos & Manuel Antonio National Park: Rainforest Wonders and Pristine Shores
After a scenic twenty-minute drive from the port, guests embark on a guided trek through Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most cherished ecological gems. With over 680 hectares of dense rainforest, this sanctuary is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Howler monkeys call from the treetops, sloths laze among the branches, and brilliantly coloured toucans flash through the canopy. A knowledgeable naturalist guide enriches the experience, sharing insights into the park’s diverse flora and fauna. The trek culminates in a visit to one of Manuel Antonio’s famed white-sand beaches, where guests can swim in the crystalline waters or simply bask under the shade of swaying palms.
For those with a penchant for culinary curiosity, the Villa Vanilla Spice Tour offers a fascinating excursion into Costa Rica’s vibrant spice trade. This 160-acre sustainable farm, set amidst lush hills, produces organic vanilla, cacao, Ceylon cinnamon, and an array of tropical fruits. A guided walk through the plantation reveals the intricate processes behind spice cultivation, culminating in a tasting session where guests can sample delectable vanilla-infused desserts and spiced chocolates.
Golfito: Dolphins, Kayaking & Mangrove Exploration
Golfito, a picturesque port town framed by verdant rainforest, serves as a gateway to Costa Rica’s most unspoiled marine environments. Guests have several ways to explore this natural paradise:
Dolphin Watching in Golfo Dulce: Aboard a motorised boat, guests venture into the pristine waters of Golfo Dulce, one of the most biologically intense marine habitats on Earth. Here, pods of dolphins frolic alongside the vessel, sea turtles drift lazily by, and, on rare occasions, majestic manta rays glide beneath the surface. The experience is punctuated by a swim stop at a secluded bay, where guests can plunge into the warm, aquamarine waters. We saw so many dolphins on our trip – some so close to the boat you could almost touch them.
Kayaking the Mangrove Estuary: For those seeking a more active adventure, a guided kayak expedition offers an intimate exploration of Golfito’s lush mangroves. Gliding silently through the labyrinth of waterways, paddlers encounter egrets, herons, and, if fortune favours, a pod of bottlenose dolphins. The tour includes a stop at a remote beach for swimming and fresh fruit refreshments.
Playa Panamá & Bahía Potrero: The Call of the Wild
The journey continues to Playa Panamá, where guests can embark on a Palo Verde National Park Safari—a thrilling river expedition that unveils Costa Rica’s abundant wildlife. As the rafts cruised along the Tempisque River, crocodiles sunbathed on the banks, capuchin monkeys swing through the trees, and flocks of scarlet macaws streak across the sky. The excursion includes a visit to a historic hacienda, where guests can savour a traditional Costa Rican lunch and try their hand at crafting handmade tortillas. This was such great fun – getting thoroughly soaked bouncing down some rapids – and marvelling at all the wildlife around us.
Alternatively, adventure-seekers can take to the treetops on the Congo Canopy Adventure, an exhilarating zip-line course through one of the last remaining tropical dry forests in Central America. Suspended high above the forest floor, guests traverse steel cables between platforms, experiencing the jungle from a bird’s-eye perspective while howler monkeys provide an atmospheric soundtrack. This was not for the feint hearted and I certainly discovered just how scared I am of heights and confess to only managing to glide 4 of the 9 lines before needing to come back down to earth! The rest of the party who were much braver than I thoroughly it though and said it was a highlight of their trip.
For those drawn to the sea, a Catamaran Snorkelling Adventure from Bahía Potrero offers an unforgettable exploration of Costa Rica’s underwater wonders. Sailing along the coast, guests snorkel in clear waters teeming with colourful reef fish, sea turtles, and vibrant corals before toasting the experience with tropical cocktails on deck.
Isla Tortuga & Curu Private Reserve: A Pristine Paradise
No Costa Rican voyage would be complete without a visit to the idyllic Isla Tortuga. With its powder-soft sands and crystal-clear waters, this island is a vision of paradise. Guests can snorkel among shoals of tropical fish, kayak along the shore, or simply lounge beneath coconut palms with a cocktail in hand.
A short boat ride away, the Curu Private Reserve provides one of the best opportunities to encounter Costa Rica’s famed wildlife. Home to 200 species of birds, as well as capuchin monkeys, anteaters, and even elusive ocelots, this protected reserve is a nature lover’s dream. A guided hike through its lush trails offers an intimate look at this biodiverse ecosystem.
In summary: The Ultimate Sailing Experience
Aboard the Star Clipper, the journey is just as enthralling as the destination. Unlike conventional cruises, where entertainment revolves around casinos and Broadway-style shows, here the magic lies in the simple, timeless joys of sailing: the thrill of watching the sails unfurl at dawn, the serenity of stargazing from the deck, and the camaraderie forged over candlelit dinners.
For those who crave a blend of adventure, luxury, and authenticity, this voyage offers an experience that is as rare as it is unforgettable. Whether you’re diving into turquoise waters, hiking through mist-laden rainforests, or simply reclining on deck with the wind in your hair, a sailing adventure on the Star Clipper is a journey that lingers in the soul long after the voyage ends.
