Renting a yacht in Guanacaste, Costa Rica typically costs between $1,500 for a half-day charter on a smaller vessel and $12,000 for a full-day private charter on a luxury mega yacht, depending on the boat size, trip length, and time of year.
Price by Type of Charter
| Charter Type | Duration | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Half-day charter (smaller yacht/catamaran) | 4 hours | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Full-day charter (mid-size yacht) | 8 hours | $3,500 – $7,000 |
| Full-day charter (mega yacht, 100+ ft) | 8 hours | $7,000 – $12,000 |
| Sunset cruise | 2-3 hours | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Overnight / multi-day charter | 24+ hours | Custom quote |
*Replace these ranges with your real, current prices per boat before publishing.
What Affects the Price
- Size and type of the boatA 43-foot yacht and a 105-foot mega yacht are priced very differently — larger yachts carry more guests and include extra amenities like jacuzzis or onboard entertainment.
- Duration of the charterHalf-day, full-day, sunset, and overnight charters are priced separately, since fuel, crew hours, and catering scale with time on the water.
- SeasonCosta Rica’s dry season (December–April) is peak demand in Guanacaste, so prices trend higher. The green season (May–November) often has more flexible pricing.
- What’s includedCharters with full catering, an open bar, water toys, or a private chef cost more than a bare-boat or crew-only rental.
- Departure pointCharters leaving from Playa Flamingo or Papagayo may be priced differently depending on distance to your destination.
What’s Included in a Luxury Charter
- Certified captain and crew
- Fuel for the planned route
- Snorkeling gear
- Bottled water and soft drinks
- Catering (select charters)
- Open bar (select charters)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gratuity included in the price?
Gratuity is typically not included and is left to the guest’s discretion, usually 10-15% of the charter cost.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
This depends on the operator’s policy — confirm with your charter company before the trip.
What happens if it rains on the day of my charter?
Most operators offer rescheduling for safety reasons in the event of severe weather; ask about the specific cancellation and weather policy before booking.
Do I need previous boating experience?
No — charters include a certified captain and crew, so no experience is required.
Ready to book your private charter in Guanacaste?
See Our Fleet & Get a Quote