New laws are coming into effect from April 2021 which will make luxury yacht charters and repairs in Costa Rica easier than ever before.

Costa Rica beach with Palms © Alexia Schu

The country is home to incredible wildlife, with a dense jungle home to tapirs, jaguars, monkeys and primary-coloured macaws and sea turtles visiting the fine sandy shores. The coral reefs are teeming with life, and the clear seas give confidence to swimmers of all ability levels. Larger vessels benefit from the quick increase in depth from the shore, allowing them easy access to the bays.

Keel Billed Toucan © FINTAN O’ BRIEN

The Costa Rica Legislative Assembly recently voted 47-0 in favour of the marine reform law, which will make it easier for luxury yachts to enter and stay long-term in Costa Rican waters. Of particular note is the change to collect 2.5% of the charter cost in fees, making it less cost-prohibitive to visit the country, and under the ‘temporary import status’ luxury yachts can now remain for up to 6 months instead of the previous 90 days.

Sunset in Costa Rica © Frank Ravizza

Over the past decade, Costa Rica has also been improving its marina infrastructure, and Marina Pez Vela will be able to accommodate luxury yachts up to 61m/200ft, Papagayo up to 76.2m/250ft and Golfito up to 107m/350ft. Two further marinas are planned at Flamingo and Crocodile Bay in Puerto Jimenez, and they are expected to open in January 2022 and December 2021 respectively, with limited services initially at the latter location. On the other coast, Limón has the port facilities to support mega yachts, granting easy access to Costa Rica from other popular destinations in the Caribbean Sea.

Dance and Culture in Costa Rica © prohispano

One such luxury yacht currently cruising in Costa Rica is luxury support yacht GAME CHANGER, measuring 72m/236ft and carrying on board a helicopter and submarine, plus a dive centre with a decompression chamber. The accommodation sleeps up to 17 guests over 8 en-suite cabins, and there is a crew of 16 to keep everything running at peak efficiency. A cruising speed of 15 knots, a top speed of 20 knots and an extensive cruising range ensure that guests can visit the remotest locations with ease and comfort.

DAMEN Yacht Support GAME CHANGER

Gain inspiration for your own Costa Rica holiday and see more luxury yachts available for Costa Rican charters.