Sailing Into Wonder: Costa Rica’s Hidden Coastline Aboard the Star Clipper

by Amanda Eyre Ward on March 31, 2025 in Travels,
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 My husband and I arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica, by lunchtime, and a few hours later, we stood at the port of Puerto Caldera, taking in the beautiful sight of the Star Clipper, one of the world’s few remaining tall sailing ships. 

We were greeted warmly by the crew, and as we boarded, we could see our fellow passengers already enjoying cocktails at the Tropical Bar. I breathed in the saltwater air as seabirds wheeled overhead, their calls blending with the gentle lapping of waves against the hull. From that first moment across the gleaming brass threshold of this magnificent vessel, I knew that this eight-day journey would transform my understanding of what cruising could be.

Why Choose a Tall Ship Cruise in Costa Rica

The 166-passenger Star Clipper displays its full complement of sixteen sails against dramatic skies. The ship’s elegant profile evokes the golden age of sailing with gleaming white hull and carefully maintained rigging, while providing access to secluded Costa Rican and Panamanian coves inaccessible to larger vessels. Photo Amanda Eyre Ward

The Star Clipper offers a rare alternative in today’s cruise market, where massive ships carrying thousands dominate popular ports. As one of two identical twins (alongside sister ship Star Flyer), this elegant sailing vessel stretches 379 feet and accommodates just 166 guests, creating an intimate experience that connects you directly to the sea and maritime traditions.

The ship appears as a vision from another century, boasting four towering masts. We were captivated by sixteen impressive sails supporting over 36,000 square feet of canvas. When fully unfurled against dramatic skies, they create a silhouette evoking the golden age of sail while showcasing her gleaming white hull and meticulously maintained rigging.

Perhaps most striking is Star Clipper’s environmental commitment. She uses high-quality low sulfur gas oil — an eco-friendly choice that earned Star Flyer the distinction of being the first vessel to receive the International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate.

Star Clipper’s Unique Ship Design and Amenities

The Edwardian-style library aboard the Star Clipper offers a quiet retreat with rich mahogany paneling, comfortable seating, and large windows providing natural light. This elegant space, complete with a Belle Époque fireplace, serves as a gathering place for reading, relaxation, and conversation – reflecting the ship’s commitment to combining historical maritime charm with modern comfort. Photo courtesy Star Clipper

The ship is organized into distinct levels — Sun Deck at the top for panoramic views, followed by Main, Clipper, and Commodore Decks — each offering unique character. Exploring exterior corridors at twilight, I admired how warm lighting from nautical fixtures illuminated wooden details and traditional elements that make this vessel so special.

Public spaces proved equally captivating. The Edwardian-style library, complete with Belle Époque fireplace, rich mahogany, and comfortable seating, became my favorite retreat for reading or reflection. Indoor and outdoor bars served as lively gathering spots.

A steaming coffee cup sits beneath a brass-rimmed porthole aboard the Star Clipper, framing the perfect view of Costa Rica’s azure Pacific waters. These intimate windows connect passengers to the ever-changing seascape outside while preserving the authentic maritime character that makes tall ship cruising so special. Photo Amanda Eyre Ward

Accommodations blend heritage with modern comfort. A glimpse into an Owner’s Suite revealed elegant paneling and nautical design elements, with inviting seating areas and porthole windows framing changing seascapes. My bedroom continued this sophisticated aesthetic with blue accents echoing the surrounding ocean and ingenious use of space.

Costa Rica to Panama: The Perfect Tall Ship Itinerary

Each morning, I eagerly checked the daily program to plan activities. Our carefully plotted route took us from Costa Rica to Panama and back, with every day bringing fresh discoveries. After departing Puerto Caldera, we sailed to Quepos, gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park with its rainforest meeting the sea. The following day found us in Golfito, a former banana port nestled in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.

The Star Clipper’s open bridge and navigation station exemplify the vessel’s commitment to authentic sailing experiences. Polished teak decks, gleaming brass fittings, and traditional ship’s wheel create a nautical atmosphere rarely found on modern vessels, while the expansive views of Costa Rica’s coastline remind passengers of the intimate connection with the sea that defines tall ship cruising. Photo courtesy Star Clipper

By Tuesday, we’d crossed into Panamanian waters to explore pristine Coiba National Park, where crystal waters made for exceptional snorkeling. Wednesday brought us to the spectacular Marine Park Golfo de Chiriqui and Parida Island, with protected beaches and abundant wildlife.

Thursday offered a full day at sea — ideal for experiencing the tall ship under complete sail. Friday returned us to Costa Rican waters at the stunning Islas Tortugas and Curu Wildlife Refuge before returning to our starting point on Saturday morning.

Daily Life on a Working Tall Ship

Mornings began with yoga on the sundeck, followed by a lavish breakfast featuring tropical fruits and made-to-order specialties. Each morning typically brought a new destination — secluded shores and protected marine environments accessible only to small vessels like ours.

Cruise Director Peter Kissner delivers his daily briefing on deck, a highlight of the Star Clipper experience as he traces the ship’s route on nautical charts and shares stories from his decades at sea. Unlike the announcements on conventional cruise ships, these informal sessions provide passengers with insights into traditional navigation techniques and maritime history, creating a connection to seafaring traditions that dates back centuries. Photo Amanda Eyre Ward

Unlike conventional cruises with inflexible schedules, life aboard Star Clipper strikes a perfect balance between structure and freedom. I appreciated the open bridge policy allowing me to chat with Peter Kissner, our cruise director, and his officers. Kissner gave guests a daily briefing, tracing our journey on nautical charts and sharing fascinating tales from his decades at sea.

Sunset sailing aboard the Star Clipper near Islas Tortugas, where the ship drops anchor at secluded beaches accessible only by small vessels. Each evening, passengers gather on deck to witness the unfurling of the sails to the stirring notes of Vangelis’ “Conquest of Paradise” – a highlight of the journey. Photo Amanda Eyre Ward

The most magical moment occurs each evening at sunset. Passengers gather as the crew assembles in formation on the bowsprit netting. When the captain signals, sails unfurl to the stirring notes of Vangelis’ “Conquest of Paradise.” As canvas catches wind and the ship heels gently, the connection to seafaring history becomes palpable. Watching this spectacle near Islas Tortugas, with crew working the rigging, I felt transported to another era.

Not Your Ordinary Cruise Experience

The most remarkable aspect of Star Clipper is what it isn’t — a conventional cruise. Free from rigid itineraries and manufactured entertainment, days flow at a natural pace. You choose your own adventure — fill hours with activities or simply relax and enjoy sailing.

My rhythm quickly adjusted to shipboard life. Afternoons might find me lounging on the netting with the sea below, feeling occasional spray as we cut through waves. I’d join fellow passengers for nautical lessons — knot tying classes led by seasoned sailors or navigation demonstrations connecting us to centuries of maritime knowledge. My favorite night was Kissner’s library presentation about piracy at sea.

Unique Experiences Only Possible on a Tall Ship

The exterior corridor of the Star Clipper at twilight reveals the ship’s elegant design, with warm lighting from nautical fixtures illuminating the rich wooden details and traditional elements. Featuring teak decks, wooden storage benches, and arched windows, these spaces blend historical maritime aesthetics with contemporary comforts as the vessel sails between Costa Rican and Panamanian ports. Photo courtesy Star Clipper

Our day at sea became a voyage highlight. With no land in sight, every possible sail unfurled, allowing us to reach impressive speeds powered solely by wind. This was also when many guests accepted the challenge to climb the mast (safely harnessed) to the crow’s nest for a perspective few modern travelers ever witness.

That afternoon, I indulged in another unexpected pleasure — a massage in the ship’s unique spa setting. Unlike lavish wellness complexes on mega-ships, I was charmed by the authenticity of this space — a humble canvas cabana wedged between diving equipment and tenders, where Maria, the skilled therapist, worked her magic. What it lacked in opulence, it more than compensated for in experience. The gentle rocking and ambient sounds of wind and water created a sensory journey no land-based treatment could replicate.

Evenings Aboard the Star Clipper

Nights unfolded with equal enchantment. From the deck, I’d watch the sun dip below the Pacific horizon as birds circled in the darkening sky. At the bar, mixologists crafted refreshing drinks while passengers exchanged stories about their daily adventures.

Exploring Star Clippers’ Worldwide Sailing Destinations

The Star Clipper at anchor near Curu Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica. The ship’s relatively small size allows it to visit pristine destinations off-limits to mega-ships, while its advanced environmental features earned sister ship Star Flyer the distinction of being the first vessel to receive the International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate. Photo courtesy Amanda Eyre Ward

As our week concluded and we approached Puerto Caldera for disembarkation, I felt reluctant to leave. Standing at anchor near Curu Wildlife Refuge, I realized that in just seven days, this vessel had redefined cruising for me, forging connections to maritime traditions, pristine environments, and like-minded travelers in ways conventional ships cannot achieve.

While this journey explored Costa Rica’s hidden coastline, I discovered that Star Clippers offers similar authentic experiences across the globe. Their fleet navigates the Caribbean, historic Mediterranean ports, and even undertakes epic passages through the Suez and Panama Canals. For those seeking extended voyages, Ocean Crossings and Grand Voyages present opportunities to experience true blue-water sailing for weeks.

The skilled crew of the Star Clipper stands on the bowsprit netting during the evening sail-raising ceremony, a daily highlight of the journey as the ship cruises along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. The sixteen sails unfurl to the stirring notes of Vangelis’ “Conquest of Paradise,” creating an unforgettable maritime spectacle. Photo Amanda Eyre Ward

As I chatted with companions on our final evening, many were already planning their next Star Clippers adventure — perhaps in the Greek Islands or along the Amalfi Coast. The geography might change, but the essence remains constant across all destinations: an intimate bond with the sea and the joy of traveling under sail.

That final evening, watching magnificent sails unfurl once more against twilight skies, I understood what makes this experience so compelling: in our age of simulation and convenience, Star Clipper offers something authentic. The wind filling canvas overhead isn’t recorded or manufactured — it’s the same elemental force that has carried explorers and traders across oceans for centuries. And for one perfect week, it carried me too, along Costa Rica’s stunning shoreline, on what was truly the journey of a lifetime.

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Cover Photo Amanda Eyre Ward

Amanda Eyre Ward is a New York Times bestselling novelist and travel writer. Amanda lives with her family in Austin, Texas…but loves to travel around the state and worldwide! Her new, bestselling novel — which is the story of a librarian in love and set in a British castle — is titled LOVERS AND LIARS.