The Latest Trend Is to Charter a Superyacht

Michael Busacca, COO of Fraser, a yachting organization, wonders, "Where else can you explore lush rainforests, enjoy white-sand beaches, encounter colorful parrots, zip line with monkeys, swim with pods of dolphins, and spot humpback whales — possibly all in the same day?" 

In locations such as Golfito, along the southern Pacific coast, substantial superyacht facilities are currently being built. The Costa Rican outfitter Origen Escapes, among others, has begun taking reservations for extravagant vacations. 

Thousands of dolphins may be swum or Seabobbed with by arranging for a spotter skiff, according to Gemma Cope, director of sales and marketing at Origen. Guests of the yacht can take helicopter tours to waterfalls in the jungle, go scuba diving in the UNESCO World Heritage site Cocos Island National Park, or snorkel in the bioluminescent Golfo Dulce after dark. 

In the next five years, according to Moran, charter trips to Costa Rica will outstrip those to any other American destination. He makes the observation that this isn't a Caribbean or Mediterranean resort where people go to see yachts and water toys. "These excursions are all about stepping off the boat and seeing the world."