What Is a Private Sailing Tour?
A private sailing tour is a boat excursion reserved exclusively for your group, with a captain and crew handling navigation and onboard service. Unlike a shared cruise, where separate bookings bring different passengers together, a private charter gives you exclusive use of the vessel for the agreed duration. You share the experience with the people you choose.
This type of sailing experience combines privacy, comfort and opportunities to enjoy a day on the water. Depending on the destination and package, activities may include swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding or simply watching the coastline from the deck. Food, drinks and equipment vary between charter companies, so review what is included before booking.
With Mowana Sailing in Costa Rica, your private boat is a Buccaneer 33 trimaran welcoming up to 12 guests. Departing from Playa Flamingo Beach, our captain and crew take care of the journey while your group settles in. Choose a morning outing, a sunset cruise or a full-day adventure.
This guide explains what to expect, how a crewed charter differs from other options, and which practical details to consider when planning your vacation.
Private Charter or Shared Tour: What Is the Difference?
The main difference is who shares the boat with you. On a shared tour, you book places on a departure open to other travelers. On a private charter, the reservation covers exclusive use for your group.
A shared cruise can suit people who enjoy meeting other passengers or want to purchase an individual ticket. Private tours suit those who value an intimate setting for conversation, a celebration or a relaxed outing with friends.
Privacy does not mean unlimited control over navigation. Your captain remains responsible for the route, anchorage and decisions on the water. Preferences can be discussed, but the itinerary must match the weather, operating limits and duration of the charter.
When comparing the cost, calculate the total for everyone attending. An individual ticket and a group charter price describe different arrangements. Private charters can become more budget friendly per person when the total is shared among a larger group, but compare the actual rates.
Understanding the Different Types of Boat Charter
Crewed Charter
A crewed charter includes people who operate the vessel and provide the service described in the package. Depending on the boat, the captain may work alone or with additional crew.
Mowana operates with a captain and crew. No previous sailing experience is needed to join the excursion: the team handles navigation, explains the onboard arrangements and helps with the activity equipment.
For first-time visitors, crewed charters offer a straightforward way to discover the coast without organizing a boat rental and skipper separately. Compare the scope of service, since a short coastal charter and a week aboard a yacht involve different arrangements.
When assessing a professional crew, look for clear communication about boarding, safety procedures and participation. Ask who provides activity guidance; an onboard guide for a particular activity should not be assumed to be part of every package.
Bareboat Charter
A bareboat charter generally means renting a vessel without a captain or crew. The person taking responsibility must meet the operator’s requirements for qualifications and experience.
With a bareboat arrangement, responsibilities such as route planning, provisioning and returning the boat depend on the charter agreement. A bareboat charter is therefore a different service from joining a guided excursion.
Mowana’s outings are crewed departures. You are reserving a charter experience with a team, rather than taking responsibility for operating the boat yourself.
Sailing Yacht, Catamaran or Trimaran
A private yacht charter can involve several types of vessel. A motor yacht travels under engine power, while a sailing boat uses sails when suitable and may also use an engine.
A catamaran has two hulls; a trimaran has three. Mowana is a 33-foot Buccaneer trimaran with trampolines, shaded seating and beanbags.
When choosing between a sailboat charter and other boat tours, look beyond the label. Capacity, deck layout, boarding arrangements and amenities help determine whether the vessel suits your group. Sailing yachts and motor yachts can have very different layouts, even when their advertised capacity is similar.
Luxury amenities also vary. A luxury crewed yacht advertised for an overnight vacation may provide a different level of accommodation and catering from a coastal excursion. Review the actual features instead of assuming that every private charter offers the same facilities.
If you compare a crewed yacht charter with Mowana, focus on what your group needs. A comfortable place to sit, suitable boarding access and space to spend time together may matter more than a cabin or other overnight facilities.
What to Expect When Sailing with Mowana
Arriving at Playa Flamingo Beach
Your outing starts on Playa Flamingo Beach, directly in front of PLEAMAR restaurant. The meeting location is on the beach, rather than inside Marina Flamingo.
The crew welcomes your group and takes you by tender to Mowana, anchored offshore. Boarding involves transferring between the beach, the tender and the trimaran.
If anyone needs assistance or has limited mobility, contact us before reserving your charter. Explain the practical support required so we can discuss whether the boarding arrangement is suitable.
Organize transportation from your accommodation and follow the arrival instructions in your confirmation. We wait for late-arriving clients, but the excursion is shortened by the delay; the scheduled finish does not move later.
Boarding and Meeting the Crew
Once onboard, the team explains the safety procedures and helps everyone settle in. Life jackets are available for adults and children.
Tell us if anyone is unfamiliar with boating, cannot swim or feels uncertain about entering the water. Sharing these details helps us provide appropriate guidance.
Find a comfortable place, put your belongings away and take a moment to look around. The trampolines and seating areas offer different ways to enjoy the view as the boat prepares to leave.
Setting Sail Along the Coast
As we set sail, the shoreline becomes part of the experience. Watch the beaches and coastal hills pass, enjoy a drink or relax with your group.
Sailing depends on the wind and the route selected by the captain. Engine power may also be needed during the excursion. A sailing charter does not mean that every part of the journey takes place under sail.
The captain chooses a suitable anchorage according to the weather and sea conditions. A particular bay, island or secluded beach should never be treated as a guaranteed charter stop. Descriptions of hidden coves can sound appealing, but safe access matters more than reaching a particular location.
Dolphins, turtles or other marine life may occasionally appear during navigation. These are possible encounters with wild animals, not scheduled features of the tour. The changing coastline and light give each outing its own unique atmosphere.
Swimming, Snorkeling and Paddleboarding
At a suitable anchorage, your group may have opportunities to swim, snorkel or use the paddleboard. Mowana carries snorkeling equipment, one paddleboard and fishing gear.
The crew explains how to use the equipment and provides guidance before participation. Visibility, currents and the group’s abilities influence which water activities are appropriate.
You can also remain onboard. A private excursion works well when different people want different things: one person may prefer to explore the water while another enjoys the view from the shaded seating.
Children need appropriate supervision throughout the outing. Tell the captain about swimming ability and follow the team’s instructions.
For more detail about underwater visibility and participation, read our guide to snorkeling in Playa Flamingo.
Food, Drinks and Onboard Service
Food and drinks are part of the Mowana experience, with the menu depending on the selected departure.
The morning option includes snacks, coffee and cinnamon rosquillas. The sunset option includes a BBQ meal prepared onboard. The full-day option provides food through the day, including a BBQ lunch.
Unlimited drinks include water, soft drinks, juices and a selection of alcoholic beverages and cocktails. Review the inclusions of your chosen charter package when making your reservation.
Discuss allergies and dietary requirements in advance. A special catering request needs to be checked before confirmation; do not assume every adjustment can be accommodated.
Returning to the Beach
After the anchorage stop, the boat heads back toward Playa Flamingo. There is another opportunity to sit together, watch the coast and enjoy the final part of the cruise.
On the afternoon outing, the changing light adds to the atmosphere as sunset approaches. The sky and cloud cover shape the view, so the colors will be different on every journey.
The tender then transfers your group back to the beach. Keep your return transportation arrangements consistent with the schedule provided for your charter.
How Personalized Is a Private Sailing Charter?
Exclusive use creates space for a more personal experience. Your group can spend the excursion together without joining unrelated passengers, and the crew can learn about your preferences before departure.
Tell us whether the priority is relaxation, water activities or a special occasion. These details help us understand what would make the charter enjoyable for your group.
However, a personalized experience is not a promise of unrestricted flexibility. Route changes, additional stops and requests must fit the package, available equipment and the captain’s assessment.
For a birthday, anniversary or another event, discuss any decorations, food requests or other arrangements before bringing them onboard. Early planning helps clarify what is possible and what would involve an additional cost.
The ideal charter balances your expectations with what can realistically be arranged. There is no single perfect format for everyone: some groups want an active adventure, while others prefer a quiet sailing cruise and conversation.
Choosing the Right Duration for Your Vacation
Think about how the excursion fits into the rest of your travel plans. More hours allow a different pace, but the longest charter option is not automatically the right choice for every group.
A four-hour morning outing suits travelers who prefer an early start and want to keep the afternoon free. An afternoon cruise suits those who want to combine sailing with the evening light. A full-day departure allows a longer escape on the coast.
Consider the age and interests of the participants, transportation from your hotel and how much of the day you want to spend aboard.
For a family with different preferences, comfort and a manageable schedule can matter more than fitting in every possible activity. Select your charter around those priorities rather than simply choosing the most popular format.
What Determines the Cost of a Private Charter?
Charter pricing depends on the vessel, group size, duration, location and services provided. Companies may also apply different rates according to the season or specific requests.
Compare what the charter quote covers. Captain and crew, food, drinks, equipment and transportation may be included in one offer and charged separately in another.
For Mowana, the total varies with the selected option and number of passengers. Our private sailing cost guide explains the group pricing.
When comparing boat charters, review the whole package against your budget. A lower advertised starting rate does not establish the final amount your group will pay.
Ask for clarification about any additional charge before confirming. Also read the payment and cancellation terms applicable to your reservation.
Practical Tips Before Booking a Private Charter
Before selecting a charter, make sure the operator understands your group size and expectations. Useful questions include:
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Is the vessel reserved exclusively for our group?
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What are the boarding arrangements and meeting location?
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Which food, drinks and equipment are included?
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Are the proposed activities suitable for our abilities?
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Can dietary or assistance requests be accommodated?
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What happens if the operator cancels because of unsafe weather?
Recent reviews can help you understand how previous customers describe communication, comfort and service. Look for comments relevant to your own plans rather than relying only on a headline rating.
The best private sailing experience for your group is one that matches your interests and practical needs. A boat tour centered on relaxation may suit you better than an activity-heavy itinerary, even when both are advertised as private excursions.
Once the details are agreed, keep your confirmation accessible. Ensure that everyone in your group knows the meeting location and arrival instructions.
Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection and a small bag for personal belongings. Protect phones and cameras from splashes. For a first boat trip, ask practical questions beforehand rather than assuming all charter arrangements are the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Choose Your Mowana Experience?
A private departure brings your group together aboard a boat reserved for you, with a team taking care of navigation and onboard service.
Mowana Sailing has welcomed visitors since June 2023. Captain and co-owner Jean-Luc has sailed in the Tamarindo and Potrero area since 1992, bringing local knowledge to each outing.
Compare our private sailing tours from Playa Flamingo to review the available formats and inclusions. Select the option that matches your plans, check availability for your dates and share any special requests before you book.
For ideas to complement your charter, browse the Mowana travel blog and plan the rest of your coastal vacation.
