Signature Aviation Spring 2025

elite traveler SPRING 2025 111

FIREBIRD IN COSTA RICA JUNGLE-BACKED BEACHES Located in Central America with two ocean borders, Costa Rica’s tropical climate makes it ideal for an adventurous escape in nature. Plunge into this tropical wilderness as you embark on a charter on board the 227.7-ft motor yacht Firebird , taking in the Paci fi cCoast, from Papagayo in the north and on down to Golfo Dulce in the south. Join Firebird on day one at Marina Papagayo, and cruise to Bahia Huevos for your fi rst dip in the Paci fi c Ocean. Enjoy some water sports and beach activities here surrounded by green forest, or take advantage of high tide to kayak or paddleboard into the Mangrove Palmares. Surfers in the charter party can tender to the location of the cult sur fi ngclassic Endless Summer II to ride the perfectly shaped waves of this famous break. Head inland to explore the rain forests of the Rincón de la Vieja National Park and enjoy a variety of fun activities. From zip-lining through the jungle canopy and canyoning down waterfalls to relaxing in hot springs, the landscape is tailor-made for adrenaline adventures. Nature lovers will also be keen to spot the abundant wildlife, with sloths, red-eyed tree frogs, howler monkeys and toucans being just some of the creatures that call Costa Rica home. Cruise on to Playa Conchal, keeping an eye out for humpback whales from the decks of Firebird . Regularly cited as one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, as a cruising ground Costa Rica o ff ers a plethora of protected marine reserves that guarantee visitors a wide variety of marine life. Diving with Firebird ’s scuba equipment and with the dive master among her crew, guests can encounter everything from manta rays and barracuda to bull sharks, whitetip sharks — and for the brave, even giant hammerhead and tiger sharks. For those who prefer to keep their heads above water, enjoy the anchorage in the bay at Conchal or, weather permitting, at nearby Playa Zapotal, and explore the coastline with Firebird ’s water toys. After all that frenetic activity, you can relax in the luxury available onboardas Firebird cruises overnight to Isla Tortuga. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters and lush green backdrop, the anchorage is widely considered one of the fi nest in the region. Spend the next few days here snorkeling, diving or enjoying the water sports equipment, or heading ashore to the deserted beaches on Tortuga and neighboring Isla Alcatraz. After another overnight crossing, wake up anchored in Drake Bay. Enjoy more water sports here, with the added backdrop of Corcovado National Park, before heading on to Caño Island. Home to Costa Rica’s largest concentration of marine coral, the marine reserve o ff ers world-class snorkeling and diving, with huge schools of pelagic fi sh, whale sharks and manta rays. Golfo Dulce, which translates to Sweet Gulf, is also a bucket-list destination for big game fi shing. The tropical fjord is 600-ft deep and surrounded by dense jungle where trees tower 140-ft high. From here, cruise to the Marina Bahia Gol fi to, where those who have had their share of natural highs can spend a week ashore exploring Gol fi to’smanyo ff erings. (For more on Costa Rica, turn topg 126.) Sleeping up to 12 guests, the 227.7-ft (69.4-m) Firebird is available December to April, which is the dry season in Costa Rica. From $575,000 per week plus expenses, y.co