Frequently
Asked Questions
We know planning a day on the water comes with a few questions, and we’ve heard them all — from “Can I play my own music?” to “What if it rains?” and even “Do you serve red wine?” (spoiler: no, our deck is too pretty for that).
Below you’ll find everything you need to know about sailing with us — what to expect, what to bring, and why Serendipity Charters is the best way to spend a day in Guanacaste. If you don’t see your question answered here, just drop us a message. We’re always happy to chat.
Booking & Availability
Q: Are you available on [specific date]?
Our calendar fills up quickly, especially for sunset trips and holidays! The easiest way to check is to click “Book Now” — everything you see there is live. If your date shows as unavailable, shoot us a quick message. Sometimes we can shuffle the tides a bit to fit you in.
Q: How far in advance should we book?
During high season (Nov–April), we recommend booking 2–3 weeks ahead at least. For quieter months, a few days’ notice usually works. If you’re spontaneous — hey, we love that energy — just reach out and we’ll see if the wind’s in your favor.
Q: What’s the difference between a private charter and the Lucky 13 mixed group?
Private charters are all yours — your people, your playlist, your pace. The Lucky 13 is our fun social sail with a mix of guests (8–13 total). Same great crew, just a few more new friends.
Q: Can I pay with a credit card on the boat?
We can’t accept cards on board, but you can pay your final balance ahead of time via credit card, PayPal, bank transfer, or Zelle. Just let us know what works best!
What to Expect on Board
Q: What do we do on a full-day or sunset charter?
You’ll sail the stunning Guanacaste coastline, swim, snorkel, relax, and maybe spot dolphins, turtles, or even a breaching whale if you’re lucky. Full-day charters mean more sailing and exploring.
Q: Can we snorkel, fish, or even learn to sail?
Absolutely! We have snorkeling gear, fishing lines for trolling, and a crew happy to show you the ropes — literally. We often catch skipjack tuna or jack crevalle, and sometimes mahi mahi, yellowfin, or wahoo if they’re around. Just remember, we’re sailors, not a sportfishing outfit. If you are on our Lucky 13 we will need to make sure everyone onboard is OK with fishing.
Q: What’s included?
Cold drinks (beer, cocktails, juices, sodas), a premium open bar, freshly prepared lunch and snacks, snorkeling gear, and great music. Basically, you show up — we handle the rest.
Q: What drinks do you have onboard?
Our open bar includes:
Flor de Caña 4-year rum, Absolut vodka, Jose Cuervo tequila, Gordon’s gin, Cacique (a local favorite), white wine (usually Argentinian or French), and local beers.
We also mix a mean cocktail — don’t leave without trying our signature Serendipity Sangria! For special occasions, we add bubbly. (No red wine onboard — we love our deck too much.)
Q: What food do you serve? Can you accommodate allergies or dietary needs?
We serve delicious, healthy, locally sourced food — no single-use plastics here.
Typical menu:
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Fresh pineapple
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Cowboy caviar with chips
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Chicken tacos
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Vegetarian/Vegan: black bean tacos or bowls
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Gluten-free: taco bowl or corn tortillas
Just let us know in advance if you have any restrictions — we’re happy to adjust.
Q: Can I play my own music?
Yes! On private charters, you can connect via Bluetooth to our speakers. For mixed groups, we play our own playlists. We love a good vibe, but we’ll tell you a secret — sometimes the best soundtrack is the sound of the sea, especially at sunset.
Q: Is there Wi-Fi?
Nope — and that’s the beauty of it. We often sail into remote areas where there’s no signal at all. At the start and end of your trip, you might get 3G, but the rest of the time, you’re free to disconnect and focus on what really matters: people, nature, and adventure.
Q: How many people fit on Serendipity?
We comfortably host up to 17 guests, with a maximum of 19. Plenty of room to stretch out, sip something cold, and soak up the views.
Q: Can you accommodate people with mobility issues?
We do our very best to include everyone. Our crew will help guests board safely, and once seated in the cockpit, it’s smooth sailing. The only tricky part is using the bathroom or going for a swim — both require using a ladder.
Q: Is there a minimum age for children?
Kids love being on the water! For our semi-private trips, we ask that children under 4 sit this one out — we love toddlers, but know they can be a handful at sea. For our privates there are no age limits.
Q: Do you have life vests on board?
Yes! We have life vests for adults and kids. If you have a very small child, we recommend bringing your own for the best fit.
Pricing, Payments & Tips
Q: How much does it cost for more than 10 guests?
Private charters are priced for up to 10 guests, with an additional per-person charge after that. Kids under 12 sail at a discounted rate. Check our pricing page for details.
Q: Do rates change for holidays?
Yes — Christmas, New Year, and Easter have special rates
Q: What currency do you charge in?
All prices are in USD. We accept major cards and online payments.
Q: What’s a customary tip?
Tipping isn’t mandatory, but if our crew made your day special, they’ll truly appreciate it. The customary tip is 10–20% of your charter total, shared evenly among the crew.
Weather, Safety & Policies
Q: What happens if it rains?
Rainy season showers are often quick and refreshing — we have plenty of dry areas on board to wait them out. If the captain feels the weather will be unsafe or miserable, we’ll cancel the trip. We’ll try to reschedule if possible, or issue a full refund if not.
Q: What’s your cancellation policy?
You can find the full details [HERE]. In short — if you cancel there is a sliding scale of how much deposit we return. Since we are a small business, last minute cancellations are tricky for us. You can also add Cancellation Coverage to all reservations, making them fully refundable up to 48 hours before the trip.
Q: Do you carry insurance?
Yes. We’ve never had a serious incident and plan to keep it that way! Serendipity Charters is fully insured through Instituto Nacional de Seguros. For concerns, contact us directly or Gabriel Chaves at PDL Law Firm (506 2653-2009).
Q: Is the crew licensed and trained?
Absolutely. Our crew is experienced, licensed, and loves what they do — you’re in great hands.
Getting Here – How far are you from popular beach towns?
We’re located at the Marina Flamingo, right in the heart of Guanacaste’s Gold Coast. It’s an easy, scenic drive — you might even spot monkeys or ocean views along the way.
Approximate travel times:
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Tamarindo → 25–35 minutes (depending on traffic)
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Playa Conchal → 15–20 minutes
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Brasilito → 10–15 minutes
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Hotel Riu (Matapalo) → 30 minutes to 1 hour (depending on the road)
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Playa Negra → about 45 minutes
If you prefer, we can arrange round-trip transportation — just let us know when you book.
Special Requests & Extras
Q: Do you have packages for special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, weddings)?
We don’t offer fixed packages, but we love celebrating with you! Whether it’s a proposal, birthday, or “just because” sail, we’ll make it special, just let us know when booking.
Q: Can I bring a professional photographer?
Yes! We partner with Genna Marie Davis of Tamarindo Family Photos, who specializes in stunning above-and-underwater photography (check out her book Costa Rica Blue). You can also bring your own photographer if you prefer.
Q: Can you help with birthdays or proposals?
Absolutely. We’ve hosted surprise proposals, anniversaries, and all-out birthday sails. Add a little bubbly and sunset — the rest takes care of itself.
Q: What is a “booze cruise”?
Locally, “booze cruise” means a party catamaran — lots of people, loud music, and plastic cups. That’s not us. We’re the relaxed alternative: premium drinks, no plastic, no crowds, and a focus on comfort, service, and the beauty of the ocean.
Q: What are the best things to do near Conchal?
Flamingo, Conchal, and Brasilito are fantastic for beach days, snorkeling, or a lazy afternoon at a local bar. A sail with Serendipity is the must-do experience, but we also recommend visiting Tamarindo for shops and dining, and exploring nearby nature tours.
Why Choose Serendipity Charters?
Because this isn’t your average boat ride — it’s your day on the Pacific, done the Serendipity way. Our crew doesn’t just steer the boat; they set the tone — laid back, safe, and full of pura vida. We know these waters like the back of our tanned hands and love sharing hidden coves, dolphins, and the best snorkeling spots in Guanacaste.
You’ll get a beautiful, spacious sailboat, freshly prepared food, open bar, great music, and the kind of easy-going vibe that makes time slow down. No crowds, no cookie-cutter tours — just sunshine, sea breeze, and a crew that truly cares. We often hear…..
“This was the best thing we did in Costa Rica.”
And we never get tired of hearing it.
Contact & Communication
Q: What’s the best way to reach you?
Email or WhatsApp work great — we usually reply within a few hours (unless we’re out chasing sunsets). You can also text or call us from the U.S. at +1 917-231-2587.
Q: Do you have Spanish-speaking crew?
¡Claro que sí! Our team is bilingual, friendly, and always ready to share a bit of Costa Rican “pura vida” with every guest.
