‘Stay and cruise’ in Costa Rica

Star Clippers is offering a new 'stay-and-cruise’ package that combines a week relaxing at the all-inclusive, five-star Doubletree Resort by Hilton at Puntarenas with a week sailing the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.

From November 2010, Star Clippers will base its elegant, four-masted square rigger, Star Flyer, in exotic Central America for the winter season, offering seven-night cruises taking in tranquil and rarely-visited ports in Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua.

The 14-night `stay and cruise’ package includes flights into San Jose, Costa Rica and transfers to the beachfront Doubletree Resort, with its 11 bars and restaurants, four swimming pools and own stretch of gorgeous Pacific beach. After a week chilling amid the all-inclusive facilities, transfer to the port at Puerto Caldera and board the 170-passenger Star Flyer.

The seven-night cruise takes passengers through Costa Rica’s islands and waters, calling at Isla Coiba, Panama; and in Costa Rica itself, Golfito, Isla del Cano/Drake’s Bay, Quepos and Islas Tortugas, with a day at sea to enjoy the experience of sailing on board a true tall ship. The region is renowned for beautiful white-sand beaches, active volcanoes and unique cloud forest ecosystems, giving passengers ample chances to spot some of the world’s most diverse wildlife: humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, angel fish, howler monkeys, scarlet macaws and iguanas. There are all kinds of opportunities for adventure, too, from surfing to zip-lining over the forest canopy, hiking and rafting.

The special price of £2,599 per person, bookable by February 28, 2010, includes return flights, seven nights’ all-inclusive at the hotel, seven nights’ full board on Star Flyer, all non-UK transfers and port taxes. Cruise-only prices are also available, from £1,030 per person, (plus £110 port taxes).

For more information and reservations, visit: starclippers.co.uk