Surrounding the Osa Peninsula on three sides, the Pacific Ocean is a central feature for the majority of tourists and vacation home owners enjoying time in the Osa Peninsula and Sierpe River Valley.

Ocean related activities such as diving, snorkeling, sport fishing, and whale watching are very popular, and are arguably better here than anywhere else in the country.

While these activities can be enjoyed without owning a boat, having access to one provides the convenience and independence to unlock every bit of adventure, beauty, and tranquility that the waters of the Pacific Ocean and Sierpe River offer.

The combination of affordable locally made boats and safe, secure, and convenient boat parking make the boating lifestyle a possibility for all budgets in this part of Costa Rica.

At most oceanfront locations in Costa Rica it isn’t buying or owning a boat that presents a problem, but rather finding a safe and affordable place to park the boat in the water.

The handful of marinas scattered along the Pacific Coast offer great amenity and service, but with prices for boat slips starting in the six figure range, it is simply unaffordable for most people. Another widely used option is to moor your boat in a protected cove or launch it directly off of the beach.

While these options are more affordable and widespread, there are considerable safety and security concerns. All it takes is one bad storm or rogue set of waves to damage or capsize your boat. Furthermore, having to use a tending boat to access and resupply your boat or launching it directly off the beach with each use can be difficult and tiresome.

The Sierpe River on the northern limit of the Osa Peninsula is unique in that it offers the convenience and safety of a marina boat slip at a price that is affordable and accessible to most everyone.

While there are a few other rivers in Costa Rica where people moor and dock boats, the Sierpe — due to its large size and flow — is the only one that is fully navigable through its mouth in all tidal phases, 365 days a year. Determining when to start and end your ocean adventures will never be dependent upon the tides.

While owning and maintaining a boat is never a cheap proposition, there are several locally made options with very attractive and affordable price points. A few of the most popular options are detailed below.

In addition to locally made boats, a variety of used American made factory boats are available for sale in nearby Quepos and Golfito. Furthermore, with the recent economic downturn, buying a boat in the U.S. and importing it to Costa Rica is becoming a more viable option.

• River Boat – A basic river boat is about 12 – 18 feet in length and has a long, slim shape.

  This boat can comfortably fit 2 – 6 people and is intended for basic river cruising, beach-going, and exploring. This boat is ideally paired with a motor of between 15 and 40 horsepower.

  

  When paired with a 25 horsepower or larger motor exiting the river mouth to explore the nearby reaches of the Pacific Ocean becomes a possibility. This boat can be outfitted with user friendly options such as built in coolers, storage, bait livewell, and fishing rod holders.

  Price of Boat: $1,000 – $3,500
  Price of Motor: 15hp 2-stroke = $1750, 25 hp 4-stroke = $3,500, 40 hp 4-stroke = $4,800

• Basic Ocean Boat – A basic ocean boat can be 18-22 feet in length and has a much thicker and stronger hull than a river boat.

  Ideally, a boat like this is paired with a motor of between 50 and 115 horsepower. In addition to being great for river transport, this boat is well suited for cruising the coast and making off-shore trips to areas like Caño Island for fishing, diving, snorkeling, and whale watching.

  

  Instead of being a tiller drive, these ocean boats nearly always have a center console with a steering wheel and either a “T” or a bimini top for sun protection.

  Price of Boat: $4,000 – $9,000
  Price of motor (4 stroke): 50hp = $5,800, 75hp = $7,500, 100hp = $9,900

• Deluxe Ocean Boat – A fully operational ocean going vessel like the Sierpe del Pacifico boat “La Carlita” is approximately 24 feet in length and is made of a very high quality molded fiberglass.

  The hull is shaped in a way that allows for a smooth, fast, comfortable ride in all but the largest of seas. Ideally, a boat like this is paired with one large motor between 175 and 225 horsepower or 2 motors 125 to 175 horsepower.

  

  This boat comes complete with front and back in-hull storage, fish box, bait livewell, drink coolers, center console steering, and a custom stainless steel “T-top” with “rocket launcher” style fishing rod-holders. This boat is fully capable of traveling any reasonable distance off-shore in a variety of seas. Up to 7 or 8 people can comfortably fish or cruise in this boat.

  Price of Boat and 175 hp motor = $35,000

[custom_script adID=97]

If you have ever dreamed of living in a place that’s as close to a tropical paradise as you can find … Please contact our Recommended Costa Rica Realtors Daveed Hollander, John Wieland and James Drews in the Southern Pacific area, by using the simple form below:

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.