Small ship expedition cruises blend luxury with adventure, nature and fun. Discover what a Kontiki Expeditions yacht cruise is like from Jimmy McDonough, Real Food Traveler’s Eco-Friendly, Food, Travel & Adventure Editor, who sailed aboard the Wayra ship in Costa Rica. 

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Kontiki Expeditions Yacht Cruise Experience

Zipping along in a Zodiac transfer boat, the early morning Pacific was calm as the sky blushed a pale pink. The boat was unusually quiet. Our week aboard the vessel Kontiki Wayra had come to an end, and after waving goodbye to the crew, my fellow adventurers and I were reflecting on our experiences in the magnificent region of southwestern coastal Costa Rica.

I looked back one more time to catch a glimpse of Wayra. Suspended over the Pacific Ocean were swipes of rainbow. Costa Rica, after generously sharing her natural treasures, was sending us off with one more moment of Pura Vida joy.

Inspired, I share my Kontiki Expeditions adventure with you in this and upcoming articles, to guide your own planning for Costa Rica adventure travels. May you find your own journey to Pura Vida!

A sunrise rainbow bid us farewell after a week of Costa Rica adventures aboard the Kontiki Wayra. 

What is a Kontiki Expeditions Cruise and Who is it For?

Kontiki Expeditions provides small ship experiences for people who seek active adventures in nature. There is not an emphasis on shopping or visiting indoor museums, and it is not for those who seek a mega cruise ship style atmosphere or amenities; there is no gambling, nightly shows, etc. Kontiki staff are happy to provide assistance with special requests. Between activities, quiet relaxation time is available for reading, musing, or just napping on a cushy lounge chair.

Kontiki Expeditions Wayra luxury yacht, home-away-from-home for my adventures in Costa Rica.

Wayra is a luxury yacht, hosting up to 18 passengers in nine staterooms for adventures along the Pacific coast of Cost Rica and Panama, including wild, remote areas only accessible by water. The entire vessel may be booked for private expeditions, or individuals may book passage on scheduled dates and routes.

Getting to Wayra is a bit of an adventure. For my Costa Rica itinerary, I flew into San Jose International Airport and stayed nearby at the very nice Hilton Garden Inn Airport City Mall, close to the charming and historic city center of Alajuela. The next day, a small plane flight of 50 minutes was the quickest way to reach the port of Golfito where Wayra docks. My flight was smooth and the scenery gorgeous. An alternative would be ground transportation of about six hours.

To get from San Jose to the Wayra yacht, we took a small plane that afforded beautiful views.

The vessel’s name combines the indigenous cultures of the Americas: Wayra is the Quechua (indigenous language of many peoples in South America) word for “wind” and Kontiki is inspired by the name of the Incan god of all creation. These connections to ancient cultures were meaningful to my Kontiki Wayra experience, where, immersed in nature, I surrendered to the whims of wind and sea.

Wayra and an onboard statue of the Incan god “Kon-Tiki Viracocha”, inspiration for the Kontiki name.

Accommodations Aboard the Kontiki Expeditions Yacht

Each spacious stateroom is warmly decorated in tropical jungle and ocean colors, accented by dark wood planks, echoing wooden seafaring vessels. Daily stateroom service includes treats, turn down service and tidying. Individual climate control means you can be as cool or warm as you want to be. My king-sized bed was just right – a bit on the cushy side, with soft sheets, and fluffy pillows. I slept like a rock!

My king-sized bed in a spacious stateroom (this is only half the room!) aboard Wayra, the Kontiki Expeditions yacht.

As has often been the case on my travels in Latin America, toilet paper cannot be flushed and must be disposed of in a bin. Stateroom and public bathroom commode bins are checked and emptied multiple times daily. On my weeklong expedition, I never smelled anything unpleasant. I was impressed by Wayra’s cleanliness and good condition.

With three decks of open-air public spaces, Wayra offers plenty of options to enjoy. The top deck runs the length of the ship, open 24/7 to all passengers. It’s an ideal perch for star gazing, enjoying sunsets with a cocktail, sunrises with a coffee, and gatherings in between. Amenities include a bar, restroom, hot tub, and plenty of comfy lounge chairs. On my trip, I enjoyed hours up top gazing out at the tropical waters, the dramatic cloudscapes, chatting with crew and fellow passengers, and plein-air painting.

The top deck afforded opportunities for great views, relaxation and socializing aboard the yacht.

Wayra’s main deck is the landing platform and offers a pleasant covered outdoor seating area. Inside, there’s a bright spacious room for lounging, dining and the daily briefing. The décor is calming and comfortable, giving a relaxing tropical vibe in air-conditioned comfort. The coffee bar was my morning go-to where staff crafted delicious lattes to jumpstart the day; wine, beer, aperitifs/digestifs are also available.

The main deck indoor and outdoor lounge areas, and dining space, aboard Wayra.

The second level forward deck is an intimate space, perfect for quiet alone time. Here, I enjoyed a long nap on a cloudy warm day, lulled by the soothing ocean swells. Below deck are the Cava (wine cellar), fitness room, and space for spa services. There is no elevator or lift assistance, so passengers must be fully mobile.

Fine wines can be purchased from the Cava wine cellar aboard Wayra.

Service Aboard the Luxury Yacht

Service provided by the Wayra crew is warm and genuine. They are attentive, happy to help, and look for opportunities to go above and beyond. For example, we were soaked and a bit chilled after a day of whitewater river rafting. Upon returning to the vessel, we were greeted with spiced cocoa to warm us, crew members rinsed our dirty feet and placed our shoes in a warm room to dry. I found my wet clothes folded and hung to dry in the shower in my room. My favorite coffee was offered each morning, as were my beer and wine preferences at night, with just a nod and a smile. Their kind gestures made me feel welcome and cared for.

A great day starts with great coffee- and Wayra’s crew knew exactly how I liked my latte every morning.

Equally nice was getting to know the crew members. Each had interesting stories to tell of their home countries and career history that brought them to Wayra. Many of them are well traveled and highly experienced in land and sea-based hospitality venues beyond Costa Rica. These are service-oriented professionals, dedicated to their passengers’ expedition enjoyment and well-being. Including the Captain – he welcomes visitors to the bridge. Oh, and their English was much better than my Spanish!

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Dining Aboard the Kontiki Expeditions Yacht

When thinking of adventurous travel, fine dining may not come to mind. Thankfully, aboard Wayra, there is no “roughing it” at their table! Chef Richard served up three meals a day with skill, creativity, often inspired by the cuisine of his native Ecuador. Dietary accommodation requests are welcome and should be given in advance.

An overview of meals I enjoyed on a typical day:

Breakfast is a self-serve buffet, typically including eggs, a meat, potato, fresh fruits (papaya, melons, berries, grapes), breads, mini-muffins, cereals, cheese, meats or cured salmon. Fresh fruit juices, teas, and made to order espresso drinks are available.

Breakfast offerings varied daily aboard the Kontiki Expeditions yacht and provided a hearty, healthy way to fuel myself for the day.

Lunch, also a self-serve buffet, offers variety. Two protein options are typically served; locally caught fish prepared simply, along with chicken or pork. One particularly memorable lunch was an Ecuadorian soup, Encebollado; served hot, this comforting broth with chunks of fish and potatoes was served with plantain chips to add texture, and a dash of spicy sweet Aji Criollo sauce added depth and finished it off nicely. Another was Meloso de Mariscos, a Paella-like seafood and rice dish. Pasta was the star one day. A crowd favorite was a DIY Poke Bowl bar with fresh tuna, salmon, and chicken. All were delicious. For sides, there was often a rice dish, plantains, skilleted vegetables, and fresh salads. A refreshing granita made with fresh fruit topped off every lunch.

Lunches aboard the Wayra yacht featured local ingredients and dishes.

At lunch, your dinner order is taken; a choice between two entrees, often a fish or a meat (pork, beef). Appetizers varied between soups and ceviche. All dishes are beautifully plated. Bread with herbed butters is served. Table service is attentive and professional, as you would expect from a fine dining experience.

Dinner entrees served on my trip included salmon, steak, BBQ pork ribs, Marlin, Grouper, and pork tenderloin. I almost always chose the fish and found it perfectly prepared and flavorful, every time. The side vegetables were consistently tender-crisp, and the use of casava and plantains added an enjoyable regional dimension.

Gorgeous, light desserts end the dinner experience, often tartes, small cakes, and tropical fruit mousses, accented by fresh herbs, flowers, in-house dehydrated fruits, and bits of fine Costa Rican cocoa nibs and chocolate. Wayra’s pastry Chef has the soul of an artist!

Dinnertime on the Kontiki Expeditions yacht were delicious and included elegant desserts.

Soft drinks, an assortment of wine, beer, some spirits and cocktails, juices, coffee and teas are included. Fine wine and spirits are available for a fee.

A rooftop grill dinner celebrated our last night on Wayra with perfect weather. Chef Richard and crew assembled a wonderful outdoor dinner under a star-filled night sky. Over wood fired coals, he grilled locally harvested octopus and tuna, as well as carne (beef), and spicey sausages; on the side, baked potatoes, salads, and house made sauces. A delicious and memorable end to the week’s expedition.

Dinner on the last night of our cruise was a grilled feast prepared and served on the top deck.

For anytime nibbles, packaged snacks are available in the main lounge room. Late afternoon, a freshly prepared snack is served on the top deck and the bar is open – a beautiful space for happy hour! At 7pm, during the daily briefing, more fresh nibbles are put out. Refreshing and flavorful, fruity herbal waters are served upon reboarding Wayra after the day’s adventures.

Bottom line – delicious and varied meals will fuel your body for each day’s adventures on and off the Kontiki Wayra!

Refreshing, fruity waters and snacks were served after returning from daily expedition adventures.

Amenities and Onboard Activities

Wayra offers a rooftop hot tub and a modest fitness room below decks. Spa services may be arranged in advance in certain ports; minimum participation is required. Wi-Fi is provided and was surprisingly strong for such a remote area. Indoor lounge areas have books and games. Daily briefings are an opportunity to learn about the next day’s adventures, local culture, and regional flora and fauna.

Wayra really shines with the water toys you can enjoy when moored in idyllic Pacific coves. Connect with your inner child jumping off floating islands to swim in the warm waters; snorkeling gear and fins are available. Kayak the coastline and discover secluded beaches, paddle about on a SUP (stand up paddle board), or fly through the water like a dolphin on a Seabob (my favorite new toy!). The most impressive toy is the water slide where you enter at the top deck and fly into the water after a 30-foot drop – be sure your swimsuit is securely fastened!

Kontiki Expeditions provides plenty of ways to play in the water. Or just float in peace to watch the sky.

The Adventures

Choosing a Kontiki Expeditions experience is all about the adventures you will have in nature- waters, forests, and mountains. Each day starts with Zodiac boat rides to new opportunities for snorkeling, nature walks, hiking, and learning about the natural world and local culture. Scuba dives can also be arranged (extra fees apply). The vessel’s Costa Rica itinerary explores the Golfo Dulce, Osa Peninsula, and southwestern Pacific coastline.

Daily adventures are part of the Kontiki Expeditions luxury cruise experience. 

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Memorable Adventure Highlights Aboard Kontiki Wayra

Golfo Dulce – Snorkeling the calm, blue-green waters near Mogos and spotting a skittish Whitetip Reef shark. Kayaking peaceful mangroves, enjoying the sounds of jungle wildlife and the complete absence of manmade noises. Taking a van into the Osa Peninsula to visit Finca KoBo to learn about restorative organic farming practices and cacao production.

I learned about the various stages of cacao production at Finca KoBo, a restorative organic farm.

Isla del Caño National Park – Bounded by the Pacific, snorkeling the swells of its rugged coastline was a thrill, seeing numerous colorful fish, turtles, and a larger Whitetip Reef shark. Caño is popular among Scuba divers for the vibrant shoals of fish in deeper waters.

A hike into the jungle on Isla del Caño rewards with this view of Wayra moored offshore.

Corcovado National Park – After racing with the dolphins and seabirds along a remote stretch of coastline, a wet landing at a beach to experience this primeval forest teeming with life; among the most biodiverse places on the planet. A band of playful Coatis stole our hearts.

Arlet, our personal Kontiki Expedition Guide, introduced us to the splendor of Corcovado National Park. 

Rio Savegre – Guided by three wild and crazy river guides down whitewater rapids, drenched head to toe by the river in a torrential downpour. A stop at dramatic waterfalls to capture memorable selfies.

Whitewater rafting on the Rio Savegre with a selfie stop at this magical waterfall was exhilarating!

Manuel Antonio National Park – Home to unique creatures, where Sloths doze in the treetops and brazen Capuchin monkeys frolic and pose for visitors. An iconic crescent-shaped beach provided a refreshing dip to cool off.

Locals and visitors enjoy one of the spectacular beaches at Manuel Antonio National Park.

Safety On Board 

The Wayra crew takes passenger safety seriously. A safety briefing is given at the start of the expedition to address locations of life preservers and their proper use, and other issues. For transfers to shore via zodiac boat, life jackets are required at all times, and multiple staff assist with boarding. When climbing stairs between decks, hold onto railings; the boat moves with ocean swells. Young children would require constant parental supervision.

Water quality aboard Wayra is excellent; tap water and ice cubes tasted fresh, without any hint of chlorine (the ship desalinates and filters water). A filtered water dispenser is available to fill water bottles. I enjoyed showers with excellent water pressure and did not experience any intestinal distress.

It was hard to say goodbye to Wayra’s friendly crew after a wonderful week aboard the Kontiki Expeditions yacht. Adios Jason, Jaimi, Richard, Steve and Josue!

If you seek experiences full of adventure, learning, connection, wonder, and moments of joy, all while enjoying great food, accommodations and service – Kontiki Expeditions delivers the very essence of Pura Vida.

For more information about Kontiki Expeditions, visit their website. 

-Story and photos by Jimmy McDonough, Eco-Friendly Food, Travel & Adventure Editor, Real Food Traveler

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