Yacht Charter

Why charter your yacht at Marina Bahía Golfito?

20-, 30- and 60-day superyacht berthing packages specifically designed to support charter operations and aligned with Costa Rica’s new, and helpful, charter law.
On-site immigration authority.
Nine customized superyacht berths for vessels up to 350’ with 29’ max draft.
Charter concierge team providing a streamlined application process encompassing all aspects of new charter rules and regulations, including forms, customs, immigration, taxation, and licensing.
Pristine naturally protected destination harbor with central access to Costa Rica’s most vibrant superyacht cruising grounds
On-site helipad.
On-site itinerary team supporting extraordinary destination experiences.
Local, regional, and international fast-tracked provisioning and parts services.
On-site hotel, restaurant, bar, and crew lounge.
24-hour security with on-site transportation services.
Ten-minute drive from local airstrip
45 minutes flight to San José International Airport (SJO)
Free parking

Costa Rica´s Charter License

Costa Rica’s wide range of tourism activities has been enhanced with the creation of a new superyacht charter law and licensing which supplements the Promotion of Touristic Marinas and Coastal Development. This allows the arrival of foreign-flagged yachts with a length equal to or greater than twenty-four meters (24 m) to perform commercial entertainment activities (charter). Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about the license application process to charter in Costa Rica waters.

What is the best way to apply for a Costa Rica charter license, and for what period/how long will it be issued?

Foreign-flagged yachts of twenty-four meters (24 m) and greater wishing to obtain a charter license must complete a digital form which is available on the ICT website: www.ict.go.cr. Once the charter license is granted, the yacht may remain in Costa Rica for the term of 1-year (which can be renewed). During this term, the yacht can enter/exit the country. Additionally, please consider that the yacht’s crew shall obtain a 90-day tourist permit (the regular country entry period). Please see visas and country entry requirements.

Is there a minimum or maximum length of stay for a yacht to apply for this charter license?

For example, is the charter license still mandatory if a yacht passes through Costa Rica for only two weeks and has only one charter?
Every foreign flag yacht with a length equal to or greater than twenty-four meters (24 m) providing services classified as charter will need to mandatorily obtain the charter license, even if they only provide one charter in Costa Rica.

Is there a different process (other than the charter license) to pay the new 2.5% tax and can that 2.5% be paid by credit card or wire, and will there be proof/ receipt provided?

The 2.5% tax is only paid in connection with charter services and applies to the gross income of each service provided. Therefore, the tax will only be paid by electronic transfer to the account to be defined by the Migration Department within ten business days following the end of the service provided. The yacht’s owner—or an authorized person through a power of attorney—is responsible for the payment. The Migration Department will issue a receipt of payment.

Will the 2.5% tax apply if the charter begins in another country and ends in Costa Rica?

Yes, the 2,5% tax applies if the service ends in Costa Rica.

Is it recommended that a yacht use a local agent for both the license application and the tax, or can this be done independently by the charter manager or Captain?

The yacht’s owner—or a third party/yacht agent authorized by the owner through a power of attorney— must complete the application. The application and its process are handled by completing the ICT template. Marina Bahia Golfito suggests using a local yacht agent whenever possible to ensure an easily facilitated process.

Marina

Bahía Golfito

BMG

Welcome to Marina Bahía Golfito!
How can we help? We're happy to assist.

Chat

It is a One-of-a-Kind Destination.

BOOK NOW