Behind the Scenes: Discovering Central America Differently with Kontiki Expeditions

@Kontiki Expeditions

What does it mean to explore Costa Rica and Panama differently?For most travellers, these two countries conjure images of pristine rainforests, vibrant wildlife, and eco-lodges tucked deep in nature. But few experience them the way Kontiki Expeditions does—from the waterline, aboard a boutique 18-guest yacht purpose-built for conscious exploration.

In our latest Behind the Scenes interview, I sat down with Carlos Núñez, CEO & Founder of Kontiki Expeditions, to talk about redefining small-ship expedition cruising in Central America. From remote marine corridors to rainforest-lined tropical fjords, Carlos shared how his team blends exploration, wellness, and genuine community partnerships to create a very different kind of warm-water expedition.

Below is a summary of our conversation, packed with insights for travel advisors who want to position Costa Rica and Panama beyond the traditional land-based routes.

A Unique Vision Born From the Ocean

Kontiki Wayra @Kontiki Expeditions

Kontiki began with a simple idea: small-scale travel can protect fragile places while opening pathways into communities large ships simply cannot reach.

Carlos’ inspiration came while working in his family’s maritime business, standing in a shipyard in Ecuador, looking at a yacht and imagining its potential. Today, that vision has become Kontiki Wayra, a 128-ft luxury yacht hosting just 18 guests, four decks, and a near 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio.

With interconnected family cabins, ample outdoor space, a jacuzzi deck, wellness offerings, and a marine “playground” equipped with kayaks, paddleboards and more, Kontiki blends expedition energy with private-yachting intimacy.

Why Costa Rica & Panama Make Exceptional Expedition Cruise Destinations

While Costa Rica is a longstanding favourite for UK travellers, Kontiki offers a very different perspective—literally from the sea level, discovering remote regions that are often inaccessible or time-consuming to reach by road.

A Few Highlights from the South Pacific Coast:

• Golfo Dulce: One of the world’s few tropical fjords—rich in biodiversity, difficult to access by land, and ideal for slow exploration by small ship.

• Osa Peninsula: A region where rainforest meets turquoise ocean, largely untouched and home to some of the country’s highest concentrations of wildlife.

• Isla del Caño: Home to one of the best-preserved reefs in the eastern Pacific, perfect for snorkelling and accessible for guests of all levels.

  
  

In Panama, itineraries are equally compelling, with access to secluded islands, indigenous communities, and the extraordinary Coiba National Park—part of a four-nation marine corridor shared with Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ecuador. Guests often highlight Coiba as one of the most surprising and moving parts of the journey.

Intimacy, Comfort, Authenticity: The Kontiki Difference

When compared with occasional calls by larger expedition ships, Kontiki stands apart through:

1. Intimacy

Just 18 guests, two guides, and personalised, flexible itineraries.

2. Comfort

Boutique hospitality, wellness spaces, and locally inspired cuisine.

3. Authenticity

True engagement with small coastal communities, crafted collaboratively rather than commercially.

Travel Differently: Conscious, Community-Led Exploration

Carlos emphasised how deeply Kontiki’s model relies on co-creation with local partners, ensuring that benefits stay within communities.

One example is the village of Golfito in Costa Rica, where Kontiki is supporting youth development through an upcoming partnership with Real Madrid Foundation. Guests witness authentic local life, not staged performances, and experience travel that leaves a meaningful impact.

This philosophy extends to every itinerary. Guests might:

• Explore mangroves by kayak at dawn

• Visit cacao or coffee growers

• Enjoy marine sports from the yacht’s water platform

• Learn ceviche-making or taste local chocolate and rum on board

Wellness in Nature: A Core Part of the Experience

From sunrise yoga to world-class massages on board, wellness is built into Kontiki’s DNA. As Carlos put it:“It’s the opportunity to disconnect—to reconnect.”Aboard the yacht, wellness is not an add-on but a natural extension of being immersed in wild, untouched environments.

Who is a “Kontikier”? Understanding the Ideal Client

@Kontiki Expeditions

Rather than an age bracket, Kontiki defines its guest profile by mindset:

A Kontikier is a traveller who:

• Seeks flexible, nature-immersive experiences

• Prefers barefoot luxury over formality

• Enjoys adventure without sacrificing comfort

• Values small groups, privacy, and authenticity

• Wants both relaxation and meaningful cultural contact

  
  

Guests tend to be in their 40s–70s, with a strong mix of American, British, and European travellers.

For advisors, the experience works particularly well for:

• Multi-generational families

• Buyouts for milestone trips

• Small groups of friends

• Divers (PADI certification required)

• Active couples wanting soft adventure

  
  

Both FIT bookings and private charters are available, with charters being a major component of Kontiki’s business.

Seasonality & Trip Length

Central America has two main seasons:

• November–June: Dry season with abundant sunshine

• August–October: Rainy season, typically brief afternoon showers

Kontiki offers:

• 7-night / 8-day itineraries

• 4-night / 5-day itineraries (ideal for pairing with land tours)

For travel advisors, the shorter itinerary is a perfect addition to a wider Central American holiday.

Selling Tips for Travel Advisors

Carlos shared several angles that consistently resonate with travellers:

1. Explore from the Sea, Not the Road

This immediately differentiates the experience from standard Costa Rica itineraries.

2. Avoid the Crowds

The regions visited are remote, pristine, and difficult to access without a small vessel.

3. Wellness and Relaxation

Appealing to the growing demographic seeking purpose-led travel with restorative elements.

4. Barefoot Luxury

No tuxedos, no formality—just intentional design and warm hospitality.

5. Flexibility

Especially on charters, guests shape their own expedition.

Working with Kontiki Expeditions

For UK travel advisors, Kontiki works with Abercrombie & Kent Travel, who recently launched new Costa Rica and Panama programs for 2026–2027. Advisors can also work directly with Kontiki’s reservations team.

Buyouts for key weeks in 2026—including Easter, summer, Thanksgiving, and festive—are now open for enquiry.

A Different Way to Experience Central America

If your clients dream of Costa Rica or Panama but want something deeper, slower, more intimate, and more meaningful than a classic land-based itinerary, then an expedition with Kontiki offers a refreshing alternative.

Wild coastlines, remote islands, tropical fjords, marine wildlife, rainforest immersion, and genuine community engagement—all experienced through the lens of a boutique yacht that feels more like a private retreat than a cruise.