Costa Rica has no hurricanes! Hurricanes form at about 13 degrees north latitude and go North-North-East or North-East. However, Costa Rica does have the " Popagayo Winds" that start to blow around  the end of December and continue thru march. Normally January and Febuary are the most intense. These winds extend as far north as Southern Nicaragua to the North-West coast of Costa Rica. There are no storm systems associated with these winds. They are caused by a high pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico and a low pressure system in the Pacific. The 2 pressure systems try to equalize. Lake Nicaragua extends from the Costa Rican northern border north into Nicaragua and there are no mountains in this area. This becomes the passage for these winds. The more the pressure-differential, the harder the winds blow. Normal is 15 to 55 knots.  There are certain local areas near the Bat Islands where in extreme conditions the winds may reach 70 knots.

The waves generated (OUTSIDE OF THE POTRERO BAY) by the Papagayo Winds are short period, steep and usually 12 to 16 feet tall. The fact that they are so steep makes them dangerous. It is almost like sailing through the surf. The waves are almost vertical. Part of the wave will slam the boat and the remainder of the wave will break over the boat. Sailing within Potrero Bay during the Popagayo winds provides the winds for fast sailing - without the waves!  So even if you are not an adrenalin freak, you can still have fun sailing within the bay. To safely sail outside the bay in the Popagayo Wind conditions, the boat must be the right type of boat and rigged/outfitted properly. If so, sailing in these conditions can be one of the most exciting adventures of your life. If your boat is not suited for these conditions, it will be a trip through hell! If you are planning to go on an extended cruise and want to learn to rig your sailboat for extreme sailing conditions, a 3-10 day Bat Islands area trip with us will provide you the experience and confidence needed before casting off on your own..

Price: $1,000 per day.  Maximum 6 people.

If you are interested in great adventure and exploring Costa Rica's north pacific, then Costa Rica sailing aboard the S/V Shannon is for you.