Why Panache Sailing
You probably have a few tabs open right now. Every one of them with a catamaran, the word "unforgettable," and photos that look all the same from a screen. Here's the difference: a boat is easy to rent. A good catamaran tour is the hard part, and it's the only thing we've ever sold.
Some stories start with a plan. Ours started with a boat.
More than a decade ago, our founder Mariano worked alongside French entrepreneur Christian Carbone, owner of a hotel and a catamaran reserved exclusively for personal use. Mariano imagined something different: that the same boat could become the setting for memorable experiences for travelers visiting Costa Rica. With that vision, he proposed opening it to hotel guests through shared sailing tours along the Pacific coast.
The response was immediate. Travelers did more than enjoy the scenery; they discovered the magic of sailing with service that felt warm, safe and genuine. The boat already had a name: Panache. We kept it, because it expressed exactly what we wanted to offer: distinction, authenticity, and a different way to experience the ocean. Five years later came the moment that changed our course.
When Don Christian returned to France, he placed his trust in us in the most meaningful way, and with his support we purchased the catamaran and turned an idea into a company of our own. Today Panache is a family-owned company created by two young people from Guanacaste who chose to invest in their home, their community, and the ocean they grew up beside. The fleet has grown and thousands of travelers have come aboard but the excitement we feel when a guest steps on deck has never changed.
Mariano Soto & Cindy Cascante, Founders- CERTIFIED
- CST Sustainability ICT Costa Rica
- ON BOARD
- Solar panels on every catamaran
- YEAR ROUND
- Ocean and beach cleanups
- COMMUNITY
- Sport programs for local kids
"PROTECTING OCEAN WE CALL HOME."
— The Panache Sailing Team
We're still asking the same question
Our founder began with one simple question: will this be a good day for the person stepping aboard? Twelve years later, it still guides every decision we make.
We read this water for a living
Certified bilingual captains who grew up sailing this coast. They make honest weather calls, and if the sea isn't right for the day we want to give you, we reschedule or refund. Safety comes first.
CST certified, and the only ones
Panache holds Costa Rica's CST sustainability certification, the only nautical operator in Guanacaste with it. The ocean here is not a backdrop. It is part of our home.
One team, from start to finish
Our catamarans, transportation, drivers, and food and beverage team are all part of Panache. Fewer handoffs mean clearer communication and one team responsible for every detail.
Costa Rican flavors, prepared by us
Our chef prepare fresh food with the flavors we know and love. Our crew serves it on board with custom cocktails and an open bar, so you can simply enjoy the day. 100% Top Quality Food.
Meet our catamaran fleet in Costa Rica
Certified for navigation, insured and professionally maintained, each catamaran offers the space you need to enjoy Guanacaste’s Pacific Coast.
The crew is the reason guests come back
These are the departments that make your day work, every one of them local, certified, and genuinely glad you came.
Boats & crew
Certified bilingual captains and sailors who read the water constantly. They stay close without hovering. Calm carries.
Food & beverage
Our own chef and kitchen team, cooking Costa Rican flavors. The reason "the food was actually gourmet" shows up in the reviews.
Transport
Our own vans, our own uniformed drivers, across Guanacaste. Your day starts when we pick you up, not when you reach the dock.
Reservations
The ones who answer fast, learn your name before you board, and notice the small stuff. Plans change and flights get delayed.
Ready for the catamaran experience of a lifetime?
Before you close this tab, book the only thing we've ever sold: an amazing day sailing the Costa Rican Pacific coast.
Warmly, from sunny Flamingo Beach The Panache team⚓