Yacht Training Academy

This is where your international career begins

Train in Costa Rica.
Gain the skills, confidence, and industry connections you need to launch a global career on luxury superyachts.

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Our immersive training program in Costa Rica prepares you with the hands-on experience, certifications, and confidence to take your first step into the superyacht industry.

Start Your Career
as a Deckhand

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Launch your career in the superyacht industry while training in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations

A sunset over the ocean with a large rock formation and two leafless trees on top, silhouetted against the colorful sky.

Your Fast Track

From Training to Your First Superyacht Job

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Flyer titled 'Prepare for Costa Rica' with illustrations of an airplane, suitcase, palm tree, and passport, and text about guiding steps after enrollment for a trip through Altamar Yacht Academy.
Design for Altamar Yacht Academy with a heading '03' and section titled 'Arrive & Settle In' featuring an illustration of a house, palm tree, and water, for welcoming new students to Costa Rica.
A promotional flyer for Altamar Yachting Academy, offering hands-on training in watercraft handling with an illustration of a rope and winch, and text emphasizing practical, on-board instruction.
Poster titled 'Job Opportunities' by Almar Yacht Academy featuring a globe with a location pin and a yacht, with text about connecting job seekers with yacht agencies and employers worldwide.
Promotional flyer for a career preparation program at Altamar Yacht Academy, featuring the number 05, an icon of a laptop and resume, and text about building professional profiles and succeeding in the superyacht industry.
Promotional flyer for landing a first yacht job. Features a simple line drawing of a yacht with birds, and text about starting a career on a yacht, with the Altamar Yacht Academy logo at the bottom.
Start Your Career
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Scuba Diving Certification

Go Beyond The Surface

Additionally, we offer a scuba-focused training program that allows participants to obtain a PADI certification while gaining valuable marine experience and a highly sought-after skill for careers in yachting, diving, and ocean-based operations.

Enhance your training with an internationally recognized scuba diving certification

Give yourself a competitive edge in the global superyacht industry with an internationally recognized certification earned against the backdrop of Costa Rica.

More than an incredible experience, it’s a valuable qualification that builds essential onboard skills and elevates your CV to help you land your dream role.

Two scuba divers sitting on a blue platform holding a device together, with the ocean water in the background.
Man on a sailboat, wearing a white cap, sunglasses, white shirt, and black shorts, holding a black rope, with a cloudy sky in the background.

Entry-Level Deckhand Program

Learn the fundamentals of yacht operations, seamanship, maintenance, and safety.

    • Deckhand Fundamentals

    • Line Handling & Knots

    • Docking & Mooring

    • Anchoring Procedures

    • Job Search Guidance

    • Watchkeeping

    • Basic Navigation

    • Yacht Washdowns & Detailing

    • Exterior Maintenance

    • Safety & Emergency Procedures

    • Crew Mentality & Professionalism

    Price: US$1,999

    • Drone Operations

    • Underwater Photography

    • Varnish

    • Fiberglass and paint

    • Caulking

    • Professional Yacht CV

    • Interview Coaching

    • Industry Guidance

    • Crew Placement Support

  • DAY 01 — ARRIVAL
    Airport pickup, check-in, orientation & crew welcome.

    DAY 02 — SUPERYACHT BASICS
    Industry knowledge, crew etiquette, safety & marine terminology.

    DAY 03 — MAINTENANCE & ROPEWORK
    Deck care, knots, mooring, anchoring, safety equipment & caulking.

    DAY 04 — HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS
    Fiberglass repair, carpentry & varnishing with professionals.

    DAY 05 — BOAT DAY
    Real on-water deck operations, mooring, anchoring & washdowns.

    DAY 06 — CAREER DAY
    CV workshop, professional photos, networking & interview preparation.

    DAY 07 — DEPARTURE
    Breakfast & airport drop-off.

Download Brochure

Altamar Crew House Experience

A flexible stay in Guanacaste designed for experienced yacht crew preparing for their next opportunity.

    • Job Search Preparation.

    • Ongoing guidance through the hiring process.

    • High-impact CV creation and personalized career guidance.

    • 6 Nights stay at the academy house

    • Breakfast & kitchen access.

    • Resume development and career preparation

    • Access to optional diving courses

    • Airport transfer from SJO or LIR to the academy

    Price: US$550

Download Brochure
Scuba divers underwater, one in the foreground making an OK hand signal, surrounded by bubbles and marine environment.
Scuba divers underwater, one in the foreground making an OK hand signal, surrounded by bubbles and marine environment.

Yacht Crew Diving Program

This is add on to the entry level prrograms. Become a more valuable crew member with internationally recognized scuba certifications.

    • Open Water Diver

    • Advanced Open Water Diver

    • Rescue Diver

    • Divemaster

Perfect for crew looking to improve water confidence, guest support skills, and marine knowledge.

Contact us for more info

Why Train With Us?

· Professional yacht training
· Hands-on experience
· Diving opportunities
· Career support & placement guidance
· Train in tropical Costa Rica

A luxury yacht docked at a marina during sunset with water reflecting the sky and some trees in the background.

ALTAMAR Yacht Academy combines professional training, adventure, hospitality, seamanship, and the Pura Vida lifestyle to help launch your yachting career with confidence.

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Train in Paradise.
Build Your Future.

Created by people who know the industry

Man studying nautical charts on a ship's bridge with model sailboats on the window ledge and ship controls around him.
Man studying nautical charts on a ship's bridge with model sailboats on the window ledge and ship controls around him.

ALTAMAR Yacht Academy was founded after Andrés witnessed firsthand how many talented and motivated people struggled to find a path into the maritime and yachting industry.

After years of working in the sector, he realized that practical education, mentorship, and access to opportunities could truly change lives.

Inspired by this, he created ALTAMAR Yacht Academy, a place in Costa Rica where people can gain the training, confidence, and skills needed to launch an international career while staying connected to the ocean and their roots.

A man in a black uniform kneeling on one knee on a yacht deck, smiling, with a marina and hillside in the background during evening.

“Landing your first job on a superyacht shouldn't be about luck or who you already know. With the right training and industry-recognized certifications, that first step onboard becomes the easiest decision a captain can make.”

-Andrés Bolaños

The Altamar Crew

A USCG Master Captain with 21+ years of charter experience, he brings extensive expertise in yacht operations, crew leadership, safety, and guest service.

Today, he shares his knowledge through USCG Master and OUPV licensing courses, helping prepare the next generation of yacht professionals.

Deckhand Instructor

Judd A. Dunham

Isabel Castro

Based in Costa Rica, Isabel Castro is a scuba diving instructor with over 1,500 dives and eight years of experience exploring the waters of Las Catalinas. Her journey has taken her across the world’s oceans, while her experience working on yachts in Florida has given her firsthand knowledge of life onboard.

Today, she brings together her diving expertise, ocean knowledge, and passion for teaching to inspire the next generation of ocean professionals.

Diving instructor

Alex Pascual

Barcelona-born and Costa Rica-based, Alex Pascual brings a deep connection to the ocean and years of hands-on experience in surfboard repair, materials, and craftsmanship.

As the founder of PASCUAL Ding Repair, he combines technical skill, precision, and a passion for the sea—qualities that naturally translate into the hands-on world of yacht training.

Fiberglass and Paint

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. Our entry-level programs are designed for beginners with little or no experience in the maritime or yachting industry. We provide the training and guidance needed to start your career.

  • Course inclusions may vary depending on the program, but generally include classroom instruction, practical training, course materials, hands-on exercises, mentorship, accommodation, meals, local transportation, and a certificate upon successful completion.

  • Yes. Students who successfully complete the course requirements will receive a certificate of completion from Yacht Academy.

  • Yes. We welcome students from around the world and can assist with travel planning, accommodation, and local logistics to ensure a smooth experience in Costa Rica.

More Questions

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Launch your yachting career with confidence.

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