Top 7 Sailing Trips in Costa Rica

1.Catamaran Ocean King Manuel Antonio

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 281 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $86Our pick

Spend about three and a half hours aboard a large, family-friendly catamaran from Quepos. You can watch for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles, swim near Manuel Antonio, use the slides, enjoy snacks and a meal, and watch the sunset. Hotel pickup is available from select Quepos and Manuel Antonio locations.

“Just relax and enjoy, let the friendly staff take care of you during the time on the boat, fresh fruit available, snacks and beverages”

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2.Blue Dolphin Catamaran Snorkeling Sunset Cruise from Tamarindo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 97 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $99

Spend about five hours aboard the Blue Dolphin catamaran from Tamarindo, sailing or motoring to Playa Huevo for swimming and snorkeling before sunset. Lunch, snacks, kayaks, snorkel gear, and an open bar are included. The friendly crew, including Carlos on some departures, keeps the mood lively, though the boat can feel crowded and the music is often loud.

“The sailing, swimming, and food were all super good! We sailed to a private area, dropped anchor and swam for an hour. After swimming we had a yummy lunch before heading back! The water is so blue and the staff is extremely friendly. Refilling your beverages right away! Highly recommend!”

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3.Catamaran Sailing & Snorkeling from Playas del Coco

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 85 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $132

Set out from Playas del Coco at 1:30 pm aboard Marlin del Rey’s spacious catamaran for swimming, snorkeling, a BBQ lunch, unlimited drinks, and a sunset sail along Costa Rica’s Gold Coast. The crew, including bartender Luis, keeps the mood easygoing. Expect a social boat ride, not a small private cruise, with room for up to 75 passengers.

“The cruise and the crew were great! The bartender was awesome and the lunch delicious! We caught a beautiful sunset as well. I didn't snorkel, but heard it was great too. Highly recommend this tour!”

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4.Catamaran Snorkeling at Caño Island from Drake Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 55 reviews · from $128

Set out from Drake Bay at 7:00 am with guides such as Brandon or Taylor for two 45-minute snorkeling sessions near Caño Island. Watch for turtles, rays, fish, sharks, whales, and dolphins, then enjoy lunch, paddleboards, jumping platforms, a waterslide, and a catamaran ride back by about 2:00 pm.

“Overall the trip was well organized. Taylor was a great guide, always available, well prepared and giving his best trying to give us the best experience despite non favorable climate conditions.”

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5.PUBLIC Pacific Lounge Catamaran – Tamarindo SUNSET experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 54 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $85Best value

You’ll spend about five hours aboard Pacific Lounge, cruising Tamarindo Bay, stopping near wild Playa Mina for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a traditional meal with unlimited drinks. Antonio and the crew help keep the mood friendly and inclusive. The catamaran returns to Tamarindo at sunset, with a bathroom onboard and room for up to 35 people.

“Beautiful cruise, wonderful lunch, plentiful drinks, relaxing swim and the most amazing sunset. I would highly recommend!!”

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6.Catamaran Sunset Cruise Tamarindo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 38 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $145

Sail from Tamarindo or Flamingo Bay on a five-hour catamaran trip with snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, unlimited drinks, and substantial snacks. The crew keeps the mood lively, helps with photos, and may point out sea life such as puffer fish, starfish, or octopus. You return as the sun sets over Costa Rica’s coast.

“Great Crew, super fun and sweet, nice guys!!!! Yummy food, not just snacks and soda!!!!! Nice snorkel spot where the crew looks for interesting sea creatures to dive for and let you get a closer look. See Costa Rica from the water any chance you get the coastline is GORGEOUS!!!!”

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7.Private catamaran sailing sunset tour & snorkeling from Tamarindo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 33 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $1,166Top rated

Start at Tamarindo Beach at 1 p.m. and ride by dinghy to a private catamaran with a crew that may include Jonathan, Jazzy, Chanty, or Dario. Snorkel, kayak, paddle board, enjoy lunch and an open bar at Punta Conejo, then sail back beneath a Tamarindo sunset.

“We loved how comfortable it was having the boat to ourselves. The meal, drinks and snacks were all amazing. The area we swam and kayaked was empty except for us.”

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