Costa Rica Catamaran Cruises: the 7 Best Days on the Water

1.Catamaran Ocean King Manuel Antonio

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

Cruise the Manuel Antonio coast aboard a large, family-friendly catamaran from Quepos. Expect music, four alcoholic drinks, snacks, dinner on the afternoon trip, swimming, slides, snorkeling when conditions allow, and possible dolphin, whale, or sea turtle sightings. Hotel pickup is available from select locations.

“Overall a good experience. The only hiccup was the beginning of the tour. I traveled with a friend but last minute I had to meet the group at the Marina instead of getting picked up from the hotel. My friend explained the situation to the staff and was told to direct me to their office to get a wristband once I arrived to the marina. Once I arrived, the staff told us that two wristbands were given to my friend at the hotel pick up, which was not the case. They asked us to wait until everyone got on the boat to see if I was “allowed” to get on…”

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2.Flamingo Family Fun Catamaran Snorkel:Comfortable shaded seating

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 238 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $98Top rated

Sail from Playa Flamingo at 2 p.m. on a shaded catamaran with bilingual guides, snorkeling gear, tropical drinks, alcohol, a waterslide, and a late lunch. Expect beach and rock views, swimming, music, and a sunset return. The boat holds up to 80 people.

“Really fun afternoon on the water with space for everyone to have a seat in the shade. Not much to see snorkelling so we swam to the beach instead. Fun waterslide and jumping off the top of the boat. Fantastic lunch followed by the sunset. Highly recommend!”

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3.Blue Dolphin Catamaran Snorkeling Sunset Cruise from Tamarindo

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

Join the Blue Dolphin catamaran from Tamarindo for about five hours of swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, snacks, lunch, and an open bar. The crew, including Carlos on some departures, takes you toward Playa Huevo before a Pacific sunset. Expect music, a social mood, and possible whale or dolphin sightings.

“The crew was amazing!! Very nice and made sure everyone was having a great time. Definitely will do it again.”

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4.Catamaran Sailing & Snorkeling from Playas del Coco

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

Set sail from Playas del Coco at 1:30 pm aboard a spacious catamaran for swimming, snorkeling, a BBQ lunch, and unlimited drinks. The crew, including bartender Luis, keeps the mood lively as you cruise back beneath the sunset. Ground transportation is not included.

“Fun. The staff were really helpful and accommodating. Made the trip fun even though the water was really murky and I didn’t see many fish.”

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5.Private Catamaran Tour on Marlin del Rey

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 63 reviews · 4 hours 15 minutes (approx.)

Sail from Playa Flamingo aboard a 65-foot private catamaran for snorkeling, a BBQ chicken lunch, drinks, and possible dolphin, turtle, ray, flying fish, or whale sightings. The cruise lasts about four hours and can suit groups of up to 25, 30, or 40, depending on the departure.

“We enjoyed the afternoon Marlin del Rey Catamaran Tour from Tamarindo. The trip itself was well done. About an hour out, then swimming and snorkeling for those that want, a very good buffet lunch with chicken, good open bar, and an hour back with arrival timed to coincide with sunset. We did not see any dolphins, or seals, or any other wildlife. No need to pay for anything on board, and no need to bring water. Overall we were very satisfied.”

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6.Sealounge Catamaran Private Day Tour to Playa Fantasia

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 55 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Sail from Herradura on Sealounge’s 50-foot catamaran to secluded Playa Fantasia. Expect private transfers, snorkeling gear, beach activities, ceviche, kebobs, fruit, and an open bar. Crew members such as Johannes and Randall may lead the trip, depending on the day.

“We had the absolute best time with Johannes and his team on our private day trip! We were a family group of 20 (ages 7-77) and everyone had such a wonderful day. Johannes is a wealth of knowledge, took such good care of us, and took dozens of amazing photos and videos that he shared with us afterward. Playa Fantasia was a dream! Such a beautiful sandy beach with plenty of shade, a great bar, lots of lounge chairs and swinging chairs, a huge table that accommodated our whole family, and warm swimmable water. We had it all to ourselves! The teens in our group had the best time playing…”

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7.Private Sunset Catamaran in Playa Flamingo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Set sail from the Playa Flamingo and Potrero area at 2 pm for a four-hour private catamaran trip. You get Pacific views, snorkeling gear, kayaks, snacks, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, plus hotel pickup. Captain Luis, Joshua, and Nicholas may be part of the crew.

“Our family and friends (14 people) did a sunset boat ride. The captains and crew were friendly and gracious. Excellent energy w music and knowledgeable about the area. We saw some sea life, swam / kayak/ snorkeled. It was a highlight of our trip! Don’t hesitate to book this boat!”

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