Costa Rica Catamaran Cruises: the 4 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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