The 7 Best 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 Marina Pez Vela. Expect Manuel Antonio coastline views, music, snacks, drinks, a fish dinner, wildlife watching, swimming, snorkeling, jacuzzis, and water slides. Hotel pickup is available from select Quepos and Manuel Antonio locations.

“We were able to get transportation from our hotel room to the catamaran. It was easy communication and we had no issues. We stayed on the top deck, which was relaxing. The workers were very friendly and funny. Wasn’t much seating but with everybody dancing and mingling, it was fine. You get four alcoholic drinks and all you can drink soda. The Alcoholic drinks were good and they gave you a good amount of serving. Jumping from the top deck was thrilling. They give you pool noodles so you can hang in the water. If you aren’t a great swimmer then no worries!! It was beautiful seeing the sunset. Would…”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Blue Dolphin Catamaran Snorkeling Sunset Cruise from Tamarindo

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

Set out from El Chiringuito at 12:45 pm for a five-hour Blue Dolphin catamaran trip along Guanacaste’s coast. You’ll have snorkel gear, kayaks, swimming time, snacks, lunch, and an open bar. The crew, often led by Carlos, keeps the mood lively as you head back toward Tamarindo for sunset.

“We saw three impressive, humpback whales blowing and surfacing very near our boat during our return trip. Fantastic experience. Being an avid sailor, I was disappointed that this was primarily a motor launch experience rather than a wind powered sailing adventure. With some persuasion, the captain did unfurl the jib sale for the last 30 or 40 minutes of the ride home, but continued using engine power as well. Our catamaran did not even have a main sail and the captain said has not had one for several years. If we had truly sailed, I’d have rated 5-stars. The captain and crew were very pleasant and helpful in serving our…”

Check availability →Read our full review

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 a spacious Marlin del Rey catamaran. Swim and snorkel in a sheltered bay, enjoy a BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks, then sail back beneath a Costa Rican sunset. The boat holds up to 75 people, so expect a social cruise rather than a private sailing trip.

“Fun experience. Everything went smoothly and staff were friendly and helpful. Saw a humpback whale and dolphins!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Catamaran Snorkeling at Caño Island from Drake Bay

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

Leave Drake Bay at 7:00 am for Caño Island aboard a catamaran with a bilingual guide such as Taylor or Brandon. You’ll enjoy two 45-minute snorkeling sessions, a beach stop, buffet lunch, paddleboards, a waterslide, jumping platforms, and lounge nets. The trip returns around 2:00 pm.

“Übertraf alle unsere Erwartungen. Delphine, Wale, Schildkröten, Rochen, Haie und dutzende weitere Fischarten.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.PUBLIC Pacific Lounge Catamaran – Tamarindo SUNSET experience

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

Spend about five hours aboard Pacific Lounge, a medium-sized catamaran sailing from Tamarindo at 12:45 pm. Cruise Tamarindo Bay, stop near Playa Mina for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a traditional meal, then return at sunset. Antonio is one of the crew members praised for helping passengers enjoy the boat and beach.

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

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Catamaran Sunset Cruise Tamarindo

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

Spend about five hours sailing from Tamarindo or Flamingo Bay, with snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, snacks, and an open bar. The crew keeps the mood lively, serves a filling Costa Rican meal, and brings you back toward shore as the sun drops over the Pacific. Groups can reach 35 people.

“The staff were amazing. Always there to keep a drink in hand! The cruise itself was just the right amount of time. Two major issues though. First, was the fact that the toilet. We were told about this just before boarding. Second, they ran out of food at the end. We were kind of expecting snacks throughout there were chips/salsa and overall plenty of food. I think everyone got a fair amount of food but they did run out after lunch.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Private catamaran sailing sunset tour & snorkeling from Tamarindo

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

Set sail from Tamarindo at 1 p.m. on a private catamaran with crew members such as Jonathan, Jazzy, and Dario. Swim and snorkel at Punta Conejo, use kayaks and paddle boards, enjoy a buffet lunch and open bar, then watch the Pacific sunset on the return.

“Amazing experience! The best crew ! The best excursion ! We had so much fun! 7 adults and 1 (9 year old) everyone had a great time!”

Check availability →Read our full review