Costa Rica: Catamaran Snorkeling & Sunset Sail with BBQ Lunch

Summary

Snorkeling warm Pacific waters then sailing home at sunset

You’ll board a spacious catamaran in Playas del Coco for an afternoon of snorkeling warm Pacific waters, sharing laughs over BBQ chicken lunch and unlimited drinks as you drift along Costa Rica’s coastline. Swim or just float in a quiet bay before sailing home under sunset skies — it’s relaxed, real, and leaves you with that salty-happy feeling.

What’s the experience like?

It started with a barefoot shuffle through the sand in Playas del Coco — I nearly tripped over a stray beach dog before spotting our guide, Andrés, waving us over. He checked our names off a crumpled list and laughed when my friend tried out his Spanish (“más o menos,” Andrés grinned). The catamaran itself was bigger than I’d pictured, all white decks and that salty, rubbery smell you only get on boats. There was already music playing somewhere near the bar — reggae, I think? — and people were easing into plastic chairs with their first cold beers.

We drifted along Costa Rica’s Gold Coast for what felt like hours but was probably less than one. The sun was still high but not harsh; you could see pelicans skimming the water and once or twice someone shouted “dolphins!” (I missed them every time). When we anchored in this quiet bay — no other boats, just green hills and that weirdly sweet ocean air — Andrés handed out snorkels and noodles. The water was warmer than my shower back home. I’m not much of a swimmer so I mostly floated around, watching little silver fish flick past my legs. Someone caught a glimpse of a turtle but honestly, I just liked bobbing there, half-listening to laughter echoing off the hull.

Lunch came out after we’d dried off: BBQ chicken that tasted smoky and somehow tropical at the same time, yellow rice, beans, fruit slices sticky with juice. There were cookies too — Andrés swore it was his grandma’s recipe but who knows. The open bar kept everyone happy; I stuck to rum and pineapple juice because it felt right. At some point my friend tried paddle boarding and fell off immediately. Nobody cared — people cheered him on anyway.

The sail back was slow and kind of dreamy. Everyone got quiet for a bit as the sky started turning orange and pink behind us. You could hear ice clinking in glasses and waves slapping against the side of the boat. I leaned against the railing until we slid up to shore again at Playas del Coco — hair tangled with salt, skin warm from sun and maybe rum too. I still think about that last stretch of light on the water sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afternoon catamaran snorkeling and sailing

• Depart from Playas del Coco beach
• Sail along Costa Rica's coastline
• Watch for whales, dolphins, turtles
• Fish off the back of catamaran
• Anchor in secluded bay
• Swim and snorkel in warm waters
• Use paddle boards and snorkel gear
• Relax on catamaran deck or salon
• Enjoy BBQ chicken lunch and drinks
• Sail back towards Playas del Coco
• Disembark after sunset

Top questions

What time does the catamaran snorkeling tour depart from Playas del Coco?

The tour departs at 1:30 pm from Playas del Coco beach.

Is lunch included on this Costa Rica catamaran tour?

Yes, lunch is included with BBQ chicken, rice, beans, fruit plates, chips, pico de gallo, and homemade cookies.

Are drinks provided during the sunset sailing tour?

Yes, there is an unlimited open bar with soft drinks, juices, beer, wine, and liquor options available throughout the trip.

Can children join this catamaran snorkeling & sunset sail?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed onboard.

How long is the day trip from Playas del Coco?

The total duration is approximately four and a half hours.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this Costa Rica catamaran tour?

Yes, all snorkel gear plus life vests and pool noodles are provided if weather allows.

Will there be opportunities to see wildlife like dolphins or turtles?

You may spot dolphins, turtles or sea birds during the sail along Costa Rica’s coast.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; departure is directly from Playas del Coco beach.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes four-and-a-half hours aboard a spacious catamaran departing from Playas del Coco beach with all snorkeling equipment provided (weather permitting), unlimited drinks from an open bar featuring beer, wine and spirits plus soft drinks or juices if you prefer something lighter. Lunch is served onboard—BBQ chicken with sides like yellow rice and black beans—alongside fresh fruit plates and homemade cookies before returning as sunset colors fill the sky.