Snorkeling in Quepos: Catamaran with Dolphins & Lunch

Spot dolphins and sea turtles, then jump in to snorkel the reefs

Snorkel the waters off Quepos and Manuel Antonio on a 3-hour catamaran ride with a live guide in English or Spanish. You'll watch for dolphins, sea turtles, pelicans and seasonal whales from the boat, then stop to swim and snorkel the reefs. Fresh Costa Rican lunch, natural drinks, fruit snacks and cocktails are prepared onboard; kayaks are available if you want to paddle out. Pickup is included, and the boat is wheelchair accessible.

The Experience

The catamaran leaves Quepos and runs the coast for three hours, with the guide pointing out marine life as it appears—dolphins, sea turtles, pelicans, frigate birds, and whales during July through October. The boat carries snorkeling gear, so you don't need to bring your own or rent it separately. When the guide spots a good spot or the group is ready, you stop to swim and snorkel the reefs, and there's time to jump off the boat if you want that moment. Kayaks stay onboard for anyone who'd rather paddle than swim.

Lunch is cooked fresh onboard: Costa Rican rice and beans with salad and grilled chicken breast. Natural drinks, fresh fruit snacks and cocktails come throughout the ride. The boat has air conditioning, so you can cool off between water time and the next stretch of coastline. During the dry season, the sunset runs long enough that you'll see it from the water.

A live guide narrates in English or Spanish, so you know what you're looking at and when to watch for movement in the water. The crew handles the music and keeps the energy up—if the group wants to dance, they're ready for it. Pickup is included, and infants can ride in a pram or stroller; service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• fresh Costa Rican lunch with rice, beans, salad and grilled chicken.
• natural drinks, fruit snacks and cocktails.
• kayaks onboard.
• air-conditioned catamaran.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Iguana Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so you follow the commentary and know when to watch for dolphins or whales. Families with infants and young children can ride—prams and strollers stay onboard, and the boat is wheelchair accessible, which opens the snorkeling to people who might not manage a smaller boat or a beach entry.

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Top questions

What marine animals will I see on the snorkeling catamaran from Quepos?

The catamaran looks for dolphins, sea turtles, pelicans and frigate birds along the Quepos and Manuel Antonio coast. Whales appear seasonally from July through October. What you spot depends on the day and the water conditions, but the guide watches for movement and steers toward activity.

Is snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is included onboard, so you don't need to rent or bring gear. The boat carries what you need to get in the water at the reef stops.

How long is the catamaran ride, and what time does it leave?

The catamaran runs for 3 hours along the coast. Pickup is included, so the operator will arrange your start time based on your hotel location in the Quepos area.

Is lunch included on the snorkeling catamaran?

Fresh Costa Rican lunch is prepared onboard and included—rice and beans with salad and grilled chicken breast. Natural drinks, fruit snacks and cocktails are also served throughout the ride.

Can I bring young children or infants on this snorkeling catamaran?

Infants and small children can ride; infants must sit on an adult's lap, and prams or strollers are welcome onboard. The boat is suitable for all physical fitness levels and is wheelchair accessible.

Are kayaks available on the catamaran?

Kayaks are onboard for you to use if you want to paddle instead of or in addition to snorkeling. They're available during the water stops along the coast.