Guanacaste: Catamaran Snorkel Cruise & Pacific Sunset Sail

Pacific coast sailing with snorkeling open bar sunset and wildlife

You’ll step barefoot into Guanacaste’s surf to board your catamaran, sail along the Pacific coast with an open bar and snacks, snorkel a quiet bay with included gear, and watch for dolphins or turtles before drifting beneath a wild Costa Rican sunset. Expect small surprises—and maybe a moment you’ll want to remember later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel and sunset catamaran cruise

• Check in with Catamaran representative
• Wade into water and board dinghy
• Transfer to anchored Catamaran
• Sail along Pacific coast watching wildlife
• Stop at secluded bay to snorkel
• Crew prepares light meal and snacks
• Raise sails and motor across bay
• Anchor and watch Pacific sunset
• Tour ends as sun sets

The Experience

We waded out from the sand in Guanacaste, shoes in hand, water already creeping up my shins before I’d even realized I was grinning. The little dinghy rocked as we climbed in—one guy nearly lost his hat to the breeze—and then we were off toward the catamaran anchored just offshore. Our guide, Luis, gave us this quick smile and said something about “pura vida” that sounded like he meant it. There was salt in the air and sunscreen on my hands. I didn’t expect to feel so awake at that hour.

The boat glided along the Pacific coast, sun warming our backs. Someone pointed—dolphins!—and half of us rushed to one side (Luis just laughed and told us to keep an eye out for turtles too). The crew set out drinks from the open bar; I tried some local beer that tasted crisp after all that salty air. When we stopped at a quiet bay, I hesitated with my mask but ended up floating over rocks where neon fish darted around my ankles. The water was colder than I thought it’d be—kind of bracing in a good way.

I remember eating snacks with wet hair, watching the crew pull anchor again while someone behind me hummed a song I didn’t recognize. The sky started changing—first gold, then this wild pink-orange mess that made everyone go quiet for a second. Maybe it’s cheesy but I still think about that light sometimes. We sailed slow as the sun dropped behind the horizon. And then it was just dark water and laughter carrying back toward shore.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding directly from Guanacaste’s beach (no dock), sailing along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast on a catamaran with open bar access all tour long, use of snorkeling equipment in a secluded bay, plus snacks and a light lunch prepared by the friendly crew before returning after sunset.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Bill Beard Costa Rica

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Top questions

Do you get picked up from your hotel for this Guanacaste catamaran cruise?

No, there’s no hotel pickup included—you meet at the beach for check-in.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included for everyone on board.

Are drinks included during the sunset cruise?

Yes, there’s an open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic options throughout the tour.

How do you board the catamaran if there’s no dock?

You wade into shallow water from the beach to board a small dinghy that takes you to the anchored catamaran.

Is lunch served on this Guanacaste snorkeling cruise?

A light meal and snacks are prepared by the crew during your time on board.

Can children join this tour?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult; not recommended for kids under 2 years old.

Will we definitely see dolphins or whales?

No wildlife sightings are guaranteed—they vary by day and season.

What should I bring on this tour?

Bring personal items at your own risk since boarding involves getting wet; no responsibility for damaged belongings.