Manuel Antonio: Catamaran Eco Cruise with Snorkeling & Lunch

Summary

Family-friendly catamaran trip with snorkeling lunch and Pacific views

You’ll drift along Manuel Antonio’s coast on a catamaran, snorkel in Bahia Biezans’ warm waters, share laughs over fresh grilled fish and local coffee, and let pura vida sneak up on you. Includes hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, cocktails and lunch—just bring your swimsuit and maybe an appetite for small surprises.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I almost skipped this catamaran eco adventure in Manuel Antonio because I thought it’d be too touristy. But honestly? Floating along the coastline with a salty breeze in my face, watching pelicans skim the water, I felt lighter than I had in days. Our guide, Marco, pointed out a sloth curled up in a tree (I totally missed it at first — they’re like fuzzy shadows), and he kept us laughing about his failed attempts at surfing as a kid here.

We stopped at Bahia Biezans for snorkeling — the water was warm but not bathwater-warm, if that makes sense. I tried to follow a blue tang but got distracted by how soft the sand felt under my toes. There were kids jumping off the boat and someone blasting reggaeton from their phone (not sure whose). Lunch was grilled fish right off the boat’s little grill — smoky and just salty enough. The pasta salad had these tiny veggies that tasted way better than they looked. I spilled some Costa Rican coffee on my shirt but no one cared; everyone was too busy passing around fruit drinks and talking about which cocktail tasted less sweet.

The whole thing lasted about three and a half hours but time slipped by weirdly fast. At one point I just lay back on the deck listening to the waves slap against the hull and tried to memorize how green everything looked. Marco told me locals call this “pura vida time” — not really about clocks or schedules, just being there. I still think about that view of Manuel Antonio’s cliffs with sunlight bouncing off them as we headed back. So yeah, if you’re wondering if this day trip is worth it… well, I didn’t expect to feel so much like myself again out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran cruise and water activities

• Cruise past Manuel Antonio coastline
• Snorkel, swim, and relax in water
• Enjoy meal with fresh grilled fish

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this catamaran tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for accommodations in Manuel Antonio area.

What meals are provided during the cruise?

A buffet lunch is served onboard with grilled fish, pasta salad with mixed veggies, fresh fruits, natural fruit drinks, Costa Rican coffee, and cocktails.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in the tour.

Can children join this catamaran eco adventure?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult. Infants can ride in strollers or prams.

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately 3.5 hours.

Is vegetarian food available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested when booking.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The boat is wheelchair accessible but staff cannot assist with boarding/disembarking due to insurance rules.

What happens if weather conditions are bad?

If canceled due to poor weather before departure time by the company, you can choose another date or get a full refund.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Manuel Antonio area (transport from outside Quepos/Manuel Antonio available for extra cost), all snorkeling equipment onboard the catamaran, buffet lunch featuring grilled fish and pasta salad with fresh veggies plus fruits and Costa Rican coffee; natural fruit drinks and cocktails are also served before heading back to shore together.