Manuel Antonio: Coastline Boat Tour, Snorkeling & Lunch

Summary

Snorkel Biesanz Bay watch for dolphins enjoy fresh lunch onboard

You’ll ride out from Quepos with a local crew searching for dolphins or turtles along Manuel Antonio’s coast before anchoring at Biesanz Bay for snorkeling. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch on deck as sea breezes drift by and end your trip feeling sun-warmed and connected to this easygoing place.

What’s the experience like?

“Sometimes the dolphins show up right away,” our captain Marco grinned, steering us out of Marina Pez Vela as if he’d been doing it since birth. The morning sun was already warm on my arms but not too much — just that gentle Costa Rican kind of heat. I could smell salt and sunscreen, and someone’s coffee drifting from the back deck. We all leaned over the side when Marco pointed at something in the water (it was just a log this time), but everyone laughed anyway. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed so quickly — maybe it was the sound of the waves or maybe just being out there with people who seemed to know every inch of this coast.

The main reason I booked this Manuel Antonio boat tour was honestly for a chance to see dolphins or turtles (I’m still chasing my first wild whale). We cruised along slowly, scanning for movement — sometimes it’s quiet out there, but then you hear someone shout “look!” and everyone rushes to one side. No guarantees, Marco kept reminding us — which somehow made it more exciting when we did spot a few fins slicing through the water. The air tasted different out at sea, like minerals and sun mixed together. When we anchored at Biesanz Bay, I slipped into the water with my mask (life jackets required — they’re strict about that) and floated above rocks where little fish darted around. It wasn’t crystal clear but good enough to see flashes of blue and yellow under me.

I think my favorite part might’ve been lunch — weirdly enough? While we dried off on deck, Marco’s family cooked up plates of rice with fish and veggies right there on the boat. The smell drifted everywhere; even people who said they weren’t hungry changed their minds fast. There’s something about eating hot food in the middle of the ocean that makes everything taste better. We talked about where everyone was from (someone from Quebec tried to order another beer in French; didn’t work). On the way back toward Quepos, I stretched out in the sun and let myself just listen to everyone chatting in two languages at once. Still think about that view sometimes — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Coastal tour and snorkeling experience

• Start tour at 9:00am or 2:00pm
• Look for dolphins, turtles, stingrays, whales
• Anchor at jungle bay
• Snorkel for 30 to 45 minutes
• Enjoy meal on the boat
• Return to Marina Pez Vela

Top questions

What time does the Manuel Antonio boat tour start?

The morning tour starts at 9:00am and ends at 12:00pm; afternoon tours run from 2:00pm to 5:30pm.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included for all guests during your stop at Biesanz Bay.

Are drinks included during the boat trip?

Unlimited drinks are included—there’s an open bar plus snacks and beverages throughout the tour.

Will we definitely see dolphins or whales?

No sightings are guaranteed since wildlife is unpredictable, but guides do their best to find them depending on season.

Is hotel pickup included in Quepos or Manuel Antonio?

Yes, transportation is provided from main hotels in Quepos or Manuel Antonio areas.

How long do we snorkel at Biesanz Bay?

You’ll have about 30–45 minutes to snorkel while lunch is prepared onboard.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; life jackets are required for snorkeling.

Are vegetarian meal options available?

Vegetarian meals can be arranged if you request them when booking your tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Quepos or Manuel Antonio, all snorkeling equipment (with life jackets), unlimited drinks from an open bar, snacks plus a freshly prepared lunch onboard—all led by a bilingual local guide before returning comfortably to Marina Pez Vela.