Snorkeling and Sunset Catamaran Cruise from Playa Flamingo

Snorkel in open water, then slide and float while the sun drops over the bay

A 4-hour catamaran snorkeling cruise departing Playa Flamingo at 2 pm takes you 45 minutes out to a calm bay where you snorkel with a guide, use a waterslide and floating platform, then return at sunset. Grilled fresh fish, pasta, fruit and unlimited tropical cocktails are included; the crew searches for dolphins, whales and sea turtles, though wildlife sightings depend on ocean conditions. Pickup is included; the guide speaks English and Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran cruise with snorkeling and sunset

• Depart Playa Flamingo at 2:00pm
• Cruise 45 minutes to snorkeling spot
• Snorkel with guide and enjoy water activities
• Relax on waterslide, jump platform, and floating mat
• Enjoy grilled meal and unlimited tropical cocktails
• Watch for dolphins, whales, and turtles
• Return cruise during sunset

The Experience

The boat leaves at 2 pm and motors out 45 minutes to the snorkeling site, a protected bay where the water stays calm enough for the activities the crew has set up. You snorkel with a guide, but you're also free to use the waterslide on the second deck, jump from the platform, or float on the mat between dives. The crew keeps watch for dolphins, whales and sea turtles while you're in the water, though in the open Pacific what appears is never guaranteed.

Around 4:30 pm, while the boat is anchored, the crew serves grilled fresh fish kabobs, pasta salad, mixed vegetables and fresh fruit. The open bar runs the whole time—rum, vodka, Cacique and National beer—so you can drink while you eat, while you're back in the water, or while you watch the sun drop toward the coastline on the return trip. The snorkeling gear is provided.

The whole outing is 4 hours from start to finish. Pickup is included, and the guide speaks both English and Spanish, so the commentary reaches whoever is on board. Infants and small children can come along; the boat suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• use of the waterslide, jump platform and floating mat.
• grilled fresh fish kabobs, pasta salad, mixed vegetables and fresh fruit.
• unlimited tropical cocktails (rum, vodka, Cacique, National beer).
• hotel pickup.
• English and Spanish-speaking guide.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Planet Dolphin Catamaran Manuel Antonio

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and Spanish throughout, so language is not a barrier to following the snorkeling briefing or the commentary on the way back. Book this if you want to snorkel in open water with a crew watching for wildlife, and you're comfortable in deeper water where dolphins and whales actually travel.

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Top questions

What wildlife might I see while snorkeling from Playa Flamingo?

Dolphins, sea turtles and whales are all possible in these waters, and the crew actively looks for them while you snorkel. The Pacific is open ocean, so sightings depend on what's moving through on the day you go—the crew does their best, but Mother Nature has the final say.

How long do I actually spend in the water snorkeling?

You stay at the snorkeling site for around 1.5 hours total, which includes time for the guide-led snorkel, the waterslide, the jump platform and the floating mat. You can move between all of them during that window.

Is the meal included in the price?

Yes, the grilled fresh fish kabobs, pasta salad, vegetables and fruit are all included, served around 4:30 pm while the boat is anchored. Unlimited tropical cocktails—rum, vodka, Cacique and National beer—are also included throughout the cruise.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No, snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the cruise. You just need to bring yourself and a swimsuit.

What time does the boat depart and return?

The catamaran leaves at 2 pm and the whole outing takes 4 hours, so you're back by around 6 pm. The 45-minute motor out and the sunset return are both part of that time.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Yes, pickup is included in the price. The guide speaks English and Spanish, so the briefing and commentary work for both language groups on board.