Playa Flamingo: Sunset Catamaran Sailing with Snorkeling & Drinks

Summary

Sail costa rica’s golden coast, snorkel swim snack and watch the sky change

You’ll board a catamaran in Playa Flamingo for an afternoon of sailing along Costa Rica’s coast—with hotel pickup included. Snorkel or kayak at a quiet cove, snack on fresh fruit with unlimited drinks, and maybe spot dolphins or turtles if you’re lucky. It ends with that slow-burn sunset over the Pacific—one of those moments you’ll want to hold onto.

What’s the experience like?

“If you’re lucky, the turtles show up before the dolphins,” our captain grinned as we stepped barefoot onto the catamaran in Playa Flamingo. I’d never been on a boat this size—my sandals felt out of place until I tucked them away. There was this salty breeze right away, not harsh but soft and warm, and somebody behind me was already laughing about sunscreen in their eyes. The crew—locals mostly—moved around like they’d done this forever. We pulled away from shore around two, and honestly, I didn’t expect how quickly the land faded out behind us.

The sailing itself was kind of meditative. You could hear the water slap against the hull and sometimes a shout from someone spotting something in the waves (we saw what might have been a dolphin fin—nobody agreed). Our guide, Mariela, handed out snorkels as we got close to this cove with white sand that looked almost fake. She told us about parrotfish and sea cucumbers; I tried to remember their Spanish names but gave up after two. Underwater it smelled like old shells and tasted salty through the mask—I bumped into someone’s flipper and we both surfaced laughing. Kayaks drifted nearby; one guy just floated on his back staring at clouds.

Snacks came out while we dried off—fresh pineapple so sweet it made my teeth ache, plus cold beer (unlimited apparently, though I stuck to two). The sun started dropping fast after that. It was quieter than I expected—just music from someone’s phone and the crew talking low in Spanish. The sky went orange then pink then sort of purple-blue all at once. Hard to describe without sounding cheesy but yeah… I still think about that view.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset sailing and snorkeling tour

• Free hotel transportation
• Start sailing at 2:00pm
• Reach snorkeling spot after 1 hour
• Snorkel with guide or solo
• Use kayak or swim to beach
• Stay at snorkeling spot 1.5 hours
• Return sailing during sunset
• Enjoy included drinks and snacks
• Watch dolphins, whales, and turtles

Top questions

What time does the Playa Flamingo sunset catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at 2:00pm and ends around 6:00pm.

Is hotel pickup included for this sunset sailing tour?

Yes, free transportation is provided from hotels in Tamarindo, Langosta, Flamingo, Conchal, Brasilito, and Playa Grande.

Can I snorkel during the tour?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included and there is a guided snorkeling activity at a cove during the tour.

Are drinks included on the catamaran?

Yes, unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks are included in your rate.

Is this sunset cruise suitable for kids?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

What other activities can I do besides snorkeling?

You can use kayaks or stand-up paddle boards provided onboard or swim to a white sand beach.

Are vegetarian snacks available?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested when booking.

Will we see dolphins or whales on this tour?

You might see dolphins, whales or turtles depending on luck and season—but sightings aren’t guaranteed.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes round-trip hotel pickup from nearby areas like Tamarindo or Conchal; all your drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks), plenty of snacks including fresh fruit; use of snorkeling gear plus kayaks and paddle boards; guidance from local crew; and drop-off back at your hotel after sunset.