Playas del Coco: Catamaran Sailing & Snorkeling Tour

Summary

Snorkeling quiet bays sailing back at sunset from Playas del Coco

You’ll board a spacious catamaran in Playas del Coco, sail along Costa Rica’s coastline with an open bar, snorkel in warm bays, then relax over BBQ chicken lunch as sunset colors fill the sky. The crew keeps it friendly and easygoing—you might find yourself thinking about that peaceful moment on deck long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how everyone seemed to gather under that huge tree by Restaurante El Ancla—some folks chatting quietly, others just staring out at the water like they’d already left land behind. Our guide, Marisol, waved us over with this easy smile and got us sorted for the catamaran. I’ll admit, I was nervous about getting on (I’m not exactly graceful), but the crew just laughed and gave me a hand. The deck felt warm under my feet—sun-baked fiberglass—and someone passed me a cold drink before we even left the dock. It smelled like sunscreen and salt air mixed together.

We sailed along Costa Rica’s Gold Coast for what felt like hours but also not long enough. Marisol pointed out dolphins—honestly, I almost missed them because I was too busy watching these little flying fish skip across the waves. There were a couple of kids up front yelling every time they spotted something new. When we finally anchored in this quiet bay (I never caught the name), people grabbed snorkels and noodles and just sort of slid into the water. The ocean was warm and soft—almost syrupy compared to home—and there was this moment underwater where all I could hear was my own breath bubbling up.

Lunch came after swimming—BBQ chicken with rice and something green I still can’t pronounce (Marisol tried to teach me; I failed). The open bar stayed busy; someone kept blending up drinks with names I’d never heard before. We drifted back toward Playas del Coco as the sun started to drop, sky going orange then pink then kind of purple at the edges. There was this hush for a minute where nobody talked—just wind in the sails and glasses clinking somewhere behind me. That view is stuck in my head now whenever things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afternoon catamaran sail and snorkeling

• Meet at Playas del Coco departure point
• Depart at 1:30 pm on catamaran
• Sail along Costa Rica's coastline
• Spot whales, dolphins, turtles, and birds
• Anchor in secluded bay for swimming
• Use snorkel gear and life vests
• Enjoy lunch with BBQ chicken and drinks
• Raise sails and motor sail back
• Return to port at sunset

Top questions

Where does the catamaran tour depart from?

The tour departs from Playas del Coco, meeting on the boardwalk in front of Restaurante El Ancla by the big tree with a concrete bench around it.

Is transportation included in this sailing & snorkeling tour?

No, ground transportation is not included; you need to get yourself to the departure point in Playas del Coco.

What time does the catamaran leave?

The catamaran departs at 1:30 pm from Playas del Coco.

How long is the sailing & snorkeling tour?

The tour lasts approximately 4.5 hours.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, a BBQ chicken meal is served after snorkeling.

Are drinks included on board?

Yes, there is an unlimited open bar with various beverages available throughout the trip.

Do they provide snorkeling equipment?

Yes, snorkel gear, life vests, and pool noodles are provided if weather conditions allow.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to their info.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes boarding at Playas del Coco (you’ll need to get there yourself), sailing on a spacious catamaran with unlimited drinks from an open bar, use of snorkeling gear and floaties if you want them, plus a BBQ chicken lunch served after swimming—all while cruising back at sunset toward town.