Playas del Coco: Catamaran Snorkeling & Sunset Sail with Lunch

Sail the Gold Coast at 1:30 pm, Snorkel in a Quiet Bay, Drink Until Sunset

You board a spacious catamaran at 1:30 pm from Playas del Coco's boardwalk, sail 4.5 hours along the Gold Coast watching for marine life, snorkel in a protected bay, eat grilled chicken with unlimited drinks, and return as the sun sets. Ground transport to the dock is on you, but everything else (gear, food, drinks) is covered.

Step-by-step itinerary

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
• Watch for whales, dolphins, turtles
• 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

The experience

You meet on the boardwalk in Playas del Coco in front of Restaurante El Ancla. There's a big tree and a concrete bench, so you can't miss it. At 1:30 pm the catamaran leaves the dock and heads north along Costa Rica's Gold Coast. The boat is built for this: open, spacious, and stable enough that you're not gripping the rail the whole time. The crew scans the water for dolphins, whales, turtles, rays, anything moving. Sometimes you see them, sometimes you don't, but the coastline alone (cliffs and jungle dropping straight into the water) makes the first hour worth the trip.

Around two hours out, the boat slows and drops anchor in a secluded bay. The water is warm and clear. Life vests and snorkel gear are ready if you want them, and most people do. You're in the water maybe 45 minutes, long enough to see what's down there without getting cold. After that, lunch arrives (grilled chicken, sides, nothing fancy but real food), and the open bar kicks in. Tropical drinks, beer, rum, mixers, a blender for the drinks you can't order anywhere else. You eat, you drink, you watch the coast from the water.

The sail back is slow and casual. The crew raises the sails, and you motor-sail across the bay as the sun drops toward the horizon. By the time Playas del Coco comes back into view, the sky has turned orange and pink and colors you don't have names for. You're back at the dock as the light is almost gone. The whole catamaran snorkeling tour runs 4.5 hours from start to finish.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes snorkel equipment and life vests, entry to the secluded bay, grilled chicken lunch served around 4:30 pm, and an unlimited open bar with a variety of drinks, mixers, and a blender for tropical cocktails. You'll sail back to Playas del Coco as the sun sets, arriving at the dock as daylight fades.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 13:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 75

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Marlin del Rey Catamaran Sailing Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full afternoon on the water without arranging snorkel gear, food, or drinks separately: the catamaran's open bar and included lunch mean you show up and the rest is handled. Just arrange your own ride to the boardwalk in Playas del Coco.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the catamaran leave Playas del Coco?

Departure is at 1:30 pm from the boardwalk in front of Restaurante El Ancla.

How long is the snorkeling catamaran tour?

The full tour is 4.5 hours, including sailing, snorkeling, lunch, and the return sail.

What's included in the price?

Snorkel equipment, life vests, lunch (grilled chicken), and unlimited drinks from the open bar.

Is ground transportation included?

No. You need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point in Playas del Coco. Public transportation options are available nearby.

What marine life might we see?

Dolphins, whales, turtles, rays, flying fish, and sea birds are common along the Gold Coast, though sightings are not guaranteed.

Can I snorkel if I'm not a strong swimmer?

Life vests and pool noodles are available. Snorkeling is optional. You can stay on the boat if you prefer.

What if the weather is bad?

Snorkel equipment is available "should weather conditions permit." Contact the operator before your tour date if you're concerned about conditions.