Snorkeling in Quepos: Catamaran cruise with marine wildlife

Playa Biesanz's secluded bay and the dolphins that cross the catamaran's path

Snorkel Playa Biesanz aboard a catamaran from Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, with hotel pickup, a professional guide, snorkeling gear and a meal included. Choose a morning departure to explore the bay's marine life in calm water, or an afternoon sunset cruise along the Manuel Antonio coastline. The boat carries snacks and natural juices throughout the journey.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran cruise and snorkeling experience

• Board catamaran at Marina Pez Vela
• Cruise along Manuel Antonio National Park coastline
• Snorkel at Playa Biesanz (morning trip)
• Enjoy snacks and natural juices onboard
• Observe Pacific Ocean marine wildlife
• Watch sunset over Pacific Ocean (afternoon trip)

The Experience

The catamaran leaves Marina Pez Vela in Quepos and heads for Playa Biesanz, a secluded bay where the water stays clear enough to see the reef and the fish moving through it. On the morning trip, you enter the water with snorkeling gear provided and a guide who knows where the sea turtles and smaller reef species hold. The afternoon option trades the snorkeling for a cruise along the Manuel Antonio National Park coastline and a sunset over the open Pacific — the lush forest rises behind the beaches as the light drops. Both trips run four hours and include hotel pickup and drop-off, so the logistics of getting to the marina are already arranged.

Aboard the catamaran you have access to snacks and fresh juices throughout the day. The morning tour includes lunch; the sunset tour includes dinner. A professional guide travels with you and speaks English or Spanish. The boat is air-conditioned, and the sea breeze moves across the deck as you cruise. Dolphins, sea turtles and migrating whales (seasonal) are possibilities on the route, though not guaranteed. Specialized infant seats are available if you're traveling with very young children.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Quepos area.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• snorkeling equipment.
• air-conditioned transportation to the marina.
• snacks and natural juices throughout the cruise.
• lunch on the morning trip or dinner on the sunset cruise.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats available

Operated by Costa Rica Groups Travel Company

Is this one for you?Book the morning departure if you want to spend time underwater spotting sea turtles and reef fish in clear water; choose the sunset cruise if you'd rather stay on deck, watch the coastline and end the afternoon with dinner as the light fades over the Pacific.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the morning and afternoon snorkeling trips from Quepos?

The morning trip focuses on snorkeling at Playa Biesanz in calm, clear water where you can spot marine life; the afternoon sunset cruise skips the snorkeling and instead sails along the Manuel Antonio coastline to watch the sun drop over the Pacific. Morning tours include lunch; sunset tours include dinner.

Is snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour, so you don't need to bring gear. The guide will help you get fitted and comfortable in the water.

Does the catamaran cruise from Quepos include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in the Quepos area are included, along with air-conditioned transportation to Marina Pez Vela where the catamaran departs.

What marine wildlife might I see on the Quepos catamaran?

Playa Biesanz and the surrounding waters are home to sea turtles, reef fish and smaller marine species. Dolphins and migrating whales (seasonal) are also possibilities along the Pacific coast, though sightings are not guaranteed.

How long does the snorkeling catamaran from Quepos take?

The full trip runs four hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat ride to and from Playa Biesanz or along the coastline, and time in or on the water.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear instead of using the provided equipment?

The tour provides snorkeling equipment for all participants. If you prefer to use your own, contact the operator directly to confirm whether that's possible.