Quepos: Manuel Antonio Catamaran Cruise & Snorkeling

Sailing out of Quepos toward dolphins and reef snorkeling

You board a catamaran at the Quepos downtown pier and sail toward Manuel Antonio National Park, stopping to snorkel in a protected cove with included equipment and lunch on deck. The crew watches for dolphins and seasonal whales while you swim or float, then you return in time for sunset. Hotel pickup, four drinks, and all meals are included. The whole experience takes about six to seven hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran cruise and water activities

• Depart from Quepos Downtown Pier
• Sail towards Manuel Antonio National Park
• Watch for dolphins and whales
• View coastline and landmarks
• Cruise in front of Manuel Antonio Beach
• Enjoy water slides, snorkeling, and swimming
• Have a meal onboard
• Sail to sunset viewing spot
• Return to the pier

The experience

The catamaran pulls away from the downtown Quepos pier and you're moving into open water almost immediately. It's a 55-foot boat, newer than most in the area, and the crew knows the coastline well enough to spot dolphins and sea turtles before you'd see them yourself. The sail toward Manuel Antonio National Park takes you past Playa Espadilla Sur and Cathedral Point: landmarks the crew points out with actual facts about the protected area, not just scenery narration. If you're traveling between late August and early November, there's a real chance of seeing whales, though the crew won't promise it.

Once you're anchored in a calm cove, the water activities start. Snorkeling equipment is included, though visibility depends on conditions. The crew is honest about that. There are water slides, floating devices, and the option to just swim in the warm Pacific if snorkeling doesn't appeal to you. This isn't a dedicated snorkeling tour, so don't expect a reef guide or a specific marine life guarantee, but the setup gives you the choice. After an hour or so in the water, the crew sets up lunch on deck: fish, chicken, or a vegetarian plate with sautéed vegetables and cold pasta salad. You get four alcoholic drinks (beer or house cocktails like piña coladas, mojitos, margaritas) plus unlimited sodas, juices and water throughout the day.

The return route includes time to find the best sunset spot before heading back to the Quepos pier. Round-trip transportation from your hotel in Quepos or Manuel Antonio is included, which saves the logistics of getting to the marina yourself. The whole day runs 6 to 7 hours, and it's built for all ages and fitness levels: infants sit on a lap, and there's no physical demand beyond getting in and out of the boat. If you're prone to seasickness, the crew recommends coming prepared. Cookies and fresh fruit are available throughout if you need something light.

What’s included

• Round-trip hotel transportation from Quepos or Manuel Antonio area.
• departure from downtown Quepos pier.
• cruise along Manuel Antonio National Park coastline with crew narration.
• water break in a protected cove with snorkeling equipment, water slides and floating devices.
• lunch on board (fish, chicken or vegetarian with vegetables and pasta salad).
• four alcoholic drinks (beer or house cocktails).
• unlimited sodas, juices and water.
• fresh fruit and cookies throughout the cruise.
• sunset viewing on the return route.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6): free

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 39 pickup points.Operator's directions: “Go to Marina Pez Vela in downtown Quepos, where free outdoor parking is available. Wait in front of Gelateria Amorosi for our staff to meet you. Please arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sea Quest Catamaran Cruise

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full-day water experience with wildlife watching, snorkeling and a meal included without arranging transport or equipment yourself: the fixed itinerary and hotel pickup are what make a morning departure and afternoon return possible without coordination.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 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 24h before the start.

Do I need snorkeling experience?

No. Equipment is included and the cove is calm, but snorkeling is optional. You can swim or float instead. Visibility varies by conditions.

What if I get seasick?

The crew recommends coming prepared with medication. The boat is 55 feet and newer, which helps, but the open ocean can still move. Cookies and fruit are available if you need something light.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

The crew actively searches for dolphins and sea turtles, and they often appear. Whales are seasonal (late August to early November) and not guaranteed. The crew won't promise wildlife sightings.

What's included in the meal?

Fish, chicken, or vegetarian plate with sautéed vegetables and cold pasta salad, plus four alcoholic drinks (beer or house cocktails), unlimited sodas, juices and water, and fresh fruit throughout.

How long is the cruise?

About 6 to 7 hours total, including hotel pickup and return transportation from the Quepos or Manuel Antonio area.

Can infants come?

Yes. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. The tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Is snorkeling the main focus?

No. Snorkeling is one activity offered during a water break in a calm cove. The cruise also includes sightseeing along the coastline, wildlife watching, and a meal on deck.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Gluten-free meals are available upon request. Let the operator know when you book.