Snorkeling in Manuel Antonio from Quepos: 37-foot catamaran

Dolphins, reef fish and a sail through protected coves

A private catamaran snorkeling cruise departing from Quepos explores the coastline of Manuel Antonio National Park for four hours, with a guide, hotel pickup, snorkeling gear and a grilled fish lunch included. The boat holds up to 12 passengers and sails into open water to spot dolphins, sea turtles and manta rays before anchoring in Biesanz Bay for the snorkel. Dietary needs can be arranged at booking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran cruise and snorkeling adventure

• Depart from Marina Pez Vela
• Board the catamaran
• Cruise along Manuel Antonio coastline
• Spot dolphins, whales, turtles, manta rays
• Observe marine birds and rock formations
• Captain hoists sails if wind permits
• Learn about local history from guides
• Anchor in Biesanz Bay for snorkeling
• Snorkel with provided gear
• See colorful tropical fish
• Return onboard for buffet meal
• Enjoy grilled fish, salad, fruit, dessert, drinks
• Relax and enjoy Pura Vida atmosphere
• Scenic return to Quepos dock

The experience

The boat leaves Marina Pez Vela in Quepos and heads into open water along the Manuel Antonio coastline. The captain raises the sails when the wind allows, and the guides point out spotted dolphins, migrating humpback whales, sea turtles and manta rays as they pass. You'll see the jagged cliffs and rock formations that frame the park, plus marine birds (frigates, pelicans, yellow-footed boobies) working the water. The catamaran is a 37-foot MacGregor built for small groups and designed to keep you close to the elements: sun, wind, salt air.

After cruising the coastline, the boat anchors in a protected cove inside Biesanz Bay. Masks, snorkels and fins are provided. The water is warm and the reef holds numerous species of colorful tropical fish. You snorkel at your own pace while the guides stay in the water with you. Back on board, a buffet meal of grilled fresh fish brochettes, pasta salad, homemade pesto, tropical fruit and flan is laid out. Cocktails with vodka and rum, natural fruit juices and Costa Rican coffee come next. The return to Quepos takes the scenic route, and on summer afternoon departures you may catch a sunset on the way back.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the tour is private to your group: either two, three to five, or six to twelve passengers depending on the option you choose. A professional guide speaks English and Spanish throughout. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Quepos.
• private catamaran cruise with a professional guide speaking English and Spanish.
• snorkeling gear (masks, snorkels and fins).
• grilled fresh fish brochettes, pasta salad, tropical fruit and flan.
• cocktails with vodka and rum, natural fruit juices and Costa Rican coffee.

Options for this experience

3 options

Private for 0-2 paxUp to 2 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · Available from 15 Nov · 09:00Includes catamaran pickup

Private 3-5 paxUp to 5 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · Available from 15 Nov · 09:00Includes catamaran pickup

Private 6-12 paxUp to 12 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · Available from 15 Nov · 09:00 and 14:00Includes catamaran pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

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

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight 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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Planet Dolphin Catamaran Manuel Antonio

Is this one for you?Book the two-person option if you want an intimate cruise. The three-to-five or six-to-twelve options work for small families or groups who want to share the cost and the boat. All three are private to your party, so the guide's attention and the boat's route stay yours alone.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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 kind of marine life might I see while snorkeling in Biesanz Bay?

The snorkel site in Biesanz Bay holds numerous species of colorful tropical fish. The boat also watches for spotted dolphins, sea turtles and manta rays during the coastal cruise before anchoring.

Does the tour include food and drinks?

Yes. A buffet meal of grilled fresh fish brochettes, pasta salad with pesto, tropical fruit and flan is included, along with cocktails, natural fruit juices and Costa Rican coffee.

How long is the entire tour from start to finish?

The tour runs four hours total, from departure at Marina Pez Vela through the coastal cruise, snorkeling in Biesanz Bay and the return to Quepos.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Quepos are included in the private tour price.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear or do I need to use what's provided?

Masks, snorkels and fins are provided as part of the tour. You're welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

What should I bring or wear?

Wear a swimming suit. Bring sun block, a camera and sunglasses. A towel is recommended. The operator does not provide one, so pack your own or arrange one at your hotel.