Sailing Cruise Quepos Manuel Antonio: Dolphins & Snorkeling

A two-mast wooden sailing ship with teak decks and dolphins along the coast.

You board a wooden sailing ship in Quepos, sail past Manuel Antonio's rainforest, anchor for snorkeling and kayaking with provided gear, eat lunch or dinner on board, and return to the marina. The morning cruise departs early. The sunset cruise lets you watch the light change from the water. No experience needed. The crew handles the sailing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Shared sailing cruise and water activities

• Board Brisa Elegante at Marina Pez Vela
• Set sail into the open sea
• Spot dolphins, turtles, and manta rays
• Sail along Manuel Antonio beach coastline
• View Manuel Antonio National Park rainforest
• Spot frigate birds, pelicans, and brown boobies
• Anchor near Playa Biesanz for water sports
• Swim, snorkel, kayak, and use SUPs
• Enjoy "walking the plank" activity
• Have early lunch or dinner on board
• Return to marina after cruise

The experience

The Brisa Elegante is 100 feet long, built in 2010 by craftsmen in Turkey, and it leaves Marina Pez Vela in Quepos with two masts raised and up to 46 people on board. You board in the morning for a cruise that sets sail into the open sea, or in the late afternoon if you prefer the sunset version. The ship has teak decks, mahogany paneling in the salon, a wet bar, and enough lounge space that you're not packed shoulder-to-shoulder the whole time. It's the kind of boat that looks like it belongs in a different era, except it was built recently and maintained well enough that the wood doesn't creak with every wave.

Once you're out, the route follows the coastline along Manuel Antonio beach, and the rainforest of Manuel Antonio National Park sits right there on the shore: untouched, dense, the kind of green that doesn't photograph the way it looks in person. You'll pass small islands where frigate birds, pelicans, and brown boobies hang out, and if you're lucky, dolphins, turtles, or manta rays show up in the water. There's no guarantee on the wildlife, but the crew knows the patterns and they're watching. The sailing itself is real. You're not on a motorboat pretending. The sails go up and the ship moves with them.

The boat anchors near Playa Biesanz for the water part of the day. Snorkeling gear is provided, and so are kayaks, SUPs, and pool noodles if you want to float around. Some people walk the plank into the water if they're feeling it. An early lunch is served at 11:30 am on the morning cruise, or an early dinner at 4:30 pm on the sunset one. Both include fruit juices and coffee or tea. After you've swum and eaten, the morning cruise heads back slowly to the marina, and the sunset cruise sails into the dusk before returning. The whole thing is a shared experience, so you're with other travelers, but the boat is large enough that you can find a quiet corner of teak deck if you need one.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding the Brisa Elegante at Marina Pez Vela, sailing along Manuel Antonio's coastline with the national park rainforest in view, anchoring near Playa Biesanz for snorkeling, kayaking, and SUP use, an early lunch or dinner with fruit juices and hot beverages, and return transport to the marina. All snorkeling equipment and water sports gear are provided.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:15 and 13:15

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

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Our office is located at the Marina at sea level, next to the ATM. Look for the Brisa Elegante banner or ask a marina security guard for directions.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Brisa Elegante

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to sail without arranging your own boat or worrying about navigation. The crew handles both, and the shared format means you pay less than a private charter while still getting the teak decks, the mahogany salon, and the view of Manuel Antonio from the water.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and German.

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.

What time does the cruise leave and return?

Morning cruise departs in the early morning and returns after lunch at the marina. Sunset cruise departs in the late afternoon and returns shortly after sunset. Exact times are confirmed at booking.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear, kayaks, SUPs, and other water toys are included. You don't need to bring or rent your own.

Can I see dolphins and sea turtles?

Dolphins, turtles, and manta rays are spotted regularly in the area, but sightings are not guaranteed. The crew watches for wildlife throughout the cruise.

How many people are on the cruise?

Up to 46 guests share the boat. It's a shared cruise, not a private charter.

Is lunch or dinner included?

Yes. An early lunch is served on the morning cruise (11:30 am) and an early dinner on the sunset cruise (4:30 pm). Fruit juices, coffee, and tea are included.

Do I need sailing experience?

No. The crew handles all sailing. Guests relax, swim, snorkel, and kayak. Suitable for all fitness levels.

What if I don't want to snorkel?

You don't have to. You can stay on deck, relax, or use the other water toys like kayaks and SUPs.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available for guests during the cruise.