Quepos: Sail Brisa Elegante & Swim Manuel Antonio Coast

Summary

Sailing the manuel antonio coast with sea breezes, wildlife and a wooden ship

You’ll board Brisa Elegante in Quepos and sail along Manuel Antonio’s wild coast with a local guide pointing out wildlife and hidden beaches. Swim or snorkel off Playa Biesanz before sharing lunch or dinner on deck. It’s easygoing but quietly beautiful — perfect if you want sea air, warm food, and new faces without any rush.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — I booked this cruise out of Quepos mostly because I wanted to see what it felt like to be on a real wooden ship. The Brisa Elegante looked almost too perfect in photos, but stepping onto those teak decks for the first time, you get this mix of salt air and polished wood that’s nothing like a regular boat tour. Our guide — I think his name was Carlos? — greeted us with this easy smile and pointed out where we could stash our bags. There were maybe 20 of us that morning, everyone sort of quiet at first, just listening to the clatter of ropes as we left Marina Pez Vela.

Once we got moving along the Manuel Antonio shoreline, things loosened up. Someone spotted dolphins (I missed them at first — classic), and then suddenly everyone was pointing and laughing. The rainforest comes right down to these pale beaches, and you can actually smell the green — wet leaves, ocean spray. Carlos told us to keep an eye out for brown boobies (the bird!) and frigate birds hovering over the little islands. He had this way of telling stories about Manuel Antonio that made it feel less like a tourist spot and more like someone’s backyard. I tried to pronounce “Biesanz” right; he laughed, but in a nice way.

We anchored near Playa Biesanz for swimming and kayaking. The water was cool but not cold — kind of wakes you up after all that sun on deck. I grabbed a snorkel mask (they have plenty) and floated around for a while; saw some tiny fish darting under me but honestly spent more time just drifting than looking for anything specific. Lunch came out early — fresh fruit, something warm I couldn’t quite name but tasted good after swimming. Everyone sat around these big tables, hair still wet, passing juice pitchers back and forth.

I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed by the end. There’s something about being on a wooden sail ship with strangers who slowly turn into friends over coffee or tea as you head back toward Quepos. On the sunset cruise (we did morning), they said you watch the sky go gold behind the hills — I still think about coming back just for that view.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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 activities
• Swim, snorkel, kayak, and use SUPs
• Enjoy "walking the plank" activity
• Have early lunch or dinner on board
• Return slowly to the marina

Top questions

How many people are on the Brisa Elegante cruise?

The shared cruise accommodates up to 46 guests.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Marina Pez Vela in Quepos.

Are meals included during the sailing trip?

Yes, an early lunch or dinner is served onboard depending on your departure time.

Can I swim or snorkel during this day trip?

Yes, there is time for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, SUPs, and other water activities near Playa Biesanz.

Is there a restroom available on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available for guests on the ship.

Is pickup included in this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests board at Marina Pez Vela.

What wildlife might I see during the cruise?

You may spot dolphins, turtles, manta rays, frigate birds, pelicans, and brown boobies along the coast.

Is this suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding at Marina Pez Vela in Quepos with guidance from local crew; use of snorkeling gear plus kayaks and SUPs at Playa Biesanz; an early lunch or dinner served onboard with fruit juices; coffee or tea; access to restrooms; plenty of space to relax across two decks before returning to port after your cruise.