San Jose to Manuel Antonio: Catamaran & Park Tour with Lunch

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/28

Duration12h

GroupUp to 15

LanguagesEN · ES

PickupAt your hotel

Sail pacific waters then walk manuel antonio’s wild trails

You’ll leave San Jose before sunrise and find yourself sailing Pacific waters by mid-morning—snorkeling among tropical fish, sharing lunch on deck, then wandering through Manuel Antonio’s rainforest with a local guide who spots sloths before you even notice them. End your day relaxing on a wild beach surrounded by jungle—moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

12h

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran and Manuel Antonio Park

Catamaran tour with snorkeling and wildlife viewing
Guided hike in Manuel Antonio National Park and beach time

The Experience

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to be standing barefoot on a catamaran deck at 10am, salty breeze whipping my hair around while someone handed me pineapple juice (with or without rum — I went for “with”). We’d left San Jose early — still dark outside — and by the time the sun started burning off the morning haze, we were already gliding along the Pacific coast near Manuel Antonio. The water was that milky blue you see in postcards but never quite believe is real. Our guide, Diego, pointed out a pod of dolphins riding our wake. He said sometimes you see turtles too; today we got both. I tried snorkeling for maybe ten minutes before just floating there, watching tiny neon fish dart around my ankles.

Lunch was simple but good — rice and beans with grilled fish, nothing fancy but it hit the spot after swimming. There was this moment when everyone just went quiet eating together on deck, sun on our faces. After that we docked and headed into Manuel Antonio National Park with Diego leading us down these winding jungle paths. He had this way of spotting things none of us could see: a sloth curled up like a mossy ball high above us, capuchin monkeys chattering overhead (one tried to steal someone’s snack — classic). The air smelled green and heavy, like wet leaves and earth after rain.

The trail ended at a beach that honestly looked fake — white sand tucked between cliffs and jungle. Some people swam again; I just sat in the shade watching waves roll in while Diego told stories about growing up nearby. It’s weird how quickly you forget city noise out here. On the ride back to San Jose I kept thinking about that quiet lunch on the boat and how small I felt under all those trees. Still do sometimes.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning pickup from your hotel in San Jose, light breakfast en route, all entry fees for Manuel Antonio National Park and catamaran cruise, bottled water throughout the day, use of snorkeling equipment during your Pacific sail (with chances to spot dolphins or turtles), lunch served onboard the boat, plus return transport in an air-conditioned vehicle before evening sets in back at your hotel.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Vlintrip Costa Rica