Catamaran sailing Tamarindo: Dolphins, snorkeling, sunset

Four and a half hours on the water: sailing, swimming, snorkeling, a meal, and likely dolphins

Blue Dolphin Sailing is a public catamaran tour departing from Tamarindo that runs north along the coast for about an hour, moors in a cove near Playa Huevos for water activities including snorkeling and paddleboarding, then returns to shore after sunset. The boat carries a professional, licensed crew and runs on either a 40-foot open catamaran or a larger 50-foot cruising-style vessel. Drinks, a light meal of chicken fajitas with sides, and all snorkeling and water gear are included. Book by 11:30 am on the day you want to go, as tours fill up during high season.

The experience

You board in Tamarindo and head north up the coast for roughly an hour. The crew keeps drinks flowing (sodas, juices, beer, wine, and spirits), while you watch the water for sea life. Whales, dolphins, turtles and rays show up often enough that spotting them is part of the rhythm of the morning, not a promise. The scenery is the constant: the coastline, the open water, the light changing as you move.

Once the boat moors in a cove near Playa Huevos, the water activities start. You can snorkel with gear provided, paddleboard, kayak, or swim. Pool noodles are on hand if you want them. There's no schedule pushing you. You move between the water and the boat as you want. Around 4 pm, the crew serves a light meal: chicken fajitas, black beans, salad, a fruit platter, vegetables, and homemade banana bread. You eat aboard while the boat sits anchored.

After the meal, the boat weighs anchor and heads back to Tamarindo. The music plays, the drinks keep coming, and if the mood takes you, there's dancing. The return is timed to bring you back to shore just after sunset: the whole day runs four and a half hours from start to finish. Arrive 15 minutes early to check in. Public transportation options are available to get you to the dock.

What’s included

• The tour includes snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards and pool noodles.
• a full bar with beer, wine, spirits, sodas, juices and water.
• a light meal of chicken fajitas with black beans, salad, fruit and vegetables.
• swimming in the cove.
• and a restroom aboard.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 13:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Youth (6 to 11 years) · Child (under 6): free

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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 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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Blue Dolphin Sailing

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a full day on the water with swimming and snorkeling stops. The catamaran departs from Tamarindo beach, so there's no transfer needed, and the crew handles all sailing while you move between the deck and the water.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 11 years); Child (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 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between the two Blue Dolphin boats?

Blue Dolphin 1 is a 40-foot catamaran with an open layout. Blue Dolphin 2 is a larger, 50-foot cruising-style catamaran. Both run the same route and include the same activities and meal. The choice is yours at checkout.

Will we actually see dolphins and whales on this tour?

Sea life including dolphins, whales, turtles and rays are spotted regularly on the northbound run, but sightings are not guaranteed. The crew watches for them as part of the day, and they appear often enough that it's a real possibility, not a rare event.

What water activities can I do in the cove?

You can snorkel with provided gear, paddleboard, kayak, or swim. Pool noodles are available if you want flotation, and you move between the water and the boat on your own schedule while the boat is anchored.

What time does the tour return to shore?

The tour runs four and a half hours total and returns to Tamarindo just after sunset. You'll need to book by 11:30 am on the day of your tour, and arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.

What's included in the meal?

The light meal served around 4 pm includes chicken fajitas, black beans, salad, a fruit platter, a vegetable tray, and homemade banana bread. Drinks (sodas, juices, beer, wine, and spirits) are available throughout the day.