Tamarindo: Catamaran Sailing Tour with Drinks & Snorkeling

Summary

Catamaran sailing from Tamarindo with snorkeling lunch music and sunset

You’ll sail from Tamarindo on a lively catamaran tour with drinks flowing and music playing as you spot dolphins or turtles along the coast. Swim and snorkel in a calm cove near Playa Huevos, then relax with lunch and homemade banana bread before watching the sky turn gold on your way back. It’s easygoing, warm, and full of little moments you’ll remember.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever try to balance a plate of chicken fajitas on a moving catamaran?” That’s what I asked my friend after we’d already spilled some beans laughing too hard at something our guide, Diego, said about local dolphins having names. The whole Blue Dolphin crew had this way of making us feel like we were just out with old friends, not strangers from all over. We left Tamarindo mid-afternoon—sun still hot but not burning—and right away there was music (old reggae mixed with Costa Rican pop), plus that salty smell you get only out on the open Pacific. I didn’t expect to see so many pelicans skimming the water alongside us; it felt like they were racing the boat.

After about an hour heading north up the coast, we anchored in this quiet cove near Playa Huevos. The water looked almost fake—clear enough to spot fish darting around before you even got your snorkel mask on. Someone handed me a paddleboard (I wobbled for maybe three seconds before falling in—Diego cheered anyway). There were kayaks and noodles floating around too, and every so often you’d hear someone shout about spotting a turtle or a ray. The drinks kept coming—beer, white wine, even Cacique if you wanted to try it (I did; it’s strong)—and honestly, that banana bread they served after swimming? Still thinking about it now.

We ate together back on deck around four. Chicken fajitas, black beans, salad—the kind of food that tastes better because you’re salty and tired from swimming. By then the sky had started turning gold. People danced (some better than others), and there was this easy feeling between everyone—like nobody cared what time it was or where they had to be later. On the way back to Tamarindo, we watched the sun drop behind the horizon in total silence for a minute. I don’t usually get sentimental about sunsets but… yeah. That one stuck.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran tour along Tamarindo coast

• Depart from Tamarindo northward
• Enjoy drinks and coastal scenery
• Spot whales, dolphins, turtles, rays
• Moor near Playa Huevos for water activities
• Return to boat for light meal
• Weigh anchor and sail back
• Enjoy music, drinks, and dancing
• Watch sunset during return
• Arrive back to Tamarindo shore

Top questions

How long is the Blue Dolphin catamaran tour from Tamarindo?

The tour lasts an afternoon into sunset, returning just after sundown.

Is lunch included on the Tamarindo catamaran sailing tour?

Yes, a light meal is included featuring chicken fajitas, black beans, salad, fruit platter, vegetable tray, and banana bread.

Are drinks provided during the Blue Dolphin sailing trip?

Yes, drinks include sodas, juices, beer, white wine, Cacique liquor, vodka, rum, tequila, and water.

What water activities are available on this Tamarindo catamaran tour?

You can swim, snorkel (gear provided), use stand-up paddle boards or kayaks, and float with pool noodles.

Where does the Blue Dolphin catamaran stop for activities?

The boat anchors in a cove near Playa Huevos for swimming and other water activities.

Is there music or dancing on board?

Yes—music plays throughout the trip and dancing is encouraged!

Are restrooms available on board?

Yes—the catamaran has restroom facilities for guests.

Do I need to book this Tamarindo sailing tour in advance?

Tours often sell out during high season; booking early is recommended.

What’s included

Your day includes drinks (beer, wine, spirits), sodas and juices; use of snorkeling gear plus stand-up paddle boards and kayaks; swimming stops; pool noodles; restroom access; a fresh lunch with chicken fajitas and sides; homemade banana bread; all led by a local crew from departure in Tamarindo until just after sunset when you return to shore.