Snorkeling in Tamarindo: Catamaran with kayaks and lunch

Kayak and snorkel the same afternoon, then watch the sunset from the boat

The Blue Dolphin is a 40-foot catamaran that departs daily from Tamarindo at 12:45 pm for a five-hour snorkeling cruise with kayaking, lunch and an open bar. You'll snorkel in warm water for reef fish, rays and dolphins, paddle out on kayaks, and spot wildlife—sea turtles, flying fish, even breaching whales—while the crew handles the boat and the meal. Snorkel gear and instructions are included; transportation from the Westin Conchal and JW Marriott can be arranged in advance for an extra fee.

Step-by-step itinerary

Blue Dolphin Catamaran Sunset Cruise

• Meet at El Chiringuito Restaurant 12:45 pm
• Depart from Tamarindo Beach on catamaran
• Snorkel in tropical waters
• Use kayaks and paddleboards
• Enjoy appetizers and lunch onboard
• Drink from open bar
• Spot wildlife like dolphins and sea turtles
• Relax and watch sunset

The Experience

The boat leaves El Chiringuito at 12:45 pm and heads out along the Guanacaste coast. You'll spend the afternoon moving between three things: time in the water snorkeling over reef, time paddling kayaks in the shallows, and time on deck with lunch and the open bar. The crew provides snorkel gear and shows you how to use it, so you don't need experience. The water stays warm and clear enough to spot reef fish, rays, and dolphins; the itinerary notes that sea turtles, flying fish and breaching whales are all possible sightings, depending on the day.

Lunch comes as appetizers—chicken fajitas, arroz con pollo, salad, chips and salsa, fresh fruit, vegetables with dip, and banana cake—plus an open bar with tropical juices, sodas, beer, white rum, guaro, vodka and bottled water. The crew handles the cooking and the pouring. Kayaks and fishing poles for trolling are available to use whenever you want them during the five hours on the water.

The boat returns to El Chiringuito by evening, timed to catch the sunset from the water. If you're staying at the Westin Conchal or JW Marriott, the operator can arrange hotel pickup and drop-off for an additional fee; let them know when you book. The guide speaks English and Spanish.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear and instructions.
• use of kayaks and fishing poles.
• lunch with appetizers, fresh fruit and dessert.
• open bar with tropical drinks, beer, wine, rum, guaro, sodas and bottled water.
• all taxes and fees.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Native's Way Costa Rica

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and Spanish, so you can follow the commentary in whichever language works for you. The five-hour window keeps the day compact—snorkeling, kayaking and lunch all fit without a long commitment or an early start.

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Top questions

What kind of wildlife will I actually see on this snorkeling trip off Tamarindo?

Reef fish, rays and dolphins are the regular sightings. Sea turtles, flying fish and breaching whales are also possible depending on the day and the season, though not guaranteed on every departure.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join this catamaran from Tamarindo?

No. The crew provides snorkel gear and instructions, so beginners can join. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and children can come as long as an adult is with them.

What's included in the lunch on the Blue Dolphin?

Lunch comes as appetizers: chicken fajitas, arroz con pollo, salad, chips and salsa, fresh fruit, vegetables with dip, and banana cake. The open bar includes tropical juices, sodas, beer, white rum, guaro, vodka and bottled water.

Can I use kayaks and paddleboards during the five-hour cruise?

Yes. Kayaks are available to use whenever you want during the tour. Paddleboards are also listed as available, and fishing poles for trolling are included if you want to try them.

Does the Blue Dolphin catamaran offer hotel pickup from Tamarindo?

Pickup can be arranged from the Westin Conchal and JW Marriott for an additional fee if you book in advance. The boat departs daily at 12:45 pm from El Chiringuito restaurant in Tamarindo.