Snorkeling from Tamarindo: 66-foot catamaran sunset cruise
Anchor in a tranquil bay and snorkel the Pacific, then feast on the beach while the crew sets sail into the sunset.
A 5-hour snorkel cruise from Tamarindo aboard the Marlin del Rey catamaran includes snorkel gear, a full lunch with BBQ chicken and sides, and an open bar with tropical drinks, beer and wine. Pickups run from 12:15 pm to 1:15 pm at Tamarindo hotels and nearby resorts. Transport from your hotel can be arranged for an additional fee. The boat travels the Gold Coast in search of dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish and whales, then anchors in a bay where you snorkel or walk a deserted beach while the crew prepares food.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Catamaran snorkel sunset cruise
- Pick up from hotels around noon
- Meet at 1:15 pm for boarding
- Set sail on Marlin Del Rey catamaran
- Snorkel in tranquil bay
- Enjoy BBQ lunch and open bar
- Watch for dolphins, turtles, whales
- Relax and watch Costa Rica sunset
What’s included
Snorkel gear, lunch with BBQ chicken and sides, open bar with tropical drinks beer and wine, bottled water, all taxes and fees.
Times
- Every day 12:45 13:15
Before you book
Operated by Native's Way Costa Rica
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
The Marlin del Rey is a 66-foot sailing catamaran built to cover more water than other boats in Central America. It reaches speeds of 25 knots under sail, which means the crew can travel farther along the Gold Coast and still return in time for the sunset. You board between 12:15 pm and 1:15 pm depending on which hotel or resort you're staying at, then spend the first part of the afternoon gliding past Guanacaste's bays, white sand beaches and tropical jungle while the crew keeps tropical drinks, beer and wine flowing. The open bar runs the whole time, so you can stand at the bow with a cold drink and scan the water for dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish or a breaching whale.
The boat anchors in a tranquil bay where you have the choice to snorkel in the water or walk down a deserted white sand beach: the crew stays aboard preparing a feast of BBQ chicken, yellow Spanish rice, fruit, chips, black bean puree, pico de gallo and homemade chocolate chip cookies. Snorkel gear is included and ready to use. The crew can point you toward the best spots in the bay. Once everyone is back aboard, the Marlin del Rey sets sail again as the sun drops toward the horizon, and the light turns the clouds gold and orange. Bring a camera. This is the moment people travel to Costa Rica to photograph.
The boat carries a live guide who speaks English and Spanish, so you can ask questions about what you're seeing in the water or on the coast. Hotel pickup and drop-off can be arranged for an additional fee if you'd rather not drive to the dock yourself. The whole experience runs about 5 hours from start to finish.
Is this one for you?Book from Tamarindo if you're staying in town or nearby. Book from Playas del Coco if that's your base. The afternoon departure means you can spend the morning on the beach or exploring, then join the boat by early afternoon: the 5-hour window fits easily into a single day without eating your whole schedule.
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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: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (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.
Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?
Yes. Snorkel gear is included and the crew is there to help you use it. The bay where you stop is calm and shallow enough for beginners, and you can choose to snorkel or stay on the beach instead. Both options are available during the stop.
What's the chance of seeing dolphins or whales on this cruise?
The Marlin del Rey travels the Gold Coast specifically to look for marine life, and dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish and whales are all possible sightings. The crew scans the water throughout the afternoon, but wildlife encounters are never guaranteed: the ocean decides what shows up on any given day.
Is the open bar included in the price?
Yes. Tropical drinks, beer and wine are included and served by the crew throughout the cruise. Bottled water is also included.
What time does the cruise leave and when does it end?
Pickups from hotels run between 12:15 pm and 1:15 pm depending on where you're staying. The full experience lasts about 5 hours, so you'll be back in the late afternoon or early evening after the sunset.
Do I need to arrange my own transport to the dock?
Hotel pickup and drop-off can be arranged for an additional fee. If you prefer to drive yourself, public transportation options are available near the departure point in Tamarindo.
What's included in the lunch?
The crew prepares BBQ chicken, yellow Spanish rice, fruit, chips, black bean puree, pico de gallo and homemade chocolate chip cookies. The meal is served on the beach during the snorkel stop.
Snorkeling from Tamarindo: 66-foot catamaran sunset cruise
5h · EN · ES
from US$ 104 per person
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