Sunset Sails Tours Morning or Afternoon

A Scenic Cruise Along Costa Rica’s Coastline

Imagine gliding over the calm waters of Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio coast, feeling the warm breeze and the promise of adventure. The Sunset Sails Tours offers a half-day sailing experience, either in the morning or the afternoon, for about $95 per person. For roughly 3.5 hours, you’ll cruise past protected beaches and lush rainforests, with opportunities to see dolphins, sea turtles, and even whales migrating along these waters. The tour includes snorkeling, a gourmet on-board lunch, and an open bar — all in a small, friendly group, capped at 35 travelers.

What makes this experience stand out? We love how accessible and well-organized it is, with hotel pickup in Quepos or Manuel Antonio making logistics smooth. We also appreciated the personal touch of a freshly prepared meal and attentive guides—like Minor, who is repeatedly praised for his humor and friendliness.

On the flip side, a potential consideration is that snorkeling depends heavily on weather and sea conditions. If the water turns murky or the marine life is scarce, your snorkeling may not be as lively as you’d hope. Still, the overall vibe—relaxing, flexible, and fun—makes this tour appealing for most visitors. It’s particularly well suited for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and those looking for a leisurely, scenic outing that combines wildlife watching, water activities, and good food.

Key Points

• Flexible schedule: Choose between morning or afternoon departures.
• Wildlife spotting: Dolphin, whale, and turtle sightings are common, enhancing the thrill of the cruise.
• Snorkeling & Water Fun: Explore Biesanz Bay’s clear waters, with gear provided, for a chance to see tropical fish and even an octopus.
• All-inclusive experience: Unlimited drinks, snacks, and a freshly cooked lunch make this a true feast on the water.
• Small group size: With a maximum of 35 guests, expect a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.
• Transport included: Hotel pickup and drop-off ease the logistics, especially if you’re staying in Quepos or Manuel Antonio.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Itinerary and What to Expect

The tour begins at the Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, with a prompt 9:00 am or 2:00 pm start time. The first highlight is cruising along the protected beaches and rainforests of Manuel Antonio National Park. As the boat gently moves, you’ll enjoy unlimited drinks from the open bar, including soft drinks and cocktails, which are a hit among travelers. Several reviews mention the friendly crew and delicious drinks, with many praising the attentive service — “Kevin and the crew were fantastic,” one traveler notes.

Wildlife spotting is a primary draw. Multiple reviews highlight dolphins, whales, and sea turtles seen during the cruise. “We saw spotted dolphins while out cruising,” one guest recalls, emphasizing that often marine life appears unexpectedly. Keep in mind, though, that marine sightings are subject to nature’s whim. Some reviews mention not seeing much wildlife during snorkeling due to weather, but still, everyone seems to agree that the overall experience remains enjoyable.

Snorkeling at Biesanz Beach

After cruising for about 30-45 minutes, the boat pulls up at Biesanz Bay, a hidden gem with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling. Expect to see dozens of tropical fish, with most reviewers noting the variety of species and the excitement of spotting octopuses or other creatures. Life jackets are required, and the snorkeling gear is supplied, making it accessible for most.

Some reviews mention the water clarity being variable, but the experience of swimming among colorful fish makes up for it. For instance, “We saw lots of fish and even an octopus,” says one reviewer, capturing the thrill of the activity. Even if marine life isn’t abundant, many guests enjoy the chance to float in warm Caribbean waters and take photos of the stunning scenery.

Food and Drinks Aboard

One of the best parts? The gourmet lunch, prepared fresh on the boat. Typically, it features freshly caught tuna, rice, beans, and vegetables — simple, tasty, and satisfying after some water fun. Travelers consistently describe the food as delicious and well-prepared, with “a freshly cooked meal and drinks just a special touch,” as one review puts it.

The open bar offers unlimited soft drinks and cocktails, making the cruise feel festive. Some mention that beer is available for purchase, which is common in Costa Rican tours, but the included drinks are more than sufficient for most. Snacks are also provided, keeping everyone comfortable and energized.

The Sunset and Overall Atmosphere

If you choose the afternoon tour, you’ll get the bonus of witnessing Costa Rica’s legendary sunset. Several reviews describe the sunset as breathtaking, with the sky turning to shades of orange and pink as the boat gently rocks. It’s an ideal way to end a relaxing day at sea, especially with a drink in hand.

The small group size and attentive guides, like Minor and Kevin, contribute to a warm, friendly atmosphere. Travelers mention that guides go out of their way to ensure everyone has a good time, whether by sharing interesting facts or making sure everyone feels comfortable.

Transportation and Practical Details

Included in the tour is hotel pickup and drop-off in the Quepos/Manuel Antonio area, which simplifies logistics. The meeting point at Marina Pez Vela is easy to find, and the timing is flexible—either morning or afternoon—so you can choose what suits your plans best.

The tour generally lasts 3 hours 30 minutes, a length that offers plenty of activity without feeling rushed. The maximum group size of 35 ensures a more intimate experience compared to larger cruises. Keep in mind, the water activities depend on weather conditions, and some guests have noted that if the weather isn’t ideal, snorkeling might not be as lively.

What the Reviews Say

We’ve looked at many reviews to get a genuine sense of what to expect. The overall rating is 4.7 out of 5, with many travelers praising the crew, the food, and the beautiful scenery. One traveler said, “This cruise was AMAZING! We saw humpback whales, plenty of fish, and the captain and guides were so kind.” Others appreciated the relaxed vibe and personalized service: “Right size ship and 30 or less people is perfect,” noted one guest, highlighting the benefit of a smaller, more personal tour.

Some reviews mention minor drawbacks, like water visibility issues during snorkeling or crowded transportation to the marina. However, these seem to be minor inconveniences in an otherwise highly-rated experience. Travelers also appreciate the professional guides who balance wildlife spotting with entertainment, making the trip memorable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This sailing adventure is ideal for families, couples, or small groups looking for a relaxed, scenic trip. If you enjoy wildlife, snorkeling, or simply want to soak in Costa Rica’s stunning coastlines in a comfortable setting, you’ll find plenty to love here. Food lovers will appreciate the fresh, well-prepared meal, and those seeking a photo-worthy sunset will be delighted.

It’s especially suitable if you value small group sizes and personalized service. Just remember that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and weather can influence your snorkeling experience. This tour offers great value, combining nature, fun water activities, and delicious food, all in a well-organized package.

FAQs

• What is included in the tour?
  The tour includes snorkeling equipment, snacks, a gourmet lunch, unlimited drinks (soft drinks and cocktails), professional guides, and hotel pickup/drop-off in Quepos or Manuel Antonio.

• Can I choose between morning or afternoon tours?
  Yes, you can select a 9:00 am departure for the morning or a 2:00 pm departure in the afternoon, depending on your schedule.

• Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
  The tour is limited to 35 travelers, creating a more intimate experience compared to larger boats.

• What if the weather is bad?
  The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

• Are children allowed?
  Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult. Please specify if you need a vegetarian meal when booking.

• What should I bring?
  Bring a towel, sunblock, camera, bathing suit, and sunglasses. The tour provides the snorkeling gear and a refreshing onboard lunch.

• Will I see wildlife?
  Many guests report seeing dolphins, whales, and turtles, but sightings depend on seasonal and weather conditions.

Final Thoughts

For travelers seeking a balanced mix of wildlife, water fun, scenic beauty, and good food, this Sunset Sails Tour offers terrific value. The small-group size and friendly guides create a relaxed atmosphere where you can truly enjoy Costa Rica’s coast without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you prefer the morning calm or the sunset glow, this trip is a memorable way to connect with nature and unwind.

While it’s not a guarantee of wildlife sightings or perfect snorkeling every time, the overall experience—delivering stunning vistas, lively crew, and tasty meals—makes it a worthwhile choice. If you’re looking for a leisurely, scenic adventure that combines the best of Costa Rica’s coastlines and marine life, this tour likely ticks all the boxes.