Catamaran Sailing & Snorkeling from Playa Hermosa

A Scenic Sunset and Snorkeling Adventure from Playa Hermosa

If you’re looking for a relaxed afternoon on the water with plenty of chances to see marine life, enjoy good food, and witness a stunning sunset, this catamaran sailing and snorkeling tour from Playa Hermosa fits the bill nicely. For around $110.50 per person, you’ll spend about 4 hours and 30 minutes cruising along Costa Rica’s beautiful coastline, savoring a BBQ lunch, and possibly spotting dolphins and whales.

What we love about this experience is how it combines spectacular scenery with authentic fun—from watching the sunset over Playa Hermosa to swimming in warm, inviting waters. Plus, the large, comfortable catamaran with its spacious deck is perfect for relaxing and socializing. Another highlight is the open bar offering unlimited drinks, which makes the voyage all the more enjoyable.

One thing to keep in mind is that weather conditions can affect the snorkeling experience and the overall water visibility. Murky waters or overcast skies might limit your view beneath the surface, as some reviews note. Still, the crew’s friendliness, the delicious food, and the lively atmosphere tend to make up for it.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a combination of sailing, wildlife watching, and beach relaxation in a fun setting. Families, couples, or groups of friends will find it especially appealing, particularly if they enjoy a good mix of adventure and leisure.

Key Points

• Stunning sunset views over Playa Hermosa create a memorable backdrop.
• The large catamaran offers ample space for comfort and socializing.
• Snorkeling in secluded bays provides a chance to see marine life, despite some murky waters.
• Delicious BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks add great value.
• Tours are well-liked for friendly crew service and beautiful scenery.
• Weather conditions might influence the snorkeling and overall experience.

The Experience: What You Can Expect from Start to Finish

When we first read about this tour, what caught our eye was the promise of a relaxed cruise along Costa Rica’s stunning coastline. Starting at the meeting point in Guanacaste Province (not far from Playas del Coco), the experience kicks off at 1:30 pm. From there, you’ll hop onto a purpose-built, spacious catamaran that can hold up to 75 passengers—meaning plenty of room for everyone to spread out and enjoy the ride.

The Sailing and Wildlife Spotting

The first part of the trip is dedicated to cruising along Costa Rica’s “Gold Coast”—a stretch known for its beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife. The crew, often praised for being helpful and friendly, will keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, whales, turtles, flying fish, and rays. Watching dolphins leap out of the water or whales breaching can be a highlight, though sightings depend on the day’s luck and weather, as some reviews mention.

The open sea often offers a delightful soundtrack of music and the sounds of the waves, with some guests noting the crew’s good playlists and lively atmosphere. You can even bring your own floatation devices, with life vests, pool noodles, and snorkel gear provided to enhance your water adventures.

Secluded Bay and Snorkeling

As the boat approaches a secluded bay, you’ll have the chance to swim and snorkel in warm, inviting waters. This part is particularly popular, with many guests describing it as a chance to cool off and unwind. Life vests and snorkel equipment are available, but be aware that water visibility can vary. Reviews mention murky waters and limited fish sightings, especially when the weather isn’t perfect. Still, the experience of floating above the water or paddling around in crystal-clear pockets makes for a memorable moment.

Most guests seem to agree that jumping off the boat to swim or snorkel is a “must-do,” as one reviewer enthusiastically put it. It’s a chance to get a little adventure in the middle of your relaxing cruise.

The Food and Drinks

A highlight for many is the BBQ chicken lunch served around 4:30 pm. The quality and flavor receive high praise, with comments about the deliciousness of the food and generous servings. The open bar, which includes unlimited drinks, is another strong point, making the cruise feel like a floating party. Guests often mention the great mix of cocktails, beers, and soft drinks, with one reviewer specifically noting the “best Bloody Marys”.

The crew’s attentiveness is also part of what makes this experience enjoyable. They’re often described as friendly, helpful, and attentive, ensuring everyone has a drink when they want one and making sure the atmosphere stays lively.

Watching the Sunset and Returning

The final act of this tour is the sunset cruise back to Playa Hermosa. The views are typically described as breathtaking, with some travelers lucky enough to witness a vivid, colorful sunset. Even on cloudy days, many reviewers say the ride itself is peaceful and scenic, with the gentle ocean breeze adding to the laid-back vibe.

The trip concludes back at the original meeting point around 6 pm, just in time for relaxing evening plans or a quiet dinner after a day on the water.

Authentic Feedback: What Travelers Really Say

The consistent praise for the friendly crew and the scenery is backed up by reviews like Kimberli’s, describing the staff as “fantastic,” and Charles mentioning how the crew and the sunset made the trip special. Several reviewers highlight the delicious food and flowing drinks, emphasizing the value of the all-inclusive open bar.

Not everyone found the experience perfect, though. Steven notes it was “too crowded,” with three shuttle boats arriving—something to consider if you prefer a more intimate experience. And some mention murky waters or bad weather affecting snorkeling or the overall enjoyment.

That said, many agree that the overall experience is fun, scenic, and worth every penny, especially for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere, beautiful views, and a good mix of activity and relaxation.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise suits travelers who enjoy socializing on the water—families, couples, or groups of friends looking for a fun, scenic afternoon. If you’re seeking relaxation, wildlife sightings, or delicious food and drinks with a scenic sunset, this tour is a strong choice. It’s also ideal for those who don’t mind potentially crowded conditions and are okay with variable water visibility in snorkeling.

If you’re sensitive to weather or want a more exclusive or quiet experience, you might want to consider the timing or ask about the day’s forecast before booking. Still, most find the value for the price quite good, especially when you factor in the lively crew, scenic views, and the food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Ground transportation is not included, so you’ll need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting point in Guanacaste.

What time does the tour start?
The tour departs at 1:30 pm, giving you plenty of afternoon time on the water.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, including sailing, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and returning to shore.

Can I snorkel?
Yes. Snorkel equipment is provided, and there’s plenty of time to swim and explore underwater, although water clarity can vary based on weather conditions.

How crowded is the boat?
The boat can hold up to 75 passengers, and some reviews mention it can feel a bit crowded, especially if multiple shuttle boats arrive at the same time.

What about the food and drinks?
A delicious BBQ chicken lunch is included, along with unlimited drinks from the open bar—a highlight for many travelers.

In the end, this catamaran cruise from Playa Hermosa offers a relaxed but lively way to enjoy Costa Rica’s coast, wildlife, and sunset. It’s a great choice for those seeking value, good food, scenic views, and a fun atmosphere. Keep in mind that weather and water conditions can influence some aspects of the experience, but most travelers leave with wonderful memories and great stories to tell.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to unwind in paradise, this tour ticks many boxes for an authentic, enjoyable day on the water.