The BEST Catamaran Tours in Guanacaste Costa Rica
If you are here to find the best Guanacaste catamaran tours you are in the right place!
Looking for the best catamaran tours in Guanacaste Costa Rica can be challenging, just due to the sheer amount of sailing and catamaran tour companies that offer these tours (there are many).
Location wise, Guanacaste Province is phenomenal for catamarans. Sunsets over the water, the Pacific ocean in all it’s glory. This region is not called the “Gold Coast” of Costa Rica for nothin’.
The Playa Flamingo sunset tour I went on was one of my favourite days in all of my 3 weeks in Costa Rica!
Buckle up as I share the best Guanacaste catamaran tours from each popular area in the province; including Tamarindo, Flamingo (my fave), Playa Conchal and more!
Note: Majority of the Guanacaste catamaran tours below do not include sunscreen, towels and bathing suits. Do not forget these on your Central America packing list!
Some links in this list of best catamaran tours in Guanacaste Costa Rica are affiliate. If clicked, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you!
My Top Picks: Guanacaste Catamaran Tours
Best Party Catamaran:
Lazy Lizard – My TOP pick! (Playa Flamingo)
Marlin Del Rey Sailing Tours (Playas del Coco & Tamarindo)
Best Family Friendly Catamaran:
Planet Dolphin Catamaran Eco Adventures (Playa Flamingo, also in Manuel Antonio!)
Best Small Group Catamaran:
Serendipity Charters (Playa Flamingo)
Best Private Catamaran:
Manta Ray Sailing (Playa Flamingo)
Playtide Catamaran & Charters (Tamarindo)
Best Luxury:
Royal Charters Costa Rica (Playa Flamingo)
Best Relaxing Catamaran:
Kuna Vela (Playas del Coco)
Kaya Nosara (Nosara)
This list does not include all of the catamarans listed below.
The Best Catamaran Tours in Guanacaste Costa Rica
Papagayo, Playas del Coco Catamarans
Marlin Del Rey Sailing Tours
Marlin Del Rey offers catamaran sailing tours from Playas del Coco & Tamarindo. This highly reputable, family run catamaran tour company has been around for a number of years and has fabulous reviews.
The tour starts by Restaurante El Ancla near Playas del Coco.
- Length of tour: 4.5 hours
- Tours: 8 AM & 1:30 PM (sunset tour) public tours, half or full day private tours
- Included: BBQ lunch, snacks, open bar, snorkelling, wildlife sightings
- Amount of people: 15 minimum, 75 maximum
- Additional: Hotel pick up for an additional fee depending on location
Choose this Guanacaste catamaran tour: if you are looking for a fun party atmosphere!
The tour says “Tamarindo”, however, they offer both Tamarindo and Playas del Coco tours. Don’t let this confuse you!
Check out Marlin Del Rey’s reviews and booking options here.
Sea Bird Sailing Excursions
Sea Bird Sailing is not a catamaran tour, but a sailing tour! I know it’s not exactly what you’re looking for but it is not very different from the catamaran tours in the area.
This sailing tour offers similar, if not almost exactly the same itinerary as the catamaran tours with perfect 5 star reviews on TripAdvisor.
The tour starts by Restaurante El Ancla near Playas del Coco.
- Length of tour: 4 hours
- Tours: 9 AM & 1:30 PM (sunset tour) public tours, full day private tours
- Included: snacks, open bar, snorkelling
- Amount of people: 4 minimum, 20 maximum
- Additional: For just $50 more per person you can have a private sailing experience!
Choose this Guanacaste Sailing Tour: For private or small groups
Check out Sea Bird Sailing’s public tour here.
Check out their private tour option here.
Kuna Vela
One of the highest rated catamaran companies in Playas del Coco is Kuna Vela.
The tour starts at Claudio & Gloria’s Restaurant, Coco Beach. Playas del Coco
- Length of tour: 4 hours
- Tours: 8:30 AM & 1:30 PM (sunset tour) public tours, half or full day private tours
- Included: snacks, open bar, snorkelling, secluded beach visit, wildlife viewing
- Added bonus: complimentary photos above and below water!
- Amount of people: 15 maximum
Choose this Guanacaste catamaran tour: for a tranquil experience.
Book directly on their website here.
Playa Flamingo Catamaran Cruises
Lazy Lizard
Lazy Lizard is my TOP choice for catamarans in Playa Flamingo. This was one of our favourite days in Costa Rica and is WELL worth the money.
The snorkelling around Playa Flamingo is unmatched and the sunset was one of the most beautiful I have seen.
Lazy Lizard was the first catamaran company in the area, dating back to 2002 and holds the #1 rated catamaran cruise in Playa Flamingo.
I am here to validate these ratings. The crew was professional and fun, the vibes were amazing, and it was easily the best catamaran we’ve been on, and I’ve been on a number of them.
- Length of tour: 4 hours
- Tours: 8:30 AM & 1:30 PM (sunset tour) public tours, half day private tours
- Included: lunch, open bar, snorkelling, kayaks, swimming, stand up paddle (SUP)
- Amount of people: 32 maximum
- Additional: FREE pickup if staying in the area (from Tamarindo, Flamingo, Catalinas, Potrero), if staying in Coco, Papagayo area there is a small cost to be picked up
Choose this Guanacaste Catamaran Tour: for a fun party & unforgettable time! (it was our favourite day).
Book their sunset cruise here!
If you would prefer their morning catamaran, check it out here.
Travelling with a big group? Check out their private catamaran options here for a personalized party boat!
Serendipity Charters
Serendipity Charters was ranked the second highest popular catamaran company in Flamingo.
Although under catamarans, Serendipity Charters is a sailing boat. They are the perfect tour company for you if you want that small group, relaxing vibe.
If you want to relax and go at your own pace, check them out!
This is NOT for you if you want a party boat.
- Length of tour: 4 hours
- Tours: 8:30 AM & 1:30 PM (sunset tour) public tours, half or full day private tours
- Included: lunch, premium open bar, guided snorkeling, fishing gear for use
- Amount of people: 13 maximum
- Additional: If you are travelling with a large group (10 people), can book privately for $190 USD each and have the boat to yourselves!
Choose this Guanacaste Sailing tour: if you are not looking for the typical “booze cruise” (I love The Office). This cruise is for a relaxing, small group!
Click here for reviews and booking Serendipity Charters!
Panache Sailing
Another top, 5 star rating, luxury catamaran tour in Guanacaste is Panache Sailing! Panache Sailing is known to be one of the best family friendly excursions in the area.
- Length of tour: 4 hours
- Tours: 8:30 AM & 2 PM (sunset tour) public tours, half or full day private tours
- Included: snacks, open bar, guided snorkelling, paddle boarding, kayaking
- Amount of people: 50 maximum
- Additional: Transportation included in the surrounding area.
Choose this Catamaran tour in Guanacaste: if you are looking for a family friendly cruise
Note: Some say this cruise can be overcrowded at maximum capacity, keep this in mind when booking!
Check out Panache Sailing reviews on TripAdvisor here!
Planet Dolphin Catamaran Eco Adventures
Playa Flamingo is not short on perfect 5 star catamaran cruises and Planet Dolphin Catamaran Eco Adventures is no exception with their reviews.
Planet Dolphin Catamaran is labeled as a family fun adventure and is offered in both Flamingo and as a catamaran tour in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
Put on your bathing suits and get ready to hit the sea!
- Length of tour: 4 hours
- Tours: 2 PM (sunset tour) public tours, half day private tours (morning and afternoon)
- Included: grilled seafood or meat (veggie options available), cocktails, tanning nets, snorkeling, diving platforms & water slides!
- Amount of people: 15 maximum
- Additional: Special event catamaran for large groups is great value for $$ (up to 15 people for $2000).
Choose this Guanacaste Sailing tour: if you are looking for a family friendly cruise.
Book your Planet Dolphin Catamaran here.
Chartered Private Playa Flamingo Catamarans
Manta Ray Sailing
Manta Ray Sailing is a chartered catamaran service. Rent the boat for your private group and enjoy a personalized party!
They do not offer group boating excursions.
- Length of tour: 4 hours (half day), 7 hours (full day)
- Tours:
- Half day tours starting at 8:00/8:30 AM & 1-2 PM (sunset tour)
- Full day tours from 11 AM – 6 PM
- Included: full meal, snacks, open bar, guided snorkeling, fishing gear for use, SUP boards, kayak, floating mat (dependent on which boat you choose)
- Amount of people: 6-40 maximum capacity (depending on the boat)
- Additional: You get to choose the boat (5 to choose from)
Choose this Guanacaste Sailing tour: if you want a PRIVATE boat experience for your group!
Check out their booking info directly on their website!
Royal Charters Costa Rica
Another company that offers chartered yacht services in Playa Flamingo is Royal Charters CR. Get ready to sail in luxury around Guanacaste.
- Length of tour: 4 hours (half day), 8 hours (full day)
- Tours:
- Half day starting at 8 AM and 1 PM (sunset tour)
- Full day 10 AM – sunset
- Included: snacks, meal, open bar, snorkeling, paddle boards, party mat, floaties and noodles, fishing equipment, free wifi (wow)
- Amount of people: 12 guests for base price, maximum 35 total
Choose this Guanacaste sailing company: if you are looking for a private luxury yacht experience for your special group.
Click here to book your private Royal Charters Yacht for your group!
Playa Conchal Catamarans
Sailing Conchal
Sailing Conchal offers private catamaran tours from Playa Conchal. This is a great option for those travelling in very large groups (ie. weddings, bachelorettes).
- Length of tour: 4 hours (half day), 8 hours (full day)
- Tours:
- Half day tours starting at 8:30 AM & 2 PM (sunset tour)
- Full day tour from 10 AM – 6 PM
- Included: meal, open bar, beach visit, snorkelling, paddle boarding, fishing equipment
Choose this Guanacaste catamaran tour: for a private group!
Inquire directly on their website here.
Conchal Fun
Conchal Fun is a popular tour company in the Conchal region of Costa Rica that offers a multitude of activities.
From jet ski adventures, waterfall and volcano hikes to ATV tours and Costa Rica ziplining! There are so many options to choose from.
Their catamaran tour is one of the top rated boat cruises in the area, check them out if you’re staying here!
- Length of tour: 4 hours
- Tours: 2 PM (sunset tour) public tours, private tours available on request
- Included: snacks, open bar, snorkelling, kayaking
- Amount of people: 35 maximum
Choose this Guanacaste Sailing tour: if you are looking for an affordable catamaran cruise (this is catamaran is one of the most affordable in the Guanacaste area at $85 USD per person).
Book your tour (catamaran or other), directly on their website.
Tamarindo Catamarans
Marlin Del Rey Sailing Tours
See the above information from Playas del Coco. This is the same company from different starting points.
- Length of tour: 4.5 hours
- Tours: 8 AM & 1:30 PM (sunset tour) public tours, half or full day private tours
- Included: BBQ lunch, snacks, open bar, snorkeling, wildlife sightings
- Amount of people: 15 minimum, 75 maximum
- Additional fee: Hotel pick up for additional fee depending on location
Choose this Guanacaste catamaran tour: if you are looking for a fun party atmosphere!
Check out their reviews on TripAdvisor here.
Book Marlin Del Rey Sailing here.
Playtide Catamaran & Charters
Playtide Catamaran & Charters offers public and private Tamarindo catamaran sunset tours. The sailing tours allow a maximum of 22 people making for a relaxing small group experience.
- Length of tour: 5 hours
- Tours: 1 PM (sunset tour) public tour or private tour
- Included: lunch, open bar, snorkelling, private beach stop, stand up paddle (SUP), kayaking
- Amount of people: 22 maximum (public), 15 maximum (private)
Choose this Guanacaste catamaran tour: if you are looking for a relaxing, personalized sunset sailing experience!
Click here for their public OR private catamaran cruises & reviews.
Ti-Marouba
Looking for a party cruise in Tamarindo? This one is for you! With a large capacity of 50 passengers, this public tour will have you drinking, partying and snorkelling until the gorgeous Pacific sunset.
If this is not your vibe, grab ten of your friends and book a private cruise!
- Length of tour: 5 hours
- Tours: 1:15 PM (sunset tour) public tour, half (morning or sunset) or full day private tours
- Included: buffet lunch, open bar, beach visit, snorkelling, kayaking, SUP, wifi on board
- Amount of people: 50 maximum (public), 10 maximum (private)
Choose this Guanacaste catamaran tour: if you are looking for a fun party atmosphere! Do not book if you don’t like the typical “booze cruise”.
Check out Ti-Marouba’s booking and reviews on TripAdvisor here.
Nosara Catamarans
Sky and Sand Nosara
Sky and Sand Nosara is a smaller catamaran company in Guanacaste compared to the above. They operate on a schedule and only have catamaran cruises on select days!
Make sure you book ahead to ensure you get on a cruise during your vacation in Costa Rica.
- Length of tour: 3.5-4 hours for half day, 8 hours for full day
- Tours:
- Public morning tour: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM every Tuesday
- Public sunset tour: 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM every Thursday
- Private half day or full day: offered daily
- Included: buffet meal, open bar, snorkelling, wildlife sightings
- Amount of people: 10 minimum, 25 max (public), 20 maximum (private)
Choose this Guanacaste catamaran tour: if you can book in advance!
Book directly on their website here.
Kaya Nosara
Kaya Nosara is a 5 star rated Guanacaste catamaran tour in the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica.
- Length of tour: 3-4 hours
- Tours: 8 AM & 2 PM (sunset tour) public tours, half or full day private tours
- Included: snacks, open bar, snorkeling, SUP, fishing rods, pool noodles
- Amount of people: 16 maximum (public), 18 maximum (private)
- Additional: If you catch a fish they will BBQ it for you!
Choose this Guanacaste catamaran tour: if you are looking for a tranquil and personalized small group tour!
Book directly on their website here.
Busy? Pin the Catamaran Guanacaste Costa Rica post for later!
Need help with personal travel planning?
I create custom itineraries and activity guides starting at $25.00 CAD per day!
Final Thoughts on the Best Catamaran Tours Guanacaste Costa Rica
Choosing the right catamaran tour can be daunting, and honestly super overwhelming, I get it. I hope this list can help you make the best decision for you when planning your trip.
There are so many options for party cruises, relaxing cruises, small group and family friendly cruises. Take some time to figure out what is best for you and sail away into the Pacific ocean!
Happy sailing!