Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo
Afternoon catamaran cruise from Playa Tamarindo with coastal sightseeing, a water-activity stop (snorkel, kayaks, SUP), onboard refreshments and a light meal, returning near sunset. Check-in is on Playa Tamarindo next to El Chiringuito.
In Collaboration with Blue Dolphin Sailing. Updated on February 17, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Blue Dolphin Sailing, inspired by the tour Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Coastline cruise along the Guanacaste coast
- Anchored water-activity stop: swimming, snorkeling, kayaks, SUP
- Unlimited onboard drinks and a light lunch (banana bread included)
- Return sail during golden hour / near sunset
Explore all itineraries in Tamarindo.
Itinerary
Day 1
Afternoon departure option; guests meet on Playa Tamarindo for check-in and transfer to the catamaran via a launch from the beach. Tour runs as a coast cruise with a water stop, onboard meal and return near sunset.
Check-in at Playa Tamarindo (next to El Chiringuito)
Meet our representative on Playa Tamarindo next to El Chiringuito at 12:45. You will be checked in, then board a short launch from the beach to the catamaran. Staff wear marine-blue polo shirts.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive by 12:45 so check-in and beach launch can proceed on time; staff will be next to El Chiringuito wearing marine-blue polo shirts.
- Bring your booking voucher or ID on your phone; the beach check-in is on sand so wear beach-appropriate footwear.
- Towels are not provided on the tour — pack a towel and a small dry bag for valuables.
Coastline Cruise (northbound)
Board the catamaran and head north along the Guanacaste coastline. Enjoy panoramic coastal views and keep an eye out for dolphins, sea turtles, rays and seasonal whales.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep cameras and phones on a wrist strap or lanyard — the deck can be wet and windy.
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding (sunscreen is listed as excluded from the tour provisions).
- Store small items in a zippered, waterproof pouch to avoid loss during movement on deck.
Anchored Water Activities Stop
We’ll anchor in a sheltered cove or near a quiet beach for swimming and water play. Available activities include snorkeling (gear provided), kayaks, stand-up paddleboard, pool noodles, or simply relaxing on the boat.
Tips from local experts:
- Snorkel gear is provided — check the fit with crew before entering the water and rinse gear after use.
- If you're new to SUP, start on your knees and use the kayak or pool noodles as an alternative; life jackets are available on request.
- Keep fragile items secured; put phones and wallets in a waterproof bag before entering the water.
Onboard Refreshments & Lunch
After the water stop enjoy unlimited drinks (soft drinks, juices, beer, white wine, rum, vodka, tequila, Cacique and water) and a light meal served on board: chicken fajitas, rice with vegetables, black beans, salad, fruit platter, vegetable tray, and homemade banana bread.
Tips from local experts:
- Inform staff of dietary restrictions or allergies at check-in so the crew can accommodate where possible.
- Alcoholic drinks are included for adults — supervise minors accordingly and drink responsibly.
- Save room for the included homemade banana bread — it's served as part of the onboard meal.
Return Sailing at Sunset (afternoon tour)
Depart the water stop and head back toward Playa Tamarindo. Enjoy music, mingle, and photograph the west-facing coast as it often produces vivid tropical colors at sunset. Disembark back on the beach near Tamarindo shortly after dusk.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a light layer for the cooler breeze on the ride back after the sun begins to set.
- If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication at least 30 minutes before the return leg.
- Plan footwear suitable for disembarking onto sand; the return is to the beach and may require a short walk on sand.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Outdoor, Experience, Meal |
Why this experience
You'll set out from Playa Tamarindo on an afternoon catamaran that hugs the Guanacaste coastline, the hull cutting through warm Pacific water while the shoreline unfolds — thick jungle meeting the beach, isolated coves, and no sound except the sea. The catamaran drops anchor at a sheltered bay where the water is clear enough to see through. From here, you choose: snorkel with reef fish darting around you, paddle a kayak out to where the light catches the water, float on a stand-up board in glassy conditions, or simply swim and drift.
Meanwhile on deck, there's fresh food — the kind that tastes better when you're half-sunburned and salt-dried. Banana bread. A lunch with protein and vegetables. Unlimited drinks so cold they gather condensation in the afternoon heat. The catamaran follows the sun westward, and you drift back toward shore as the day cools and the light turns golden.
This isn't a speed tour. It's four hours of the kind of day that makes you understand why people stay in Tamarindo.
Before you go
- Best time: Dry season for calm seas and clear skies. Green season sees occasional afternoon rain and stronger swells, but fewer boats and quieter beaches.
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current pricing. The experience includes lunch, unlimited drinks, and all water activity equipment. No additional costs once you're on the boat.
- Difficulty: Very easy — mostly floating and swimming. The snorkeling and kayaking are beginner-friendly. No diving or technical skills required.
- What to bring: Reef-safe sunscreen (applied before boarding). Swimsuit and towel. A light cover-up for sun protection between water sessions. Sunglasses with a secure strap.
- Getting there: Check-in is at Playa Tamarindo next to El Chiringuito restaurant. Arrive 15 minutes early. The beach is the main public access point; parking is available nearby.
- Accessibility: The catamaran has a boarding ramp and deck space suitable for mobility. Confirm specific accessibility needs when booking, as water entry methods may vary.
Frequently asked questions
What's included in this catamaran tour? A 4-hour guided afternoon cruise along the Guanacaste coastline, swimming and snorkeling stop, use of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, fresh lunch, unlimited drinks (beer, soft drinks, water), and snorkeling equipment. Check the booking widget for current pricing and exact inclusions.
Can I bring my own snorkel gear? Yes. The operator provides masks, snorkels, and fins, but you're welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Tell the crew at check-in.
What kind of marine life will we see? You'll likely see tropical reef fish, rays, and possibly sea turtles. Schools of jacks, snappers, groupers, and parrotfish are common in this area. Manta rays are occasionally spotted but not guaranteed.
Is this trip suitable for non-swimmers? The snorkeling stop happens in shallow water near the boat. If you prefer not to snorkel, you can remain on the catamaran or float with a life jacket in the water. Discuss your comfort level when booking.
What if the weather is bad? Catamaran tours may be rescheduled in case of high winds or rough seas — safety comes first. Check the operator's weather policy when booking. Rescheduling is usually free; refunds depend on the operator's terms.
Complete your trip in Tamarindo
Pair this water-based adventure with other activities in Tamarindo that explore the region from different angles.
- Scuba Diving at Catalina Islands — Certified Divers Only — For a deeper underwater experience with manta rays and reef sharks.
- Surf Lesson in Tamarindo — Private and Group — Ride waves on Playa Tamarindo's gentle beach break the same day or next morning.
Browse all Tamarindo itineraries at TheNextGuide.
Last updated: April 2026
