By Jenny & the local PlayaCR team· Updated 2026·Guanacaste, Costa Rica
A Costa Rica catamaran tour is the single most-loved thing to do on the Guanacaste coast. Dolphins along the gold coast, a snorkel stop in a calm turquoise bay, open bar from the moment you board, and a sunset return that is hard to top. This is the complete guide to catamaran cruises sailing in Costa Rica – and how we make the booking part painless.
What is a Costa Rica catamaran tour?
A Costa Rica catamaran tour is a half-day or full-day sailing trip on a large twin-hulled sailboat off the Pacific coast of Guanacaste – typically from Tamarindo, Flamingo, or Playas del Coco. The standard run sails the gold coast, anchors for snorkeling in a clear bay, includes lunch or appetizers, an open bar, music, paddleboards, and a sunset return. Public boats carry 15 to 40 guests. Private charters book the whole boat for your group.
Fast facts: catamaran tours in Guanacaste
Peak season: December – April
Sunset cruise: 3 – 4 hours, $80 – $150 / pp
Full-day sail: 6 – 8 hours, $150 – $250 / pp
Private charter: $1,500 – $5,000+ total
Departures: Tamarindo, Flamingo, Coco
Kids welcome: Age 4 and up
The 3 catamaran tour types
Three ways to sail this coast. Pick by length of trip, group size, and what you want the day to feel like.
Sunset Cruise
3 – 4 hours
The classic. Leaves around 2 to 3pm, sails the gold coast, snorkel stop, open bar, sunset on the way back.
A shared boat with 15 to 40 other guests. Cheaper per person, social vibe, fixed route and timing. Best for couples, solo travellers, and small families who want the classic experience.
Private charter
The whole boat is yours – custom route, music, food, sometimes a chef on board. For groups of eight or more it is often cheaper per person than public seats, and the experience is on another level.
Boats explained
Boat type drives the price, capacity, and feel. The right one depends on group size and what you want the day to be.
15 – 25 pax
Small public catamaran (32 – 38 ft)
The everyday cruiser. Fun, social, lower cost. Best for first-timers and budget-conscious groups.
$80 – $150 / pp
25 – 40 pax
Mid-size public catamaran (40 – 50 ft)
Two trampolines, real shade, full bar. The classic gold-coast charter.
$120 – $200 / pp
Up to 12 – 30 pax
Private charter catamaran (38 – 55 ft)
The whole boat for your group. Customized route, music, menu, sometimes a chef.
$1,500 – $5,000+ total
Up to 12 pax
Luxury private (50 – 65 ft)
Air-conditioned cabins, full crew, gourmet menu. The honeymoon / executive end of the fleet.
$3,500 – $8,000+ total
Best season for a Costa Rica catamaran tour
December through April is the high season – dry, calm Pacific mornings, the most reliable sunsets, the busiest fleet. May through November is the green season: short afternoon rain showers, fewer crowds, lower prices, and the water actually clears up in late spring after the dry-season dust settles. Sea conditions on this coast are calm year-round in the morning – catamarans rarely cancel for weather.
First-timer tips
Book early – the Jan to Mar peak window sells out 30 to 60 days ahead, especially for sunset cruises.
For groups of 8 or more, a private charter is almost always cheaper per person than buying public-tour seats.
Sunset is when most operators sail the busiest – book one a few days before the full moon for the most cinematic ride home.
Bring a backup phone case – many boats sell waterproof pouches at marina but they run out.
Tip the crew 15 to 20 percent in cash at the end of the trip.
Most operators include hotel pickup within 20 minutes of the marina – confirm when you book.
What to bring
●Reef-safe sunscreen and a UPF long-sleeve
●Swimsuit on under your clothes (boats leave on time)
●Hat with chin strap
●Light shirt or wrap for the breeze on the way back
●Polarized sunglasses
●Waterproof phone case or GoPro for the snorkel stop
●Cash in USD for the crew tip
Booking through us, vs going direct
The Guanacaste catamaran fleet is huge and the quality range is wide. Some boats are immaculate, professional, and worth every dollar. Some are not.
We book only through captains we have personally sailed with – vetted boats, licensed and insured crews, and the local pricing tourists never see. The advice is free, the booking is free, and if anything goes wrong you have one local English-speaking contact to call. Read why booking with us is free →
Frequently asked questions
What is a Costa Rica catamaran tour?
A Costa Rica catamaran tour is a half-day or full-day sailing trip on a large twin-hulled sailboat off the Pacific coast – usually from Tamarindo, Flamingo, or Playas del Coco – with snorkeling, an open bar, lunch or appetizers, music, and a sunset return. Most boats carry 15 to 40 guests on public departures or your whole group on a private charter.
How much does a catamaran tour cost in Costa Rica?
Public sunset cruises run $80 to $150 per person. Full-day sail-and-snorkel runs $150 to $250 per person. Private charters cost $1,500 to $5,000+ for the whole boat (typically the cheaper-per-person option once your group is eight or more).
Is open bar included on a Costa Rica catamaran tour?
Yes – on every reputable operator on this coast. Beer, cocktails, soft drinks, and water are unlimited from the moment you board. Wine and premium liquor are sometimes upgrades.
Can kids go on a catamaran tour?
Yes – kids age 4 and up are welcome on almost every public catamaran. Most boats have life jackets in kids sizes and shaded cabins for naps. The 3 to 4 hour sunset cruise is more kid-friendly than a full-day trip.
What time do Costa Rica catamaran tours leave?
Sunset cruises leave around 2 to 3pm and return 6 to 7pm depending on the season. Full-day tours leave at 9 to 10am and return mid-afternoon. Private charters fit your schedule.
Where do catamaran tours leave from in Guanacaste?
Three main ports: Tamarindo (beach pickup, biggest fleet), Marina Flamingo (protected dock, the larger boats), and Playas del Coco (smaller fleet, runs to the Bat Islands). Most operators include hotel pickup.
How long is a catamaran tour?
Sunset cruises are 3 to 4 hours. Full-day sail-and-snorkel trips are 6 to 8 hours. Private charters are whatever length you book – typically half-day (4 hours) or full-day (8 hours).
Is the food included on a catamaran tour?
Lunch is included on full-day tours – usually fresh-caught fish, chicken, salads, rice, fruit. Sunset cruises serve appetizers (ceviche, cheese boards, fruit). Private charters can have a full chef on board for an upgrade.
Public catamaran or private charter – which is better?
For groups of 1 to 6, a public tour is great value and social. For groups of 8 or more, a private charter is usually cheaper per person and you get to control the route, music, food, and timing. For honeymoons, anniversaries, or special occasions – always private.
What should I bring on a catamaran tour?
Reef-safe sunscreen, a UPF long-sleeve, your swimsuit on under your clothes, a hat with a chin strap, polarized sunglasses, a waterproof phone case for the snorkel stop, and cash for the crew tip.
Tell us your dates and group size – we line up the right boat, at the local rate, for free.
About this guide: Written by Jenny and the local PlayaCR concierge team in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. We have personally sailed with every operator we recommend. Last updated 2026.
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