Catamaran Adventure with Meal, Manuel Antonio

Cruise along the pristine coast of Manuel Antonio National Park and snorkel in Biesanz Bay

Overview

Relax and enjoy a sailing adventure around Manuel Antonio National Park. Board a catamaran in Quepos, then sit back and listen as your guide offers background information about the region's geography and wildlife. You'll cruise past islands, rock formations, and dramatic cliffs as the captain navigates along the scenic coastline. Keep your eyes open for dolphins that occasionally follow the boat! A delicious barbecue will be prepared and served onboard. Depending on the conditions, you may have the chance to swim or snorkel when the captain puts down the boat's anchor at Biesanz Bay.

Highlights

  • Sail around the coastline of Manuel Antonio National Park 
  • Take in views of cliffs, rock formations, and islands
  • Spot dolphins in the water behind the boat
  • Snorkel or swim in the waters of Biesanz Bay
  • Plunge down the boat's watersides or relax on deck
  • Enjoy a light barbecue served onboard

Know before you go

Duration
5 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Group tour, 100 people or less
Food & Drink
Lunch or dinner is included, based on the time of the sailing

What you'll do

You'll be picked up from your hotel for a short ride to the Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, where you'll board a catamaran. Set sail along the back side of Manuel Antonio National Park, listening to your guides as they explain a bit about the region.

Cruise along the coastline, admiring rock formations, towering cliffs, and quiet islands. Your guide will point out notable wildlife, and you might spot humpback whales or dolphins following the boat.  The captain will put down anchor in Biesanz Bay, a secluded cove with calm water. There you'll be able to snorkel and enjoy spotting tropical fish like parrotfish, starfish, and angelfish. Visibility and marine life vary depending on the season. Or you can zip down the boat's two waterslides and take a splash in the sea. Alternatively, relax and soak up some sunshine on the boat's deck.

Life jackets are available for kids and less confident swimmers. The catamaran has two levels with plenty of seating and shade. 

The tour lasts about five hours. Complimentary beverages and snacks are available onboard, and the crew will also serve an included barbecue lunch or dinner, depending on which time you decide to depart. You'll eventually head back to Quepos, where the tour ends. Note that the afternoon sailing is unavailable from May through November, but morning excursions are available year-round.

Start times

  • Daily
    8:00 am, 1:00 pm

What's included

  • Transportation
  • Experienced bilingual staff
  • Catamaran ride
  • Lunch
  • Snacks
  • Beverages
  • Snorkeling equipment

Traveler reviews

23 total ratings, 19 with reviews
4.0 out of 5
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.1
Food
4.2
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.4
Transport
4.2
H
Harry K.
La Vista, NE | Reviewed on Feb 29, 2024
Catamaran was bigger than expected and was more of a party boat then a smaller intimate adventure. Read more

Catamaran was bigger than expected and was more of a party boat then a smaller intimate adventure.

Tips for future travelers

The size of the boat and number taking.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Anna
Anna F.
East Amherst, NY | Reviewed on Feb 12, 2024
Tips for future travelers Definitely do this. Be prepared to have fun and definitely jump in to the water. It was pure heaven Read more
Tips for future travelers

Definitely do this. Be prepared to have fun and definitely jump in to the water. It was pure heaven

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
T
Therese B.
Greenacres City, FL | Reviewed on Jan 14, 2024
Did the Catamaran Adventure from Ocean King. Stunning views, fun atmosphere. No reefs, but can still snorkel and look for fish, The boat is BIG. Maybe 200 people. Took a bit to get there because they stop halfway and everyone has to get off bus and then pay and get back on the bus. Read more

Did the Catamaran Adventure from Ocean King. Stunning views, fun atmosphere. No reefs, but can still snorkel and look for fish, The boat is BIG. Maybe 200 people. Took a bit to get there because they stop halfway and everyone has to get off bus and then pay and get back on the bus.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Charlotte
Charlotte S.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jan 12, 2024
We could tell at the dock this the boat was going to be the best and most fun. Drinks and food were a bonus! Very comfortable ride with good music and vibes. Read more

We could tell at the dock this the boat was going to be the best and most fun. Drinks and food were a bonus! Very comfortable ride with good music and vibes.

Tips for future travelers

Be sure to bring tanning lotion! We also brought our own snorkeling gear!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
R
Rosalee S.
Centerburg, OH | Reviewed on Dec 22, 2023

Tour was canceled and we were not told.

S
Susan O.
Carbondale, CO | Reviewed on Jun 15, 2023

This was NOT a catamaran tour, rather a sailboat

S
Sandra H.
Rolling Meadows, IL | Reviewed on Apr 25, 2023
This activity did not meet our expectation. I did not expect to be on a party boat with 150 other guests. Read more

This activity did not meet our expectation. I did not expect to be on a party boat with 150 other guests.

Tips for future travelers

This could be a great fit for some but if you are looking for a calm and serene activity, this is not it.

Quality of Experience
not enough fruit and snacks, loud music, not enough shaded spaces, lots of drunk people
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Alison
Alison C.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 01, 2023
I should have done my homework on this one. I imagined a smaller group and this was a party boat. 120 on board a ship that could take 200. My partner did get to snorkel, though I stayed on board. One of the best pictures of the trip was taken aboard this boat though at sunset. Read more

I should have done my homework on this one. I imagined a smaller group and this was a party boat. 120 on board a ship that could take 200. My partner did get to snorkel, though I stayed on board. One of the best pictures of the trip was taken aboard this boat though at sunset.

Tips for future travelers

I should have checked the number of people in the group.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cheri
Cheri A.
Simi Valley, CA | Reviewed on Feb 16, 2023
I got to be like Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous for an afternoon. The catamaran was amazing, the largest of any other tour company out there. Got to see the coastline, and lots of dolphins, and nesting habitats on the small isles. We didn't end up snorkeling, as there was a red sea so visibility was reduced. We also didn't jump from the boat to the water, due to our age. The young people really enjoyed that. The dinner provided was very good and ample. There was also fruit prior. And you... Read more

I got to be like Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous for an afternoon. The catamaran was amazing, the largest of any other tour company out there. Got to see the coastline, and lots of dolphins, and nesting habitats on the small isles. We didn't end up snorkeling, as there was a red sea so visibility was reduced. We also didn't jump from the boat to the water, due to our age. The young people really enjoyed that. The dinner provided was very good and ample. There was also fruit prior. And you got 4 drinks per person, which we didn't even use all of. The beautiful sunset was a perfect ending. What I didn't like was that the music was deafening. You could hardly speak with the person you came with. The music selection was good, but just too loud. I also didn't like that the transportation bus made many stops to pick up other guests, understandable, but then we all had to disembark at the Boat Headquarters in town to receive our bracelets for the tour. This was inconvenient and time consuming when we were all amped to start our experience. The driver had all our names, so why wasn't it possible for him to go in and collect our bracelets and give them to us, and we're on our way. That is my suggestion for your team for the future.

Tips for future travelers

My suggestion/tips for future travelers is that age can be a factor. I am 68 so the loud music did bother me and I wouldn't jump from the top of the boat to the ocean. However, everything else is good and enjoyable for someone older.

Quality of Experience
same as above
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bradley
Bradley C.
Savage, MN | Reviewed on Feb 05, 2023
A relaxing way to conclude our Costa Rica trip. Tasty fish dinner. Surprised that you offered four drinks per passenger, and they were kind of strong. Read more

A relaxing way to conclude our Costa Rica trip. Tasty fish dinner. Surprised that you offered four drinks per passenger, and they were kind of strong.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Inefficient process. We'd prepaid. Some on bus hadn't. Everyone needed to check-in at office, reboard bus, and drive to marina. Seems like the drivers could know who was prepaid, wristband them, and streamline the payment/check-in routine.

Itineraries with Catamaran Adventure with Meal

Best of Costa Rica: Arenal, Monteverde & Manuel Antonio - 8 Days

This 8-day trip is ideal for travelers looking to experience Costa Rica's highlights. Go for a dip in Arenal's hot springs and spot monkeys and other wildlife on hikes around the famous volcano. Continue to Monteverde, where you'll discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the cloud forest. Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches.

Costa Rica Highlights: Arenal & Manuel Antonio National Park - 6 days

This exciting 6-day itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to experience quintessential Costa Rica. You'll take in awe-inspiring views of Arenal volcano, and have an exciting rafting day on the Sarapiqui River before heading to Manuel Antonio to explore the jungle and white sand beaches of this nature lovers paradise.

Monteverde Cloud Forest & Manuel Antonio National Park - 6 days

Perfect for nature lovers and first-time travelers to Costa Rica, this fast-paced itinerary takes you to two of the country's most beloved national parks. With the diverse wildlife of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the jungle-lined white sand beaches of Manuel Antonio, you'll get to the essence of the Costa Rican motto: Pura Vida!

Highlights of Costa Rica: Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde & Manuel Antonio - 12 Days

From the depths of the sea to the jungle treetops, this exciting 12-day itinerary takes you to Costa Rica's top highlights for outdoor adventures and wildlife viewing. Spot vibrantly colored frogs and monkeys on a guided nature walk, boat along the canals of Tortuguero National Park, hike around Arenal Volcano, and dip in natural hot springs nearby. Then zip-line through the trees in the cloud forest and snorkel in Manuel Antonio National Park—all of this and more await you on this outdoorsy journey.

Explore Costa Rica: Monteverde & Manuel Antonio - 7 Days

With abundant wildlife, a nocturnal nature tour, a visit to the jungle in Manuel Antonio National Park, and time to relax on the beach, this trip captures the essence of Costa Rica's motto: Pura Vida! Starting in San José, you'll travel first to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you'll encounter Costa Rica's famed biodiversity. Continue on to Manuel Antonio National Park, where the forest meets the sea, for activities including a sunset catamaran cruise.

Costa Rica Adventure: Whitewater, Jungles & Beaches - 8 Days

Get your adrenaline pumping with this active eight-day itinerary showcasing Costa Rica's magnificent natural wonders. Starting in the capital of San José, you'll journey through a land of rivers, jungles, waterfalls, and volcanoes to reach the spectacular white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. Along the way, enjoy a perfect blend of thrilling activities and relaxing downtime as you brave whitewater rapids, hike high into the rainforest's canopy, and sail and swim off the pristine Pacific coast.

Active Costa Rica: Río Pacuare Rafting, Arenal & Manuel Antonio- 8 Days

From whitewater rafting to waterfall rappelling, this active eight-day itinerary around Costa Rica is filled with adventure! After a day of sightseeing in San José, you'll embark on two days of rafting down Class III-IV rapids on the Río Pacuare. Continue to Arenal for volcano hikes and a zip-lining excursion through the rainforest. You'll finish up in Manuel Antonio National Park, where you'll spot crocodiles, snorkel with tropical fish, and sail along the coast at sunset.