All Inclusive Catamaran

Overview

This is a half-day sail out of Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, run by Planet Dolphin Catamaran, lasting 3 to 4 hours with hotel pickup and drop-off included for stays in the Manuel Antonio area. The catamaran carries up to 75 travellers and cruises the coastline with an onboard naturalist guide who talks about the region's wildlife and history as you go.

The shape of the trip, as reviewers describe it, is a long scenic cruise along the coast first, often with dolphin sightings, then an anchor stop near a beach or rock formation for swimming and snorkelling. That water stop is where most of the fun happens: there is a slide off the boat and a jump platform from the second deck. Snorkel gear is provided, though the visibility and fish life get mixed reports.

Back on board, the crew serves a full lunch of grilled fish kabobs, pasta salad and fresh tropical fruit, with tropical juices, rum, vodka and water included throughout. Families with children report it works well, and several reviewers with kids called it the highlight of their trip. The pace is relaxed rather than action-packed, closer to a floating party and swim stop than a dedicated wildlife expedition.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupTransportation is included from hotels in the Manuel Antonio area. Guests staying outside Quepos and Manuel Antonio can arrange pickup for an extra cost.
2. Check in at Marina Pez VelaThe meeting point is Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, where the crew waits on the second floor of the middle building.
3. Coastal cruiseThe catamaran sails along the coastline toward Manuel Antonio National Park, with wildlife watching along the way.
4. Manuel Antonio National ParkThe catamaran cruises the coastline off the park; the boat does not land there.
5. Biesanz Beach swim stopAbout 45 minutes anchored near Biesanz Beach for swimming, snorkelling, the slide and jumping from the boat.
6. Return to marinaThe activity ends back at Marina Pez Vela, followed by drop-off at your hotel.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things shape how this day goes, from what you wear to how the water stop actually feels.

• What to wear. The listing calls for beach clothes and comfortable shoes. Bring your own towel, since towels are not included. Swimwear under your clothes works well given the slide and jump platform.
• Drinks on board. Tropical juices, rum, vodka and water are included, and reviewers say the crew keeps drinks coming around the boat. Beer costs extra per can and carbonated drinks of any kind are not included. The minimum drinking age is 18.
• The water stop. Several travellers describe the slide and the jump off the second deck as the most fun part, with calm water at the anchor spot that suits families. Snorkelling itself gets mixed reports, with some noting low visibility and crowded conditions near the rocks.
• Food. Lunch includes fresh grilled fish kabobs, pasta salad and fresh tropical fruit. Many reviewers call it one of the best meals of their trip, and a vegetarian option exists if you request it when booking.
• Group feel. The boat takes a maximum of 75 travellers, so expect a lively, social atmosphere with music rather than a quiet sail. Reviewers with children said the crew were attentive and the setup worked for kids.
• Weather. The tour runs subject to favourable weather. If the operator cancels for poor weather, you are offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Common issues. The most common complaint is snorkelling quality: several reviewers found visibility low and the anchor spot crowded with other boats, though most still enjoyed the swim stop itself. Cancellations happen, both for weather and when the minimum traveller count is not met, and one reviewer was disappointed to learn of a cancellation only the night before, so it is worth watching messages before departure. The boat is not wheelchair accessible and crew cannot assist with boarding or disembarking due to insurance rules. Transportation is only covered within the Manuel Antonio area.

Common Questions