Ocean King Catamaran, Snorkel And Drinks

Overview

The Ocean King is a large catamaran that runs out of Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, and this trip is built around three and a half hours on the water with food, drinks and a swim stop rolled in. Hotel pickup and drop-off are part of the package, so the day starts without needing to arrange transport to the marina. There are two departures to look at on the booking page: a morning run that serves lunch, and an afternoon run that serves dinner.

Once on board, the boat cruises the coastline near Manuel Antonio. Four alcoholic drinks or cocktails are included, along with soft drinks, fruit and snacks. Midway there is a stop in the water where you can snorkel with the provided gear, jump off the boat or use the slide. The meal is filet fish, with chicken available if you give at least a day's notice, and a vegetarian option if requested at booking.

This is a party-leaning, high-capacity cruise, capped at 160 travellers, and reviews reflect that split. Families with children tend to love it, while couples and adult groups sometimes find the crowd and the noise a lot. Several travellers describe music and dancing as regular features of the trip. Wildlife sightings happen, with reviewers reporting whales and dolphins on some trips, though nothing is guaranteed.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupPickup from area hotels is included.
2. Board at Marina Pez VelaThe catamaran departs from Marina Pez Vela in Quepos. The morning departure starts at 09:00, and an afternoon departure is also offered; check the booking page for the time that suits you.
3. Coastline cruiseThe boat sails along the coast with drinks, fruit and snacks served on board.
4. Swim and snorkel stopThere is a stop for snorkelling, jumping off the boat or using the slide. Snorkel equipment is included.
5. Meal on boardLunch is served on the 9 am tour and dinner on the 2 pm tour, both centred on filet fish unless another option was arranged in advance.
6. Return and drop-offThe boat returns to Marina Pez Vela and travellers are dropped back at their hotels.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in reviews and in the listing details, and they shape how this trip plays out.

• Barefoot on board. One reviewer reported being required to go without shoes anywhere on the boat, which they found uncomfortable. If that would bother you, factor it in before booking.
• Bring your passport. One reviewer reported being asked for passport numbers on the transport.
• Big-boat party feel. Several travellers describe loud music, dancing and a lively crowd rather than a quiet sail. Families and groups report the most fun; couples after something calmer sometimes find the atmosphere a lot.
• Food and drinks. Four alcoholic drinks or cocktails are included, plus soft drinks, fruit, snacks and a cooked meal. Reviewers praise the food, and the menu can be adjusted if flagged in advance.
• Swim stop conditions. Snorkelling and the water stop depend on conditions. One reviewer said deep water and poor visibility spoiled the snorkelling, and another reported the crew cancelling it because of rain, so treat the swim as a bonus rather than a certainty.
• Kids and accessibility. Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. The boat and the transport are both wheelchair accessible, and pushchairs and infant seats are accommodated.

Common issues. The scale of the operation is the main complaint: this is a vessel that takes up to 160 travellers, and one reviewer found the crowds and the party atmosphere too much, recommending an adults-only catamaran for couples and friend groups. Another reported sketchy pickup logistics, hot tubs that were not working, and disappointing snorkelling in deep water, so the onboard extras and visibility vary by day. Weather can cut the water activities entirely, as one reviewer experienced when rain ruled out snorkelling. The trip also requires a minimum number of travellers to run, and if that minimum is not met you will be offered a different date, a different experience or a full refund. Gratuities are not included.

Common Questions