Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo
Recommended by 90% of travelers
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Tamarindo, Costa Rica
- 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Part of what makes Costa Rica a destination for ecotourism is its extensive coastlines. Explore the waters off Guanacaste aboard the Blue Dolphin, a 40-foot catamaran that slices through the surf and offers a fully stocked bar, paddle boards and kayaks for your enjoyment. Breathe in the salt spray and keep a lookout for dolphins, turtles, whales, and spectacular coastal views.
- Chance to see local marine life in the wild
- Play about in the water, or choose to relax on deck
- Take a break from the mainland and spend time out at sea
- Fuel up on a light meal and celebrate with an open bar
What's Included
- -Meal: chicken fajitas, black beans, salad, fruit platter, vegetable tray, homemade banana bread
- -Drinks: variety of sodas, juices, beer, white wine, Cacique, vodka, rum, tequila, and water
- -Swimming
- -Snorkeling Gear
- -Stand up paddle board
- -Kayaks
- -Pool Noodles
- -Restroom
- -Towels
- -Sunscreen
- -Gratuities (15% -20% recommended)
- -Transportation (can be arranged for an additional charge)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- El Chiringuito75X4+4M9, Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Meeting point and boarding are on the beach in front of El Chirinquito restaurant, 100 yards south of the rotunda.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.1:00 pm
What To Expect
This tour begins on the Tamarindo beach, where you’ll board a 40-foot (12-meter) catamaran for an hour-long cruise north along the coast. The boat’s double-hull design ensures a more comfortable, stable ride, with restrooms and a spacious deck to enjoy included drinks from the full bar.
Next, moor at a cove near Playa Huevos and cool off. Provided kayaks, snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboards, and pool noodles are perfect for playing in the sheltered water. A light meal including local specialties, plus fresh fruits and vegetables, will be served on deck.
The scenic return trip to Tamarindo is great for spotting wildlife such as dolphins, whales, turtles, and rays. The sail back is also timed for gorgeous, west-facing sunsets over the water—this tour concludes on the Tamarindo beach just after sunset.
Next, moor at a cove near Playa Huevos and cool off. Provided kayaks, snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboards, and pool noodles are perfect for playing in the sheltered water. A light meal including local specialties, plus fresh fruits and vegetables, will be served on deck.
The scenic return trip to Tamarindo is great for spotting wildlife such as dolphins, whales, turtles, and rays. The sail back is also timed for gorgeous, west-facing sunsets over the water—this tour concludes on the Tamarindo beach just after sunset.
1
Cabo Velas
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to tour start time in order to get checked-in.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 45 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Kennedy_S
This boat tour was the highlight of our trip! From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized and incredibly fun. We were welcomed aboard with drinks and good vibes, and the crew made sure we felt taken care of the entire time. Huge shoutout to Gustavo, Alex, Chute, and Francisco – they were all amazing, so friendly, and brought such great energy to the experience.
We had a delicious lunch on board, got to swim in the beautiful, clear water, and ended the day watching a breathtaking sunset. It was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. If you're thinking about booking – do it! You won't regret it.
Reviews
4.6
based on 965 reviews
Rosie_M, Apr 2026
We had such an amazing time! The crew did such a great job making sure everyone was always taken care of and had drinks if they wanted them. The music was great as well as the food. The wind was a little strong the day we went so the conditions weren’t as good for snorkeling but I was still able to see some cool fish! The food was great as well and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is considering booking it.
Paige_D, Apr 2026
We had a great catamaran experience with our two boys (18 and 15)! The boat ride itself was awesome, and during the stop you have the option to stay on the boat, snorkel near the reef, or head up to the beach. We chose to snorkel and saw a stingray near the sandy shoreline, lots of puffer fish, sea cucumbers, colorful tropical fish, and even an eel! The tour guides were very kind and the music was enjoyable and not too loud, which we appreciated. Lunch was very good, and the homemade banana bread was absolutely outstanding! It was quite wavy on our trip and a couple of other travelers did end up getting seasick but the crew was quick to respond and very helpful to them. Great excursion!
Caitlin, Apr 2026
So much fun! Great boat ride, fun swim stop, and the best lunch I had in Costa Rica! Captain Alex and crew make sure you are taken of, and the drinks are great! Sunset was magical!
Kaliyah_B, Mar 2026
I had the best time ever. Charlie was super nice and made sure to check on me which was nice because I was solo. Don’t hesitate to book. You will have a great time.
Molly_W, Mar 2026
We had an amazing time. The boat was way less crowded than some of the of the other cruises we saw on the water so you could actually move around. The guides were wonderful. They kept our drinks full and the food was great. One of the guides went out snorkeling with us and made it a point to show us different fish and things we wouldn’t have spotted on our own. They even pulled in a massive red snapper while we were out there! Definitely recommend this experience.
David_T, Mar 2026
It’s a beautiful relaxing cruise with swimming and snorkeling and food plus drinks included. Staff and crew excellent
Jeffrey_S, Feb 2026
What an amazing day. The crew was outstanding. Super fun! Pura Vida is every way. Bring your camera.
Laurie_A, Feb 2026
The boat ride was nice. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Getting onto the boat was a bit difficult, there is not a dock so you are taken to the boat on a dingy and with the waves getting in and out can be difficult.
Adam_A, Feb 2026
We had an incredible experience on our catamaran tour in Tamarindo. From the moment we stepped aboard, the crew was attentive, professional, and genuinely focused on making sure everyone was comfortable and having a great time.
The staff went above and beyond throughout the afternoon — checking in regularly, keeping drinks flowing, helping with anything we needed, and creating a relaxed, fun atmosphere. You could tell they truly cared about the guest experience.
It was the perfect way to spend an afternoon on the water, and the entire team made it memorable. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Tamarindo.
InaMarie_A, Feb 2026
We had a really fun catamaran experience in Tamarindo, Costa Rica! Overall, it was such a great way to spend time on the water. The food served on board was good, and the whole atmosphere was very relaxed and enjoyable.
The crew were accommodating, friendly, and made sure everyone was taken care of, which we appreciated. The sunset views were absolutely beautiful — definitely one of the highlights of the trip and perfect for photos.
One small downside was that it took a while for the crew to anchor the boat at our swim stop, so our swimming time felt a bit short. The life vests provided were was uncomfortable, its not meant for leisurely floating 😆
Other than that, the experience had great vibes all around, and we still had a wonderful time. It’s a fun activity to do while visiting Tamarindo!
Marisa_M, Feb 2026
Lots of fun. The tour guides were great. The food was delicious. Make sure you wear a lot of sunscreen.
Amanda_N, Feb 2026
Had a great time. We met up on beach and they took us out to catamaran on dinghy boats. Once on the catamaran the staff did everything to make us feel welcome and comfortable. We rode for awhile and came to beach we stayed at for about 45 min. Snorkeling wasn’t good bc it was windy. But nice to swim around boat and explore the beach area. Heading back on the boat we listened to music and they served us a delicious meal, all we could eat. We spotted humpback whales! The boat went closer and allowed us to watch them for 20 minutes. He sunset was beautiful just as we were getting back. Perfect timing.
Cheryl_R, Jan 2026
The actual catamaran experience was a 5 star. When they say open bar they mean it and the lunch was very good. Snorkeling was non existent because it was windy. The 3 star rating is because the tour operator kept changing the date for our tour-2 changes. Then we kept getting conflicting emails from Viator confirming old dates. Very unsettling and confusing.
Mark_F, Jan 2026
It was a smaller catamaran than we have been on before but the service was incredible! Lots to do incl snorkeling, stand up paddleboards and kayaks. We came back in at the perfect time to watch the sunset.
Kathy_F, Jan 2026
Everyone was so friendly and professional. It was a fantastic way to spend an after and I highly recommend them!
Judy_B, Jan 2026
We had a Blast!!! Good service and good food and great scenery! Crew was excellent! We had so much fun… recomend going!
Sherri_M, Dec 2025
We booked this Costa Rica excursion with fresh memories of a very similar catamaran experience in Puerto Rico back in November, which gave us a great point of comparison.
Right off the bat, there was one important detail missing from the Viator listing: instead of departing from a dock, you must take a small dinghy out to the catamaran. We were traveling with our 72-year-old mother, and had we known this in advance, we likely wouldn’t have booked the trip. Getting from the dinghy onto the catamaran was challenging for her—but I have to say, the crew handled it beautifully. They were patient, kind, and incredibly supportive, making sure she got on board safely and comfortably.
Once underway, the scenery reminded us why Costa Rica is so special. The views were stunning, but the sunset truly stole the show. As the sun dipped toward the horizon, the sky exploded into layers of fiery orange, soft pink, and deep purple, reflecting perfectly off the water. It was one of those moments where conversations stop, cameras come out, and everyone simply takes it all in—absolutely spectacular and unforgettable.
The boat offers kayaks and a stand-up paddleboard, but due to rough water conditions, those activities—and snorkeling—weren’t possible during our trip. The strong current made swimming a bit challenging as well, but the pool noodles provided on board were a lifesaver and allowed us to still enjoy the water.
A late lunch was served and the food was quite good, but without question, the true highlight of the day was the staff. They were attentive, warm, and genuinely engaged with the guests. Gustavo, in particular, went above and beyond—he even convinced my mom to get up and dance with him. That moment made her feel incredibly special, and seeing her smile like that made the entire trip worth it for me.
If I had to offer one real critique, it would be the length of the excursion. At just four hours, it felt far too short—especially compared to the full-day experience we had in Puerto Rico, which felt perfectly paced. With just a little more time on the water, this trip could have been truly exceptional.
Sandy_C, Dec 2025
Very welcoming. The experience of being on a catamaran was great and very real as they were the only one with sails up. Snorkelling disappointing. Dark water and no flippers provided which are definitely needed in the rough waters. Also no life jackets for uneasy in the water, just pool noodles which is not cool for safety.
Charlene_C, Dec 2025
First Off 10/10 definitely recommend ! When I say amazing customer service it was that good, they went over and beyond for each guess. You will not be disappointed. They will make your excursions worth it. Food was great, drinks kept flowing, music was jamming, they kept us safe. My boyfriend couldn’t swim the owner himself made sure he got to experience the deep ocean for the first time. The workers were respectful, generous, & caring! Thank you so much for the experience Blue Dolphin may god continue blessing your business ! will come back soon and definitely book again.
Ronen_F, Dec 2025
The adventure sail with the Blue Dolphin and its team was a super fun, enjoyable and spectacular.
The crew actually ran after all the guests (17) to verify all is great, they served us with starting local liquor but just after pushed us with all kinds of drinks and snacks, with great music.
The stop to have water sports activities was great and at the end lunch served with great local food and without any limit for food and drinks.
On the way back they have asked each group for a special song they recommend and play it to all, after that we were on the way back seeing the magnificent Costa Rica famous sunset.
Julie_D, Oct 2025
The crew made the experience unforgettable. Their energy and hospitality created such a fun and relaxed atmosphere. The music set the perfect vibe, and we were treated to refreshing drinks, fresh fruit, and a delicious meal that exceeded expectations.
Drinks, Food, Sunset, dolphins, music, and a private beach… what more could you ask for!! This cruise was pure magic! If you're on the fence about booking—don’t hesitate. It’s more than worth it.
James_S, Sep 2025
Great, affordable wildlife and snorkeling excursion. We saw a whale and her calf, a sea turtle and plenty of birds. The cruise took us to a nice cove where we could snorkel for about an hour. They provide snorkel gear and pool noodles. My wife was a little nervous to not wear a life jacket, but using the pool noodle ended working just fine. They have life preservers for those who can't swim, but they said they are the orange uncomfortable kind. Not great for snorkeling. The crew was attentive, serving drinks, fruit and a delicious dinner.
Taryn_H, Sep 2025
Great experience. We had a great group with us and we made a lot of interesting people on this excursion. I would definitely recommend. The Tour guys were very friendly and they played a diverse set of music so we did not feel as if we were missing out on anything or it was catered towards anyone specifically.
Aislinn_G, Aug 2025
We were hesitant to do this, as we read mixed reviews. We ended up having a great time, the crew was great, there was an open bar, and they provided equipment for all advertised activities! Would recommend :)
Donna_S, Aug 2025
The ride out was a little slow. But the water was wonderful, the food was delicious and the crew was helpful and kind
Sydra_M, Aug 2025
Things we liked:
Amazing view on the trip
Lots of snacks and drinks.
Friendly staff, including Mateo, the Jr. Capitán.
It was a nice small group, as I saw the other boats around with crowds of people, I was grateful that there were only 14 on our boat.
We saw great fish. I saw two puffer fish! We also saw sea turtles on the way to the lagoon.
I wish there had been flippers for the snorkeling, but that was the only con, really.
Ryan_V, Jul 2025
Great fun for the family! Everyone from age 7-77 had a great time. The crew were great with the kids - played songs on request and got them dancing. Food was delicious. The boat was really clean. Great experience!
Rosa_O, Jun 2025
This was not a family friendly excursion. If you are looking for a rated R experience, then this tour is for you. If you want to listen to raunchy music with “_uck”, “ho,” and “cutchy” lyrics, then this tour is for you. If you are college girls looking to dirty dance with the captain during the tour and then make out with him right after you disembark, then this tour is for you.
There was also false advertising. Snorkeling is not an option. Although we were able to use a large float mat, it required us to ask and receive a check of the watch and dirty look. Food was delicious but only provided for a short while. Drinks were watery with very little alcohol unless you were the aforementioned college girls hooking up with the boat captain.
The boat ride was very pleasant and offered a beautiful sunset view. Just know what you’re getting and not getting with this tour.
Tim_M, Jun 2025
The boat ride was excellent. The crew took us to a perfect location for a variety of water activities. Amazing sunset views on the return trip!
Miles_T, May 2025
The staff was friendly! We both had a great time — the sunset cruise is a must book! If you’re on the fence about booking, it is very worth it!
From $105.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo
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