Flamingo Catamaran, Lunch And Drinks

Overview

This four-hour trip with Planet Dolphin Catamaran Eco Adventures leaves from Marina Flamingo and spends its first stretch cruising the Guanacaste coast with eyes on the water. The crew looks out for dolphins, humpback whales during migration, sea turtles and manta rays, while guides point out the islands and beaches and give a short history of the area. Tropical drinks and fresh fruit circulate on the way out.

The middle of the trip happens at anchor in a bay. Guests swim, snorkel with provided masks, fins and snorkels, jump from a second-story platform, or take the slide the operator calls the Tsunami down into the Pacific. There are also big trampoline-style tanning nets for anyone who would rather lie in the sun, and the decks have shade, which several reviewers with children specifically appreciated.

Lunch is a buffet of grilled fish, pasta salad, mixed vegetables and fresh fruit, with natural juices and cocktails included throughout. The tour is billed as a chance to watch the sunset from the water, and reviewers have described beautiful evening light on the way back. Reviewers repeatedly describe it as working for both young kids and older travellers, and anyone after a day on the water with a mix of activities and relaxation will fit in fine. Hotel transport is not part of the price.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Marina FlamingoCheck in at Marina Flamingo, next to the CPI Spanish Immersion School in Playa Flamingo. Transportation from hotels can be arranged for an extra cost depending on location and group size.
2. Cruise the coastlineThe catamaran heads down the Guanacaste coast past islands and beaches while the crew searches for dolphins, whales, sea turtles and manta rays. Guides share a brief history of the area, and drinks and fresh fruit are served on board.
3. Anchor and swim stopThe boat anchors in a bay for swimming, snorkeling with provided gear, jumping from the second-story platform, and rides down the Tsunami waterslide.
4. Buffet lunch on boardA buffet lunch is served, with grilled fish, pasta salad, mixed vegetables and fresh fruit, along with juices and cocktails.
5. Return to the marinaThe boat cruises back to Marina Flamingo, with wildlife spotting on the way and the sunset viewed from the water.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points help this trip go smoothly, from what to pack to how the food and transport work.

• Getting there. Hotel pickup is not included, so travellers make their own way to Marina Flamingo next to the CPI Spanish Immersion School. The operator can arrange transport for an extra cost depending on where you are staying and how many people are in your group, so ask at booking.
• What to bring. The listing recommends comfortable shoes and clothes, a towel and sunscreen. Reviewers mention swimming for a good part of the stop, so a swimsuit under your clothes and something dry for the ride back is sensible.
• Shade and sun. Several reviewers noted how much shaded space the boat has, which mattered to families with kids. There are also tanning nets in the sun for those who want it, so both preferences are covered.
• Food and drink. Lunch is a buffet with fresh grilled fish, pasta salad, vegetables and fruit, and reviewers repeatedly praised the fish. Juices and cocktails are included but carbonated drinks are not, so plan for that if anyone in your group wants soda. Dietary requirements should be flagged at the time of booking.
• Pace and activities. Nothing is compulsory. You can snorkel, jump from the platform, use the waterslide or just float and swim, and reviewers described the activities as well planned, with something for everyone. One reviewer found little to see while snorkeling, so treat that as a swim with fish rather than a dive site.
• Wildlife luck. Dolphins and turtles appear in multiple reviews, and one group even spotted a whale, but sightings depend on the day. The activities and the coastal scenery happen regardless of what the ocean shows up with.

Common issues. Hotel transport and tips are not included, and carbonated drinks are not served on board, so budget for those separately. Wildlife sightings vary by day, and one reviewer reported little to see while snorkeling even though the swim itself was good. Anyone arriving from a cruise ship should be aware that no refund is given if the tour is missed due to a late or non-arriving ship.

Common Questions