All-Inclusive Day Sail, 4.5 Hours

Overview

This four-and-a-half-hour afternoon sail with Blue Dolphin Sailing leaves from Playa Tamarindo and heads up the coast with cocktails in hand. The company has been running sailing trips in Costa Rica since 2004, with a choice of two boats: a 40-foot open-layout catamaran and a larger 50-foot cruising-style catamaran. Along the way north the crew keeps an eye out for whales, dolphins, turtles and rays while tropical music plays on board and drinks come from the custom cocktail menu.

After roughly an hour of sailing, the boat moors in a cove for water time. Swimmers can snorkel with the provided gear, take out one of the two kayaks, try the stand-up paddle board, or just float on a pool noodle. A fresh meal is prepared and served on board before the boat weighs anchor for the run back to Tamarindo, timed so passengers get the sunset on the return leg.

It suits people travelling solo, as a couple, with family and friends, or as a business group, and works well for anyone who wants an all-inclusive afternoon on the water: lunch, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snorkel equipment and the water toys are all in the price. Towels, gratuities and hotel transport are not, so plan accordingly.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Calle CruzCheck in on Calle Cruz in Tamarindo, Guanacaste. There is no hotel pickup, so travellers go to the meeting point.
2. Sail north along the coastCruise north for 75 minutes with drinks from the cocktail menu, local snacks, sightseeing and wildlife watching.
3. Water activities in a coveThe boat moors in a cove for 1.5 hours of swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
4. Meal onboardA freshly prepared lunch is served on the boat over 1 hour.
5. Sail back to TamarindoThe return leg takes another 75 minutes, with drinks, music, more wildlife spotting and the sunset.
6. Arrive at Calle CruzThe tour ends where it started, back on Calle Cruz in Tamarindo.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help the afternoon go smoothly, from what to pack to how the day is paced.

• Bring your own towel. Towels are not included, so pack one along with sunglasses, sunscreen and some cash. One reviewer specifically mentions bringing cash to tip.
• Water toys included. Snorkel equipment, two kayaks, a stand-up paddle board and pool noodles are all on board at no extra charge. One reviewer noted there is not enough time to try every water sport during the stop.
• Drinks flow all day. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included and reviewers repeatedly mention the bar staying busy throughout the trip. Lunch and snacks are served as well.
• Sea conditions vary. One reviewer reported choppy water and suggested having motion sickness medication on hand even for those who do not normally get seasick. The tour sails rain or shine.
• Book before lunch. The departure also requires a minimum of 8 passengers to run.
• Wildlife is likely, not certain. The crew watches for whales, dolphins, turtles and rays on both legs. Reviewers described snorkeling sightings including tropical fish, a sea turtle and even a shark, though sightings depend on the day.

Common issues. The tour requires at least 8 passengers and can be canceled if numbers are low; in that case travellers are offered a different date or a full refund. Weather is another factor, since the boat sails rain or shine and one reviewer ran into rough seas, so motion sickness tablets are a sensible precaution. No hotel pickup is provided, and towels and gratuities are not covered. Pets and smoking are not allowed on board.

Common Questions