Budget Pacific Lounge Sunset

Overview

This five-hour afternoon sail with The Pacific Lounge Catamaran starts from a meeting point on Tamarindo beach, typically near El Chiringuito, since no hotel pickup is offered. Once aboard, the boat heads to a quiet stretch of coast the operator calls its secret stop, where the water activities happen: snorkeling among fish, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply drifting on pool noodles. All the gear is on board and included.

Back on deck there is shaded seating and a rooftop beanbag lounge with views in every direction. Lunch is freshly prepared on board and served with fresh tropical fruit. The open bar covers cocktails, alcohol, soda and water, and reviewers often comment that the crew keeps drinks coming without being asked.

The return leg doubles as the sunset run. Depending on the season, dolphins, sea turtles or humpback whales may appear along the way, though one recent group had clouds block the sky and still enjoyed the trip. It suits travellers who want a relaxed, unhurried afternoon on the water with swimming, food and drinks rather than a packed sightseeing schedule. Reviewers consistently describe the crew as attentive and the atmosphere as easygoing.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet in TamarindoMake your own way to the beach meeting point, such as El Chiringuito in Tamarindo. Hotel pickup is not included, so confirm the exact spot on the listing.
2. Board the catamaranMeet the captain and crew, settle in on deck or in the shade, and set off along the coast.
3. Secret beach stopSwim, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard or float on noodles at a quiet beach away from the crowds. Masks, snorkels, fins and noodles are provided.
4. Lunch and open barEat freshly prepared food and tropical fruit on board while the open bar runs throughout the trip.
5. Sunset sail backCruise back toward Tamarindo as the sky turns gold and coral. Dolphins, turtles and, in season, humpback whales are sometimes spotted.
6. Return to TamarindoThe boat arrives back at the same beach area where the tour began, roughly five hours after departure.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help the afternoon go smoothly, from what to carry to how the boat actually feels on the water.

• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup, so travellers arrange their own transport to the Tamarindo beach meeting point, usually around El Chiringuito. The exact spot should be confirmed on the listing before the day.
• What to bring. The listing recommends swimwear, a change of clothes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, flip-flops and a waterproof bag. Towels are not provided, so bring your own. A copy of a passport or ID is accepted.
• Plenty of space. Reviewers, including one party of 8 and another of 12, described the boat as roomy and uncrowded. One said it felt close to a private tour.
• Food and drinks. Lunch, fresh fruit and the full open bar are all included, with reviewers praising the food and mentioning chicken fajitas specifically. Several travellers noted the crew repeatedly offered drinks without being prompted.
• Pace and fitness. The outing is unhurried. Reviewers describe it as relaxed and perfect for chilling out, with swimming and floating at the beach stop optional.
• Photography. The rooftop lounge and open deck give clear sightlines for sunset photos and any wildlife along the way. Bring a waterproof bag for the camera or phone, since the swimming stop involves getting in the water.

Common issues. Sunset quality depends on the weather; one reviewer had clouds block the sky, though the rest of the outing still went well. One reviewer felt the vessel was not really a catamaran, so set expectations on boat type accordingly. No hotel pickup or towels are provided, and pets, smoking, large bags and outside alcohol are not allowed on board. Electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Wildlife sightings such as dolphins, turtles and whales are seasonal and never guaranteed.

Common Questions