Blue Dolphin Day Catamaran

Overview

Blue Dolphin Sailing runs this public catamaran trip out of Tamarindo as a 4.5-hour afternoon sail. Boarding happens on the beach in front of El Chiringuito restaurant, about 100 yards south of the rotunda, and guests are ferried out to the boat by dinghy since there is no dock. The sail typically pauses at a cove or beach for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding, with gear and pool noodles provided. Lunch and an open bar are served on board, and the return leg is timed so the boat comes back around sunset.

Drinks include sodas, juices, water, beer, white wine, and a range of spirits including Cacique, vodka, rum and tequila. One reviewer described watching humpback whales from the boat on the way back.

The trip suits most travellers and caps at 45 guests. It is not wheelchair accessible, and one reviewer noted that boarding by dinghy can be difficult when the waves are up. Hotel pickup is not included but transport can be arranged for an extra charge.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in on the beachMeet on the beach in front of El Chiringuito restaurant, 100 yards south of the rotunda in Tamarindo. Arrive 15 minutes before the 13:00 start to check in.
2. Dinghy transfer to catamaranThere is no dock, so guests are taken out to the catamaran by dinghy. One reviewer found this transfer difficult when waves were up.
3. Coastal sailThe catamaran cruises along the coast with drinks and music on board. One reviewer described the crew stopping so guests could watch humpback whales spotted from the boat.
4. Swim and snorkel stopThe boat anchors at a cove or beach stop for swimming, snorkeling, kayaks, stand up paddleboards and pool noodles. One reviewer said the stop lasted about 45 minutes.
5. Lunch and open barChicken fajitas, black beans, salad, fruit and banana bread are served, with sodas, juices, beer, wine and spirits included.
6. Sunset sail backThe return leg passes the sunset before the boat heads back to the meeting point, where the tour ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this trip goes, from the beach boarding to what the open bar actually covers.

• Dinghy boarding. There is no dock. Guests board a small dinghy from the beach to reach the catamaran, and one reviewer found getting in and out difficult when the waves were up. Travellers with mobility limits should factor this step in before booking.
• Bring your own. Towels and sunscreen are not included, and one reviewer's advice was to wear a lot of sunscreen. Gratuities of 15% to 20% are recommended and paid at your discretion.
• Open bar and food. Sodas, juices, water, beer, wine and a range of spirits are on offer.
• Snorkel quality varies. Snorkeling depends heavily on conditions. Two reviewers reported windy days that made for poor snorkeling, while others had crew members guide them to fish. Treat the water stop as a swim stop first and a bonus if the water is clear.
• Getting there. Hotel pickup is not included, though transport can be arranged for an additional charge. The meeting point is the beach in front of El Chiringuito restaurant in Tamarindo.
• Camera for the return. One reviewer's tip was simply to bring a camera, and several others praised the sunset on the return leg. One reviewer also described the boat pausing so guests could watch humpback whales spotted on the sail.

Common issues. The main friction points are practical. Boarding is by dinghy from the beach with no dock, and one reviewer said the waves made getting in and out difficult. Snorkeling disappointed some reviewers on windy days, and one noted the anchoring at the swim stop took a while, leaving less time in the water. The tour also requires good weather and a minimum number of travellers, and if either condition is not met the operator offers a different date or a full refund. The tour is capped at 45 travellers and is not wheelchair accessible.

Common Questions