Catamaran Adventure with Barbecue, Manuel Antonio

4.0 (26 reviews)
Cruise along the pristine coast of Manuel Antonio National Park and snorkel in the clear waters of Biesanz Bay.

Overview

Explore the pristine coastline of Manuel Antonio National Park with this group sailing adventure. Board a comfortable, multideck catamaran in Quepos, then sit back and learn about the region's geography and wildlife as you glide past islands, rock formations, and dramatic cliffs. Your captain will drop anchor in a secluded bay for snorkeling, swimming, and some fun on the boat's two waterslides, then it's time for a delicious barbecue served on deck. This relaxed excursion is perfect for nature lovers and families keen to spot the region's marine life and spend a day out on the water.

Highlights

  • Sail around the coastline of Manuel Antonio National Park 
  • Take in views of cliffs, rock formations, and islands
  • Spot diverse marine life like dolphins, whales, and tropical fish
  • Snorkel and swim in the waters of Biesanz Bay
  • Plunge down the boat's waterslides or relax on deck
  • Enjoy a light barbecue served onboard

Know before you go

Duration
5 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Group tour, 100 people or less
Food & Drink
Barbeque lunch or dinner is included, based on the time of the sailing, plus snacks and drinks

What you'll do

Your five-hour adventure starts with a pick-up at your hotel and a transfer to Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, where you'll board a large, two-level catamaran with the rest of your group. From here, your captain will cast off and set sail down the coast to Manuel Antonio National Park while your knowledgeable guide narrates your journey and shares fascinating facts about the region. Skirt the national park's pristine coastline, admiring rock formations, towering cliffs, and quiet islands, and keep an eye out for the humpback whales or dolphins that often follow the boat.

Your captain will drop anchor in Biesanz Bay, a secluded cove with calm waters and a prime spot for snorkeling and swimming. Dive in and explore below the water's surface, spotting colorful creatures like parrotfish, starfish, and angelfish, depending on the season. You'll also have plenty of time to zip down the boat's two waterslides and soak up some sunshine on the decks. After a tasty barbecue lunch or dinner (depending on the time of day), you'll pull up anchor and chart a course back to Quepos, where a transfer will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.

Start times

  • Daily
    8:00 am, 1:00 pm

What's included

  • Round-trip transportation
  • Experienced bilingual captain and crew
  • Barbecue meal, snacks, and drinks
  • Snorkeling equipment

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Travelers often mention

Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews

Food and Drinks

The provided food and drinks received mixed reviews. Some enjoyed the meals and drinks, while others found the food to be subpar and the drinks strong. (10 mentions)

Cheri
“The dinner provided was very good and ample.”  — Cheri A.
Dianna
“The food for lunch was amazing!!!”  — Dianna P.
K
“Drinks were delicious as well as dinner”  — Kathryn P.
Large Party Boat

Many reviews mentioned that the catamaran was larger than expected, accommodating up to 200 guests, and had a party atmosphere which was not what some travelers anticipated. (8 mentions)

H
“Catamaran was bigger than expected and was more of a party boat”  — Harry K.
S
“I did not expect to be on a party boat with 150 other guests.”  — Sandra H.
E
“It is a 100 person boat with terrible blaring music and filthy conditions.”  — Erica B.
Friendly Staff

Reviewers frequently praised the friendly and accommodating staff, which contributed to the overall positive experience on the catamaran. (8 mentions)

Jen
“The crew was friendly.”  — Jen M.
Dianna
“The staff on the boat (who is a family) we’re so fun!!!”  — Dianna P.
Kelsey
“Friendly staff (as always in Costa Rica)”  — Kelsey C.
Relaxing Ending

Several reviewers mentioned that the catamaran trip was a relaxing way to end their trip, appreciating the beautiful sunset and comfortable ride. (6 mentions)

Terry
“A nice relaxing way to end the trip”  — Terry M.
Bradley
“A relaxing way to conclude our Costa Rica trip.”  — Bradley C.
K
“It was a very pleasant and relaxing time spent on and in the water”  — Kathryn P.

Traveler reviews

26 total ratings, 21 with reviews
4.0
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.1
Food
4.2
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.5
Transport
4.2
Terry
Terry M.
North Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jun 27, 2024
A nice relaxing way to end the trip Read more

A nice relaxing way to end the trip

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jen
Jen M.
Mequon, WI | Reviewed on May 03, 2024
The catamaran trip was a chance to be out in the ocean. We didn’t see any dolphins. The crew was friendly. The snorkeling portion was fast and we would have liked more time in the water. The slide in the boat was fun for the kids. Read more

The catamaran trip was a chance to be out in the ocean. We didn’t see any dolphins. The crew was friendly. The snorkeling portion was fast and we would have liked more time in the water. The slide in the boat was fun for the kids.

Quality of Experience
More time snorkeling
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly and knowledgeable crew
Transport
Transport via van was efficient, close to our hotel.
H
Harry K.
La Vista, NE | Reviewed on Feb 29, 2024
Catamaran was bigger than expected and was more of a party boat then a smaller intimate adventure. Read more

Catamaran was bigger than expected and was more of a party boat then a smaller intimate adventure.

Tips for future travelers

The size of the boat and number taking.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Anna
Anna F.
East Amherst, NY | Reviewed on Feb 12, 2024
Tips for future travelers Definitely do this. Be prepared to have fun and definitely jump in to the water. It was pure heaven Read more
Tips for future travelers

Definitely do this. Be prepared to have fun and definitely jump in to the water. It was pure heaven

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
T
Therese B.
Greenacres City, FL | Reviewed on Jan 14, 2024
Did the Catamaran Adventure from Ocean King. Stunning views, fun atmosphere. No reefs, but can still snorkel and look for fish, The boat is BIG. Maybe 200 people. Took a bit to get there because they stop halfway and everyone has to get off bus and then pay and get back on the bus. Read more

Did the Catamaran Adventure from Ocean King. Stunning views, fun atmosphere. No reefs, but can still snorkel and look for fish, The boat is BIG. Maybe 200 people. Took a bit to get there because they stop halfway and everyone has to get off bus and then pay and get back on the bus.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Charlotte
Charlotte B.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jan 12, 2024
We could tell at the dock this the boat was going to be the best and most fun. Drinks and food were a bonus! Very comfortable ride with good music and vibes. Read more

We could tell at the dock this the boat was going to be the best and most fun. Drinks and food were a bonus! Very comfortable ride with good music and vibes.

Tips for future travelers

Be sure to bring tanning lotion! We also brought our own snorkeling gear!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
R
Rosalee S.
Centerburg, OH | Reviewed on Dec 22, 2023

Tour was canceled and we were not told.

S
Susan O.
Carbondale, CO | Reviewed on Jun 15, 2023

This was NOT a catamaran tour, rather a sailboat

S
Sandra H.
Rolling Meadows, IL | Reviewed on Apr 25, 2023
This activity did not meet our expectation. I did not expect to be on a party boat with 150 other guests. Read more

This activity did not meet our expectation. I did not expect to be on a party boat with 150 other guests.

Tips for future travelers

This could be a great fit for some but if you are looking for a calm and serene activity, this is not it.

Quality of Experience
not enough fruit and snacks, loud music, not enough shaded spaces, lots of drunk people
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Alison
Alison C.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 01, 2023
I should have done my homework on this one. I imagined a smaller group and this was a party boat. 120 on board a ship that could take 200. My partner did get to snorkel, though I stayed on board. One of the best pictures of the trip was taken aboard this boat though at sunset. Read more

I should have done my homework on this one. I imagined a smaller group and this was a party boat. 120 on board a ship that could take 200. My partner did get to snorkel, though I stayed on board. One of the best pictures of the trip was taken aboard this boat though at sunset.

Tips for future travelers

I should have checked the number of people in the group.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

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Itineraries with Catamaran Adventure with Barbecue