If you are looking for a real class act aboard a luxury catamaran to discover the beauty of the Costa Rican coastline and underwater world, then this is the excursion for you. In addition to snorkeling, you will have the opportunity to use a sea kayak or paddle board or just lounge around the deck or go for a walk along a deserted beach. Complete with a sumptuous buffet prepared by the onboard chef and an open bar, you can indulge yourself to the max as you cruise in tropical comfort and style.
To start, you will be picked up from your lodging and brought to the marina in Playa Flamingo. Here you will board a pristine 46 foot catamaran and meet your friendly bilingual crew. Aboard this spacious multi-hull, you’ll find plenty of room to relax. When the crew hoists the sails you’ll gently glide out to sea leaving all your worries behind. Tropical drinks and snacks will be offered throughout your cruise as you leisurely explore the natural scenery surrounding you.
You can choose to go on the morning cruise, starting out your day with fresh sea breezes wafting across your face or opt for the languid lazy afternoon adventure waiting for a sensational sunset. Either way you’ll be sailing for about 5 miles, while the crew directs your attention to the beautiful offshore islands and isolated beaches as you cruise the blue-green waters in search of the perfect snorkeling location.
Along the way you might like to sit on the prow to search for dolphins or a sea turtle sighting or even a majestic whale depending on the season. It is impossible to predict what you might see but your crew will be sure to show you what comes around on the day of your expedition. For those interested in fishing, you’ll have the opportunity to do this as well, as there is fishing equipment on board.
When the anchor drops in a tranquil bay in front of a secluded white sand beach, the crew will break out the snorkeling gear, kayaks and paddle boards. One will take you on a guided snorkeling trip to help point out and identify the marine wildlife that you might encounter including many varieties of colorful tropical fish such as: puffers, harlequin tuskfish, wrasse, clownfish, rainbowfish, and anemonefish (Nemo!). In addition, starfish, sea cucumbers, sea turtles and rays make this area their home. The underwater world is full of treasures waiting to be discovered!
While you are enjoying the various activities, which may also include beachcombing or sunning yourself on deck, the ship’s chef will be busily putting together a lovely buffet typically composed of: chicken burritos, guacamole, fresh fruits and vegetables, all with special dips and Costa Rica’s traditional “pico de gallo” salsa. The open bar provides: beer, wine, mojitos, margaritas, rum punch, a variety of other types of alcohol as well as fruit juice and soft drinks. When the time for recreation is over, you’ll be ready to enjoy this delicious buffet.
If you are on the sunset tour, you will be returning during the time of sunset before darkness sets in. Watching the sun go down over the vast Pacific Ocean is a sight to behold: a giant red fireball melting into the horizon ablaze with colors creating an ambiance of awe and romance.
When you return to shore your transportation will be waiting to take you back to your lodgings after your enchanted day of sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing and relaxing aboard the beautiful catamaran, Panache.
Transportation, bilingual guides, sailing and snorkeling, sports equipment, open bar, generous snacks and buffet are all included in this fun filled half day tour. Transport times can take up to 45 minutes each way depending on the location of your lodging.
The Panache Catamaran Tour is available from Central Guanacaste, and Tamarindo
All Ages
Latitude: N 10° 26' 2.39"
Longitude: W 85° 48' 35.44"
05/10/2023
I loved the staff, the food, and the experience. I wish the snorkeling was better but that’s not the tours fault.
12/03/2022
Snorkeling was a bust, no water visibility. But lovely trip nonetheless.
07/31/2022
Loved this tour! Wish the water had been clearer but can't control that! Staff was all helpful, knowledgeable and attentive. Food and drinks were good too, had a wonderful time
03/27/2022
Had a good time and the service turned out good despite how many people were on the catamaran. Would have preferred a smaller more intimate group outing and the transfer was tiny and packed.
11/28/2021
Fantastic program with a really nice boat crew
10/18/2021
We have been on many Catamaran tours and this one was on the top of our list. The crew was so friendly and very attentive to everyone needs
09/20/2021
There wasn't much to see in the water while snorkeling. But, the boat tour part was great!
01/03/2021
This was my favorite excursion of everything we did. It is so well run and we enjoyed every second of being on the catamaran.
10/13/2019
POURING RAIN AND WE WENT ANYWAY. ONE OF THE BEST PARTS OF OUR VACATION. THE SNORKELING WAS AMAZING AND WE MET NICE PEOPLE WHO MADE THE EXPERIENCE GREAT.
10/01/2019
Unfortunately the water was not very clear, but I understand that this is due to the rainy season. The greeters at the initial drop off were not very friendly.
02/09/2019
So much fun! This included an open bar for the entire trip and the sunset was magnificent.
09/26/2018
Fewer people on the tour would have been better for my wife and I.
08/05/2017
Such a beautiful experience.
06/06/2017
I was looking for more of a snorkeling trip. This is what was offered to me. Was only about 40 minutes of snorkeling. Didn't see anything exciting, just some fish.
12/30/2016
Drive to get to tour was very long due to traffic. Would've preferred to get a boat closer to our hotel