Catamaran from Playa Flamingo: morning, sunset or snorkel
4 min read
Short answer: from Playa Flamingo, on the Pacific coast of Guanacaste, we run three catamaran trips: a shared one with guided snorkelling, kayaks and paddleboards, and two private ones, one in the morning and one at sunset. They last about 4 hours each. This guide compares them, explains the dry and green seasons according to Costa Rica’s official tourism site and lists what is and is not included. We make no promises about sea conditions or wildlife.
Quick answers
- Where from: Flamingo Marina (the shared trip), on the Guanacaste coast.
- How long: about 4 hours for all three.
- Shared trip departures: 8:00 and 14:00, according to the calendar.
- Private trips: priced per boat for groups of 10, 20, 30 or 40.
- Included: snorkelling equipment, kayaks and paddleboards, an open bar and fresh food or snacks.
- Not included: hotel pickup on the private trips, and gratuities.
Three trips, compared
| Trip | Format | Time | What it is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catamaran with snorkelling, kayak and paddleboard | Shared | About 4 hours | Boards at Flamingo Marina and sails the Guanacaste coast to a calm bay for guided snorkelling; kayaks, paddleboards, open bar and snacks |
| Private morning catamaran, all inclusive | Private (per boat) | About 4 hours | Beaches and hidden bays, many reachable only by sea; swimming, snorkelling or paddleboarding; leaves at 8:00 |
| Private sunset catamaran | Private (per boat) | About 4 hours | A sunset cruise for your group with swimming, snorkelling and water activities |
What is included
- Shared catamaran: a cruise along the Pacific coast, guided snorkelling with all equipment, kayaks and paddleboards, an open bar with beer, margaritas and rum punch, and fresh snacks (the listing mentions fish and chicken wraps, beans, pico de gallo, chips, bruschetta, fruit and cookies). Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Gratuities are not included.
- Private morning and sunset catamarans: a private catamaran for your group, an open bar (cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks), freshly prepared food (BBQ chicken, snacks and fruit), snorkelling equipment, paddleboards, kayaks, floaties and a professional crew. Hotel pickup and drop-off and gratuities are not included. The morning trip is non-refundable according to its listing; check the conditions of the sunset trip before you book.
Which trip should you choose?
| You are… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Two to four people who want to try it | Shared catamaran |
| A family or group that wants the boat to itself | Private morning trip |
| Celebrating, or chasing the sunset with your group | Private sunset trip |
Seasons: dry and green
According to Costa Rica’s official tourism site, the dry season runs from about mid-December to late April, and in Guanacaste it is driest from December to March (April is a transition month). The green season runs from May to November: June brings the first rainy peak, there is a short drier spell known as the veranillo in July and August, and the rains return from September to November. The site also notes that conditions vary from place to place and that hotels and operators often discount in the green season.
We read these dates through the official site’s climate pages and recommend checking them for your travel week. We did not read an official source on sea conditions or wildlife in the bay, so we make no claims about what you will see.
Practical notes
- Age and health: the shared trip is not recommended for people with back or heart conditions or for pregnant travellers, and the three listings say they are not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Infants must not sit on laps on the private trips.
- Bring: swimwear, a towel, sun protection and a hat. Nothing special is listed.
- Pickup: not included on the private trips; ask us before you book if you need a transfer.
For the area and how to get there, read the Costa Rica guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the shared catamaran leave from?
From Flamingo Marina, according to its listing.
Is food included?
On all three, yes: freshly prepared snacks or food; read the listing for details.
Is hotel pickup included?
Not on the private trips. Check the listing of the trip you choose.
When is the best time to go?
The dry season (mid-December to late April) is the usual choice; the green season has fewer crowds and lower prices, according to the official site.
Can I cancel?
The shared trip is free up to 24 hours before departure; the private morning trip is non-refundable. Check the sunset listing.
How many people can the private catamaran take?
Groups of 10, 20, 30 or 40 can be booked; see each listing.
Sources
- Visit Costa Rica (Costa Rica Tourism Board) · Climate and when to visit: dry and green seasons, Guanacaste.
- Our trip descriptions: shared catamaran, private morning catamaran, private sunset catamaran.
Last checked: 27 October 2026. Confirm seasons and conditions before you travel.
