The experience
About This Tour
Adult (11 and older): $70 / Child (ages 5–10): $55
Join our Dolphin & Snorkeling Catamaran Adventure for an immersive 3½-hour voyage along Costa Rica’s Guanacaste coast. Your journey begins with a comfortable transfer from your hotel in Sámara or Puerto Carrillo to the sleek, spacious catamaran dock. A bilingual naturalist guide will introduce you to the region’s marine ecosystem as you sip chilled water and light snacks on deck.
Once offshore, scan the horizon for pods of playful spinner and bottlenose dolphins—resident year-round in Samara Bay. Learn about their feeding and social behaviors through live commentary, then drift into a sheltered cove for a guided snorkeling session. Slip beneath the surface to explore colourful coral gardens alive with parrotfish, pufferfish, angelfish, and the occasional sea turtle gliding by.
Throughout the trip, enjoy panoramic vistas of the Nicoya Peninsula and Costa Rica’s Pacific sunsets (if you opt for a later departure), all while feeling the gentle ocean breeze and embracing the Pura Vida lifestyle. Whether you’re an avid wildlife enthusiast or simply seeking a serene ocean escape, this tour combines adventure, education, and relaxation for a truly unforgettable coastal experience.
- Departure & Return Location
Departure is from your hotel in Sámara or Puerto Carrillo.
If you are arriving from another location, you’re welcome to meet us at our office. We’re located across the street from Roots Bakery, on Sámara’s main road.
- Departure Time
8:15 a.m.
Good to know
What's Included
-
Round-trip hotel transportation Round-trip transportation is included for hotels in Sámara and Puerto Carrillo downtown areas.
-
Experienced bilingual guides (English/Español).
-
Catamaran excursion
-
Equipment Life jacket and drybag.
-
Snorkeling gear Mask and snorkel.
-
Snacks Fresh tropical fruit, juices and water.
Not Included
-
Insurance
-
Tips
-
Alcoholic beverages
-
Excludes anything not specifically listed as included.
What to Bring
-
Sunscreen
-
Swimming suit
-
Towel
-
Hat
-
Sunglasses
-
Camera
Step by step
Itinerary
-
Pickup & Transfer
A comfortable shuttle collects you at your Sámara or Puerto Carrillo lodging. En route, your guide shares insights on local marine species and regional conservation efforts.
-
Boarding & Safety Briefing
Arrive at the catamaran dock and step aboard. After a brief orientation covering vessel layout, safety procedures, and snorkeling equipment, settle into sun-soaked lounges or shaded seating areas.
-
Dolphin Watching
Cruise across Samara Bay at a leisurely pace. Keep an eye out for spinner and bottlenose dolphins—our guide will share tips on spotting their characteristic leaps and pods. Photography opportunities abound as the dolphins surface against the backdrop of the Nicoya coastline.
-
Guided Snorkeling
Anchor in a calm, protected cove. Don mask, snorkel, and fins to explore flourishing coral outcrops. Swim alongside schools of colourful reef fish and, with luck, encounter a graceful sea turtle or stingray. Your guide remains close to point out hidden marine life.
-
On-Deck Relaxation & Refreshments
Return to the catamaran deck to enjoy fresh tropical fruit, light snacks, and bottled water. Lounge under the warm sun or relax in shaded seating while recounting your underwater discoveries.
-
Return Cruise & Drop-off
As the catamaran glides back toward shore, take in sweeping ocean vistas and coastal panoramas one last time. Disembark at the dock and transfer back to your hotel, arriving with cherished memories of marine wildlife and pristine Pacific waters.
Before you book
Frequently Asked Questions
We accept payment in Costa Rican colones (CRC) or US dollars (USD). You're welcome to pay in either currency – just let us know your preference in advance, if possible.
We love sharing nature with our guests, and we do our best to provide the best possible experience. However, it's important to remember that wildlife sightings and water visibility can never be guaranteed, as they depend on natural conditions beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding!
If our staff determines that weather conditions are unsafe or unsuitable for the tour, you will have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund. Safety comes first.
Cancellation and prepayment policies may vary depending on the tour operator. Our policy is as follows: Cancellations made 48 hours or more before the activity are eligible for a full refund. If you cancel between 36 and 48 hours before the activity, a 50% refund will be issued. Cancellations made less than 36 hours before the activity are non-refundable.