Facts checked October 2026 by the Manuel Antonio Travel Guide team
Morning or sunset?
| Morning | Afternoon / sunset | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical departure | Around 9:00 am | Early afternoon, back after sunset |
| Sea | Usually calmer | Can be choppier |
| Snorkelling | Better chance of clear water | Shorter or skipped |
| Meal | Lunch | Dinner or snacks |
| Best for | Snorkelling, families | Couples, photos |
What is usually included
Most shared catamarans include hotel pickup within the Manuel Antonio area, a meal, soft drinks or juices and snorkel gear. Some include a few alcoholic drinks; others sell beer on board. Towels and gratuities are often not included. Always check the What's included section of the exact listing.
Whales and dolphins
Humpback whales visit the Pacific coast twice a year: the southern population from July to about mid-November (peak August–September) and the northern population mainly from December to March. Dolphins can appear any month. No operator can guarantee either, so pick the trip for the coast and the swim and enjoy any sightings as a bonus.
Avoiding seasickness
- Choose a morning departure, when the sea is usually calmer.
- Take seasickness tablets an hour before boarding if you are prone to it.
- Eat a light breakfast and stay on deck, looking at the horizon.
Is it worth it?
If you have three days or more in Manuel Antonio, yes: it shows you the park's coastline from the water, which you can't see from the trails. If you only have one day, prioritise the national park walk.
Morning catamaran with snorkel and lunch
Best for: A relaxed day on the water along the park's coast
- 9:00 am departure from Marina Pez Vela, Quepos
- Buffet lunch, juices and snorkel gear included; bring a towel
- Hotel pickup only in the Manuel Antonio area
Prices and booking on Viator
Damas Island mangrove kayak with lunch
Best for: Tuesdays, when the national park is closed
- Start time follows the tide: the operator confirms it, not you
- Hotel pickup, guide and a typical Costa Rican meal included
- Children from 8, sharing a kayak with an adult
Prices and booking on Viator
Frequently asked questions
Where do Manuel Antonio catamaran tours leave from?
Most depart from Marina Pez Vela in Quepos. Many include hotel pickup, but often only within the Manuel Antonio area, so check the pickup zone if you are staying further away.
Can you see whales from a Manuel Antonio catamaran?
Sometimes. Humpback whales from the southern population pass Costa Rica's Pacific coast from July to around mid-November, with August and September the strongest months, and northern humpbacks mainly from December to March. Dolphins are seen year-round but are never guaranteed.
Is snorkelling good on the catamaran?
It depends on the sea. Visibility varies a lot with rain and swell, especially in the green season. Treat snorkelling as a bonus, not the main reason to go.