Playa Flamingo · Catamaran tour
Lazy Lizard Sailing
Catamaran snorkel and sunset trips from Playa Flamingo
Lazy Lizard Sailing has run catamaran trips out of Playa Flamingo since 2002. Every trip is about 4 hours, morning or sunset, shared or private, with snorkeling, kayaking, drinks and a meal included, and pickup from hotels around Flamingo and Tamarindo. It's an easy pick for families and first-timers on the Gold Coast.
What they offer
Lazy Lizard Sailing is one of the longest-running catamaran operators on Costa Rica's Gold Coast. The company started in the Flamingo area in 2002, and the formula hasn't changed much since: a relaxed half-day sail along the coast, a snorkel stop, time in the kayaks, and food and drinks on the way back.
There are 3 ways to book:
- Morning catamaran. The family-friendly option, with calmer water and cooler temperatures on most days.
- Sunset catamaran. An afternoon sail that ends with the sun going down over the Pacific.
- Private charter. The whole boat for your group, with the route and timing worked out with the crew.
Each trip runs about 4 hours.
The boat and the trip
The company lists a 38-foot catamaran for its private charters. A cat is a comfortable platform for a mixed group: it's stable, there's shade and open deck, and it doesn't heel the way a monohull does, which matters if anyone's nervous about the water.
The day usually looks like this: you board in the Flamingo area, motor-sail along the coast to a sheltered spot, then swim and snorkel. Kayaks come out, and there are small kids' kayaks too, which is a nice touch for families. After the water time, the crew serves fruit, snacks and a meal, and the drinks (with and without alcohol) are included throughout. On the sunset run you sail home as the light goes.
What you'll see in the water depends on the day and the season. Along this stretch of coast, sea turtles, dolphins and rays are regular sightings, and humpback whales pass through in season.
Where you leave from
Trips go from the Playa Flamingo area on the north Guanacaste coast. The company's office address is in Playa Potrero, just north of Flamingo. Transport from hotels in the Flamingo and Tamarindo area is included, so most people don't need to drive. Confirm your pickup time and the exact boarding point when you book.
Who it suits
- Families with kids, thanks to the morning trip and the small kayaks
- First-time sailors who want a stable, social boat
- Couples and friends looking for a sunset sail with drinks included
- Groups who'd like their own boat for a celebration
If you'd rather compare a couple of Flamingo cats, Manta Ray Sailing runs from the same beach with several boats. From Tamarindo, Blue Dolphin Sailing is the other long-established name.
Good to know before you book
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, a towel and a dry bag for your phone.
- Tell them about any food allergies or dietary needs when you book.
- The dry season (about December to April) brings the most reliable sunshine, while the green season gives greener hills and fewer boats.
- Prices change by season; check the company's booking page for current rates.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Lazy Lizard catamaran tour?
All of their trips, morning, sunset and private, run about 4 hours.
Does Lazy Lizard pick up from Tamarindo?
Yes. Transport from accommodations in the Flamingo and Tamarindo area is included.
Is the trip good for young children?
It's set up for families, with a morning option and small kayaks sized for kids.
Are drinks and food included?
Yes. Drinks with and without alcohol, fruit, snacks and a meal are included.
How long has Lazy Lizard been operating?
Since 2002, in the Playa Flamingo area.
