Quepos · Catamaran tour
Planet Dolphin
Big-catamaran trips from Quepos and Flamingo
Planet Dolphin runs large catamaran trips along the Manuel Antonio coast from Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, and a second boat from Marina Flamingo in Guanacaste. Trips combine wildlife watching, a snorkel stop in a sheltered bay, a meal and an open bar, with sunset timing on afternoon departures. It suits families and groups who want a stable, social day on the water.
What they offer
Planet Dolphin is one of the longest-running catamaran operators on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. It started in 1989 and now runs big, roomy catamarans from 2 bases: Quepos, for the Manuel Antonio coast, and Playa Flamingo, in Guanacaste.
A standard trip is a half-day cruise that mixes wildlife watching with a snorkel stop and a meal. The crew keeps an eye out for spotted dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, flying fish and seabirds, and humpback whales in season. Partway through, the boat anchors in a protected bay so guests can snorkel, use the slide or jump from the top deck. Lunch (or dinner on afternoon trips), fruit platters and an open bar are part of the package, and the afternoon departures are timed to catch the sunset on the way home.
Planet Dolphin also sells private catamaran charters at both locations, plus combo days in Manuel Antonio that pair the boat with a visit to the national park or a zip-line canopy tour.
The boats
- Tom Cat works the Manuel Antonio coast and carries up to 150 guests.
- Tom Cat II sails from Flamingo and carries up to 110 guests.
These are large, stable catamarans with plenty of shade and deck space. They're built for comfort and groups rather than for a quiet, small-boat sail, so expect a lively, sociable atmosphere.
Where you leave from
- Manuel Antonio trips leave from Marina Pez Vela in downtown Quepos. Round-trip hotel transport in the Manuel Antonio and Quepos area is included.
- Guanacaste trips leave from Marina Flamingo, in Playa Flamingo. Transport isn't included there, so plan your own ride or ask when you book.
Listings for the Manuel Antonio tour often snorkel in Biesanz Bay, a small sheltered cove near Manuel Antonio.
Who it suits
- Families with kids. Big catamarans are steady, and snorkel gear comes in children's sizes.
- Groups and celebrations who want food, drinks and space to move around.
- First-timers who'd like an easy introduction to the Pacific coast without needing any boating experience.
If you want a quieter trip on a smaller sailboat, compare it with Sunset Sails Tours in Quepos or Panache Sailing in Flamingo.
Good to know before you book
- Departure times can shift with the season, so confirm your pickup time the day before.
- Whale sightings depend on the season. On the Central Pacific, southern humpbacks pass from about July to October and northern humpbacks from about December to March.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a towel. Snorkel visibility varies with recent rain.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Planet Dolphin leave from in Quepos?
From Marina Pez Vela in downtown Quepos. Hotel transport in the Manuel Antonio area is included.
Does Planet Dolphin operate in Guanacaste too?
Yes. Tom Cat II sails from Marina Flamingo.
Is snorkeling included?
Yes. Snorkel gear for adults and children is included, and the boat stops in a sheltered bay.
Can I book the whole boat?
Yes. Private catamaran charters are offered in both Manuel Antonio and Flamingo.
Will I see dolphins?
Dolphins are common on this coast, but it's wildlife, so sightings aren't guaranteed.
