Playas del Coco · Sailing tour
Sea Bird Sailing Excursions
Classic sailboat trips from Playas del Coco
Sea Bird Sailing Excursions takes guests out on a classic sailboat from Playas del Coco into the Gulf of Papagayo. Choose a morning sail and snorkel, a sunset sail or a full private day with lunch on a quiet beach. It suits people who want real sailing rather than a party catamaran.
What they offer
Sea Bird Sailing Excursions runs day sails on a classic sailboat out of Playas del Coco, the fishing-town-turned-beach-base on the Gulf of Papagayo. The selling point is in the name: this is a sailboat, not a motor cat, so the crew can pick where to go based on the wind that day instead of motoring to the same cove every trip.
There are 3 trips:
- Morning sail and snorkel. About 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with boarding from 8:30.
- Sunset sail. From about 2:30 p.m. until sunset, with boarding from 1:30. You get snorkeling or beach time, then drinks and snacks on the sail home.
- Full-day private sail. About 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with snorkeling, a meal on a quiet beach and a sunset sail back.
The morning and sunset trips can be booked as shared (open) tours or as private charters.
The boat
Sea Bird is a traditional monohull sailboat, built as a bluewater cruiser, that's now based in the Gulf of Papagayo. Guest reviews on the company's site describe it as spacious and clean. Private trips take up to 20 people. If you've only sailed on catamarans, a monohull feels different: she'll heel a little when the breeze fills in, and that's part of the fun.
Where you leave from
You meet on the beach in Playas del Coco at the anchor in front of Bar El Ancla, by the main street beach access. The company notes that this isn't where its office pin shows on maps, so go to the beach, not the office. Since you meet on the sand, wear shoes you don't mind getting wet.
Coco is about 30 minutes from Guanacaste International Airport in Liberia, which makes Sea Bird an easy first or last day on the water.
What you might see
The Gulf of Papagayo has rocky islets, small beaches and plenty of snorkel spots. Sea turtles and dolphins are regular sightings, and humpback whales pass in season. In the dry season, from about December to March, the Papagayo winds can blow hard, which means lively sailing but sometimes a change of snorkel spot to find sheltered water.
Who it suits
- Couples and families who'd like a calmer, more personal trip than a big catamaran
- Anyone who wants to feel a sailboat actually sail
- Small groups booking a private day with lunch on a beach
Also in Coco: Kuna Vela runs a 47-foot monohull from the same beach. For yachts and sportfishing boats, Marina Papagayo is the full-service marina on the gulf.
Good to know before you book
- Shared tours need a minimum of 5 guests to run.
- Waivers are sent by email ahead of the trip and are required.
- The boat doesn't wait for late arrivals, so allow time to park and find the meeting spot.
- Cancellations within 72 hours generally aren't refunded. Check the full policy and current rates on their site.
- Local taxes and processing fees are added to the listed prices.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I meet Sea Bird Sailing in Playas del Coco?
At the anchor on the beach in front of Bar El Ancla, at the main street beach access. Not at the office pin on maps.
Is Sea Bird a catamaran?
No. It's a classic monohull sailboat.
How many people can go on a private trip?
Up to 20 guests.
What's the cancellation policy?
Trips cancelled by the guest within 72 hours generally aren't refunded. Check the current terms when booking.
Can I book a full day?
Yes. The full-day private sail runs from about 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a beach lunch.
