Best Catamaran & Sailing Tours in Tamarindo (2026)

Updated October 2026

These are the best Tamarindo catamaran and sailing tours, ranked by the most 4- and 5-star Google reviews this year. Pacific Lounge Catamaran leads the list, followed by Marlin del Rey and Timarouba. All three run sunset sails with food, drinks and a snorkeling stop, so the real differences are boat size, crowd and mood.

Most Tamarindo sailing tours meet on the beach near El Chiringuito restaurant, where a small boat takes you out to the catamaran. Guests often spot dolphins and sea turtles, and some saw humpback whales. Here’s how the five operators compare, from a small two-deck boat to big party boats and private charters.

How we ranked these

These are the catamaran and sailing tours in Tamarindo with the most 4- and 5-star Google reviews this year. Recent reviews tell you what visitors think right now, not years ago. Every business here fits the category, is in or near Tamarindo and shows recent signs of being open.

When a category is small, we fill the last spots with businesses that have fewer reviews this year but a strong rating overall, 4.3 stars or more. You’ll see “Also recommended” under their names.

Every business in Tamarindo is listed free on Tamarindo Guide. Featured businesses, the ones that support the guide, are usually included when they fit the category, and we always label them.

1. Pacific Lounge Catamaran

View Pacific Lounge Catamaran on Google Maps

73 4- and 5-star Google reviews in 2026 · 5.0 average

Pacific Lounge sails a smaller catamaran than some others in town, and one guest counted only 8 passengers on their trip. It has two levels: a shaded main deck and an open upper deck with beanbags. Drinks are unlimited for adults and kids, lunch is cooked fresh, and some trips have a DJ. Guests often see dolphins, turtles and humpback whales.

It’s a good pick for families, friend groups and birthday celebrations who want room to move. Guests praise a fun, caring crew, and one says the crew jumped off the boat with them. Snorkeling depends on the sea, and when it was too rough, one group swam to a quiet beach instead. It leaves from the beach in front of El Chiringuito.

2. Marlin del Rey

See Marlin del Rey on Tamarindo Guide

61 4- and 5-star Google reviews in 2026 · 5.0 average

Reviewers often mention a big, well-kept boat and a safety-minded crew at Marlin del Rey, and one guest has sailed with them about 15 times. Tender boats ferry you from the beach to the catamaran. Guests ride out on the front nets, snorkel with masks and fins, and some take the dinghy to a beach with caves and shells. Day and sunset tours both get good reviews.

It’s a strong choice for big families, kids and older travelers, and a couple in their 70s and 80s said they felt right at home. Crews help kids with snorkel gear, pool noodles and a little fishing. Watch WhatsApp and email on tour day, since one guest missed a meeting-point change. The owner confirmed they don’t have life jackets for 1-year-olds.

3. Timarouba Catamaran

See Timarouba Catamaran on Tamarindo Guide

51 4- and 5-star Google reviews in 2026 · 4.6 average

For a party on the water or a private group charter, Timarouba is the lively choice, with several catamarans, including a large one for big groups. Tours include an open bar, music, fresh pineapple and watermelon, and a chicken lunch one guest asked the recipe for. Guests have seen puffer fish, rays and an octopus, and one trip stopped at a beach with a floating mat.

It suits groups who want a lively cruise, and private groups, such as one party of 13, who want the boat to themselves. On public trips, the large boat can be packed. Recent reviews mention around 70 people on board, a late departure, dirty bathrooms, watered-down drinks and a short snorkel stop, so ask about group size when you book.

4. Blue Dolphin Sailing

See Blue Dolphin Sailing on Tamarindo Guide

16 4- and 5-star Google reviews in 2026 · 4.4 average

Calm is the point on Blue Dolphin Sailing, with mellow music and a boat that guests say isn’t overcrowded, about 20 people on one trip. A crew member snorkels ahead to show you where the fish are. Tours include fresh fruit, a meal and unlimited drinks, and guests have seen sea turtles, dolphins and humpback whales. It runs morning, sunset and private tours.

It’s a good fit if you want a relaxed sail, not a party boat. There’s no slide, and you swim by jumping off the side. Crew reviews are mixed this year, with some guests calling them excellent and others calling them unfriendly. You meet at the end of Calle Cruz, next to El Chiringuito, where there’s parking.

5. Playtide Catamaran Charters

See Playtide Catamaran Charters on Tamarindo Guide

Also recommended · 1 4- and 5-star Google reviews in 2026 · 4.8 overall from 29 Google reviews

Playtide Catamaran Charters pairs boat trips with airport shuttles and other transfers, according to its Google listing. It runs catamaran charters and sightseeing tours from Chiringuito Road in Tamarindo. A recent guest describes a fun crew and says they’d book the same boat again.

It’s worth a look if you want a private charter or need help with transfers as well as a day on the water. With so few recent reviews, message them before you book and ask about the boat, how many people go, what’s included and how the trip runs.

Tips for Booking a Catamaran Tour in Tamarindo

Pick the mood you want. Most tours on this list sail in the afternoon and come back at sunset, which reviewers call the highlight. For a party, look for music and an open bar on a bigger boat. For a calm day, reviewers point to smaller, less crowded boats.

Snorkeling depends on the sea. Several guests had cloudy or rough water, often after a storm, and swam or relaxed on board instead. The green season (rainy season), roughly May to November, brings more rain, while the dry season runs about December to April.

Before you book, ask how many people will be on board, what food is served and where to meet. If you have a big group, ask about a private charter. Plans can change on the day, so watch your phone, and ask about life jackets if you’re bringing a baby or small child.

Quick comparison

#	Business	4- and 5-star reviews in 2026	Average rating	Best for
1	Pacific Lounge Catamaran	73	5.0	Families and small groups
2	Marlin del Rey	61	5.0	Big families and older travelers
3	Timarouba Catamaran	51	4.6	Party cruises and private groups
4	Blue Dolphin Sailing	16	4.4	Relaxed sunset sails
5	Playtide Catamaran Charters	1	4.8 overall	Private charters and transfers

Frequently asked questions

What is the best catamaran tour in Tamarindo?

Pacific Lounge Catamaran has the most 4- and 5-star Google reviews this year, followed by Marlin del Rey and Timarouba. Guests praise Pacific Lounge for its smaller, less crowded boat, fun crew and wildlife sightings.

What is included on a Tamarindo sailing tour?

Most tours on this list include drinks, a meal or snacks, and a snorkeling stop, with the trip ending at sunset. A small boat usually takes you from the beach out to the catamaran.

Can you see whales and dolphins on a catamaran tour in Tamarindo?

Often, yes. Guests on several tours this year saw dolphins and sea turtles, and some saw humpback whales, including a mother and calf. Sightings depend on the day and are never certain.

Can you book a private catamaran in Tamarindo?

Yes. Timarouba runs private charters for groups, and guests say it’s worth it if your group is big enough. Blue Dolphin Sailing and Playtide Catamaran Charters also offer private trips.

Are Tamarindo catamaran tours good for kids?

Yes. Families give high marks to Marlin del Rey, Pacific Lounge and Timarouba, where crews helped kids with drinks, snorkel gear and swimming. If you’re bringing a baby, ask ahead about infant life jackets.

Find more sailing in Tamarindo

Browse all the sailing and catamaran tours in Tamarindo Guide’s free directory to compare boats and contact operators directly.

Browse all Sailing in Tamarindo on Tamarindo Guide

Best Catamaran & Sailing Tours in Tamarindo in 2026